MiKTeX (pronounced mik-tech) is an up-to-date implementation of TeX and related programs for Windows (all current variants). TeX is a typesetting system invented by D. E. Knuth.
MiKTeX's main features include:
easy to install
integrated package management: missing packages can be installed automatically (on-the-fly) during run-time
network friendly: MiKTeX can be run directly from a shared and read-only network directory
complete: the MiKTeX distribution contains almost all packages that are freely redistributable.
enhanced TeX compiler capabilities
enhanced previewer capabilities: forward/inverse DVI search, graphics, color, magnifying glass, …
open source: MiKTeX source code is get-at-able for everyone
The MiKTeX distribution consists of the following components:
the base TeX system
various TeX derivatives
a METAFONT derivative for the creation of PostScript figures
converts TeX output into PDF documents
almost all free TeX macro packages
almost all free fonts
a sophisticated viewer for TeX output
a TeX compiler driver
assists in configuring MiKTeX
assists in keeping the MiKTeX system up-to-date
tools for the creation of bibliographies & indexes, PostScript utilities, and more