MiKTeX is a free and open-source distribution of the TeX/LaTeX typesetting system for Microsoft Windows (and for Mac and certain Linux distributions such as Ubuntu, Debian and Fedora). It also contains a set of related programs. MiKTeX provides the tools necessary to prepare documents using the TeX/LaTeX markup language, as well as a simple TeX editor: TeXworks. The name comes from Christian Schenk's login: MiK for Micro-Kid. MiKTeX can update itself by downloading new versions of previously installed components and packages, and has an easy installation process. Additionally, it can ask users whether they wish to download any packages that have not yet been installed but are requested by the current document. The current version of MiKTeX is 21.12 and is available at the MiKTeX homepage. In June 2020, Schenk decided to change the numbering convention; the new one is based on the release date. Thus 20.6 was released in June 2020. Since version 2.7, MiKTeX has support for XeTeX, MetaPost and pdfTeX and compatibility with Windows 7. A portable version of MiKTeX, as well as a command-line installer of it, are also available. See also LyX – An open-source cross-platform word processor MacTeX TeX Live Texmaker – An open-source cross-platform editor and shell TeXnicCenter – An open-source Windows editor and shell WinShell – A Windows freeware, closed-source multilingual integrated development environment (IDE) TeXstudio – An open-source cross-platform LaTeX editor. References External links MiKTeX project homepage Free software programmed in C Free software programmed in C++ Free software programmed in Pascal Free TeX software Linux TeX software TeX software for Windows TeX SourceForge projects