[texhax] Ab initio

[John Stevens]

Greetings, I'm interested in learning more about TeX software, in  
particular, the MacTeX package for my new iMac with the Intel processor.
As a retiree, I have no special typesetting needs at present but am  
more of a dilettante and would just like to try and learn this program.
What's the best way to go about it ?
Should I join TUG?
Is the iMac .dmg file available on disk for a fee or must I down-load  
it?
What instructional / training  documentation is available and from  
where ?
Your advice would be appreciated - thank you.
John D Stevens  <mrjds@ wt.net>