There are several files that can be downloaded to get the mpich distribution. The two major categories are the binary and source distributions. The binary distribution contains the pre-built dlls and libraries ready to link and run applications with. The source distribution contains the same binaries along with all the source code. The source distribution does not contain an installer though.
The binary distribution comes in two forms:
This is the preferred download because it contains an installer to copy an install
everything automatically.
2. mpich.nt.1.2.5.zip
The zipped file contains the same files as the .exe file but you have to unzip the files and run setup.exe yourself.
The source distribution contains a self-extractor to copy all the files to the
location of your choice. There is no setup program so you will have to read the
Section Quick reference
on how to install the mpd launcher manually.
2. mpich.nt.1.2.5.src.zip
This is a zipped only version of the source distribution.
3. mpich.nt.1.2.5.tar.gz
This is a gzipped version of the source distribution.