Zotero is a free, open-source software program to help you collect, organize, cite, and share research. It is a full-featured desktop/laptop tool that can be synced across your devices.
Download Zotero at https://www.zotero.org/download/
For installation, follow the step-by-step instructions on the Installations and Settings page or view the video tutorials below.
(If you are just creating a few references, consider the ZoteroBib tool for formatting citations.)
Register for an Online Account
Upload your local Zotero database to the Zotero website and sync citations across multiple computers.
Download Zotero and Zotero Connector
Zotero is now a desktop application that downloads to your computer. In addition, there is a browser plugin - the Zotero Connector - that works with Firefox, Chrome, and Safari to simplify importing from the Web.
Sync your Zotero Account
Set up your Zotero software to sync your Zotero library to the cloud at zotero.org
Word Processor Plugins
Zotero integrates with Google Docs, MS Word and LibreOffice to insert in-text citations and create bibliographies. These plugins should install with the Zotero software and the browser plugin.