Start LabVIEW and open an empty project. There are other option, but generally we feel starting an empty project is the cleanest way to get started. Right click on the My Computer level and add a target as shown

Under the Target and Devices dialog, add the Real-Time CompactRIO (cRIO)

Once you add this target, a pop up will ask you to select the RIO Programming Mode. If you are unsure here, select the Scan Interface mode for beginner type projects. This option can also be changed later on in the project settings.

If you want to try some of the real time loops at this stage, continue with this blog. If you also need FPGA functionality, keep reading here.