Learning LaTeX
LaTeX is a markup language useful for creating scientific documents (and also non-scientific ones). LaTeX is built on Donald E. Knuth's TeX typesetting language and adds many useful macros (templates) to it, such as for letters, articles, books and PhD thesises. LaTeX was introduced by Leslie Lamport and has since then become the favourite way to use TeX. While the primary output target is the printer, LaTeX may also be converted to HTML. One noteworthy example is Python's documentation, which is entirely built from LaTeX source.
LaTeX comes in distributions, which bundle TeX and various useful packages together. Unfortunately there is no single distribution available for all operating systems, which is still a big source of confusion, especially to those new to LaTeX. I have named the most popular ones along with a good IDE to get you started quickly. Also make sure you learn how to pronounce LaTeX, unless you want to make a fool out of yourself. The "X" is not a latin letter but a greek "chi".
1. Install LaTeX distribution
On OS X: Use i-Installer according to this howto on UniMac.
On Windows: Use MiKTeX.
On GNU/Linux: Use teTeX.
2. Install Editor
On OS X: Use TeXShop.
On Windows: Use TeXnicCenter.
On GNU/Linux: Use Kile.
3. Learn LaTeX
Read The Not So Short Introduction to LaTeX 2e.
4. Learn how to pronounce "TeX":
Read How should I pronounce "TeX"?.
5. Futher Reading
Check my bookmarks on LaTeX.
Last modified on 26.08.2006 at 16:51 GMT