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Price: Free (freeware) Requirements: Where to get it: See the “Installing” section below |
What it is: LaTeX (pronounced “LAY tek” or “LAH tek”) is a document processing system based on the computerized typesetting system TeX.
What it does: Some consider LaTeX a word processor, but it’s very different than Microsoft Word. LaTeX handles most of the presentation and formatting aspects of document preparation, allowing the author to focus on content.
Advantages and high points
- LaTeX can be used for any type of writing, although it’s most often used for writing scientific and technical documents, especially those with mathematical equations.
- The final output of LaTeX is typically a PDF file and is similar in appearance to a typeset document. The motto for LaTeX is “Typesetting Beautiful Documents,” and this is evident when comparing a LaTeX printout to a Word printout.
- Unlike Word, LaTeX does not have a “What You See Is What You Get” interface, but rather “What You See Is What You Mean.” Consequently, LaTeX is largely command-line driven, although some editors (see below) offer elements of a graphical user interface.
Installing
Installing LaTeX requires getting the LaTeX distribution (the files that will run LaTeX on your computer) and a LaTeX editor (what you’ll use to actually write your document). Here’s how to install it on a Mac or PC.
Mac: MacTeX-2010. Download MacTeX.mpkg.zip, then double click to install it. The MacTeX-2010 installation includes all the files you’ll need to run LaTeX, plus the LaTeX editor TeXShop.
PC: MiKTeX (pronounced mick-tek) is the complete TeX and LaTeX implementation for Windows. See Downloading and Installing MikTeX 2.9. MikTeX does not include an editor, but Crimson Editor and TexNicCenter are popular editors available at no cost. Install MikTeX first, then the editor.
More info
LaTeX is supported by an active international user group and many resources are available online. Here are a few of the best starting points:
- Oetiker, T. The Not So Short Introduction to LaTeX 2e. The best starting point for learning LaTeX. 160 pages, well indexed.
- An introduction to LaTeX. The home for LaTeX on the Web, includes links to FAQs and help forums.
