LaTeX/TeX is a mark-up language that produces beautiful text. Like other languages, it is best learned by looking at examples. Tex/LaTeX typesets a text file with interspersed commands that describe how the text should be formatted.

The advantages of TeX include that it is public domain, platform and printer independent, allows mathematical symbols and equations to be entered much easier than in conventional word processing programs, and produces camera ready text. Excellent open source versions are available on all platforms. Its disadvantage is that it is not as easy to learn initially as a word processor, but most people learn quickly by using a template.

• Sample LaTeX file. Template that includes examples of important TeX commands.
• Output. See the typesetted file.

Links

• Linux. Most Linux installations come with TeX and LaTeX already installed.
• Macintosh. An excellent site for all things TeX and Macintosh is Mac TeX/LaTeX. Recommended: TeXShop. Installation is straightforward and TeXShop includes a built-in editor.
• Windows. Recommended: Download MiKTeX from the setup link and install in the Program Files folder. Then download TeXnicCenter Setup and install it in the Program Files folder. After you accept the license hit next when asked and then click Install. When you launch TeXnic center for the first time configure TeXnicCenter for use with MiKTeX when prompted. If it asks for a path then type in C:\Program Files\MiKTeX2.5\miktex\bin. Press next when asked and then select finish.
• LyX is open source and has a fully integrated editor that adds WYSIWYG point-and-click convenience to LaTeX's math typesetting capabilities. Available for Linux, Mac OSX, and Windows.
• An excellent book about LaTeX is Helmut Kopka and Patrick W. Daly, Guide to LaTeX, 4th ed. (Addison-Wesley, 2005), ISBN 0-321-17385-6.

• REVTeX is a set of macros published by the APS. It is included with most LaTeX distributions. Please use it (see the template).

• TeX Users Group, CTAN.
• Online tutorials for LaTeX. Many other tutorials on LaTeX are available.

Please send suggestions, comments, and corrections to Harvey Gould, hgould@clarku.edu.