Getting a LaTeX system set up

Hyndsight

4 April 2014

Today I was teaching the honours students in econometrics and economics about LaTeX. Here are some brief instructions on how to set up a LaTeX system on different operating systems.

MS-Windows

Download and run the setup program for MikTeX. Choose the “basic” system.
Download and run the installer program for TeXstudio.

Then run TeXstudio and start typing.

Mac OS

Download and install MacTeX.

Then run TeXshop and start typing.

Ubuntu

For Ubuntu 12.10 or later, install TexLive and TeXstudio through the software centre.

Then run Texstudio and start typing.

Comments

All the above TeX distributions contain TeXworks which can be used instead of TeXstudio. It is more basic, but works ok. I prefer TeXstudio for its additional features.
To make sure everything is working ok, open sample.tex in TeXstudio (or TeXshop or TeXworks) to see an example of a LaTeX file. (You will also need sample.bib stored in the same folder.) Click on “Quick build” (or hit F1) and the file should be processed and appear in a separate window. Study the difference between the original file and the final product to learn some basic LaTeX commands.
For help with learning LaTeX, see “Useful LaTeX links” or some of my other LaTeX posts.
Just because I post this information here does not mean I am offering to help with all your LaTeX issues. I will usually not answer emails asking for help. Please ask questions at TeX.stackexchange.com.

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