Getting a LaTeX system set up
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.