LaTeX quick start
January 12, 2007 10:00 pm GMT-0700 | In TechThere are many different ways to compile a LaTeX source file to a PDF. Following is one of the many ways to create a such LaTeX working environment on a completely new Windows box:
- Without saying, you need a PDF viewer, e.g. Adobe Reader.
- Install Ghostscript and GSview
- Install MiKTeX. A basic MiKTeX system is enough for most purpose.
- Install TeXnicCenter. This is an integrated LaTeX editor, by which you will compile your LaTeX source and view result using tools installed above.
- When you start TeXnicCenter:
- A configuration wizard may ask for a LaTeX distribution location, select where file latex.exe is. In my case, it’s “C:\Program Files\MiKTeX 2.6\miktex\bin”.
- Next, wizard may ask PDF viewer location, select your viewer. Mine is “C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 8.0\Reader\AcroRd32.exe”.
- Wizard will then create output profiles (compile/view commands) for DVI/PS/PDF.
- Compile your first LaTeX:
- Create a new file and save to a new directory.
- Type in a simple document, like:
\documentclass{article} \begin{document} \[ x_{1,2}=\frac{-b\pm\sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}. \] I can do math! \end{document}
- In the toolbar, select “LaTeX => PDF” output profile, and click “Build current file” right next to it.
- Click “View Output” in the same toolbar. You should have math in your PDF. Congratulation!
LaTeX: easy to start, hard to master…
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Thanks, i needed the startup syntax :)
Comment by fmolivierh — October 19, 2009 2:32 am GMT-0700 #