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Subsections
Introduction
Latex, a technical document processing system based on Tex (written
TEXand pronounced ``tek'') has become the mathematical standard for
mathematical typesetting, printing and composition. It comes with
a large number of style files, or templates, for books, articles,
theses, exams, web pages and more.
To learn to use TEXyou will need either a book, or lots of sample
files. There are also tutorials on the web.
One such manual is An introductory Latex 2e Manual
The standard method is to get a document of the same type from
someone, and change the content to suit your needs. This also works
for web page development. You will need to use a customizable editor to
efficiently create the source files. For best results, see
emacs below.
Latex Packages
Question 5.1
What LATEXpackages are available?
There are many packages, to do almost anything. Eventually the table
below will have pointers to documentation. For now, some documentation
can be found in the /usr/share/texmf/doc directory.
- letters
- Generates letterhead automatically, provides templates.
- exam
- Templates for writing exams. Can count points, number
questions, parts, leave space for answers, etc.
- amsart
- The ams-latex version of the article format. For more
ams-latex documentation, look in the /usr/share/texmf/doc directory.
- thesis
- We have a UConn Thesis style, to conform to the
requirements of the graduate school.
- seminar
- A versitile package to produce slides or
transparencies.
Other Formats: HTML(Web), PDF, Microsoft,
etc.
Web
Question 5.2
How can I adapt my TeX documents to the Web.
We have several tools.
- tth
- Converts TeX or LaTeX files to HTML. Quick and easy, best
for short documents.
- latex2html
- A high powered conversion utility. Generates
contents, hyperlinks, and more.
- pdflatex
- Converts latex files directly to pdf.
Some documentation pointers can be found
here.
Question 5.3
Can LATEXcreate/format/update bibliographies.
The short answer is YES.
Latex has several programs/systems to help with the bibliographies in
your papers, theses, books, etc. They are all based on BibTeX, which
is a system involving a data base of your references that you set
up. Since the syntax is rather arcane, there are tools to help with
this.
The neatest one is BibWeb, which will go out and search the net
(actually MathSciNet) for your references, and format them correctly.
The Bibweb Bibliographic Database Creator
If you have old latex files with bibliographies in them, you can
extract them into a bibtex file (if they are in reasonable form)
Create Bibtex (.bib) files from your TeX documents
There are also programs to help with the editing of bibliography
files.
Emacs is a friend of Latex
Question 5.4
Latex requires typing so much, and is so picky. Are there aids to help
both the volume and accuracy.
Yes. You need to use an editor that can be set up to help.
I of course recommend Emacs.
Auc-Tex will shorten many commands, find errors for you, and
keep track of your files. Its documentation is in the Emacs info system.
Ultra-Tex does a better job of preventing errors,
for example, by adding
{ } and $ always in matching pairs. See:
The Ultra-TeX Package for Emacs
It also comes with a Lightning Completion system, which types Latex
commands, references, and bibliographic entries faster than you can think.
Its documentation is here:
Lightning Completion Manual
These three systems are enabled by entries in your emacs setup file.
Question 5.5
Where else can I get TEXhelp?
The CTAN (Comprehensive TeX Archive
Network)
has everything, if you can find it.
The CTAN Catalog
in a readable form.
The TUG (TeX Users Group)
has lots of pointers.
Here is where to find the AMS-Latex Documentation
At least it will be.<
Next: Other Questions and Answers
Up: UConn Mathematics Department Computer
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Vince Giambalvo
2002-03-08