Install Latex to Mirror Microsoft Word Equation Editor 2007-2011

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges of using LaTeX for typesetting equations compared to Microsoft Word's Equation Editor from 2007 to 2011. Participants explore potential alternatives and share their experiences with LaTeX, including suggestions for tools and resources that may ease the transition.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express frustration with LaTeX, describing it as harsh and complicated to use, particularly for newcomers.
  • Others argue that with practice, LaTeX becomes easier and is ultimately more efficient than Word's equation editor.
  • A suggestion is made to utilize the \Sigma button in the text editor for a LaTeX reference library, which may assist users in learning.
  • Participants mention the existence of TexAide, a program that allowed users to typeset equations and paste them into forum posts, although it may no longer be available.
  • MathType is mentioned as a replacement for TexAide, but it is noted that MathType is not free.
  • Some participants provide tips on using the X2 tags and symbols available in the forum's reply box to facilitate equation entry.
  • One participant shares a link to a site listing various mathematical typesetting programs, noting that some may be paid or unavailable.
  • Another participant disagrees with the notion that learning LaTeX is overly time-consuming, suggesting that a short practice session can yield significant proficiency.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express a mix of frustration and encouragement regarding LaTeX, with no consensus on whether it is inherently difficult to learn or if it becomes manageable with practice. Multiple viewpoints on the usability of LaTeX versus Microsoft Word's equation editor remain present.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention specific tools and resources that may be outdated or unavailable, and there is uncertainty regarding the current status of certain programs like TexAide.

Unto
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It takes longer to write out a question and your working, than it does to even get a reply.. And that reply either never comes or is something along the lines of 'I can't tell what you've done'.

Latex is so harsh to use, is it possible to install something to mirror microsoft word equation editor 2007 - 2011 ?
 
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Unto said:
Latex is so harsh to use

Before I learned latex, I thought the same way. However, just tinker around with it and you'll find that it's not that bad. There are plenty of tutorials to help you learn it.
 


In the text editor while making your post there should be a \Sigma button. If you click that button, you will get a handy LaTeX reference library.

LaTeX just takes time and practice. Once you learn it it is much easier to use than Word's equation editor. It is also worth learning because LaTeX is the industry standard for generating equations.
 


G01 said:
In the text editor while making your post there should be a \Sigma button. If you click that button, you will get a handy LaTeX reference library.

LaTeX just takes time and practice. Once you learn it it is much easier to use than Word's equation editor. It is also worth learning because LaTeX is the industry standard for generating equations.
PF's Latex editor is pretty close to how MS Equation works.

It's a good idea to use a text editor outside of PF, or copy and paste the post into a text editor to save it.
 


A program was available a few years ago called, TexAide. It might be unavailable now, but you can try a web search for it. TexAide was a mathematical typesetting program from which you could copy from the program and paste directly into a message on physicsforums. All you needed to do after that was supply the tags around the information (the and the [./.tex] tags but without the two dots).
 


symbolipoint said:
A program was available a few years ago called, TexAide. It might be unavailable now, but you can try a web search for it. TexAide was a mathematical typesetting program from which you could copy from the program and paste directly into a message on physicsforums. All you needed to do after that was supply the tags around the information (the and the [./.tex] tags but without the two dots).
<br /> <br /> It was replaced with MathType which isn&#039;t free :( Epic sadface. I had saved the texaide install for the longest time just because I knew I didn&#039;t want to deal with paying for MathType
 


Do you still have it? I want to become a more active contributing member of this forum, but Latex is firmly staunching my progress :( Of course I will learn, I just don't understand why it needs to be so complicated and at certain times 'clunky' to use :(
 
in practice. you can do nearly everything by using the X2 and X2 tags just above the Reply box, and by clicking on the symbols (such as ∫) just to the right of the Reply box (not visible in this feedback forum, btw) :smile:
 


Some interesting programs are listed, including possible other mathematical typeset programs, here: http://homepage2.nifty.com/tonomu/soft/softe.html

After beginning to check that site a bit, it seems some TeX type programs shown are either for pay or not available. Still might be an interesting site to check.
 
  • #10


Unto said:
It takes longer to write out a question and your working, than it does to even get a reply.. And that reply either never comes or is something along the lines of 'I can't tell what you've done'.

Latex is so harsh to use, is it possible to install something to mirror microsoft word equation editor 2007 - 2011 ?
I don't agree with this. It only takes a few minutes to get started with LaTeX, and if you spend an hour practicing, you can probably learn 95% of what you need. Most of the time when you don't know the right code, you can google it and find your answer almost immediately.
 

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