Where Do You Download LaTeX?

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  • Thread starter Thread starter BloodyFrozen
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the downloading and installation of LaTeX, including recommendations for specific distributions and packages. Participants share their experiences and preferences regarding various LaTeX tools and address issues related to installation and usage.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest downloading MiKTeX as a LaTeX source, providing links and installation instructions.
  • There are differing opinions on whether to download all packages from CTAN, with some recommending it for completeness and others arguing it may be unnecessary.
  • One participant mentions the usefulness of the MnSymbol package, while another questions the need for many packages, suggesting that MiKTeX can automatically download missing packages as needed.
  • Concerns are raised about the time taken to download LaTeX, with one participant expressing frustration over a lengthy installation process.
  • Participants discuss issues with viewing LaTeX code instead of rendered output, suggesting that technical details such as browser compatibility may be relevant.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions on the necessity of downloading all LaTeX packages, and there is no consensus on the best approach to installation or troubleshooting viewing issues.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention specific installation options and experiences, indicating variability in download times and methods. There are also references to external threads for further assistance, suggesting that the discussion is part of a broader context of LaTeX usage issues.

BloodyFrozen
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I'm pretty sure this is in the wrong forum (move to correct please:smile:).

Aside from that, where do you download LaTeX?
 
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Hi bloodyFrozen! :smile:

This should probably belong in the computing & technology form. Use "report" to request this from the mentors.

Anyway, you'll need quite a few files for being able to use LaTeX:
First, you'll need the LaTeX source, I recommend MiKTeX for that, download this at: http://miktex.org/
Then, you'll need a program to write and compile LaTeX. There are many programs that do this. LyX for example is nice for beginners. I usually use texniccenter: http://www.texniccenter.org/ you'll learn the commands soon enough, so they is no real need for something like LyX, but it's up to you :smile:
Then you need something to read your compiled documents. Pdf is most commonly used for this, and I suppose you already have that :smile:
 


micromass said:
Hi bloodyFrozen! :smile:

This should probably belong in the computing & technology form. Use "report" to request this from the mentors.

Anyway, you'll need quite a few files for being able to use LaTeX:
First, you'll need the LaTeX source, I recommend MiKTeX for that, download this at: http://miktex.org/
Then, you'll need a program to write and compile LaTeX. There are many programs that do this. LyX for example is nice for beginners. I usually use texniccenter: http://www.texniccenter.org/ you'll learn the commands soon enough, so they is no real need for something like LyX, but it's up to you :smile:
Then you need something to read your compiled documents. Pdf is most commonly used for this, and I suppose you already have that :smile:

Thanks, going to upload my proofs for checking after this:smile:
 
(thread moved, and title changed a bit to be more specific)
 
berkeman said:
(thread moved, and title changed a bit to be more specific)

Thank You.

micromass, which file should I download?
 
BloodyFrozen said:
Thank You.

micromass, which file should I download?

With MikTex? Go to http://miktex.org/2.9/setup and download the very first download link you encounter. It should read ""Basic MiKTeX 2.9" Installer; Size: 156.35 MB"
 
micromass said:
With MikTex? Go to http://miktex.org/2.9/setup and download the very first download link you encounter. It should read ""Basic MiKTeX 2.9" Installer; Size: 156.35 MB"

Ok.:smile:
 
If you have the space, I'd recommend downloading all of the packages from CTAN. (It should be an option in the MikTeX installer.)
 
jhae2.718 said:
If you have the space, I'd recommend downloading all of the packages from CTAN. (It should be an option in the MikTeX installer.)

Uuuh, isn't that several Gigabytes?
 
  • #10
jhae2.718 said:
If you have the space, I'd recommend downloading all of the packages from CTAN. (It should be an option in the MikTeX installer.)

Why? What else is there?
 
  • #11
Well, it's probably not necessary in hindsight, but I'm one of those people who always use obscure packages.

Grab MnSymbol, though, it's extremely useful and not one of the standards. (The easiest way is to use MikTeX's package manager.)
 
  • #12
jhae2.718 said:
Well, it's probably not necessary in hindsight, but I'm one of those people who always use obscure packages.

Grab MnSymbol, though, it's extremely useful and not one of the standards. (The easiest way is to use MikTeX's package manager.)

Ok:bugeye:
 
  • #13
jhae2.718 said:
If you have the space, I'd recommend downloading all of the packages from CTAN. (It should be an option in the MikTeX installer.)

This is rather pointless, unless you really really want to have 50 different ways of doing the same thing, 49 of which are obsolete and may not even work with your version of LaTeX.

MikTeX has the option to automatically download and install missing packages the first time you actually use them, which is a more useful option IMO.
 
  • #14
Does LaTeX take awhile to download? It has been like 45mins...:frown:
 
  • #15
BloodyFrozen said:
Does LaTeX take awhile to download? It has been like 45mins...:frown:

Uuuh, what option did you take?? (you didn't choose to download all the packages, did you??) And do you have a slow connection?
 
  • #16
micromass said:
Uuuh, what option did you take?? (you didn't choose to download all the packages, did you??) And do you have a slow connection?

What do you mean the option I took?

I installed the first part to the computer, but it requires some installer, so I started it. My internet connection is not slow.

EDIT: Also what "paper" should I choose?
 
Last edited:
  • #17
What download link did you follow? I just download MiKTeX and it was done in under a minute...
 
  • #19
Weird... The connection is probably very bad.
 
  • #20
micromass said:
Weird... The connection is probably very bad.

I checked my connection it's fine:smile:

I'll figure out later.


Anyways for some reason, when other people use LaTeX, I can't see it. I just see the code. Any ideas on what's causing the problem?:bugeye:
 
  • #23

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