LaTeX

Introduction

LaTeX is a high-quality typesetting system; it includes features designed for the production of technical and scientific documentation. LaTeX is the de facto standard for the communication and publication of scientific documents. LaTeX is available as free software.

LaTeX is not a stand-alone typesetting program in itself, but document preparation software that runs on top of Donald E. Knuth's TeX typesetting system. TeX distributions usually bundle together all the parts needed for a working TeX system and they generally add to this both configuration and maintenance utilities. Nowadays LaTeX, and many of the packages built on it, form an important component of any major TeX distribution.

Capabilities, Benefits, and Key Features

LaTeX Features:

• Typesetting journal articles, technical reports, books, and slide presentations.
• Control over large documents containing sectioning, cross-references, tables and figures.
• Typesetting of complex mathematical formulas.
• Advanced typesetting of mathematics with AMS-LaTeX.
• Automatic generation of bibliographies and indexes.
• Multi-lingual typesetting.
• Inclusion of artwork, and process or spot colour.
• Using PostScript or Metafont fonts.

Limitations / Technology Requirements

You can either use LaTeX through online services via your web browser, or install it on one of the following operating systems: Linux, WIndows, and MacOS.

What can I expect?

• Support Tier: Tier 3 - Divisional/Departmental Support: Miami IT resources exist to support the faculty within their respective academic divisions. In most cases, individual users who contact IT Help receive best effort support. If unsuccesful, they would refer the use to contact the instructor of their course. Instructors seeking support for unresolved issues would be escalated to their divisional IT team

• Acquisition Model: Direct Download: Software is downloaded to a local computer and installed to run from that specific device.

• Licensing Model: Local user license: The license is included with the initial installation. In rare cases, a local license file may need updated periodically to contiue to use the application. Check the entry for that specific application for instructions to do so.

• Authentication Model: None: No authentication is required after the application is acquired.

Who may use it?

LaTeX Software is installed in lab environments for the College of Engineering and Computing.

How do I get started?

You can visit this page, set up a TeX system and then obtain LaTeX from CTAN per instructions on the page.

Is there a charge to me or my department?

LaTeX is available as free software.