LaTeX (and TeX, its progenitor) is the `industry standard' software that people working in the mathematical sciences, including Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, and Statistics, use to prepare documents (journal articles, theses, lecture notes, books, etc). LaTeX is an essential skill if you're considering going on to an MSc or PhD. There are many implementations of LaTeX available, and many of them are free. Here are some suggestions for getting LaTeX up and running:
- First install a LaTeX distribution.
- Most people then install a specialized document editor or GUI.
- LaTeX has a high initial learning curve. If you want to learn as little LaTeX as possible, and are comfortable using LaTeX as if it were Word, try LyX (available for Windows, MacOS, and Linux).
- If you want to get more into the nitty-gritty of LaTeX, Texmaker is a very functional GUI (available for Windows, MacOS, and Linux).
- TeXShop is also highly recommended (available for MacOS)
Once you've installed LaTeX, you have to learn how to use it. There's a lot of material on the web. Here are some suggestions:
- Try the online LaTeX Tutorial.
- Read the Not So Short Introduction to LaTeX.
- Get hold of one of the many books about LaTeX, some of which are in the UCT Library.