LaTeX

Communicating in an academic environment requires an appropriate choice of software for content delivery. Microsoft Word can be used to successfully produce documents, for a variety of needs, but has some limitations. For these occasions, TeX is an alternative. TeX (pronounced "tech") is a free, multi-platform, programmable typesetting application. It is the standard format for some academic disciplines, particularly those using mathematics, and it is required for a variety of journals. TeX uses the best known algorithm for setting lines of type, and can set items on a page with unrivaled precision. The LaTeX set of macros makes using TeX easy and is in constant development. Available packages allow users to typeset nearly anything, from linguistics and ancient Greek to screenplays. The authors support LaTeX at Reed and Williams Colleges. In this paper we will describe how LaTeX works, when to use it, and how to find additional support for LaTeX on your campus.