LaTeX

Here, you'll find the very basics of getting a LaTeX installation, just in case you came to this site because you're taking one of my classes and would like to try it out. A word to the wise. LaTeX has a very shallow learning curve at first. It's hard to get going, so you won't get a sense of what's possible, and how relatively easy it can be once you've gotten the hang of it, by just futzing around with it. So if you don't, as it were, commit to it, it'll suck. I never had the time or inclination to commit to Linux, which is why I have no idea how to use it, though I'm sure it's an excellent OS and would make me very happy.

Also, I do some things with LaTeX that I haven't seen around in other places. Here, you'll find how to do them, too. I only post material that a moderately thorough google-search didn't resolve with a prefab answer.

Full Distributions

LaTeX contains a huge number of separate files. That's why it's useful to get a distribution: a program that sets up the directory structure, permissions, shortcuts, and so on.

• TexLive. This is a very comprehensive distribution which includes not just LaTeX, but also an editor to generate and modify code. Works for Windows and Mac. It's what I use on my Mac, though I have never tried TeXShop. I use Emacs.
• MikTeX. In a previous life, I ran Windows, and had very good success using the MikTeX distribution. It doesn't include an editor.

Prefab LaTeX Solution

Because just about everything that wants covering relies on code to get a certain effect, I've produced PDFs that explain it.

• A class handout style file. The main point of the file is to save space while maintaining a clear structure.
• The style is also set up to support something like a logo. An example tex-file, including the logo, is here. The result is here.
• A proper way of displaying arguments in the premise-conclusion form.
• Doing premise-conclusion in beamer.
• The code for the pictures from Scha's Distributive, Collective, and Cumulative Quantification.