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The purpose of this guide is to introduce students and faculty to LaTeX resources. If you are a new LaTeX user, this guide can help get you started. More comprehensive documentation is listed for advanced users.
First, you need a TeX Distribution (Required). A tex distribution is a collection of software that supports the TeX typesetting system. The TeX Distribution and engine do the typesetting work.
A TeX Distribution must always be installed first. For Windows, choose either MiKTeX or TeX Live. For Macs, choose MacTeX. For Linux, choose TeX Live.
See TeX Live
Next, you need a Front End or Editor (Recommended).
There are many great editors. Choose the one that suits your needs best. My favorite for Windows and Linux is TeXStudio. My favorite for Mac OS is TeXShop. Users will discuss what editors that they like best and why they like them on forums, blogs, and Wikipedia. Try a Google search on LaTeX editors.
For publisher class files, many can be found at the publisher's Web site (author guides). However, some publisher class files are kept up-to-date at the Comprehensive TeX Archive Network (CTAN). Many other packages can be found there as well.
LaTeX: Beginner's Guide
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BibTeX is a macro that enables one to add references to their LaTeX document. The information about the references are stored in a .bib file.
A BibTeX style file (.bst) applies a citation style to the LaTeX document. Quite often these files are included when you install new class files. There are packages that can apply a citation style too.
BibTeX is installed with every TeX distribution.
The good
BibTeX was developed shortly after the TeX typesetting system, so it is stable.
The bad
The macro is old and hasn't been updated much.
The ugly
BibTeX doesn't use modern encoding standards, so it can have trouble with some languages.
However, biber can be used to extend language support of BibTeX. It must be used in conjunction with the biblatex package. TeX distributions include biber and bibtex.sty with them.
There are multiple LaTeX experts that you could contact. Please feel free to contact me, the Engineering Librarian, to schedule an appointment. You can email me or use the schedule appointment button on this webpage.
