LaTex

It’s amazing how far a little LaTeX can take you. Even if you’re just writing an MLA style paper.

Here’s some packages to get you started:

• texlive-latex-base
• texlive-latex-extra
• texlive-latex-recommended
• texlive-fonts-recommended

After installing those packages you can learn how to make an MLA style paper by reading the readme file at:

/usr/share/doc/texlive-latex-extra/latex/mla-paper/README

If you are making a regular CS paper/report/dissertation then the example LaTeX file is the best example to go on. Try a Google search for “LaTeX Example” for some good ones.

I use Emacs as my editor which is pretty tough for most people but I think that it’s worth it if you learn how to use org-mode. Then you can C-x 3 (Vertical Split Screen) in Emacs and open a notes.org file right next to the text. Then you can have an outline right at your finger tips, that you can modify/show/hide in various ways.

I also recommend adding the following line to the top of your .tex file:

% -*- mode:latex; mode: flyspell; mode: auto-fill -*-

It’ll turn on flyspell and auto-fill mode for you.

My LaTeX documents are organized into a directory structure like this

~/<class name>/<essay title>/

	essay.tex

	essay.bib

	notes.org

	Makefile

I keep a skeleton folder with those three files in it. And to make a new essay I just copy and paste it with a new name.