[texhax] Linux version of LaTeX

[Uwe Lueck]

Expanding on Lars' reply: There are many Linux distributions, e.g., 

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Linux_distributions

What is probably most important about a distribution is its 
specific package management system, consisting of certain 
public repositories, or DVD repositories (your case?), and 
of a handy installing/updating procedure, callable by a 
simple command line or even a GUI.

Sometimes, especially with very recently developed software, 
the distibution doesn't help, and you must install some software 
manually, by moving files "manually" and calling a compiler ...
according to the instructions of the author. 

>From the point of view of such a contribution, especially 
a TeX Live distribution (that is the most natural way to 
get LaTeX for Linux, however: does MiKTeX for Linux 
work, can anybody tell us?) is a single Linux package, 
and what Lars alludes to is that the TeX Live packages 
that your distribution offers may be very old, as compared 
with most recent publically available LaTeX software (on CTAN). 

Therefore, the "manual" way may better for you, in this case TeX Live ...

It would be interesting what Linux distribution you have ...

"Lars Madsen" <daleif at imf.au.dk>, 13.02.2011 16:34:07:
> On 2011-02-13 11:34, Julian Manning wrote:
JM>> I now have a computer with Linux.
JM>> Is there an implementation of LaTeX for Linux.
JM>> I have a 2008 installation disk.

It should have a "cover" displaying the name of the distribution ...
can you tell us? ...

JM>> Is it on the disk? 

I wonder who is in a better position to see what is on your disk than you ...
apart from: if you tell us about the largest logo on the cover of your disk ... 
(distribution!) ... we could look for you on the web what TeX Live version 
it offers ...

JM>> Can it be downloaded? Where is it or where can it be downloaded?

Googling for the distribution name could help, or your "disk" should 
include how to install Linux packages from the web, especially, 
what repositories there are. 

A package manager usually offers a search for a string included 
in the package name, here `texlive'. Or you can just google it. 
E.g., for my Redhat Package Management system, i just google for 

    RPM texlive

LM> several Linux dists provide LaTeX, though for some you will need to 
LM> download it from their repositories.
LM>
LM> I would mention though, that the Linux dists are often rather slow at 
LM> updating the LaTeX dist, so I usually install TeXLive manually, see tug.org

    http://tug.org/texlive/

Hope this helps 

 -- Uwe.