If my observations are incorrect, please excuse me as a beginner.
I am forming the conclusion that LaTeX is best used with a Unix type OS rather than Windows. For example, in order to implement the LaTeX compiler, I must utilize the DOS emulator for Windows XP. The instructions I have been following, from Mr Oetiker, present a brief file that I copied into a .tex ASCII file. Then, to compile it, I had to go to the DOS emulator, find the directory containing my LaTex1.tex file by using the cd command several times (not easy!) and finally issueing the command 'latex LaTeX1.tex' The execution went well except that it produced a .dvi file. I had selected .pdf from the drop-down menu in the toolbar, but with no effect apparently. Thus, I could not read the LaTex1.dvi file produced by the LaTeX compiler.
In the course of reading the instructions and various notes, I get the distinct impression that were I using UNIX things would go far more automatically. If Windows is not advantageous as an OS for LaTex, then I have invested many hours with no return. Tell me I am wrong, please!
Both distributions install TeXworks, a cross-platform LaTeX editor. It's easy to use and not overloaded, so you are encouraged to learn LaTeX instead of learning buttons and toolbars. Start TeXworks and you're ready to go. It comes with an integrated pdf previewer supporting SyncTeX. Feb 03, 2017 Simplest way to use KILE latex editor in windows xp/7/8/10. Kile software: If this worked and helped you Do not forget to Like, Comment, and Subscribe!
I am forming the conclusion that LaTeX is best used with a Unix type OS rather than Windows. For example, in order to implement the LaTeX compiler, I must utilize the DOS emulator for Windows XP. The instructions I have been following, from Mr Oetiker, present a brief file that I copied into a .tex ASCII file. Then, to compile it, I had to go to the DOS emulator, find the directory containing my LaTex1.tex file by using the cd command several times (not easy!) and finally issueing the command 'latex LaTeX1.tex' The execution went well except that it produced a .dvi file. I had selected .pdf from the drop-down menu in the toolbar, but with no effect apparently. Thus, I could not read the LaTex1.dvi file produced by the LaTeX compiler.
This effort seems to be like reading the work of an economist: you must invest so much of yourself to understand it that you become an enthusiast for it.
In the course of reading the instructions and various notes, I get the distinct impression that were I using UNIX things would go far more automatically. If Windows is not advantageous as an OS for LaTex, then I have invested many hours with no return. Tell me I am wrong, please!