Do you want to begin working with the TeX typesetting system? Most people start out by downloading free versions of the needed software, and a tutorial. This page gets you to the most popular choices.
You first need a collection of the software. Such a collection is called a distribution, and comes with TeX, LaTeX, pdfTeX, ConTeXt, BibTeX, and everything else that will help you to perform TeX's magic on your computer. Each distribution also comes with programs that run only on one type of computer platform, so make your choice from the list below.
Almost everyone starting TeX today uses the LaTeX macro package. The most-often recommended tutorial is (Not So) Short Guide to LaTeX2e; this document has many translations. Another is the Indian TeX group's LaTeX primer and a third with more of a slant toward the possibilities in a TeX system is Formatting Information by Peter Flynn.
Many people get a TeX system to write mathematical text. For that, you should get documentation for the American Mathematical Society's AMS-LaTeX package.
You might also be interested in a comprehensive list of symbols and a tutorial on graphics.
As a TeX user you will have many resources to help you get your work done.
First, TeX is popular and there are probably many people near you who
have experience with it.
There are also plenty of helpful people on the Internet discussion group
comp.text.tex
.
You are most welcome to join a
users group.
There are many books available.
Robin Fairbairns's
English FAQ
is authoritative, clear, and up to date.
And this site,
CTAN, is our community's archive;
if you are
looking for something
then
chances are good that we have it.
To help beginners, this page lists only the most popular choices. The definitive list of all choices, including commercial options, is maintained by the TeX Users Group.