How to setup a Mac to write math.
Here are some of the tools that I like. The guiding principles are that the software should be free and output should be directly to PDF. The advantatges to going directly to PDF are that the file can contain hyperlinks and figures can have transparency. This won't work if you first output to DVI and then convert to PDF.- Download a TeX distribution.
- Downlaod Aquamacs Emacs for writing TeX files. The AUCTeX package for writing TeX is included with Aquamacs.
- Download Skim for reading PDF files. Skim will automatically update the display when the PDF file changes. Skim also works with pdfsync so that you can click on a point in the PDF file and jump to the corresponging point in your TeX file. Another nice feature is that if you hover the pointer over an internal hyperlink Skim will pop open a quick preview where that link leads. This is particularly useful for references to Lemmas or Theorems when you just need a quick reminder of the statement. It's also useful for checking references in the Bibliography.
- Download Inkscape for drawing figures. This is a vector graphics program that can export to PDF or EPS. Do not use text in inkscape to make labels in the figures. The labels should be done separately so they TeX just like the rest of your paper.
- Download the pinlabel package for labeling figures.
- Download BibDesk for managing BiBTeX entries for your bibliography. BibDesk is also a nice tool for organizing PDF files.