The TeX collection
If you don't have access to the Internet, there are obvious attractions to TeX collections on a disc. Even those with net access will find large quantities of TeX-related files to hand a great convenience.
The TeX collection provides this, together with ready-to-run TeX systems for various architectures. The collection is distributed on DVD, and contains:
- The TeX Live distribution, including the programs themselves
compiled for a variety of architectures; TeX Live may be run from the DVD or installed on hard disc.
- MacTeX: an easy to install TeX system for MacOS/X, based
on TeX Live; this distribution includes a native Mac installer, [[http://pages.uoregon.edu/koch/texshop/|the TeXShop front-end]] and other Mac-specific tools;
- ProTeXt: an easy to install TeX system for Windows, based
on MiKTeX, based on an "active" document that guides installation; and
- A snapshot of CTAN.
A fair number of national TeX User Groups, as well as TUG, distribute copies to their members at no extra charge. Some user groups are also able to sell additional copies: contact your local user group or TUG.
You may also download disc images from CTAN; the installation disc, ProTeXt and MacTeX are all separately available. Beware: they are all pretty large downloads. TeX Live, once installed, may be updated online.
More details of the collection are available from
[[http://www.tug.org/texcollection/|its own web page]] on the TUG site.
Source: The TeX collection