Latex

To create our first documents, let's try using either:

1. Newly upgraded package WriteLatex.  
2. New evolved package ShareLatex.
3. Older but reliable online compiler.

For your own computers, you might download one of many versions:

1. For your MAC, Texshop and Texworks are popular.
2. For your PC, I would consult the TUG (Tex Users Group) site or TEXMaker

A few documents about Latex might the following:

1. The (not so short) Introduction to Latex.
2.  2013 AMS journal article that discusses Latex on an iPad.
3. Hitchhiker's Guide to Latex --- a brief manual.
4. For a longer manual that longer, try the TUG (Tex Users Group) recommendation.    The language was originally called Tex, and this has splintered into many versions, although Latex is probably the most used. 
5. The NASA guide to Latex commands.
6. One of Scott Pakin's updates to his Comprehensive Latex Symbol list.
7. To make fancy power points you might try Beamer which compiles on Latex.  Perhaps this extremely short introduction is best to start.
8. UW's Math Club Latex site

A few documents/links on writing:

1. Randy Olson, author of Don't Be Such a Scientist, gives a TED talk about concise writing using storytelling templates.  One advocates replacing and with either but or therefore.  The other is a template used for movie trailers.