General ⇒ How do I install LaTex; and which LaTeX? (to server)

[alby]

Don't worry, this question isn't going to be as stupid as you think!

I've been struggling to get MediaWiki to work with LaTeX and so far I've managed to get texvc, ImageMagick and GhostScript working. I've got shell access/SSH access and I'm pretty computer-literate but I've no idea how or what to install tex *onto* the server. I can't install it via the DVD because I don't have physical access and there's no way I'm FTPing the entire contents across. There must be an easier way!

Can anyone point me in anything approaching the right direction? Does anyone even understand my question?

Thanks.

[Stefan Kottwitz]

Hi alby,

which operating system does the server use?

Stefan

[alby]

They run linux, the CentOS distro.

[Stefan Kottwitz]

Hi alby,

I don't use CentOS, so I cannot provide an exact solution. I guess you could install TeXlive by yum. Have a look at Managing Software with yum on centos.org. The installation could look like yum -y install texlive texlive-latex

Stefan

[alby]

I've got SSH access and I've uploaded the teTeX packages but I can't install them to /usr/local because I don't have permissions. Could they go elsewhere?

[Stefan Kottwitz]

teTeX ist obsolete, its support had been stopped more than 2 years ago, see www.tug.org/tetex/.
I still recommend TeXlive.

The installation of TeXlive or teTeX could be a problem if you don't have the necessary privileges.
Perhaps have a look at the UK TeX FAQ: Installing (La)TeX files, and the info about the TDS there.

Stefan

[alby]

Bugger. I didn't realise it was out-of-date.