On Sat, 18 Feb 2012, Russell D Brunelle wrote:
I'm working on creating the "perfect" step-by-step procedure for setting up a Linux workstation for scientific writing, based on LyX and with an emphasis on selecting the best available FOSS tools for creating graphics and performing computations. Whenever possible I wanted to select tools which are in common use, so that the skills being gained might have lasting value.
For vector graphics, PSTricks <http://www.tug.org/pstricks/>. For raster graphics The GIMP. For data analyses and statistical computing, R <http://www.r-projct.org/ and Sweave>. Of course, 'perfect' and 'best available' is highly individualistic. What's perfect and best available to me might not be for you. I prefer emacs and others prefer vi. I prefer the CLI and others perfer the GUI. And so it goes. Unlike Microsoft, linux and the *BSDs offer a plethora of choices and flame wars over what's 'best' used to rage out of control. Pick what you find comfortable for your work, learn the tools inside-out, and stick with them ignoring what others think are 'best' or 'perfect.'
I believe a simplified guide such as this could be very helpful for students about to enter college to study one of the sciences, and I'm hoping members of this list might be able to offer suggestions for additional third-party tools, or enhancements to LyX, which may have been left out. I don't consider myself a LyX expert, but I do believe there is a need for something like this, and I gave this my best shot in the hopes of getting the ball rolling.
Teach them to explore choices and pick what suits them the best. Each individual will settle on a different suite of tools. Rich -- Richard B. Shepard, Ph.D. | Integrity - Credibility - Innovation Applied Ecosystem Services, Inc. | Helping Ensure Our Clients' Futures <http://www.appl-ecosys.com> Voice: 503-667-4517 Fax: 503-667-8863
