Re: [NTG-context] PhD Thesis in ConTeXt

As all the experts have answered your question, let a non-expert join in. The single frustrating element of context is the documentation. I use context now for many years (not on a daily basis though) for writing journal papers, posters, presentations etc. I think it is a great package. and the community is very active in helping solving problems. But documentation is scattered in differnt pdf files, in different places. I am aware that writing good documentation (complete and self consistent) is time consuming and on first sight not rewarding. Still the power of easy access to simple examples, templates, documentation (books or otherwise) is over whelming. One reach out to people like me who has no interest in hacking. And just wants to start with a some simple example that works and take it from there or have a book which explains. I am a a little disappointed that not more effort is put in making this available. I understand that when there is a bug it needs to be fixed, but it looks sometimes as if the next release is more important than training the novice. Remember, the enemy of a good package is a perfect one. As I read yesterday in the list, if you as a dwarf can stand on the shoulders of giants you can look beyond what a giant can see. However, this assumes that you can look. And simple people like me needs to be guided by the giants first in order to be able to look. so the bottom line: for me availability of lots of documentation (package documentation, books, white papers etc on different subjects by different authors), templates etc etc is the value of Latex over context. But I am hope that soon this observations is obsolete. cheers stephen

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Piotr 21/10/2008 19:56 >>> Hello,

I have spent some time with google in order to find an answer to the following questions. Unfortunatly, I was not satisfied with the answers, which I now hope to find here. It is my plan not to use the MS Office suite for the production of my PhD thesis (in chemistry). I have used Miktex some years ago during my studies for some project reports, and I remember beeing quite satisfied with the results. My Master thesis, on the other hand, I wrote in word.. and although I remember not having too many difficulties, there were some nasty obstacles to be overcome. Obstacles which I simply do not want to risk having repeated a second time on a much bigger scale. I this mailing list I read several reports of people who either had written their thesis in Latex or ConTeXt. There was a mention of Latex beeing designed for mathematic purposes, while ConTeXt was said to be better suited for the intergration of graphics or larger/more complex layout changes. 1) Finding the right context For now I had quite some difficulties to find that proper Latex distribution - a problem that actually led me to the existence of ConTeXt. I am wondering which latex distribution I should choose in order to work with ConTeXt? I am running Windows Vista (64-bit). Or is there a ConTeXt stand alone package that will absolutely satisfy my me in my needs? In principle, all I need is 2) The right editor What is the preferred editor for ConTeXt? for such a project? Is there any loss in functionality when using Texniccenter with ConTeXt than with MikTex instead? 3) I have seen some thesis templates/examples in this mailinglist. Can anyone point me to additional sources regarding the creation of a PhD Thesis with ConTeXt? What is the advantage over Latex, what are the disadvantages? Is there a win-win distribution somewhere on the table? 4) Has anyone used a typesetting suite like ContTeXt with CVS? 5) Is the ConTeXt reference system compatible with Endnote? Is there any point to have latex installed, when context can do the trick? Or lets ask the devils advocate the other way around: What is the point of installing context, when latex could do the trick? Apart that I have to re-learn latex anyway.. what is better with Context? Regards, Piotr Jakubowicz ___________________________________________________________________________________ If your question is of interest to others as well, please add an entry to the Wiki! maillist : ntg-context@ntg.nl / http://www.ntg.nl/mailman/listinfo/ntg-context webpage : http://www.pragma-ade.nl / http://tex.aanhet.net archive : https://foundry.supelec.fr/projects/contextrev/ wiki : http://contextgarden.net ___________________________________________________________________________________