Thursday, November 11, 2010

Easy conversion of tables from Excel to Latex

Csilla found this neat little Excel add-in that converts a table from a spreadsheet to Latex in a simple click. Here is the link:

http://www.ctan.org/tex-archive/support/excel2latex/

All you have to do it download the file and execute it. It will install itself in the "add-in" tab in Excel.

What is really good about is that it handles merged columns, alignment and font styles automatically. However, it does not support merged rows, lines, and alignment of numbers on the decimal (it is a requirement in certain journals).

Enjoy!
Benoit

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Backup your files, synchronize and share them, using Dropbox

If you work in different computers and transfer information using an USB key or portable HDD, if you would like to have a permanent real time backup of your files, if you often need to access your files from other computers, or if you simply like to share your computer folders with collaborators, try Dropbox . Dropbox allows you to have your folders in the clouds updated in real time. Moreover, it keeps your files in permanent sync across all your computers, allows sharing folders, and provides a convenient backup. One of the handiest tools since zipped files!

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Miktex Portable Version

Hey guys,

I guess it has been a very long while since anyone has posted anything on this blog. I don't want to take credit for it (so I won't) but one of the newest PhD students here in the department pointed me to a portable version of the Miktex distribution. The reason why we got interested is because of the recent update of our office computers to Windows 7 and the giant mess it has become to even install or update a package. The good thing about this portable version is that it can be installed on a flash drive and used literally on any computer that has a Windows OS. It even has the TeXworks GUI included so you don't need to install your preferred one (TexnikCenter for most of us). All you have to do is search for it in Google and follow the instructions. So simple!

That's it for today. I hope we can all start sharing some stuff on this blog again.

Benoit