How do I actually do it?

If you're using the ITS Networked PC Service then go to 'Programs -> Miscellaneous -> MikTeX'.

Otherwise, switch on your own PC or laptop, where you've installed first MikTeX and then TeXnicCenter (guidance).

In either case, ignore MikTeX itself and instead double-click on 'TeXnicCenter'.

• You'll get an editor window just like you see in Word or similar -- where you can create a new file, type your stuff into it, and then save it (choose a filename with no spaces and ending in .tex).
• TeXnicCenter should know that MikTeX is there. So by pressing buttons on the toolbar at the top you can run LaTeX on your file.tex ("build" it) and then view the results.

The report template is a more elaborate example. It includes further advice about writing mathematics, inserting graphics and tables, and handling citations and references. It also deals with a few frequently-made mistakes.

• Remember to build to PDF if your file.tex includes JPG, PNG or PDF graphics. Build to DVI instead if the graphics are Postscript (PS or EPS).
• A DVI-file can be converted to either PS or PDF format. Note that a PDF-file is often smaller than its PS equivalent.
• Output PDF files open in Adobe Reader (Acroread), DVI files in Yap, and PS files in Ghostview (GSview).

1. when you very first open TeXnicCenter, you may have to tell it about MikTeX. If so, go through the short configuration wizard that pops up, accepting all the defaults. Then tell TeXnicCenter your working directory via 'Tools -> Options -> Directories'. On the NPCS you probably want the 'default working directory' to be  'J:\'. (Other choices include the floppy drive 'A:\', or a USB port.)
2. if you install Adobe Reader (Acroread) on your own machine after TeXnicCenter then TeXnicCenter must be told about it via 'Build -> Define Output Profiles' (highlight 'LaTeX->PDF' and click on the 'viewer' tab to enter its path). If Acroread is already there then TeXnicCenter finds it.
3. the quoted details of TeXnicCenter's menus are certain to change as the software evolves but everything will be there somewhere.

The buttons on the TeXnicCenter toolbar include 'help'.

Other links on the LaTeX page lead you to lots of tutorials with more examples.

There's much wisdom on-line — for any LaTeX topic put 'latex' and 'topic' (whatever it is) into your favourite search engine. Top tip — if 'topic' is a particular command then include the backslash.

Note that you can use LaTeX for presentations and posters too, pasting in material directly from your draft report.