LaTex is a document formatting system similar to a macro language. A LaTex file can be prepared and edited in an ASCII editor and it must have the .tex extension. After preparing you manuscript in a .tex file, you may use the following steps to compile your file:
1) use the command latex <file name>.tex
% The LaTeX command will create the file <file name>.dvi (as well as a few others)
2) use the command dvips -o <file name>.ps <file name>.dvi , or simply
dvips <file name>
% LaTex converts the dvi file to the PostScript file <file name>.ps You may also use the following commands to generate a .pdf file
use the command dvipdf <file name>
Links:
A free windows-based latex system ---> MikTeX site