This describes the dependencies needed on a Debian-based system. (This was tested on Ubuntu 18.04, Ubuntu 20.04 and Debian 10)

Notes

When we say 'run a command', it means:

• Open a terminal with Ctrl+Alt+T (or via your menu)
• Type the command
• Press Enter
• Enter a password when prompted to install software

1. XeLateX

The alternative to LaTeX we will be using, because of its support for UTF-8.

Run the command sudo apt install texlive-xetex.

To get all TeX packages, you should run sudo apt install texlive-full instead (warning: this might take some time)

2. FreeSerif font

A font with good support for UTF-8

• Install the font manager: sudo apt install font-manager
• Download the FreeSerif font here
• Add the font using the font manager

3. Latexmk

Used to drive the TeX compilation.

Run the command sudo apt install latexmk

4. Visual Studio Code

You can download and install VSCode here.