[XeTeX] Newbie Question

[Alex Hamann]

On 07.05.2009, at 17:53, Paul Burkander wrote:

> Hi all,
>
> I'm new to the listserv, and to xetex.  I'm pretty well versed with
> latex, but I'm having trouble getting going with xetex.
>
> I'm running ubuntu 9.04, and I have xetex through my installation of
> texlive.  I downloaded a few sample xetex code examples, to compile on
> my computer and get a glimpse at how things work, but I have yet to
> successfully compile any of the files.
>
> The stumbling block now, as far as I can tell, is that I don't have
> Hoefler fonts, which I gather are on Macs typically.  I considered
> getting them, since they look nice, but they're almost $300!
>
> My question broadly is, how best should fonts be managed, i.e.,
> acquired, and inventoried.  I don't even know what I have on my
> system! Despite having read my latex install documentation.  Is there
> a way to find out?  Is it worth buying a set of fonts - if so which
> set?
>
> I would greatly appreciate any help on this, or other pointers for
> using xetex on Ubuntu.
>
> Thanks all,
>
> Paul
> ______________________

Hi Paul and welcome to the list,

Hoefler fonts are really just an example which can be replaced by any  
other system font you have on your computer. I am not familiar with  
ubuntu enough to tell you where you can find all fonts available on  
your system but all fonts that you see e.g. in OpenOffice will be  
available to be used through xelatex and fontspec. I would not buy  
any font at this point and instead familiarize yourself with xelatex  
first.
(Actually, it is not totally clear to me if you are trying to use  
xetex or xelatex - you say you are familiar with latex which would  
suggest to migrate to xelatex.)

Alex