I was using LaTeX to create manuscripts that had mathematics formulae. So, when I investigate how to 'converse' (e.g., by instant messaging) with others online when the message contains, say, a formula as such $$M \le {log_2 {{2 \pi L^2} \over {\lambda z}}}$$. Well, I just like to type in as such by hopefully it will appear magically across the Internet to my conversing party as a formula!. So, I search the Web!!

T_TH was one I found, but it depended on an existing 'TeX' application installed in the system. I purchased a copy of WebEQ and I have not gone too far into it - Javascript is not my strength. Anyhow, I would stick with the simple process as follows:

• Environment: I am using an instant messaging application in conversing with one party (actually the application allows conversation to anyone online).
• As I typing 'text', I will do so as 'usual' and when I come to an formula, I click on a button to enable 'linear (LaTeX-like) formula' input.
• Once the formula is typed, it will be converted to an image and append to the 'text'
• I continue to type either 'text' or mathematics formula
• The message will be sent as such ('text' and 'images').

What I need is a back-end LaTeX-equations(or formulae) to images (png or jpeg) application. The article by Michael Yuan (01 Feb 2002) provides a description of exactly what I need to have. I especially like the "taglib" (is this the right reference?) approach (SlowMathTaglib.tld). Yet, the knowledge set required to 'install' what was provided at the article site is large (a quick list - jsp, java, tomcat, ImageMagick, TeX/LaTeX, taglib, unix, etc.)

Well, I will have to make it happen.