[R] Package development on Windows - latest guidance?

[Michael Prager]

Thanks to Gabor G., Duncan M., and Hong O. for helpful
replies.  I've made some progress, but have two questions.

Can anyone explain *how* R CMD searches for latex?  I have
provided a batch file (shell script) and and alias (I use a
Windows command shell with aliasing) that each provide the
proper VTeX command when "latex" is typed from the command
line. The batch file in on my PATH, but "R CMD check" still
fails when it searches for latex.  Is there any way around
this, or will I have to relent and install MikTeX solely for
this purpose? 

Also, R CMD build makes a tarball.  Can I simply ZIP the same
material that's in the tarball to make a working Windows
installable package?

Mike Prager
Southeast Fisheries Science Center, NOAA
Beaufort, North Carolina  USA