Here's how it should work. Your environment may be slightly different -- ask a consultant.
After you have edited your file enter latex filename.tex. If it signals that some of your cross-references are not right, enter latex filename.tex again.
If you have no errors a .dvi file will be produced, which can be printed by the command lpr -d filename.dvi. 1
If you have errors you will be thrown into an interactive mode with a variety of options you can find out about by typing a ?.
You may also see what the file looks by using the command xdvi filename.dvi. (This will only work on a machine that supports xdvi.)
I hope these notes help you get a start in LATEX. Good Luck!