my care2
make a difference

community & fun

groups

get together & make a difference

 
 
How to set your computer to type accents September 04, 2005 9:28 AM

A few years ago I had to type several theme papers in French. To make things simpler I followed the steps below to activate the international capabilities of my keyboard. Instructions for the Windows OS:

Windows users have several options.

  • International keyboard (Win XP)
    1. Open your Control Panel (via Start menu or My  Computer)
    2. Double click Regional and Language Options
    3. Click Languages
    4. Click Details
    5. Click Add
    6. Pick English (United States - International)

    This method has the advantage of maintaining the QWERTY layout, with the following changes:

    1. Accented vowels: type ' then the vowel.
    2. ń type ~ (shift + `) then n.
       
      To type any of these symbols by themselves (e.g., single or double quotes) rather than above a vowel, type the symbol then hit the space bar.
       

    The minor disadvantage of the international keyboard is that it takes a little while to get used to typing a space when you actually want to type ' or ".  

  • International keyboard (Win 95, 98, ME, NT)
  1. Open your Control Panel (via Start menu or My Computer)
  2. Double click Keyboard
  3. Click Language
  4. Click Properties, Settings, or Details (whichever you see)
  5. Click Add
  6. Pick English (International or United States International)
  7. Continue as above.
  • International keyboard (Win 2000)
     
    1. Open your Control Panel (via Start menu or My Computer)
    2. Double click Keyboard
    3. Click Input Locales
    4. Click Change
    5. Click Add
    6. Pick English International or United States International
    7. Continue as above.


 [ send green star]  [ accepted]
 
Thanks for this! October 15, 2005 6:48 AM

I pinned it so it won't archive...Buena suerte!  [ send green star]
 
Muchisimas gracias, Christina October 19, 2005 7:18 PM

The wonderful news about setting your keyboard up this way is that the set up remains in your computer. You do not need to re-set your preferences if say, ok you find out that your keyboard is thirsting for your glass of tea...

Bought the new keyboard and installed it on Sunday and all my accent marks  still worked. YAY

Thanks again.
 [ send green star]  [ accepted]
 
De nada, Patricia! October 19, 2005 7:20 PM

Glad to know that replacing the computer's appendages will not affect the inner workings once you get them working the way you want!  [ send green star]
 
It is very nice to know October 19, 2005 7:23 PM

Though I am still shocked when things work they way they are supposed to right off the bat.   [ send green star]  [ accepted]
 
things working the way they're supposed to?! October 19, 2005 7:25 PM

Yes, it's pretty impressive, and I wish is were more common!  [ send green star]
 
Gracias October 24, 2005 5:26 PM

Gracias, Christina.   I've always wondered how to do that, but never taken the time to check it out.  I printed your instructions out so I can try it out.

Buenas noches,

Karen

 [ send green star]  [ accepted]
 
Thanks for the tip. February 13, 2008 5:19 PM

How you do it with the new Windows Vista?  [ send green star]  [ accepted]
 
Useful post! June 19, 2008 5:56 AM

thanks for the instructions,i did wonder how to do that!

Iain..

 [ send green star]  [ accepted]
 
  New Topic              Back To Topics Read Code of Conduct

 

This group:
La plaza--(SSL) Spanish as a second language practice
128 Members

View All Topics
New Topic

Track Topic
Mail Preferences


Copyright © 2009 Care2.com, inc. and its licensors. All rights reserved