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If you need to type those non-keyboard characters (like those used in the
Spanish language), then you're in the right place. Let's assume for purpose
of this explanation that you're writing a letter in MS Word (though this
stuff works in practically every Windows application). I have three suggestions.
Use the one that works best for you.
- Use the character map.
Start the character map application by clicking
Start -> Run, and entering "charmap". Or start it by selecting
Start -> Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools -> Character Map.
The program will look something like this:
In the above window, simply click on any character you want. Then click "Select". Then click "Copy".
Then switch back to your letter in Word, and paste it (Ctl V).
- Use the keystroke equivalent provided by Windows.
Notice in the above screen shot that there
is a keystroke shown in the lower right corner. In this example, the keystroke for the Ñ character
is Alt+209. This means that you can type the Ñ character by holding down the Alt key, and then
typing the number '209'. Then, when you release the Alt key, the character will appear.
Note that you must type the numeric digits on the key pad on the right of your keyboard. (Do not use the
row of numbers above the letters on your keyboard.)
I use this method instead of #1 above, because it's quicker. But as you can tell, it requires that you
know the three-digit code for the character you want. I have a little list that I made, taped
to my monitor. It has many of my frequently used characters (• ¢ © ®)
along with their three-digit code.
- Use a cheat sheat.
You can create a new Word document, and name it something like "characters.doc". In it, you can use
method #1 above to type all of the special characters that you need. For example, if you're always
writing letters in Spanish, use the character map shown above to type out all of the special
characters needed for that language.
Then just open up that document each time you need to write a letter. You can simply copy and paste
each special character as you need it.
My personal preference is to use method #2 above. It's just quicker for me, since I just keep typing
on the keyboard without having to flip to another screen to find the character I need. Just try all
of the above and use what you're most comfortable with.
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