International Characters 

Having problems writing in those accent marks and inverted question marks?

If you are a Macintosh user click here for an easy way to insert those letters into any document.

If, on the other hand, you are like most of us and use a PC, you have two choices, you can install the Spanish* keyboard or use the Alt keys. The first option is by far the best, because it will work with any program, including email and web publishing. Once installed, you can toggle back and forth from the English keyboard to the Spanish* one.

Click here to watch a podcast that will show you step by step how to download the Spanish Language keyboard. Otherwise, follow these instructions:

1. Go to the Control Panel
2. Select: Keyboard
3. Select: Language, then Details
4. Scroll down and select: Spanish: International Sort
5. Click the Add button
6. Check the Keyboard layout/IME box and scroll down and select Latin American.
7. Click OK

That's it. Now you are ready to begin typing in Spanish. To toggle back and forth from the English keyboard to the new Spanish one, simply use Left Alt + Shift (or click on the EN or ES button on the bottom right side of your computer screen). You will notice that the key layout is a little bit different, so I recommend that you download the Microsoft Visual Keyboard.  

Office 2003 or 2007 users: Click here to install the On-Screen Keyboard.

Office 2000 users: Microsoft Visual Keyboard is a free download that will allow you to see a virtual keyboard that will appear on your screen. You see the actual Spanish keyboard in whatever language your keyboard is set to. Once you have downloaded this program, double click the file and start the installation process. Say yes to everything. The program will be installed under Programs, Microsoft Office Tools, on your Start button. With the right button of your mouse, click the keyboard icon and drag it to the desktop. Now select Copy here. 

Spanish students: You should note that if you use Microsoft Office, you should also download the Spanish dictionary so that you can check spelling and grammar in Spanish automatically. 

¡Buena suerte!

[*Please note: These instructions were made up to install the Spanish language keyboard, but the same basic procedures can be used to install the French, Arabic, or any other language keyboard.]

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Old School shortcuts for PC Users*.
Please Note: These shortcuts work most of the time in most programs.