Supporting multiple language sets
Earlier this week I was confronted by a fellow student, "Why are your columns so vanilla and boring?" Ironically, I was also asked the exact opposite, "How come your advice is so technical?" It came upon me, then, to try and find a balance—which I thought I had achieved—between the technical mumbo-jumbo, to appease the geeks, and down-to-earth advice everyone else is looking for. After a few minutes of introspection, I realized that balance would just have to take a back seat to convenience. I'm a computer-minded person, eventually I'm going to write something that the average person doesn't catch on to. Thankfully, there's an email address at the bottom of this page where the geeks and non-geeks alike can contact me. My challenge to all of you: If you have a problem with me, my writing or if you're just plain lost, email me. After all, I'm here to help.
Now, on to the question of the week...
For my Japanese class, I was told to install the "language package" so my computer knew how to display the correct characters. When I tried to do it myself, though, Microsoft Word wouldn't automatically correct my spelling or grammar, among other problems.
- Tristen
As you've now discovered, installing language packs, which allow Windows programs to display other languages, is tricky. While browsing the Internet, you might be prompted to install language support to view a certain web site. The reasoning here is simply: Your computer can, by default, display the traditional alphabet, which almost all Western languages use without modification. When it comes to the Asian language family, however, things get a little more complex. Due to the specific language character set, instead of letters, your computer needs to know how to interpret the data it is given. In other words, you need to install another alphabet.
When using Windows 2000 or XP, the easiest and most reliable solution is to let Windows do the work for you. (If you're on an older version of Windows, such as Windows 98, you'll need to check your Windows installation disc for a copy of the Input Method Editor.) Go to the Control Panel (click on the "Start" button and choose "Control Panel," which might also be under a "Settings" menu) and choose the "Regional Options" (for Windows 2000) or "Regional and Language Options" (for Windows XP). Under Windows 2000, you'll need to check the box next to each language type you wish to support. For XP users, check the first box for right-to-left languages, or the second box for Asian languages. Once you click OK, Windows will automatically ask for your installation disc and do the rest of the work for you.
Naturally, Macintosh users are going to have a similarly simple task in front of them. In fact, as long as you aren't planning to type in a different language set, OS X 10.2 and up should come equipped to display almost every language without any additional work.
When it comes to installing and modifying your computer's language settings, you're dealing with a slightly complicated situation that could theoretically create problems. While I tend to think I give flawless advice, I'm not ignorant to the point I'm unaware I might be missing something. Personally, I've never had the need for extensive language support. In that regard, I'd like to direct your attention to some online references for further—and most likely more accurate—assistance. For Windows, see the Microsoft Support website, while OS X users can focus more specifically on Yale's well-written resource on Chinese language support.