Computer key board

[David90]

Not sure if this is really a science question (maybe it should be in technology). Anyway: How can I fix this keyboard so I can get mathematical and scientific symbols such as powers, roots, degrees, pi ,fractions, chemical formulae etc. Eg 11/2 is not "one and a half" , n2 is not "n squared" and C6H6 is not benzene. Any ideas ??

[Vagrant]

It's not the keyboard you need to fix - just use appropriate software - for example, Microsoft Office and Open Office both have equation editors.

[vascop]

Or use Latex. It's what most people in the sciences use nowadays. iF you don't know what Latex is, do a google search. There are free downloads of Latex software out there.

[factor-fiction]

you mean things such as CH₃, √2, 4³, ¼ ͫ?

[Bert]

You can get a lot of symbols by using the Alt key and up to three digits. E.g. Alt +253 gives the squared symbol ², Alt +252 gives the cubed symbol ³, Alt +171 gives ½. Unfortunately, they are not exactly easy to memorise, and don't (as far as i know) give you all the symbols you are likely to need. If you are in a 'Word'-type programme you can go 'Insert' > 'symbol' then get pages of symbols and foreign language letters. You can then copy and paste them from there to a boz like this that does not have an Insert option

[Bert]

'boz' = 'box'
:-(