Laptop Keyboard : how do I do french accents ?

[maximo]

Hi ! I just bought a laptop, which I will be using to do my coursework in translation. I thus need to write in French most of the time. but I cannot figure out how to type the french accents , like �, �,� ...I normally use the keyboard shortcuts on my work PC ( ALT 130, etc...) but it doesn't work on my laptop ! I know I can change the keyboard settings to french ( AZERTY layout ), but then I won't know where the keys are ! Can someone help me ? Cheers ! 

[KebabMeister]

Laptops usually have the keypad built into the QWERTY keyboard so instead of ALT 130, you have to press ALT FN (function key) 130.  (hold the ALT and FN key down at the same time).

Does that make sense?

[maximo]

Thanks ! I'll try that at home tonight. Would be great if it worked . But also, do you know if there is such a thing as (bear with me there...) some sort of cover thingy that you can put over your keyboard, and that shows the french layout ( as in printed on the cover )? If you know what I mean ...?

[KebabMeister]

I know what you mean but I've never seen one.

Do you know all the ASCII codes for the French alphabet?  Have a look at http://www.lookuptables.com/  I usually memorise the ones I need (German). 

An alternative is purchase a French keyboard (USB) that you can plug into your laptop.  Then change the language & keyboard layout to French.  Might be the easiest solution.  You maybe able to order a keyboard through www.amazon.fr

[dodgyshirt]

If you are using XP, try using Character Map in Accessories/System Tools.This has them all listed to either drag and drop or type in the correct code.

[KebabMeister]

dodgyshirt, the character map is really slow.  It's far better remembering the ASCII codes since it only takes about 2 secs to insert the character.

[dodgyshirt]

Kebabmeister, if you had a memory like mine, you wouldn`t even dream of offering that solution.

Seriously though, I was offering a simple alternative to the excellent advice you had already given.

[KebabMeister]

dodgyshirt, I know what you mean but what I often do is print off the ASCII codes and have them right next to me (until I learnt them!) :) 

I used to use the character map, but if you're writing a letter or even a simple sentence then it can take quite a long time.