The default installation for a computer is American English, for computers that ship in the United States. However, for a variety of reasons, you may want to change your keyboard so that you can type in another language.
Keep in mind that there are keyboards available for a number of language formats. For just $10, I found a genuine Dell keyboard that had the Korean alphabet engraved on it. This was great because my computer was a Dell. Although different keyboard manufacturers can work with different accessories, it just made the entire computer look better.
The next step is to set up your computer.
Instructions for Windows Vista
1. Click START then CONTROL PANEL.
2. If you are in Classic View, choose CONTROL PANEL HOME, in the top left hand corner.
3. Open CLOCK, LANGUAGE AND REGION.
4. Click on the REGIONAL AND LANGUAGE OPTIONS button.
5. Tab over to the KEYBOARDS AND LANGUAGES and then click on CHANGE KEYBOARDS.
6. Under INSTALLED SERVICES, click ADD.
7. In the ADD INPUT LANGUAGE dialog box, select the layout that you wish to add from the list and then press OK.
8. It now should show up in the list.
You can now switch between the different languages using the Language Bar.
Instructions for Windows XP
1. Click START, then CONTROL PANEL.
2. In the Control Panel, SWITCH TO CLASSIC VIEW in the top left hand corner, if you aren’t already.
3. Open the REGIONAL AND LANGUAGE OPTIONS.
4. Click on the LANGUAGES tab.
5. Under TEXT SERVICES AND INPUT LANGUAGES, click on the DETAILS button.
6. Under INSTALLED SERVICES, click on the ADD.
7. In the dialog box that shows up, choose the language that you wish to add and then press the OK button twice.
You should now be able to choose the language in the Language Bar.
Fonts
Wait! We’re not done yet. Some languages, like the East Asian languages, require a different font set. If you haven’t installed the font, you need to do that now.
1. In the REGIONAL AND LANGUAGE OPTIONS, again choose the LANGUAGE tab. Under SUPPLEMENTAL LANGUAGE SUPPORT, select the check box besides the language that you want. Click APPLY or OK. You will be prompted to insert your installation disc and restart your computer.
