Multi-language Computing in the LSS InfoLab
February 6, 2009 by Sue Weier
General Information for PCs and Macs
The LSS Infolab strives to provide multi-language features for the many language departments and courses in the College of Letters and Science.
The PCs in the InfoLab run Windows XP. The complex script, right-to-left, and East Asian language support has been installed. IMEs are available to type in Japanese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Korean. A phonetic Russian keyboard (AATSEEL) is available. The US International keyboard is also pre-installed. Students have access to add additional keyboards included with Windows XP by going to Start -> Control Panels -> Language and Regional Options. A small number of language-specific software or input methods are available at Start -> Courseware.
The Macs in the Infolab run Mac OS 10.5. They have fonts for a wide variety of languages. To add keyboards and input methods on the Mac, go to Apple Menu -> System Preferences -> International. More information is available at http://tlt.its.psu.edu/suggestions/international/keyboards/mackey.html.
New multi-language software and input methods can be installed on the PCs. However, if the installation requires a reboot, the new software is wiped out by the maintenance software. Items that do not require a reboot will work while you are logged in, but not after that.
Requests for additional multi-language features can be sent to Sue Weier (sue at lss.wisc.edu).
Proofing Tools
Proofing tools are the dictionaries, thesauri, and grammar checkers available for different languages in software localized to American English.
Microsoft Proofing Tools for Office XP (PC): Many languages have proofing tools available in Word XP, due to the contract in place with Microsoft at the time of purchase. Some languages will have more proofing tools than others. To use the proofing tools with Microsoft Word, you must be using Office XP, not Office 2007 (both are installed). The easiest way to be sure that you are using Office XP is to open Word through the Start Menu: Start -> Office Programs -> Microsoft Word.
Microsoft Proofing Tools for Office 2007 (PC): Proofing tools are available for French and Spanish. The proofing tool icons are available in the Review menu.
Proofing Tools for WordPerfect (PC): A wide variety of languages have proofing tools present in WordPerfect 12. Some languages will have more proofing tools than others.
Microsoft Proofing Tools for Office 2008 (Mac): Proofing tools are available for Danish, Dutch, English (AUS), English (UK), English (U.S.), Finnish, French, French Canadian, German, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian (Bokml), Norwegian (Nynorsk), Portuguese, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, Swedish, and Swiss German. Some languages will have more proofing tools than others.
