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Typing "Special Characters" in PASS

Perhaps you are using Write With Icons in the  Spanish bi-lingual SpringBoard. You type in the word "piñata" only you don't know how to type in the " ñ " from your keyboard.

The " ñ " is a special character.  For our purposes, Special Characters are generally used in languages other than English.  You can type these characters from your computer keyboard or a laptop keyboard, but you have to add a couple of steps to get them typed.

Below are the directions for typing Special Characters. There is also a  list of the special characters and the numbers or letters to use to type them from both a desktop computer keyboard and a laptop keyboard.

To Type Special Characters in PASS from a Numeric Keypad on a Desktop Computer Keyboard

1. Turn NUM LOCK On on your keyboard. This usually means pressing the key under the words NUM LOCK (or Num Lock) until you see a green light above it.  This tells you that your numeric keypad will generate numbers.

2. Hold down the ALT key - keep holding it down until ALL FOUR digits are entered (next step).

3. On the numeric keypad type the 0 (zero) and then the three digit code for the character you want.  For example: ñ = ALT 0241.

NOTE: On some desktop keyboards, you may have to hold down a second key along with ALT before the numeric keypad will generate numbers.  This is usually the Fn key or the CTRL key.  If you try typing a number holding down only the ALT key and you don't get what you want, try ALT Fn or ALT CTRL. You will have to hold down both keys while you type in the four digit number.

To Type Special Characters in PASS from a Laptop Keyboard

Laptops do not have a set-apart numeric keypad area like most desktop keyboards.  The numeric keypad is incorporated into the regular keyboard keys.  On most laptops the numeric keypad keys can be found as follows:

0 is on the M key
1, 2, 3 are on the J, K, L keys
4, 5, 6 are on the U, I, O keys
7, 8, 9 are on the 7, 8, 9 keys

To turn the numeric keypad On

Find a small key, probably in the top row of keys, that says "num lk" (or some similar abbreviation for Num Lock). The key may also have a second function on it. The letters will be tiny and may be in blue or surrounded by a white outline. This tells you that you need to press another key to acces the function on the Num Lock key.

Once you find the Num Lock key, look for the special function key that matches the Num Lock key.  On an N800 (PRC consultant) laptop, Num Lock is outlined in white. The Fn key on the lower left side of the keyboard is also outlined in white. On the N800, you will hold down the Fn key and press the Num lk key to turn Num Lock On. Num Lock is on when you see a light under the little padlock with a "1" in it.

On some computers the writing on the Num Lock key is blue and the writing on the Fn key is blue. On some, the writing is just smaller than any other text on the same key. This probably means that you use the SHIFT key in conjunction with the Num Lock key.

Once you see the Num Lock On indicator light, open a document. Hold down the ALT key (or ALT Fn or ALT CTRL, depending on your computer) and type  MKUJ (0241). You will see the "ñ" character.

Support » PASS (Product Application and Support Software)