Windows includes a utility named Character Map, but it's not installed by default and it's not the easiest of tools to get to grips with. In fact, in Windows XP, a large chunk of its usefulness has gone with the removal of those handy ALT+xxxx shortcuts. Finding and using special characters in your documents should be quick and easy.
The Characters application will live in your system tray, and is opened by pressing Ctrl+Shift+#. This is a system-wide hotkey, so it doesn't matter what application you're using at the time. Keeping Ctrl+Shift pressed, cycle through all the 'a' variations by pressing the 'A' key, or the 'e' variations by pressing the 'E' key, and so on. Symbols such as � and � are available via the 'Z' key.
When you see the character you need, either remember its displayed ALT+xxxx hotkey and close Characters by pressing ESC, or press the spacebar to copy the character to the clipboard (which closes Characters automatically).
Here are some key features of "CFi Characters":
· As easy as it should be: why use a complicated tool for a simple job? Using Characters is childsplay
· Displays ALT hotkeys: just remember the displayed ALT+xxxx hotkey and type it using the numerical keypad (with NumLock on)
· One-step copying: copy the displayed character to the clipboard by pressing the spacebar
· No more searching the Start menu: Characters runs in the tray and pops up as soon as you press Ctrl+Shift+#
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