Type Chinese Part 2: Typing in Chinese with Windows IME

Windows provides keyboard input methods for various languages including multiple types for Chinese. The main method is labeled "'CH' Chinese (PRC)". Just like with NJStar, this method uses standard Pinyin for entry with a QWERTY keyboard. This method of entry can be used with all standard Windows applications and text fields both on and offline.

To activate this feature access your toolbar (either through your control panel or taskbar) and enable the language bar. Once you've enabled the language bar, open the language bar settings and click "Add" to open a list of available languages for input in your OS. Find "Chinese (PRC)" add it, and you are good to go.

First and foremost, there is no dictionary (the software is only for input purposes), so you have to be completely sure that you are entering the correct characters. When you are entering characters you will see a broken underline beneath the words, that underline means that the current string that you are typing may be altered either at your discretion or as the program itself sees fit. To change characters that you have entered, hit the back arrow on your keyboard, that will bring up a list of possible entries for a word or phrase. To remove it and continue typing, hit the forward arrow. To begin a new string after entering a phrase that you have already entered as you desired, hit the spacebar twice. The broken underline will disappear and you can continue with a new phrase from there.

This input method is solid but takes some getting used to. Try it out, become familiar with it and master it. It's the most common and possibly the most useful input method available (it's also FREE!).