Adapting Computers to Arabic

If you decide to adapt an English based computer systems to incorporate Arabic, you will need to alter some of your settings, upload various Arabic fonts and purchase an Arabic Keyboard to be used when typing. Computer settings are pretty straightforward to adjust, but are necessary in overcoming many of the viewing difficulties. One of the most common problems encountered when working with Arabic is when an email or file arrives from a contact and your software cannot recognise the characters. What do you do?

Viewing Arabic in Windows:

If you work in Arabic, first follow these steps:

1) Click Start > Control Panel > Regional and Language Options > Languages > Details

2) Add > Arabic Saudi Arabia (or whichever you prefer) If the Arabic option is not present, don't worry! Simply follow these steps:

a) Insert a Windows CD in the CD Rom, as some files will be needed from the CD.

b) Close any instillation window that pops up.

c) Click Start > Control Panel > Regional and Language Options.

d) Select Languages > Tick on Install files on Complex scripts.e) Click OK

Windows will copy files from the CD and then it might request a system restart. After you reboot your PC go back to step 1) above and try again. Once completed, you will have dual language capability and the blue language toolbar will appear at the bottom of your screen

Viewing Arabic on the Web:

For Internet Explorer, Under the "View" menu, chose "Encoding", 'More" and then chose "Arabic".

Viewing Arabic in Documents:

STEP 1. Install some Arabic fonts. You will also need an Arab Keyboard if you want to type.
STEP 2. Load the document into the appropriate program, such as Microsoft Word or Corel's WordPerfect.
STEP 3. If necessary, highlight the text and change the font from the default in the software to an appropriate Arabic font that you have downloaded and installed.