Chinese Computing Help Desk

User-friendly advice on MS Windows, Ubuntu Linux and smartphone Chinese setup, Pinyin and Zhuyin input methods (IME), Chinese fonts and Language Packs (MUI), plus Pinyin macros, a survey of third-party Chinese software, FAQs & more.

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Welcome! This site is all about helping you read and write Chinese using your Western-language computers and smartphones, with a focus on Pinyin input methods.

My goal is to make this as accessible as possible to the non-technical, non-specialist, non-native speaker who just wants to get something done on their computer!

I can't guarantee I'll respond with any degree of expertise (I'm just a waiguoren after all) but please feel free to contact me anytime via my contact page on the "About" menu above if you have any questions.

Windows Chinese Features

When Microsoft introduced the first "Start" button with Windows 95, they licensed the Rolling Stones' "Start Me Up" for their advertising. Someone there was apparently oblivious to the irony of using a song that repeatedly screams "You make a grown man cry"...

Windows 8 no longer has a Start button, but it does have a bipolar personality that may still bring you to tears. You'll find Windows 8 Chinese features and setup info here.

Windows 7 will be with us for a long time. It combines Vista's updated Chinese features and fonts with a slimmer, faster, more stable system. I will "start you up" with Windows 7 Chinese features and setup info here.

As you can see in the menus above, I also cover Windows Vista and Windows XP on this website.

Chinese Input Methods in Chrome OS

Google's Chrome OS includes a full suite of traditional and simplified Chinese input methods and display options. The most suprising thing for me? No Google Pinyin! Read on for more about Chrome OS Chinese input methods in the original and "Aura" UIs.

Google Translate Added To This Site

This is now in the right column of all other pages here. Let me know how it works for you.

Ubuntu Linux Chinese Setup

Learn how to install and use Chinese IMEs and fonts, set IBus preferences, and more in Ubuntu 13.04, 12.10 and 12.04LTS - Raring Ringtail, Quantal Quetzal and Precise Pangolin!

智能手机和平板电脑：Smartphones & Tablets

What Chinese fonts and input methods are on the latest smart phones? How do you find them? How do you install them? Visit these quick summaries of Chinese features in the Apple iPhone, Google Android, RIM Blackberry or Nokia and other phones. Yes I'm a gadget guy, what can I say?

常見問題: Frequently Asked Questions

How do you type "ü"? Enlarge the candidate list? Fix Word's Phonetic Guide? Update or repair your Chinese input methods? Visit the frequently asked questions index, and you'll know you're not alone.

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