Latvian extensions for Windows95! (Free from Microsoft)

Did you know that International extensions are available for Windows95 that let you easily use write in Latvian? All you have to do if pick them up and install them!

Getting the Extensions from Microsoft
Installing the Baltic Language support
Installing the Latvian Keyboard extensions
How and Where to use Latvian Extensions

Getting the Extensions from Microsoft

The Multi-Language extensions are available on-line from Microsoft's Web site (and possibly on the newer releases of Windows95-CDROM). The Web address is: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/software/cdextras.htm. (Note: Should the file location change, search the Microsoft site on "Latvian")
The MultiLanguage support hyperlink points to a file called "LANG.EXE". Save this to your hard disk, in a separate folder (directory). The file is "self-extracting". Double-click on it to expand the contents. The file README.TXT contains the installation instructions.

Note: The Microsoft Web site also provides software "service packs", updates/fixes as well as other free programs and utilities. If you haven't already done so, you may wish to download and the install the Service Pack 1 for Windows95. (Compare your version number to the service pack to see if you require it.)

Installing the Baltic Language support

Look in the directory where you "expanded" the LANG.EXE file. It should contain a file README.TXT. This file contains Microsoft's instructions for installing the multi-language support. Select the "Baltic" option in step 4 (of README.TXT file) to install the Latvian support.

The fonts that are installed with the multilingual package are known as OpenType (True Type Open v2) fonts. These are an extension of the standard True Type font and allow several "language scripts" to be stored in one font. Consequently you will NOT see a separate Latvian/Baltic font installed on your system, just a few larger font files. You will only see the different language scripts in programs that support this, such as Wordpad.

Installing the Latvian Keyboard extensions

  1. Open the Keyboard option from the Control Panel.
  2. Select the Language Tab, and the "Add" button.
  3. Select "Latvia" from the drop down list. Click OK button.
  4. Highlight the Latvian Option and click the Properties Button. From the drop down menu, select "Latvian (Latin)" option. Click OK.
  5. Select how you want to switch between languages from the options: Indicator on Taskbar and/or Keystrokes.
  6. Click the "Apply" or "OK" button to close the Keyboard option.

How and Where to use Latvian Extensions

Some products support the multilingual True Type Fonts (OpenType) directly; others do not. In programs that directly support Multilingual extensions, you will be able to see the language subsets of the fonts (eg. Times New Roman Baltic, Impact Baltic ) and you will able to select the Latvian keyboard from the taskbar. If you are unable to select the LV Keyboard, the program may not support multilingual True Type Fonts (OpenType).

Examples of programs that work with the Latvian Keyboard/Fonts:

To enter text, place the cursor in the desired location and select LV as the keyboard from the taskbar. The font name will appear as fint-name Baltic. Use the right ALT key to obtain the special characters. The RightAlt must be held down as you strike the desired letter. To obtain a capitalized special letter, use the RightAlt +Shift +desired letter.

Programs that do not directly support this can still be used by entering text in a supported program (eg. WordPad), copying the text to the clipboard and pasting the text into the desired program. The characters will appear correctly once a standard Baltic TTF (CP1257; LVS 8-92) is selected. (Selecting OpenType Fonts will not display the correct characters -> use regular TTF fonts)

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