When I had a desktop computer, I always used the CTRL + number method...but I've found that doesn't work on a laptop computer (or at least mine). The CTRL ' method seems to always work for me. It's also easier because you don't have to remember all the number oombos

mse924 wrote: Just for clarification, ¿don't you mean the "ALT + number method"?

Saludos, MadridMan

Whoops yeah. It was a wee bit early when I posted that before...

Hello:
For me, the easiest access to Spanish characters(and all other languages, even arabic, german etc) in Word has always been : START/PROGRAMS/ACCESSORIES/ SYSTEM TOOLS/ CHARACTER MAP . This will show a whole list of characters which when clicked will reveal the formula for that character. Example: ALT+0241 (typed simultaneously) will give you the ñ (eñe). (use the numbers keypad only) ALT+0191 will give you the ¿. ALT+0163 = £ (sterling pound symbol). Then I print the ones I use the most and keep it next to my computer. I've almost memorized most of them. I'm sure there are other methods but work in several languages and do not like to dedicate the language of my keyboard. Try it- it's fun.
Saludos
Carmencitav

What about when you are not in word, like sending web-based email or posting on the internet? Anyone?

Hello Jana:
Sorry you don't have to be in Word. You can see from my e mail that I typed the characters and I was online with MadridMan - not in Word. Sorry.
carmencitav

In order to use Spanish punctuation in web-based email or the internet, you have to know the HTML code to do it. For example, when you want to write "también", you would write "tambi & e acute; n". You have to add "&+the letter you want accented+acute;". Also, there should be no spaces in the word, but as I write this the word automatically changes to have the accent. To make the "ñ", & ntilde;. (Again, no spaces after the &.)

Hope this makes sense.

Just out of curiosity, how do you deal with the euro € (AltGr+e in european keyboards) I know is not an spanish specific problem but still,...