How can I easily insert engineering symbols like Ω, β, Δ, π in forum posts?

Often I want to insert an Omega symbol (Ω) or Beta (β) or other such electronics related character, but to do it, I either need to know a keyboard trick or I have to open a wordprocessor, find the "Special Character" and transfer it to the Forum post.

It would be really helpful if there was an insert list of such special characters.

Some Examples:

°µ±ΔΦΩβθωϕπΣΠ™≤≥≠≡≈∞√∫⌠⌡

Hi!
Yes there is a list of these inserts, they are called 'alt codes' here is the list: http://www.alt-codes.net/
Just press and hold alt and use the numpad to type the number of the character you want, then release alt or just use ctrl+c on the characters in the list!
Yours sincerely,
Boi

Hi think most people have this problem, after some research i found this little gem of freeware
CatchChar, have a look i tried a few progs for this problem. This program worked best for me

Full instructions on their site. Hope this helps

Speaking of Keyboard tricks, I just learned this one:

Make sure the Num Lock is on and then hold down the Alt key while typing the numeric code for the _special character_ you want:

*Ω* - Alt+234
*µ* - Alt+230
*ß* - Alt+225
*τ* - Alt+231
*∞* - Alt+236
*≡* - Alt+240
*±* - Alt+241
*≥* - Alt+242
*≤* - Alt+243
*÷* - Alt+246
*°* - Alt+248
*√* - Alt+251
*ⁿ* - Alt+252
*²* - Alt+253
*™* - Alt+0153
*©* - Alt+0169
*®* - Alt+0174

For more, go to: http://www.tedmontgomery.com/tutorial/altchrc.html

BUT, it would be SO much easier if this were incorporated into the Posting Tools.

Aaah you mean incorporated in the posting tools of this forum! Yes that would be a great addition indeed!

Just to be more specific:
Highlight symbol on the list with the mouse, press *Ctrl +C* (_this command copies character to the clipboard_), then click mouse cursor where you will want symbol placed and press *Ctrl +V* (_this command pastes it from the clipboard_)

Does this site not accept unicode characters then Steve or is there a programatical reason for this such as they do with php and pearl due to the ability to crash the server with a combination of these characters

Not being able too see what server technology this site uses you might have to forgive my ignorance with regards this question

http://coding.smashingmagazine.com/2012/06/06/all-about-unicode-utf8-character-sets/

Or

http://www.cs.tut.fi/~jkorpela/chars.html

Eg lots of info regards this with php for example
http://www.infosecwriters.com/hhworld/hh8/csstut.htm

-Look up ↑↑↑- Oh, I get what you're saying -- security concerns due to possible code injection or such.

But, seriously, the idea is to have it conveniently placed in the toolbar so one doesn't have to look it up or rely on memory

Or just do the *Alt-code* right there in the comment box (except you have to remember the code).

And even if it was the case, couldn't it be implemented using very small pics? Malicious use of forums is of course priority but this is a pretty good idea to implement.

in your system setup you cab install the Greek keyboard it is for me the most easy just a fast change off the layout.

Hey people, don't forget, we have a forum which is provided free, although it isn't free because people devote their time and effort to provide it. Please keep that in mind too.

You mean, like, go to your system settings, change to the Greek keyboard, type the character, and then go back to the system settings and change back to the default keyboard? Seems like a lot of work for one or two characters.

And what if you want a "degree" symbol or an "identity" symbol -- not all pertinent characters are contained in the Greek alphabet.

Haven't forgotten, and highly grateful -- and happy to apply improvements

Regarding security concerns, as I demonstrated, above, it's currently possible to insert these characters, so if there is a vulnerability, it's already exploitable. Adding easy access to them as a toolbar feature, would do nothing more than make it more convenient for the cracker -- but such a person probably has the whole list memorized

Hi earl I think what could possibly be suggested is use unicode for these characters which means server side is safe

In other words for example using utf8 encoding "Omega would be for exampled inserted into the form as "u03A9" which now of course doesent present a threat as your input stream reader only see' s "u03A9" which is subsequently converted on the server side by script rather than plain ascii characters.

Code page selection being automatic hence you do not have to set code page for Greek alphanumerics


One of the reasons why Java is far more secure or any other langauge other than php or pearl is preferable for form submission

Also no interaction with hardware on iether the client side or server side without appropriate permissions set in the security manager class

So it can be done but not using pure ascii with php pearl unless you strongly observe input validation

Simply creating an applet to insert into table which is where the comments are moved to when submit is clicked

On the plus side you have far more control as you can also set secure sockets and of course there is obviously signed applet security and you can ensure that textareas I.E the area in which you type your message is declared private, meaning that no external software possibly running remotely can access the text area object

Its simply a suggestion Purley my own thoughts regarding this challenging query

no Steve if you install the software for a second keyboard or third you have a extra icon next to your clock at the lower right.
EN for english if you click it you can change to EL greek or a extra character layout.
It is fast and a part of windows, i work for a few years like that.

Wow, I didn't know that. Thanks