typing spanish characters

I need help. My laptop without a number keyboard is challenging me when I want to type in Spanish with the correct characters such as ñ,¿,á, etc. In this forum I am able to access these. I am struggling with Windows 8. I appreciate anyone's advice.

Try this: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/change-keyboard-layout

jchamb, Thank you for the quick response and suggestion. I got to the layout option and decided not to proceed. I really only use the 9 characters that Rocket provides here in this forum. My dream is to use the "alt" key and the corresponding code. (i.e. With Windows Vista I could put the number lock on, and then use alt+130 on my 10 key and it would enter é. It was simple, quick, and easy. Now, I do not have a separate 10 key. Do you have another suggestion?

I am using Windows 7, not Windows 8, but from what I understand they are very similar (except 7 does not support touch screen). Having said that, the International keyboard is already built into the system, but just needs to be added to your list of keyboards. Once it is installed you should have a little keyboard icon (or at least I have one) on the screen that allows you to switch between the strictly US keyboard, and the US International keyboard. The layout of the keyboard is very much the same, except that when you use the International keyboard you hit the apostrophe ' then the letter you wish like "e" and you get é (there, I just did it). Other than those few letters, the two keyboards are the same (I'm using the International keyboard right now). If I wish to make an apostrophe I have to hit it twice when I use the International keyboard, but switching back and forth is easy. ñ is made by using the 'tilde' and then the letter. For me this is much easier than using the ALT codes, which I keep forgetting anyway! Really you don't notice any difference when using the International keyboard unless you wish to make an apostrophe or a tilde, and it only takes a mouse click to switch back and forth. Other than that I can't think of any other ideas at the moment. Good Luck!

jchamb, Well I believe I have successfully added the international keyboard and am able to alternate easily. Now, I just need practice. Muchisimas gracias por su consejo y ayuda. ¡Ud. es muy inteligente!

Great! I keep forgetting to use it myself (it defaults back to the regular US keyboard when I switch to a different program), but with a little practice it becomes pretty easy to use. I hope it works out well for you. I'm not muy inteligente, just an old retired computer programmer :)

jchamb, I recall reading your profession in this forum when I decided to write for help. I can't seem to get the uncapitalized version of ñ. Between tiles, charms, and navigating the touchpad (that seems to have a mind of it's own) I have a lot to learn! As of this writing learning Spanish is much easier! Hahaha

Lately it seems that the main thing I'm learning about Spanish is how much I don't know! I'm certainly not familiar with your computer, but for the ñ you have to type the ~ (which requires holding down the shift key), then let go of the shift key and hit the n. If you don't let go of the shift key you get Ñ. Thank goodness for regular old keyboards!