Note: I'll try to write a section for Macintosh as soon as I can.
WindowsIn general, I usually recommend installing the Chinese (PRC) input method for use with either Simplified or Traditional characters. This method will allow you to switch easily between the two but also allow you to use the same pinyin input systems. Here are a few recommended tweaks.After installing the PRC input method, you'll want customize the language bar. Do this by clicking on the black triangle in the lower right corner of the language bar. You will get a menu that shows all the available tools within the PRC input method. Tools with a checkmark will appear in the language bar.Here's a quick guide to each of the tools:* Conversion mode - toggles between Chinese and English input.* Character width - toggles between full-width and half-width characters.* Punctuation - toggles between two styles of punctuation.* Charset - toggles between Simplified and Traditional input.* Soft keyboard - a visual Keyboard that contains special settings for math and other special symbols.* IME Pad -links to a character lookup tool that can lookup by radical and stroke count.* Context Menu -links to the Properties menu of the PRC keyboard and different layouts for the soft keyboard.
Note: I'll try to write a section for Macintosh as soon as I can.
Input Properties
You can customize some properties for your Chinese input. You may want to experiment with different settings to find the one that work best for you. You can find these properties by clicking on the Context Alena icon in the Chinese (PRC) language bar and then choosing Properties.