Red Hat Enterprise Linux utilizes the Smart Common Input Method (SCIM) to provide a user friendly interface from which you can change your input method. If SCIM is installed, it runs by default for all users.
You can change your input method on the fly using the SCIM user interface or using the SCIM keyboard shortcuts which you can also customize to suit your preferences. The following table summarizes the SCIM packages shipped in Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5.
| Package | Description |
|---|---|
| scim | Smart Common Input Method platform. |
| scim-anthy | Engine for anthy to support Japanese character input. |
| scim-bridge | scim-bridge client. |
| scim-bridge-gtk | Provides GTK input method for the SCIM bridge. This package prevents possible binary conflicts with third-party applications linked against older versions of libstdc++ and is highly recommended. |
| scim-chewing | Provides Traditional Chinese input. |
| scim-hangul | Provides Korean Input method engine. |
| scim-libs | SCIM libraries and GTK input method module. |
| scim-m17n | SCIM IMEngine for m17n-lib allowing input of many languages including Indic using the input table maps from m17n-db. |
| scim-pinyin | Simplified Chinese Smart Pinyin IMEngine for SCIM. |
| scim-qtimm | Provides an input method module for Qt and is also recommended. |
| scim-sinhala | Provides Sinhala Trans input method. |
| scim-tables | Contains the Generic Table IMEngine. |
| scim-tables-additional | Miscellaneous SCIM tables. |
| scim-tables-chinese | Contains SCIM tables for Chinese input. |
Table 5.1. Input Method Packages in Red Hat Enterprise Linux
After installing or removing SCIM engine packages, it is recommended to start a new desktop session in order for the changes to be reflected in the SCIM language menu.
Your language may also require input tables which are usually named m17n-db-<language>. Where <language> represents your language such as Hindi or Telugu among others. Installing your language using the package manager usually will install the required input table and SCIM packages. If you require more input methods install the required SCIM packages according to your preferences. You can add the SCIM tables by running the Package Manager from the menu panel by clicking Applications => Add/Remove Software or typing pirut from a terminal.
To activate SCIM, start the application you wish to use (for example a text editor or browser) and press CTRL and SPACE simultaneously to display the SCIM panel as illustrated below. To de-activate SCIM press CTRL and SPACE simultaneously.
You can select an input method by clicking on the displayed input method which allows you to view and select installed input methods. The SCIM language menu allows you to select your input method from the list of input methods configured in the IMEngine Global Setup. You can activate the SCIM language menu by clicking on the SCIM panel. The figure below illustrates the SCIM language menu. Please note that your SCIM language menu may vary depending on the number of languages you have installed in your system. To select an input method, select the preferred language and available input methods. If the desired language is not available, please ensure it is installed or follow the steps in Chapter 2, Installing and supporting languages.
