Maltese Language Support for MS Word −(C)opyright MITTS, Malta 2000
Maltese Language Support for MS Word
© MITTS, Malta 2001.
Manual
V4.0b
Table of Contents
Welcome
Requirements
Installation
Enabling Macros
Using the Software
The Menu Options
Windows Setup
Keyboard Setting
Printer Setup
Setting Maltese Dictionary Support (Support only feature)
Known Issues/Capabilities and limitations
Contact Information
How it Works
For Systems Integrators
Functions in MALTI.DLL
Tools Used
Legal
Welcome to the electronic help for the Maltese Language Support (MLS) for MS Word.
Version 4.0
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Maltese Language Support for MS Word −(C)opyright MITTS, Malta 2000
This is a very simple utility programme which allows the utilisation of Maltese characters from a standard
keyboard. This software is always undergoing development and enhancements. Please report any bugs and
suggestions as shown in the contacts section. The documentation is for the base version 3.0, with an
updates section for subsequent releases.
The template part of the software, malti.dot, can be made to be enabled/started automatically, so by default,
everytime MsWord is opened, MLS is automatically avaiable. Please note that some of the screen images
may have been cosmetically changed due to the extra features implemented, such as Text−To−Speach,
Encryption etc etc. Other options/features are self documented within the software.
Please note that MsWord usage is outside the scope of this documentation.Also, please note that this software
can alos be used with MsOutlook, Frontpage and others which allow the us of MsWord as an editor. Such
integration and use, although supported, is not considered in this documentation.
Requirements
Minimum Software requirements
Ms−Office 97 or upwards with Service Pack 2.0 or later
Windows 95/98/2000
Macros Enabled
Minimum Hardware requirements
x86 based processor
5 MB of disk space
Installation
The following is a step−by−step procedure required for installing Maltese Language Support. After
obtaining the file Setup.exe, start by double clicking on the setup.exe file from Windows explorer. If you are
downloadind this from the Internet, choose the "Run this program from its current location button" and press
OK.
This screen will then be displayed.
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Maltese Language Support for MS Word −(C)opyright MITTS, Malta 2000
Click next to the I agree with the above terms and conditions check box if you agree check box if you agree
to the licence agreement. Then click on the NEXT button.
The default installation directory will be displayed. Press [BROWSE] to change
it or [START] (recommended) to start the installation.
During installation press [STOP] to abort.
Press the [OK] button to finish the installation. Setup will register some True Type fonts in your system.
Follow the on−screen prompts. This procedure is very simple and should take very little time. If the fonts are
already available on your system, you can start working by using the Malti.dot MsWord template by
double−clicking on the available shortcut created by the setup.
Please not that if the fonts where not available, the installation might have to reboot your system. Save your
work, and when ready reboot your system.
Enabling Macros.
Please note that when MsWord prompts you with the following message,
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Maltese Language Support for MS Word −(C)opyright MITTS, Malta 2000
make sure that you click on the [Enable Macros] button. If this warning message does not appear, you might
need to enable macros manually. This usually happens in the case of Windows 2000 users. In this case, users
should go to the Tools menu, Choose Macro and then Security. In the Security Level Tab, choose Medium
and click OK.
Using the Software
Launc the software by clicking the MSWord with MLS Extensions icon. the following screen is displayed,
giving information about the MLS version etc. etc. Press the close window button in the top right of the
window.
The Extensions mode is enabled / disabled by using the menus from the MLS Extension menu in MsWord.
You can type in the normal characters, and when you press the extended keys, their respective Maltese
character will be generated. The positions of the Maltese characters on the keyboard are as follows:
The g is found on the key where there is [.
The h is found on the key where there is the ].
The c is found on the key where there is the `.
The z is found on the key where there is the \.
The Menu Options
Option
Description
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Maltese Language Support for MS Word −(C)opyright MITTS, Malta 2000
Malteste Characters
Standard Characters
Change to maltese (prefix)
Numeric date to full date
Numeric year to maltese year
Numeric month to maltese month
Numeric day to maltese day
Transliteration:Change word from english
Transliteration:Change word from italian
Formalities
Font conversions: Tornado/MaltTimes New Roman
Changes the defined keys to maltese chars
Changes the defined keys back to normal
Changes all prefixed characters eg $c to maltese, eg c
(bit tikka)
Changes selected numeric date ,eg 01/01/2002 to 1 ta
Jannar, Elfejn u tnejn
Changes selected number ,eg 1993 to Elf disgha mija
u tlieta u disghin
Changes selected number ,eg 1 to Jannar
Changes selected number ,eg 3 to it−tlieta
Change the highlighted word to maltese
Change the highlighted word to maltese
Inserts today's date, 'Dejjem tighe;',
'Ghaziz',"ATTENZJONI' in maltese
Converts characters in current document to Arial
Unicode Font and Encoding.
Converts characters in specified directories (in batch)
Arial Unicode Font and Encoding. Overrides
originals.
Font conversions: Convert multiple files.
Encryption:Simple in−line encryption and decryption
Uses simple method to encrypt/decrypt currently
selected text.
Encrypts a file with a professional encryption method.
Encryption: 128 Bit File Based SkipJack Encryption
Read Text.
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Maltese Language Support for MS Word −(C)opyright MITTS, Malta 2000
Reads the current document using any available
Text−To−Speech Engine
Include MLS as default
Help PDF/CHM
Support
Includes MLS ine every MsWord instance. Not
personal macros will be removed. The users current
NORMAL.DOT is left intact.
Displays MLS (This) Help
Launches default Email/Browser to send email or
browse the internet.
The Setup Menu Option
The first tab allows you to change from British to American Keyboards. An American keyboard is a
keyboard where the character above the number 3 is a # (hash sign). In a British keyboard, the character
above the number 3 is a £ (pound sign) . If you have an American keyboard, and your tab is set to British,
please click next to American keyboard, and then press Set. Exit from Word and start again.
The second tab, allows for the re−definition of the scan codes. However, a support password is required to
save the changes. On pressing the [GRAB KEY] button , the software waits for a key press.
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Maltese Language Support for MS Word −(C)opyright MITTS, Malta 2000
On pressing any key, the user is prompted to enter the Maltese key the last scan code is going to be bound to.
You can repeat this procedure for all the keys.
When you have specified all the keys, press the [Save Settings] button. Please note that a password is needed
for this. You should contact support if you need assistance.
The Prefix tab shows
This allows you to change the Maltese prefix for translation routines. Please read the How It Works Section.
The last tab, displays the following window.
The first option gives you access to the keyboard setup in the control panel while the second one allows you
to access the regional settings from the control panel.
Transliteration Tab
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Maltese Language Support for MS Word −(C)opyright MITTS, Malta 2000
This option allows you lo load, modify and save the transliteration data file for MLS. You can change and
insert transliteration ( or shorthand ) representations and their full equivalents in the respective language. The
current supported languages are English and Italian.
Windows Setup
The following is the environment requirement for the operation of the Maltese Language Support. Any other
combination of software might give unpredictable results.
Keyboard Setting
In the Keyboard Layout Setting from the control panel, make sure that you have the keyboard driver and
keyboard layout set up properly. This is very important because if this is different, there will be misplacement
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Maltese Language Support for MS Word −(C)opyright MITTS, Malta 2000
of the Maltese enabled keys.
There are usually 2 types of keyboards, British Standard keyboard and American Standard keyboard. Make
sure that you have the corresponding driver and layout combination for your keyboard.
Printer Setup
Please note, if you are having difficulties when printing using these extensions, make sure that you have set
up your printer to print fonts as graphics. This is available by selecting the printers icon from the Windows
Control Panel.
However, if your setup is fine, you do not have to change this.
Setting Maltese Dictionary Support (Support only feature)
From the Options Sub−Menu in the Tools Menu in MsWord, select the Spelling and Grammar Tab as shown
below
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Maltese Language Support for MS Word −(C)opyright MITTS, Malta 2000
Click on the [DICTIONARIES] button
Click on the [ADD] button.
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Maltese Language Support for MS Word −(C)opyright MITTS, Malta 2000
Select the file dizzjunarju.dic. and click the [OK] button.
The Custom Dictionaries Window should now show the new entry.
Press the OK Button, and do the same on the following screen. The new dictionary should now be active.
Known Issues/Capabilities and limitations
Beside the predefined Maltese enabled keys,the following keys are also supported in the Maltese Language
Support mode:
INS Key (Insert)
DEL Key (Delete)
HOME Key
SHIFT + HOME Key
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Maltese Language Support for MS Word −(C)opyright MITTS, Malta 2000
END Key
SHIFT + END Key
PGUP Key (Page Up)
PGDN Key (Page Down)
SHIFT Key (Shift)
NUMKEY0 (Numeric Keypad 0 − Spell checks document with Maltese Dictionary)
CTRL+Y (numeric year to Maltese number translator)
CTRL+N (numeric month to Maltese number translator)
CTRL+D (numeric day to Maltese number translator)
CTRL+M (replaces standard prefix with Maltese representation)
CTRL+E (replaces selected English word to Maltese equivalent)
CTRL+I (replaces selected Italian word to Maltese equivalent)
Currently, these extensions are only available for MsWord 97 or better. These extensions are only supported
by the fonts installed by these extensions, namely the Unicode versions of Times New Roman and Arial.
Support is also available for applications which allow MsWord to be as editor, such MsOutlook and
MsFrontoage.
If your document window is not at 100% zoom, some maltese characters are not displayed correctly.When
you set the zoom level to 100, everything is fine.
If you experience problems while loading MLS, run the Fix Icon from the MLS group. Make sure that you
Office SR2..
Currently, the transliteration database is held in a standard ini file. This has considerable limitations. In the
future, this will hopefully change.
The Installation assumes that your windows directory is in c:\ or in d:\. Modify registration batch files
accordingly if you have other requirements.
As stated earlier on, the template part of the software, malti.dot, can be copied over the normal.dot, so by
default, everytime MsWord is opened, MLS is automatically avaiable. Make sure however, that you do not
have personal macros in your default template.
Please report any bugs and send feedback to [email protected]
Version Updates
The followwing is a list of updates effected together with brief descriptions.
Version Descriptor Description of update
V 0.1 iv01
Internal use only
V 0.6 iv02
Internal use only
V 0.7 iv03
Alpha Internal use only
V 0.8 iv04
Alpha Internal use only
V 0.9 iv05
Alpha Internal use only
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Maltese Language Support for MS Word −(C)opyright MITTS, Malta 2000
V 0.8
V 1.0
V 1.0
V 1.0
V 1.0
V 1.0
V 1.0
V 1.0
V 1.0
V 1.0
V 1.1
V 1.2
V 1.3
V 1.4
V 1.4
V 1.5
V 1.6
V 1.7
V 1.7
V 1.7
V.1.8
V.1.9
V.2.0
V 2.0
V 2.0
V 2.0
V 2.0
V 3.0a
V 3.0b
V 4.0a
iv06
iv07
iv08
iv09
iv10
iv11
iv12
iv13
iv14
iv15
iv16
iv17
iv18
iv19
iv20
iv21
−−−−
−−−−
−−−−
−−−−
iv22
iv23
iv24
−−−−
iv25
iv26
iv27
iv30
iv31
iv32
V 4.0b iv33
Alpha Internal use only
Beta Internal use only Initial
Rel. Candidate Internal use only Fixed some probs
Internal use only Caption Display for keys
Internal use only SetwindowPOS/Extra Advanced Setup Tab
Internal use only Removed small bug.
Internal use only Added support for extra keys
Internal use only Systray Implementation (CTRL f12)
Internal use only Estethics and Installation Problem
Internal use only Some extra key support
Release Version
ME Window disappears on mouse move
Minor Improvements
Maltese Months and Years
Misc Fixes and Keycode Support
Changed Setup Key from F11 to F12
(Interim) Support for American Keyb
(Interim) Implemented proper .DEF−no aliasing
FINAL Final Build.
FINAL Minor Mods to Documentation
Internal use only Support for Prefix Translation
Internal use only Changed Translation Keys
Release Internal use only Implemented Sticky Key Bindings
FINAL Release Final Build.
Implemented proper .DEF−no aliasing
Removed WMALTI syshook. bug in W2KRemoved minor bug in Stream Mode
MLS Toolbar when in permanent mode
English/Italian Transliteration Support * Base
Include Simple Push Button on Toolbar
Includes Translation(upper case) fix
Includes Conversions from Tornado and MalTimesNewRoman to Unicode, even for
multiple files. Includes encryption and decryption of documents. Includes a
TextToSpeech feature which allows the reading of documents.
Contact Information
MITTS Website:
MSA Website
CIMU Website
Maltese Government Website
http://www.mitts.net
http://www.msa.org.mt/
http://cimu.magnet.mt
http://www.magnet.mt
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Maltese Language Support for MS Word −(C)opyright MITTS, Malta 2000
How it works
How the the Maltese Language Support (MLS) for MS Word works.
This software is very simple. It implements a small VBA keyboard handler which hooks into a small DLL,
malti.dll. The DLL implements a translation table, several conversion functions and, in the near future, other
extensions. The translation table assigns key scan codes and translates them into their respective Unicode
Character, and hands back control to Word VBA.
This mechanism was selected due to its simplicity and because it allows extensions to be developed easily
(C++ and VBA). Besides, all its exported functions (Malti.dll) are _stdcall based, so most development
tools can be used to call these functions.
The translation table is built from the ini file, namely MALTI.INI, which resides in the
$WINDOWS directory. The translation table will load the default (220 for z, 223 for c, 219 for g, 221 for h)
values if no values are put in the ini file. Otherwise, it will replace the key codes as specified in the INI file.
Warning: Make sure that you do not accidentally put scan codes for normal characters because the translation
table loader will replace these, making these characters unusable!
Default malti.ini values:
[SCAN_KEY]
Z=220
C=223
G=219
H=221
[M_SPECS]
PREF_ID=36
The transliteration services are created from the TRANS.INI file in the WINDOWS directory. There are as
many sections as the number of languages the current version of the MLS support. The format is self
explanatory.
For Systems Integrators
It is relatively easy to use these extensions with your development environment. You can create a reference to
the MsWord 8.0 Type Library (MSWORD8.OLB). You can then utilise all the functionality the type library
exposes.Likewise, you can use the MALTI.DLL functionality directly.
An example, using Visual Basic 5.0 with MSWORD8.OLB , is given below.
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Maltese Language Support for MS Word −(C)opyright MITTS, Malta 2000
Private Sub Command1_Click()
Static WordObj As Word.Application
Set WordObj = Nothing
Set WordObj = CreateObject("Word.Application")
WordObj.Documents.Add (App.Path & "\malti.dot")
WordObj.Visible = True
End Sub
The above example creates a new document in word using the 'Malti.Dot' template, inheriting all its
functionality.
Furthermore, the MS RichTextEdit Control 6.0 is Unicode aware via ALT key combinations.
Files installed by Setup.exe
Malti DLL: This contains the main translation table and extra Maltese functionality. Future extensions to
word will be
implemented in this DLL.This must reside in your $SYSTEM Directory
Fonts: Times New Roman and Arial Unicode True Type fonts
Malti.dot: This contains the macros which hook to Malti.dll.
Dizzjunarju.dic: This contains the Maltese dictionary words
Malti.ini: This contains the ASCII key codes to replace z, c, g, h in that order. This must reside in your
$WINDOWS directory
Trans.ini: This contains the transliteration database. This must reside in your $WINDOWS directory
Functions in MALTI.DLL.
The following table summarizes the functions currently available. Obviously, should the need arise, more will
be implemented.
Function Name
Available
MALTI_API int _stdcall EXTTransTable ( IN int SCAN_KEY, IN int KEY_CASE )
MALTI_API int _stdcall dateinmaltese (IN int THOUSANDS, IN int HUNDREDS,IN int
TENS ,IN int ONES, OUT char Msg[MAX_MSG_LEN])
MALTI_API int _stdcall numbtomonthinmaltese (IN long lnum, OUT char
Msg[MAX_MSG_LEN])
MALTI_API int _stdcall mlangpref()
MALTI_API int _stdcall numbtodayinmaltese (IN long lnum, OUT char
Msg[MAX_MSG_LEN])
MALTI_API int _stdcall fromenglish( IN char word[MAX_MSG_LEN], OUT char
Msg[MAX_MSG_LEN])
MALTI_API int _stdcall fromitalian( IN char word[MAX_MSG_LEN], OUT char
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Maltese Language Support for MS Word −(C)opyright MITTS, Malta 2000
Msg[MAX_MSG_LEN])
The above is only an example. There is no guarantee that this will work in your environment. These functions
are still in beta, so there might be some bugs.
Tools Used:
Module
Keyboard handler (Malti.dot)
Translation Table/Conversion Functions etc. etc. (Malti.dll)
CHM Help
PDF Help
Tool
VBA
MS VC++ 6.0
Microsoft Help
Compiler
HTMLDOC 1.8.9
For technical support ONLY, the programmer can be reached at [email protected].
Legal
MITTS Ltd will retain the copyright for the internally delivered software and all it’s source code. The system and any documentation is the confidential and
proprietary information of MITTS Ltd.. You shall not disclose such Confidential Information and shall use it only in accordance with the terms of the license
agreement you entered into with MITTS Ltd.
MITTS Ltd. MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES ABOUT THE SUITABILITY OF THE SOFTWARE, EITHER EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE, OR NON−INFRINGEMENT. MITTS Ltd. SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES SUFFERED BY LICENSEE AS A RESULT OF
USING, MODIFYING OR DISTRIBUTING THIS SOFTWARE/DATA OR ITS DERIVATIVES. MITTS Ltd SYSTEMS SHALL NOT BE HELD
RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY CORRUPTION OR LOSS OF DATA. MITTS SHALL ALSO NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY (BOTH
HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE) DOWNTIME.
©opyright MITTS Ltd. All rights reserved. No parts of this document may be reproduced in full or in part without the author’s consent.
Documentation Last Update: Sunday, November 25, 2001 16:17:25 W. Europe Standard Time
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