Currently, if you want to type special character then here are some methods how to do it.

Instructions

Step 1

Just hit it off on character in question and it's instantly copied to clipboard. Just go back to document, and paste character right in.

Step 2

You can find characters on internet with rapid search. Search on character itself, like 'copyright symbol' or 'upside down question mark' and top results will surely add character. Then it's simple cut and paste to obtain it into document.

If character is formatted, and want it unformatted, copy it to mark where formatting does not take, and then recopy it earlier than pasting it to document. E.g. pasting formatted character to address bar, or into search box, will delete formatting, so you can paste it to document.

Step 3

Also search on 'Extended ASCII' which will go again complete set of standard characters accessible on many PCs. After you have found set that look good to you, copy and paste character you want.

Step 4

Many PC have integral choices to access special characters from keyboard. Problem is, however, it is not anything that is consistent across various platforms.

For Vista, add what they call US International keyboard to choices, and type special characters straight from keyboard by pressing Right-Alt key.