RE: British English technical variations

["Geoff Lane" <geoff -at- gjctech -dot- co -dot- uk>]

John Nesbit asks about British and American terminology:

>
> First, what differences exist between a British
> keyboard and a standard American one, if any?  For
> example, is there a £ sign instead of $ sign?
---
On the British QWERTY keyboard, the pound sign (£) is [Shift+3], I
understand that this gives a hash (#) on US keyboards. The hash placement on
UK keyboards is not completely standard. However, it is usually near the
[Return] key. The double quotation mark (") is [Shift+2], swapping position
with the '@' key of US keyboards.

>
> Second, when consumers use Microsoft products, do they
> buy versions ?translated? into British English:  does
> the Program Manager in Windows 3.1 become Programme
> Manager for British consumers?
---
When referring to a computer application, 'program' is spelled "program".
When referring to a list or series of events, it is spelled "programme".
AFAIK, Microsoft never translate from American to English. However, they do
provide localized proofing tools.

>
> Third, in ?Express setup automatically chooses the
> applications and utilities that will?? does the word
> ?utilities? in context seem clear enough, or does
> ?utilities? need clarification or translation for a
> British reading audience?
---
This is perfectly clear to me and (AFAIK) "utilities" is acceptable on both
sides of the pond.

HTH,

Geoff Lane
Cornwall, UK
geoff -at- gjctech -dot- co -dot- uk