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Enabling Georgian language support on Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows supports Georgian through Unicode, therefore only the Windows versions supporting Unicode should preferably used for Georgian. Windows 2000 has optional partial Georgian language support buil-in, while Windows XP, Vista and later comes with optional Georgian language support, which gives up the ability to localize menu and dialog messages of software that has been compiled by unicode-aware compiler and libraries.

Windows 2000
The system comes with Georgian font, partial locale and Georgian Typewriter keyboard layout. You may manually add better fonts and keyboard layouts. The system does not give us the ability to use Gergian in software menus and UI messages, though you could try to patch the system manually.
Open Control Panel and then Regional Options. Find Georgian and select the check box. Click on Apply button. Now click on the Your locale (location) drop-down box and choose Georgian. Click OK. The system may ask you for the Windows 2000 installation CD.
Windows XP and Windows Server 2003
The system comes with Georgian font, locale and Georgian Typewriter keyboard layout. You may manually add better fonts and keyboard layouts. The system already gives us the ability to use Gergian in software menus and UI messages, though Georgian UI will only work with Unicode UI compliant software.
Open Control Panel and go to Date, Time, Language and Regional Options applet. Click Add other languages. (If you're running Control Panel in the classic view, just go to Regional and Language Options directly.)
Switch to Languages tab and select Install files for complex script... Click Apply and then switch back to Regional Options tab and choose Georgian on both drop-down lists.
Installing Georgian keyboard layout
Windows 2000, XP and Server 2003 come with Georgian typewriter keyboard layout, which is not widely used in present-day Georgia. The typewriter layout can be easily enabled from Control Panel, provided you have followed the steps above to add activate Georgian language support.
Since the most popular and widely used keyboard layout used in Georgian is Georgian QWERTY (US-Latin based layour), you may download and install this layout (along with other popular Georgian layouts). Simply download the keyboard layout you prefer, uncomress the archive and launch the installer file ending with .msi

1. Georgian QWERTY (the most popular layout based on US-Latin layout)
2.Georgian Ergonomic (the new Georgian Dvorak-like ergonomic layout. Arguably the best layout for Georgian language)
3.Georgian MESS (another US-Latin based layout which does not require use of Shoft key. The layout was created by Deer Leap Foundation by Georgian Ministry of Education and Science and is used in Georgian schools.
4. Georgian Typewriter (the layour already comes with MS Windows 2000 & XP, though this one has some minor improvements.
 
Installing Georgian fonts
Windows 2000, XP and Server 2003 come with Georgian font called Sylfaen. It is strongly recommended to install additional Georgian fonts. Many of thee best Unicode Georgian fonts can be donwloaded from BPG Info-Tech at http://bpg.sytes.net. If you would not like to install many fonts, make sure you install BPG Glaho Arial at least, as this is one of the best Geirgian fonts available today.


That's it. You should now be able to read and write in Georgian without problems. Don't hesitate to contact me should you have any questions (change _AT_ with @ symbol).