Frequently asked questions

This document is under construction.

What is an IME? Why is it needed for typing Vietnamese?

An input method editor (IME) is a tool that works with your ordinary keyboard so you can type in certain languages. In the old days, to type Vietnamese, you’d use a keyboard layout like TCVN 6064:1995 or "Microsoft Windows". But keyboard layouts are inconvenient: to type "viết" in TCVN, you have to type vi38t – in that order. On the other hand, with an input method, you can type the accent marks in later: vieetj in Telex, viet^. in VIQR, etc.

My favorite website already includes an IME. Why should I use AVIM for Firefox?

With AVIM for Firefox, you can type Vietnamese into every website and every part of Firefox, including the search bar and find bar. And you don’t have to turn off the IME in your favorite website; AVIM will disable it for you automatically.

I use Chrome and I like Google Input Tools. Why should I switch to AVIM for Firefox?

My operating system already includes an IME. Why should I use AVIM for Firefox?

Is AVIM secure? Does it protect my privacy?

Yes and yes. Unlike other popular Vietnamese IMEs, AVIM never sends your keystrokes to anyone while you type. It’s totally local to your computer.

Nonetheless, Firefox does occasionally check addons.mozilla.org to see whether your copy of AVIM is up-to-date. When that happens, the versions of Firefox and AVIM you’re using are sent to Mozilla’s servers, but no personally identifiable information is sent. Also, if you use Firefox Sync, your AVIM preferences – your preferred input method etc. – are stored in your Sync account for backup. You can disable all these services at any time using Firefox’s Options or Preferences dialog.

Why can’t I type Vietnamese into Flash or Java?

The short answer is that plugins like Flash and Java run like separate programs, even if they look like they’re part of Firefox. It isn’t possible for AVIM or any other extension to communicate with these plugins. However, AVIM does feature support for the Silverlight plugin. Consider contacting the developer of your favorite Flash applications about either Viettyping for Flash or Silverlight.

Can you fix AVIM? It doesn’t work on my favorite website.