Frequently asked questions

This document is under construction.

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

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

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 IMEs, AVIM never sends your keystrokes anywhere 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.