In windows i could key in Alt + 0236 for a certain character i use for my World of warcraft character. How would i go about doing this in Fedora 17 Xfce?

I would type one of these in a browser (possibly Firefox but another will do as well):
http://www.google.fr/search?q=type+s...aracters+linux
http://www.google.fr/search?q=type+s...racters+fedora
http://www.google.fr/search?q=type+s...fedora+17+xfce

I'm assuming that you are referring to entering special Unicode characters in Linux as you do for the <ALT+xxxx> key combination in Windows.

For Linux, there are two ways:

• <CTRL>+<SHIFT>+<u>, at this point you'll get a u (note the underline). Release the <CTRL>+<SHIFT>. Now enter the four digit code and press enter, or
• While still hoding the <CTRL>+<SHIFT>, enter the four digit code and then release the <CTRL>+<SHIFT> keys.

For a full explanations of Unicode see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unicode_input.

Thanks, but the only reason I came here is because my searches were still getting me nowhere.

Wow! <CTRL>+<SHIFT>+<u> is quite the stretch for my left hand even with my long fingers.

Both methods lead to nothing. I saw the u though when i have all three keys pressed. The first method leaves a string of u's and the second one reverts to nothing :/

In a terminal, method 1 works, but method 2 does not

In Firefox (LQ compose window), same answer. Nautilus--same

To expand:
Method 1: Press the CTRL+SHIFT+u key combination. A u is displayed. Now release the CTRL+SHIFT+u key combination. The u remains displayed. Enter the four digit code eg: 1234 and then press ENTER, you get: ሴ

Method 2: Press the CTRL+SHIFT+u key combination. A u is displayed. Now release the u key while keeping the CTRL+SHIFT key combination pressed, enter the four digit code eg:1234. Now release the CTRL+SHIFT keys, you get: ሴ

Note that the symbol shown was entered using both methods.

In either case, you do not need to keep the u key pressed while entering the four digit code. This prevents the Stretched-Finger-Syndrome (SFS) the OP mentioned.

Ha! Just coined a new phrase: Stretched-Finger-Syndrome.

Awesome! The expanded explanation of method one works, but I'm not getting the same character I would expect in windows with 0236 which would be an i with a grave. Method 2 still brings about no character.

I'm just happy I'm getting somewhere. I now have to find the right code.

I'm diggin the SFS phrase.

The method can differ slightly depending upon the tool used.

e.g. (quote of Geany text editor's help):

That would of course depend on the character set that you are using. You can use the character map utility to get the codes for the desired characters.