According to Ubuntu official release note, Ubuntu 9.10 has changed the input method from SCIM to iBUS.
New input method framework
Ubuntu has switched to IBus as preferred input method framework. Unlike the previously used SCIM, IBus is under active development and fixes a number of SCIM’s design limitations.
The language selector tool now gives the user the possibility to select the preferred input method framework.
That was why I got the error message “no configuration file “scim-bridge” exists.” below when I tried to switch on SCIM package based on the old instruction.
1), First, let us install the language packages if you have not done so.
To install Chinese or other additional languages, click System – Administration – Language Support
Then in the Language window, click Install/Remove Languages… button to find Chinese (Simplified or Traditional) language to add. Now, you will have to add Simplified or Traditional separately.
Language-selector improvements
Chinese language-packs, formerly containing both Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese translations, have been split into separate packages for these languages. This reduces the amount of data Chinese users need to download.
2), Change the input method. To switch on the input method, you should select ibus on the same language screen as the above.
3), Log off and then log in again.
4), Now you should see a input method switcher on your top of Ubuntu workplace screen. (see the figure below)
Right click it, and select Preferences option.
5), Add Chinese input
On the ibus preferences window, select Input Method tab. And click the Select an Input Method drop down to highlight the Chinese input method you like, then click Add button at the right. The selected input method now should be showed in the language input method list.
6), Define the Language Switch shortcut.
Before you apply this change, you can get familiar with the input method switching keyboard shortcut. For example, for the screenshot below, you will know the default shortcut to switch input is ATL+Shirt_L. Of course, you can define your own here.
If you do not want to use the keyboard shortcuts, you can just click the ibus input icon on the top, and select different input method from there.
Enjoy the new Chinese input method in Ubuntu 9.10.
This is great – thank you for sharing this trick. I replace Microsoft Windows with Ubuntu on all computers in our house or company that I have the control. Wish more people can use this free Ubuntu operating system. Why using illegal MS Windows while you can, without costing a penny, use Ubuntu and all software programs it provides?
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impressed by your detail solution
thx a lot
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Thanks for the info. Really help me saving time as I’m now switching from using illegal M$ windows 7 to Ubuntu 9.10.
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非常有用，多谢了
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好文。一步一步的装上了输入法。
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Absolutely brilliant article!! Thank you so much !!
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thanks.. this is what i need..
i must using chinese input, to search song from baidu on my ubuntu netbook remix
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