A set of 128 alphanumeric and special control characters. These are used for character encoding based on the English alphabet. Most foreign language characters and symbols are represented by ASCII codes. These codes can be used to insert these characters and symbols into word processing programs and email documents. For example,

To enter the degree sign while using Microsoft Word, place the cursor into the document where you want the symbol to appear. Press the Num Lock key, then hold down the ALT key while pressing the number 167(the ASCII code for the degree sign.) When you release the ALT key, the cent sign will appear in your document.