unicode under Linux question

[James Miller <jamtat@mailsnare.net>]

I don't know if this list is the right place to ask questions about using
unicode fonts under Linux.  But maybe it's at least a place to start.
So, here goes.  I may be needing to use some unicode fonts (i.e., input
unicode), and so have been doing a bit of research on the web.  I think
the overall effect of that is that I'm getting more confused, rather than
more enlightened.  Maybe getting some input from more experienced Linux
users here can help clear the fog.  Here's what I think I understand, in
general terms, about unicode input: the operating system handles it, and
there should be a way of "telling" the OS that a unicode font is desired.
I guess it shifts its mapping of keyboard keys somehow when so "told."
Under other, less versatile operating systems, I think the keyboard
mapping can be changed like this by using a certain key sequence - e.g.,
left ctrl-shift.  Is there some counterpart like this under more versatile
operating systems like Linux?  This, at present, appears to me the main
issue I need to work out, since I know that alot of "higher level"
applications that run under Linux (e.g., open office) can handle unicode
fonts - at least they can display them.  But in order to input them, as I
understand it, requires some keyboard implementation at the operating
system level.  Corrections, comments and pointers welcome.

Thanks, James

PS  I'm using a Sid Debian system with the latest OO (1.1, I believe)
installed, if that information helps.
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