Inserting symbols using keyboard shortcuts & font changing

Two things really.

Is it possible to insert special characters/symbols using a keyboard
shortcut similar to the way the windows users can with alt+number?

Also, when I insert a character I notice that the font changes
automatically to symbol. Is it possible to turn this behaviour off?
I ask because some characters dont print proper in symbol font and I need
to go back and change the font back to whichever I am using in the
surrounding text.

Example - insert e with an acute accent while using courier and the
corresponding character in symbol font shows a square with a number inside.

-- 
"I refuse to have a battle of wits with an unarmed person."
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