Why don't computers show the letter 'i' the way we write it when capitalized?

Question

It just looks like a lower case L.

Capital i: I

Lowercase L: l

WHY?

[I don't even know what section this question belongs in]

Answer 1

The lines on top and bottom of an uppercase "i" when you write it are called serifs.  Many fonts have serifs, others are "sans serif" (like the font called "Arial", the one this answer is probably written in on your computer).

If it really bothers you, try using a font with serifs, like "Times New Roman".  You can even use this font as your default when browsing the web by going into the preferences section on your web browser.

Answer 2

Computers are just stuck up jerks sometimes. lol No it is the default font that is selected.

Answer 3

My computer writes the capital I the same way as the small l the exact same way that I was taught to print it in grade school.  I have never had a problem in 60 years reading and having to stop and figure out if the letter is an i or an l   If you are in command of the language at all, you can tell what the letter is. Is this alphabet new to you?  

Answer 4

This depends entirely on which typeface, sometimes called font, you're using. The little extra lines at the top and bottom of the capital I are called serifs. Some fonts, like Times Roman and Courier, have serifs, and some, like Helvetica and Arial, do not.