Different computer symbols can be generated by hitting a combination of keys. These symbols, mostly are used to express oneself and can be easily used in your favorite IM programs or email. There are also some popular symbols those which can just be typed in and many people have already been using them since ages.

Symbols that can be used without using any combination keys:

Symbol		Meaning of the symbol
:)		for a smile or expressing happiness
:(		for expressing sadness
:D		for expressing joy
:P		for teasing
:X		for tight lips
:S		for confusion
:O		for surprise
;)		for winking
:^(		for crying
xx(		means dead
:$		for expressing embarrassment
=D>		for clapping
-_-		sleepy or losing hope
:o)		denotes a clown
}:)		evil smile
:Y:		thumbs up
:N:		thumbs down
:-B		denotes a geek
:":		questioning
:@)		denotes a pig
:		expresses attitude or says "thats crazy!"
o_O		surprised
OvO		we all know what this symbolizes!

Symbols that can be generated using a combination of keys (also known as ASCII characters):

Symbol		Denotes		Combination Keys
☺		smile		Alt Key + 257
☻		dark smile		Alt Key + 258
♥		heart		Alt Key + 259
♠		spade		Alt Key + 262
♦		diamond		Alt Key + 260
♣		club		Alt Key + 261
♀		man		Alt Key + 268
♫		music or singing		Alt Key + 270
☼		sun		Alt Key + 271

Using the ALT key combination, you can try and generate as many different types of symbols as possible. Go ahead, give it a try!

If you wish to go one step further and be truly unique, try and seek for ASCII art. Using ASCII art, you can generate full pictures using just computer symbols.