- to change keyboard layout, choose the menu System->Preferences->Keyboard. If you want to switch between several layouts, you might also add Keyboard indicator applet to your panel.

- to use accents, you can use the usual US keyboard, but in System->Preferences->Keyboard-Keyboard options, select one of options for "compose". E.g., if you select "Right Alt", then, to enter é, press RightAlt+', then press e.

Keyboard Indicator

Alternatively add the Keyboard Indicator applet to your panel:

*Right-click on an empty space on the panel where you want to add the applet
*Click Add to Panel...
*Choose Keyboard Indicator from the Utilities section