yes, code is converted into characters upon "post".
Same with , as stated, html code.
Like i said, everything between "&#" and ";" is usually considered (3 numbers, in this case) a char code. No oldschool DOS commands.
you should really try Opera or Firefox, way better.
or even myie2.
Edit: just for kicks, arabic. same encoding, 4 digits :
1577, 1578 -> ة , ت
Ha!. I dare the CIA.