Source: ezinearticles.com
For newbies, a mouse is usually the easiest way to navigate windows, programs, web sites, email and other computer applications. And, with an understanding of where, when, what, why and how to use your mouse, you'll spend less time and energy getting the results you want from your clicks.
The descriptions below assume default settings on a basic PC mouse for a right handed person. Keep in mind that there are options available for customizing settings on a mouse so it works differently than described here. You also can get a mouse with additional, programmable buttons. And, finally, if you use a Mac, mouse operation looks a little different, but we'll cover that later.
The Left Click The left click is your primary tool for making selections; following hyperlinks; and opening folders, documents or programs. It is the click option that comes most naturally since right-handed people use the pointer finger on their right hand to perform it. In fact, if someone tells you to "click" or "double click" you can usually assume they mean "left click." The greatest challenge comes in knowing what to click and how many times. Here are some of the most common stumpers:
Radio buttons: Think of these as toggle switches where you can only choose one option-like male or female. You can turn your "mark" on or off with a single click of the left mouse button. If you accidentally click twice, you'll make your mark and erase it too, so left click only once on a radio button.
Check boxes: When you are presented with check boxes, you can click them in any combination. For example, when you order your pizza, be sure to click pepperoni and sausage and peppers!
Hyperlinks: These may appear as URLs, images, buttons, headlines or text phrases in web pages, emails and documents. Usually hyperlink text appears underlined, however not all underlined text is a hyperlink, and not all hyperlinks are underlined. So, to confirm if something is a hyperlink, roll your mouse arrow over the top of the image or text and see if it turns into the image of a hand holding up its pointer finger. In most cases, this is a good indication that you've found a hyperlink, and a single left click will let you follow it-usually to a web page or document.
Drop-down menus: Most software programs and some web pages include feature drop-down menus-usually across the top of the window. A single left click on the menu name will reveal available options and functions. Another single left click on the option or function of your choice will activate it. Some menu options are toggles, meaning they will turn a function on or off with your click. Other menu options will open a new window where you can make selections, choose files or read about other choices.
Files, folders, documents and programs: Whether you are navigating files and folders as icons or text names, on your desktop or in Windows Explorer (the operating system's filing cabinet), you can almost always assume that opening them will require two rapid clicks of your left mouse button. Think of it as one click to select the file, folder or program followed quickly by another click to open it. "Click, select. Click, open."
If the two clicks are separated by too much time, then your second click may activate an editing mode of your selection's name. You'll recognize this mode when a black box appears around the text and your cursor is flashing inside. You can deactivate this mode by clicking away from the highlighted area onto another file or folder or onto most any blank area of your screen.
The Right Click The right click is less commonly used, but is extremely helpful when you want to know "what are my options here?" From wherever you are, clicking the right mouse button should give you a pop-up list of currently active functions. In most software programs, right clicking will list all the same options you would find if you clicked on the individual drop-down menus at the top of the window.
I'm a Mac Mouse If you are a PC user who finds yourself on an Apple Macintosh desktop or laptop, you may be surprised to find only one mouse button. Apple is on an enduring quest to make everything as simple as possible, so their philosophy is, "why require two buttons when you can do it with one?" Therefore, they design user interfaces to work more intuitively and minimize the need for a right click.
Apple also realizes that old habits die hard for PC-familiar users, so holding down CTRL while clicking the single mouse button works like a PC's right mouse button. If you have "upgraded" to a mouse with two buttons, you can set up the right button to work on a Mac in much the same way as it does on the PC.
Patric Welch, also known as "Mr. Noobie," empowers people to confidently approach technology and use it to enhance their lives. He has a passion for understanding and answering your technology challenges. You can find Mr. Noobie on the web at http://www.noobie.com
