The mouse is the small device used to move around in the Windows environment on your computer. It is designed to fit comfortably in your hand, so you can slide it around on the mouse pad while pressing (clicking) the buttons on top. The mouse controls the mouse pointer, a small arrow displayed on the screen that determines the items you click or select.

The mouse plugs into a serial port on the back of the computer. "Serial port" is a fancy name describing the type of outlet or connection required for the mouse.

When would I use mouse?

Use the mouse to operate and control Windows functions and most Windows programs. Some operations you can perform with the mouse include:

1.     Starting programs

2.     Dragging and dropping icons

3.     Placing the cursor in a specific location

4.     Highlighting text

5.     Selecting items on menus.

Windows and Windows programs are primarily mouse-driven in order to minimize typing. The mouse enables you to do much of your work by pointing and clicking.

How do I use the mouse?

Sliding the mouse back and forth on the mouse pad causes the mouse pointer on your screen to move accordingly. Use the pointer on the screen as your electronic hand by moving the mouse on the mouse pad.

What do you do when you reach the edge of mouse pad and the pointer has not yet reached its destination? Lift the mouse, and place it elsewhere on the mouse pad to give more sliding space. The sweeping motion is similar to wiping crumbs off a table, but without the mess. If you are new to the mouse, practice moving the mouse to control the location of the mouse pointer on your screen.

How do I use the mouse buttons?

As you master mouse movement, you will no doubt be curious about the mouse buttons. Usually, the mouse is set up to work with the right hand on the right side of the keyboard, though this is clearly personal preference.

The LEFT mouse button, typically the button closest to the keyboard, is the primary button for selecting or dragging in Windows. Press the LEFT mouse button if you need to click on screen buttons, menus, icons, or links.

Use the RIGHT mouse button to display "context menus." The menu displayed depends on which item you click with the right mouse button. Clicking on the desktop, the taskbar, or an icon displays different pop-up menus. These are referred to as context menus because the menu you see depends on the context, or item, clicked.

You can change the configuration of the mouse so that right mouse button is the primary button… A small consolation to left-handed people!

Customize your mouse:

1.     Click the Start menu on the taskbar

2.     Click Settings, then Control Panel on the subsequent menus.

3.     Double-click "Mouse" in the Control Panel window to display the Mouse Properties         window.

4.     Change the settings on each tab. Click "OK" to finalize the changes.

Note for Internet Browsers (or Web Surfers)

When navigating Windows programs, double-clicking is often required to start a program or to make something happen. Double-click the "My Computer" icon on your desktop to start the Windows Explorer program.

Links, often called hyperlinks, are different. They usually require only a SINGLE click to jump to a new web page or start a program.

After you get good at double-clicking Windows icons, prepare to kick the habit when you get to Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator. Browsing the web is as easy as the SINGLE click of a mouse button.