Using a Mouse

Mouse Pointer (Cursor)

• Move the mouse on the desktop
• Position it over the icon (a small picture) labeled "My Computer"
• A pop-up window appears – describing the contents of the "My Computer" directory
• Move the pointer to the "My Documents" icon
• A pop-up window appears – describing the contents of the "My Documents" file directory
• Explore some of the other icons on the desktop

Left Click

• Move the pointer back to the "My Computer" icon
• Click the left mouse button
• The icon is highlighted (turns blue), but nothing more happens
• Next, press the Enter key to open the "My Computer" window
• To close a window, click the red "X" in the upper right corner
• For practice, open and close the "My Documents" window

Double Click

• Move the pointer to the "My Computer" icon
• Click twice on the left mouse button in rapid succession (may require practice)
• The "My Computer" window should open immediately
• Some beginners find that it helps to say "click click" when double-clicking
• Alternative: left click to highlight, then press the Enter key

Click & Drag

• Left-click Double click on the "My Computer" icon
• Click twice on the left mouse button in rapid succession (may require practice)
• The "My Computer" window should open immediately
• Some beginners find that it helps to say "click click" while double-clicking

Right Click (optional)

• Move the mouse pointer to a blank spot on the desktop
• Click the right mouse button once
• A pop-up menu appears, containing controls for the Windows desktop display
• To close the pop-up window, left-click on a blank spot on the desktop
• Note: the contents of the pop-up window are different for every program

Scroll Wheel (optional)

• Some mice are equipped with a scroll wheel
• Roll the wheel to scroll the contents of the current window up or down
• Some newer mice can scroll the window side to side