Just as you use your hands to interact with objects in the physical world, you can use your mouse to interact with items on your computer screen. You can move objects, open, edit them, throw them away, and perform other actions while pointing and clicking with your mouse.
Basic parts
A mouse is usually two buttons: one main button (usually the left) and a secondary button (usually the right button). The first button is the one you use most often. Most mice include a scroll wheel between the buttons to help you scroll through documents and Web pages more easily. On some mice, the scroll wheel can be pressed to act as a third button. Advanced mouse may have buttons that can perform other functions.
Holding and moving the mouse
Place your mouse beside your keyboard on a clean, smooth surface, like a mouse pad. Hold the mouse gently with your index based on the main button and your thumb rest on the side. To move the mouse, slide slowly in any direction. Do not twist it to keep the mouse aimed away from you. When you move the mouse pointer (see photo) on your screen moves in the same direction. If you need more space to move your mouse on your desk or mouse pad, simply take the mouse and bring closer to you.
Pointing, clicking and dragging
Drawing attention to an item on the screen by moving your mouse pointer that appears to be the point of touch. When you point to something, a small box often appears that describes the issue. For example, when you point to the trash on the desktop, a box appears with the following information: "Contains files and folders that you deleted."
The pointer may change depending on what you are pointing to. For example, when you point to a link in your browser, a pointer arrow image of the mouse pointer (arrow) to a hand with a finger pointing like a mouse (the hand with finger pointing).
Most of the mouse actions combine pointing with pressing a mouse button. There are four ways to use your mouse buttons: click, double click, right-clicking and dragging.
By clicking (single-click)
To click on a point, point to the question on the screen, then press and release the main (usually the left button).
Clicking is most often used to select (make) an item or open a menu. This is sometimes called a single click or left-click.
Double-click
To double-click a point, point to the question on the screen, then click twice quickly. If the two clicks are spaced too far apart, they can be interpreted in two clicks rather than a double-click.
Double-click is most often used to open on your desktop. For example, you can run a program or open a file by double-clicking on its icon on the desktop.
Tip
If you have trouble double-clicking, you can adjust double-click speed (the acceptable amount of time between clicks). Follow these steps:
Click here to open Mouse Properties.
Click the Buttons tab, and then, under Double-click speed, move the slider to increase or decrease speed.
Right-clicking
For right-click on a point, point to the question on the screen, then press and release the secondary button (usually the right button).
Right click on an item usually displays a list of things you can do with the matter. For example, when you right-click the Recycle Bin on your desktop, Windows displays a menu allowing you to open, empty, erase, or see its properties. If you're never sure what to do something, right-click it.
Dragging
You can move items on your screen by dragging. To move an object, point to the object on the screen, press and hold the main button, move the object to a new location, then release the button principal.
Dragging (sometimes called drag and drop) is most often used to move files and folders to a different location and move windows and icons on your screen.
Using the scroll wheel
If your mouse has a scroll wheel, you can use to scroll through documents and Web pages. To scroll down, roll the wheel back (toward you). Scroll up, roll the wheel forward (away from you).
Customizing your mouse
You can change your mouse settings to suit your personal preferences. For example, you can quickly change the way your mouse pointer moves across the screen, or change the pointer appearance. If you are left-handed, you can skip the first button on the right button. For more information, see Changing the mouse settings.
Tips for using your mouse security
Holding and moving your mouse properly can help you avoid pain or damage to your wrists, hands and arms, especially if you use your computer for long periods of time. Here are some tips to help you avoid problems:
Place your mouse at the elbow. Your arms relaxed to fall to your side.
Do not squeeze or grip your mouse tightly. Keep lightly.
Move the mouse by the arm to swivel your elbow. Avoid bending your wrist up, down or sideways.
Use a light touch when clicking a mouse button.
Keep your fingers relaxed. Do not allow them to hover just above the buttons.
When you do not need to use the mouse, disregard.
Take short breaks from computer use every 15 to 20 minutes.
