The Mouse

The Mouse 
While the keyboard is primarily used to insert/input and manipulate text and numbers on a computer, the mouse is used mostly for navigating around the screen. Mice come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some of the strangest-looking mice often look that way because they are designed to be more ergonomic than traditional mice.

The type of mouse that you choose to use is totally based on your preference—If you want a fancy mouse, that’s fine; if you prefer a simple mouse, that’s OK too. Each mouse, however different it may be, has similar functions. As you can see on the “traditional” model above, a traditional mouse has two buttons with a wheel between them (gray) that spins, called a “scroll wheel.” Both buttons can perform separate functions, and are referred to by which side of the mouse they are located on. Pressing the LEFT mouse button is called “left-clicking,” while pressing the RIGHT mouse button is called "right-clicking." Left-clicking is used far more often than right clicking. For now, know that left-clicking is used to select or click on something, while right clicking presents additional menu options.

Left-Clicking, Double-Clicking and Right-Clicking 
One of the most difficult things to learn when first beginning to use a computer, is how to use the mouse. It takes coordination, precision, and patience. Fortunately, the more you practice, the easier it will become!
The mouse symbol, or pointer, that appears on the computer screen will change its look and function depending on what it is near or hovering over.

Your mouse pointer will most often look like an arrow



When your mouse pointer is over an internet link, it will look like a pointing hand
When your mouse pointer is over a place where you can type, it will look like an I-beam
When your computer is busy or ‘working,’ your mouse pointer may look like an
hourglass or a spinning circle.
There are actually many different pointers (though these are the most common), and they will change automatically depending on what task you are trying to perform.
The buttons on the mouse may also have different functions, depending on which program you are using. If you are working in Microsoft Word, for example, the mouse will offer options related to Microsoft Word. Conversely, if you are working in Microsoft Excel, the mouse will offer options related to Microsoft Excel, and so on.
For now, remember these rules:
1.  The LEFT mouse button SELECTS items.
2.  The RIGHT mouse button GIVES YOU MORE
OPTIONS.
3.  Double-Clicking the LEFT mouse button
EXECUTES options (for example, opening a program by double-clicking an icon on the desktop).
4.  Double-Clicking the RIGHT mouse button does not do anything.

Practice Exercise
Mousing Around! http://www.pbclibrary.org/mousing/intro.htm
This exercise will let you practice a variety of the skills you’ll need to use your mouse
effectively. If you can try this practice site from any computer connected to the Internet.