Details On Use And Care Of A Computer Mouse

Introduction

Just like humans would use their hands to interact with objects in their physical environment, the mouse is used for interacting with items on the computer screen. One can move objects, open them, change them, throw them away, and perform other actions, all by pointing and clicking with the mouse.

The Basic Parts Of A Computer Mouse

A computer mouse typically has two buttons:- 

A primary mouse button also called the command button (usually the left button) and a secondary mouse button (usually the right button). The primary mouse button is used more often since it is the button that is assigned the duty of issuing direct instructions like selecting items when using a mouse while the secondary mouse button is mostly used to display context menus. Most mice also include a scroll wheel between the buttons to help users scroll through documents, webpages or whatever content being viewed more easily. On some mice, the scroll wheel can be pressed to act as a third button. Advanced mice might have additional buttons that can perform other functions.

A computer mouse showing labelled parts

Holding And Moving The Computer Mouse

In order to carry out any operations with the computer using its mouse with ease, you must learn to do the following:-

 Place your mouse beside your keyboard on a clean, smooth surface, such as a mouse pad. Hold the mouse gently, with your index finger resting on the primary button and your thumb resting on the side. To move the mouse, slide it slowly in any direction. Don't twist it, keep the front of the mouse aimed away from you. As you move the mouse, a pointer on your screen moves in the same direction. If you run out of enough room to move your mouse on your desk or mouse pad, just pick up the mouse and bring it back closer to you but still on the pad.

The proper way of holding a computer mouse during use

Pointing,Clicking And Dragging With A Mouse

Pointing to an item on the screen means moving your mouse so the pointer appears to be touching the item. When you point to something, a small box often appears that describes the item. For example, when you point to the Recycle Bin on the desktop, a box appears with this information: "Contains the files and folders that you have deleted."

The pointer can change depending on what you're pointing to, or the environment you are working inside . For example, when you point to a link in your web browser, the pointer changes from an arrow to a hand with a finger pointing to the link.

Most mouse actions combine pointing with pressing one of the mouse buttons. There are basically four ways to use your mouse buttons, and that is by clicking, double-clicking, right-clicking, and dragging.

Different Computer Mouse pointers during operation

    Single-clicking

In order to click an item using the computer mouse, point to the item on the screen, and then press and release the primary button or command (usually the left button).

Clicking is most often used to select (mark) an item or open a menu. This is sometimes called single-clicking or left-clicking.

  Double-Clicking

To double-click an item, point the mouse pointer to the item on the screen, and then click twice quickly. If the two clicks are spaced too far apart, they might be interpreted as two individual clicks rather than as one double-click.

Double-clicking is most often used to open items on your desktop. For example, you can start a program or open a folder by double-clicking its icon on the desktop. If in case you have problems on double-clicking, you can adjust the double-click speed (the amount of time acceptable between clicks). Just do the following:-

1. Click and open mouse properties

2. Click the Buttons tab, and then, under Double-click speed, move the slider to increase or decrease the speed.

Right-Clicking

In order to right-click an item on a computer, point to the item on the screen, and then press and release the secondary button (usually the right button).

Right-clicking an item usually displays a list of things you can do with the item, this list is referred to as a context menu. For example, when you right-click the Recycle Bin on your desktop, Windows displays a menu allowing you to open it, empty it, delete it, or see its properties. If you're ever unsure of what to do with something on a computer, right-click on  it.

The computer Recycle bin showing context menu when right clicked

Dragging

Items can be moved around the computer screen by dragging them. To drag an object, point to the object on the screen, press and hold the primary button, move the object to a new location, and then release the primary button.

Dragging (sometimes called dragging and dropping) is most often used to move files and folders to a different location and to move windows and icons around on your screen.

Dragging computer files

Using The Mouse Scroll Wheel

If your mouse has a scroll wheel, you can use it to scroll through documents and webpages. To scroll down, roll the wheel backward (toward you). To scroll up, roll the wheel forward (away from you).

Using the mouse scroll wheel

Customizing Your Mouse To Suit You

You can change your mouse settings to suit your personal preferences. For example, you can change how fast your mouse pointer moves around the computer screen, or change the pointer's appearance. If you're left-handed, you can switch the primary button to be the right button. For more information, see Change mouse settings on your computer.

Making Safety Use Of Your Mouse

1. Place your mouse at elbow level. Your upper arms should fall relaxed at your sides.
2. Don't squeeze or grip your mouse tightly. Hold it lightly.
3. Move the mouse by pivoting your arm at your elbow. Avoid bending your wrist up, down, or to the sides.
4. Use a light touch when clicking a mouse button.
5. Keep your fingers relaxed. Don't allow them to hover above the buttons.
6. When you don't need to use the mouse, don't hold it.
7. Take short breaks from computer use every 20 to 25 minutes.

Done, You've mastered using your computer mouse. In case you have a question please visit www.thecomputerculture.blogspot.com read a topic (e.g How To Use A Computer Mouse) ans drop your question(s) as a comment and for sure you are answered.