Windows for the In^xperienced

Chapter 1

Using the Mouse

                                         Fig 1-1

Before we get started, you need to know a little about using the mouse.  Most things in Windows XP can be accomplished using the mouse, so we’ll show you how to use the mouse first.  There are keyboard shortcuts for some things but we’ll get to them later.

You use the mouse to move the cursor around the computer screen.  As you move the mouse, the cursor moves correspondingly across the screen.  The mouse cursor is a white arrow, which is given a slightly 3D appearance by the use of a subtle shadow

                                                    Fig 1-1a  

There are many different types of mouse, some are cordless, some use an optical pickup instead of a ball, but they all share some common characteristics.

On top of the mouse you will find two buttons, and possibly a third button or wheel.  Pressing and releasing a button is called clicking, and it is used to select an object on the screen.  Generally the Left mouse button is used to select things.

You select an object by moving the cursor over the object using the mouse, and then clicking the Left button once.  The text description on icons will become highlighted in blue when selected.  The icon colour will also darken.

Some operations require a “double-click” to make something happen.  Double-clicking usually involves the Left mouse button and simply means click the button twice in quick succession.

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