Mouse BasicsA Windows based PC uses a mouse with two buttons - a left and a right button. This is one of the differences between a Windows based PC and an Apple PC. The Apple has a single button mouse. Figure 1-1) shows an Optical Wheel Mouse. The Left button is used to select items. A single click will usually highlight (select) an object such as an icon or menu item. If you double click it, the object will be activated, i.e. if it is a program, the program will start. If you depress the left button over an item and hold it down, you can drag it. You can also configure your desktop to activate a program with a single click of the left mouse button. Also, items in the Quick Launch bar start with a single click.
This mouse also includes a "wheel". In most applications, the wheel can be used to scroll (move) up and down the screen. It takes the place of the scroll bar. Using the Control Panel you can change the functions of the mouse buttons and configure the mouse for left hand operation - reverses the functions.
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An optical mouse uses light to sense movement. The older style mouse uses a ball that rolls to sense movement. Because the ball rolls, it picks up dirt and can become erratic in its action. However with an optical mouse this is not a problem. The only requirement for the surface that you use the mouse on is that it cannot be too reflective. A simple piece of paper will make a good surface for operating the mouse. Note the mouse has a Right and Left buttons. For a right-handed person the normal use of the buttons are as follows:
When you move the mouse pointer over an item and depress the Right button a menu of functions will appear (context menu). See Figure 1-2a.(insert) This provides a number of options that will be discussed later.