1

Mouse Basics

A Module of the CYC Course – Computer Basics

8-3-10

2

What’s a mouse?

• The mouse is a piece of equipment that helps us do many things on our computer.

• It controls the cursor or pointer on our screen.

• It is sometimes called a “Pointing Device.”

• Put your hand on the mouse.

Definition courtesy of Webopedia: http://www.webopedia.com

3

Arrow or Hand

• The mouse controls the cursor which you see as either an arrow or a hand.

4

Lefties

• Your computer can easily be configured for left handed use of the mouse.

• A public access computer may have these settings locked down. Ask the instructor/monitor for assistance.

• A home computer can be configured for multiple users with individual mouse settings for each user.

5

One click or two?

• Use one click to select buttons, like:– New Document– Open– Save– Print

6

One click or two?

• Use two clicks to select icons, like:– Internet Explorer– Excel– My Computer

If one click doesn’twork, try two!

7

Experiment

• Lift your mouse into the air. Place it back on the desk/table in a different location. Notice the cursor location on your screen did not change.

8

Surface

• Notice the surface where your mouse is resting. Is it flat and clear of obstacles?

• Is the mouse pad necessary?• Optical mice do not need the mouse

pad but be sure to avoid reflective surfaces.

9

Practicing using the Mouse

• Go to Mouserobics.• Practice “Mouserobics” by following the

instructions on the screen.

10

Additional Suggestions

• Scroll Wheel• Using a computer without the mouse.

11

Creative Commons License

• This module was created by Connect Your Community, a project of OneCommunity, funded by the federal Broadband Technology Opportunities Program.

• This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0