1 Mouse Basics A Module of the CYC Course – Computer Basics

2 Whats 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:

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 doesnt work, 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.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.OneCommunityBroadband Technology Opportunities Program This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. To view a copy of this license, visit work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. To view a copy of this license, visit