- Exploring the Windows Vista Desktop
- Using the Mouse
- Scrolling a Window
- Maximizing, Minimizing, and Closing a Window
- Using the Windows Start Menu
- Opening a Program
- Switching Between Programs
- Using Menus
- Using Toolbars and Ribbons
- Managing PC Resources with Computer Explorer
- Managing Windows with the Control Panel
- Personalizing the Desktop Background
- Changing the Color Scheme
- Using a Screensaver
- Using the Windows Sidebar
- Setting Up Additional Users
- Getting Help in Windows
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
Using the Mouse
To use Windows efficiently, you must master a few simple operations, all of which you perform with your mouse. Most mouse operations include pointing and clicking. Normal clicking uses the left mouse button; however, some operations require that you click the right mouse button, instead.
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To single-click, position the cursor over the onscreen item and click the left mouse button.
To double-click, position the cursor over the onscreen item and click the left mouse button twice in rapid succession.
TIP: Click to Select
Pointing and clicking is an effective way to select icons, menu items, directories, and files.
TIP: Hovering
Another common mouse operation is hovering, where you hold the cursor over an onscreen item without pressing either of the mouse buttons. For example, when you hover your cursor over an icon or menu item, Windows displays a ToolTip that tells you a little about the selected item.
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To right-click, position the cursor over the onscreen item and then click the right mouse button.
To drag and drop an item from one location to another, position the cursor over the item, click and hold the left mouse button,
drag the item to a new position, and then release the mouse button.
TIP: Pop-Up Menus
Many items in Windows feature a context-sensitive pop-up menu. You access this menu by right-clicking the item. (When in doubt, right-click the item and see what pops up!)
TIP: Moving Files
You can use dragging and dropping to move files from one folder to another or to delete files by dragging them onto the Recycle Bin icon.