What is a mouse?

What is a mouse used for?

A mouse is used to select items on the screen and to give instructions to your computer to perform tasks. A mouse has at least two buttons, called the left mouse button and the right mouse button. Most models of mouse also include a scroll wheel which allows you to easily scroll web pages.

Some include extra buttons, or may eliminate the scroll wheel and use a touch-sensitive panel on the top instead.

Connecting your wired mouse

A wired mouse has a cable coming from it that can be plugged into your computer, via a USB port which is found on the computer case.

If your computer has USB ports on the front of the case, you might find it convenient to plug the mouse in here. Otherwise, you can find the USB ports on the back of the computer case.

Once connected, you’ll be able to use your mouse to point at items on the screen and click on them.

Connecting your Bluetooth mouse

Some models of computer mouse can also connect to your computer wirelessly using Bluetooth. A Bluetooth mouse can be connected by:

1. accessing your computer’s Settings menu
2. selecting Bluetooth
3. finding your mouse from the list of available devices
4. connecting the mouse to your computer.

What is the mouse pointer?

Once your mouse is connected, you’ll see an arrow on the screen which is known as the mouse pointer. It is also sometimes called a cursor.

You can move your mouse with your hand to move the pointer around to different parts of the screen. For example, moving your mouse to the left will make the pointer move to the left.

What is the mouse pointer? (continued)

If you move or hover the pointer over an element that can be clicked, it may change from an arrow into a hand, indicating that you can click it.

The right-click

The right-click action is performed by clicking once on the right mouse button. Depending on what you click, a right click usually makes a menu appear that has a range of options in it.

For example, a right click on a photo or text on a website may give you options to save a copy of the image, print it, or even translate the content into another language.

The double-click

A double-click is performed when you click twice with the left mouse button. The two clicks need to be done in rapid succession, and you might find it can take a bit of practice to get this just right.

The main purpose of the double-click is to open files such as photos or documents.

Scrolling with the mouse scroll wheel

You can scroll a web page or a multi-paged document using the scroll wheel on your mouse. Rotate the wheel with your index finger while on a web page, to make the contents of the page move up or down. You can then see content on the parts of the page that don’t fit on the screen.

Scrolling with the scroll bar

You can scroll a web page or document by clicking and dragging with your mouse. All websites and documents have a scroll bar on the right-hand side. Left click on this scroll bar, hold down the button, and move the mouse up or down to scroll the contents of the page.

Safely using your mouse

It’s important to use your mouse safely to avoid injury or repetitive strain injuries (RSI). Use the following tips as a guide when using your mouse:

• Always have the mouse flat on the desk in a position that is comfortable. Avoid stretching out, or having the mouse too close to your body.
• Place your hand over the mouse and let your palm sit gently on the back, with your index finger resting on the left button.

Safely using your mouse (continued)

• Try not to squeeze or push down on the mouse, as this will make it harder to move around.
• Your forearm should be parallel to the floor when using a mouse.

Well done!

You’ve completed the What is a mouse? activity and learned the basic functions and use of a mouse.

If you’re a registered user, you can now complete a short quiz to test your learning. If you’re not registered, this is now the end of the What is a computer? course.