The Computer Mouse

The computer mouse is a tool designed to help you use your computer. The majority of mice look similar to the image below but they are also available as tracker balls or joysticks. Some people prefer to use the keyboard instead.
The computer mouse is rolled across a flat surface. This moves a pointer or text cursor around the screen. Mouse functions include click, double click and drag. 

The mouse pointer on the screen has lots of diffrent shapes depending on what it is pointing at. If you are keying in text it will look like a large letter I. If you are selecting commands from the tool bar or drop down menus it will look like an arrow. Some commonly seen pointer shapes are shown in the image below.
Holding the mouse: use which ever hand feels most comfortable*. If you use your right hand place it over the mouse, hold it lightly between your thumb and ring or little finger with your index finger over the left button, and your middle finger over on the right button. You will probably use the left button more often than the right.
*Note: You can use the mouse with your left hand. You use your middle finger for left clicks and index finger for right clicks. Alternatively, the function of the buttons can be swapped by using controls on the computer.
Click and Double Click: these are actions which make something happen. To single click, press the left mouse button lightly and release it immediately. To double click, press the leftbutton twice in quick sucession.You will use a single left click to select a task from a menu or to use a tool on the toolbar. You will use a double click to open a programme.
The pointer will change chape depending on what it is pointing at. For examplke, when you are looking at a webpage (this is known in computer language as browsing), you will see the pointer change to a pointing finger symbol like this as you move it over the page. This means there is an action; in this case it has recognised a link to another webpage (known in computer language as a hyperlink) and if you click the left mouse button once, the other page will open.
Right-Click. The right click can be used as a short cut to open an option menu.
Click, hold and drag: click once, hold the button down and roll the mouse to drag movable items across the screen.
Wheel. A mouse will often have a small wheel between the buttons. When you roll this wheel, the page will move up or down (in compter language this is known as scrolling)
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Solitaire

Solitaire is a computer card game which is excellent for practising mouse skills.

1. Click "Start" at the bottom left of the screen. A menu will pop up.
2. Go to "Programs" or "All Programs" and then "Games." Click "Solitaire" to open the game.
3. Look for any cards that you can move. Drop red cards onto black cards in descending order from King to Ace. Drop black cards onto red cards in descending order from King to Ace. Move a card by clicking and dragging it to a new location and dropping it there.
4. Click on any Aces and drag them to the top of the screen. There is a spot for all four Aces: hearts, diamonds, spades and clubs. You will build up each suit from Ace to King. Click on any unturned card to turn it over.
5. Click the deck at the top left of the screen if you cannot move any more cards. Click again until you see a card you can use. Use a card from the deck by clicking and dragging it to the playing area.
6. Drag a King on to any empty space. Build all the cards down from King to Ace in the playing area alternating the cards from red to black. Then build all four suits onto the Aces at the top right of the screen to win the game.
7. Start a new game by clicking "Game" and then "Deal" on the "Menu" Bar.