New Berlin Public Library

Using the Mouse

The mouse is used by placing it on a flat surface. There's a little ball in the bottom of the mouse. That ball is what makes the mouse work. As you move the mouse to the left, the arrow on the screen moves left. Move the mouse right and the arrow moves right. Move the mouse away from you and the arrow goes up, etc. A light touch on the mouse is easier on both you and the mouse. We like to use the word "caress" to express how you hold the mouse both easily and firmly.

Every mouse has one or more buttons on top. On a standard PC mouse there will be two buttons. You will only use the left hand button. You use the buttons to "click", as in the phrase "point and click". The arrow that is moved by the mouse, and the button you click, allow you to make the Browser do many things.

Using the Browser

A Graphic User Interface (GUI, pronounced "gooey") is how Web Browsers look and work. In theory a GUI based program is easier to use than the old fashioned "command" method. You simply use your mouse to "point and click" at things on the screen. Described below are the three main things you "point and click" at. These actions will be demonstrated and used repeatedly during the workshop.

Menu Bar



The line of words across the top of the Web Browser program. When you move the arrow onto one of the words and click the mouse button, a menu of actions you can do will drop down. You then move the arrow to the action you desire (note the word will become highlighted as you move the arrow over it) and click. Your web browser will then execute that action.




Button Bar



The line of pictures across the top of the Web Browser, just below the Menu Bar. These button's are the most common actions that you may want your browser to do. Move the mouse until the arrow is on the picture of the action you want (you might see a short description of that buttons action when you leave the arrow on it for a moment) and then click the mouse button. This is "point and click".

Links

Any words on a Web Page that are Blue and Underlined are a link. You can move the arrow on those words and click. The best way to know a highlighted word or picture is a link is the arrow will turn into a hand. The Web Browser will then retrieve that new Web Page and display it on your computer.

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