How do I use the mouse?

The mouse is a navigation and selection device that allows you to "point" to items on your screen without using the keyboard.

The mouse pointer is usually an arrow-shaped symbol that indicates the location of the mouse on the screen. As you work and move the mouse, the mouse pointer may change to other shapes:

Mouse symbol Indicates...
Mouse pointer: arrow The current location of the mouse on your screen.
Mouse pointer: timer You need to wait for an action to end before initiating another.
Mouse pointer: I-beam You can enter data in the current location. Click before you start typing.
Mouse pointer: insertion point Where the next character you enter will appear when you type.
Mouse pointer: double-headed arrow You can move the column border left or right to size a column; or you can move the row border up or down to size the row.
Mouse action What you do...
Click Press and release the left mouse button.
Double-click Press and release the left mouse button twice in rapid succession.
Right-click Press and release the right mouse button.
Drag Press the left mouse button and hold it down while moving the mouse across the screen; then release the mouse button.


See also
Keyboard shortcuts