How to Use a Laptop Mouse

Most laptops do not come with a standard computer mouse. Although a USB, wireless or other type of mouse will usually be compatible with a laptop, the touchpad is the laptop alternative to a conventional desktop mouse. Much like a traditional mouse, the touchpad allows the user to move the cursor on the screen, select text, drag items and click on links or other objects. The following steps are standard for most types of laptop touchpads.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Laptop PC

1. Place your finger on the center of the touchpad. Slide your finger around the touchpad, maintaining contact with it, to move your mouse pointer on the computer screen.

2. Move the pointer in front of text or another item to be selected. Tap the touchpad once to place the cursor there. Press the left button at the bottom of the touchpad and hold it down with your forefinger. Slide your middle finger across the length of the touchpad to select the text or object.

3. Press the right key at the bottom of the touchpad to open the contextual menu for the program you are in. For example, if you right click selected text, you will usually have options such as "Cut," "Copy" and "Paste."

4. Move the mouse pointer over an object you want to drag. Press and hold the left button at the bottom of the touchpad using your forefinger. Slide your middle finger across and around the pad, moving the object to the desired position. Let go of the button to release the object.

5. Press the left touchpad button and hold it down with your forefinger while sliding your middle or ring finger up and down the vertical scroll bar along the right side of the touchpad. This will allow you to scroll up and down on a page.

Resources

• How to Turn Off a Touchpad