How to Use Tablet Computers
According to Web Pro News, pen-based computing has been around since the late 1980s, but such devices did not live up to their initial hype. It wasn't until Microsoft reintroduced the concept in 2002 that so-called "tablet PCs" became popular in professional sectors, even gaining some support from home-based computer users. However, even with this increased popularity, tablet computers are by no means commonplace. Standard desktop computers still dominate the marketplace, and many users don't know how to properly use a tablet computer. Luckily, with a few simple steps you can be on your way toward effective tablet computer usage.
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Instructions
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Start up the computer like you normally would by pressing the "power" button. When the computer has booted up, practice "clicking" on desktop items using the pen. Tablet computers use the same Windows XP or Vista interface as standard PCs; the main difference between tablet and standard PCs is that tablet models use a handheld pen rather than a mouse. To click on an item, simply tap the screen with the pen.
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Rest your hand on the computer's screen itself for stability while you practice clicking on desktop items. The tablet computer is designed to respond only to the pen device, and your hand will not affect performance.
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Tap on a desktop icon twice in rapid succession to initiate a "double-click," opening the file or folder associated with the icon. Close the file or folder and try double-clicking again until you feel confident in your pen-based double-clicking skills.
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Tap a desktop icon and hold down the pen. Now that you've learned basic clicking, you can move onto "right-clicking" and "dragging." Keep holding the pen down until you see a small mouse icon appear near the pen, then lift the pen; according to Microsoft.com, this will activate a right-click operation. With most icons, a right-click operation will bring up a menu of clickable options. Highlight the options and click as you normally would to select a menu option.
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Tap on an icon and hold down the pen again. This time, instead of lifting the pen when the mouse icon appears, keep holding down the pen. Drag the pen across the desktop to drag the icon to a new location. Lift the pen when you've finished dragging. These same pen-based clicking functions are applicable on all software installed on your tablet computer; with basic single-click, double-click, right-click and drag proficiency, you can effectively use your tablet computer.
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