Dialog Boxes what are they and what do they do?

Last time we spoke about Menu options, and I mentioned if the option has "..." following it you will need to input information into a dialog box! 'FIND...' was the example in the last lesson.

I have pictured today a PRINTER menu screen, and we can use the different dialog boxes to tell the computer which printer to use, how many copies of the document we wish to have, what pages to print, etc.

When you click on these menu options you will open a type of dialog box.  Today’s How-To Guide for the Computer Beginner is what are Dialog boxes, and what do they do?

Dialog Box Examples

The most common one that I see these days is the tabs which I'm sure look familiar!  In the menu options below you would be choosing a tab by clicking on it.  Then the dialog boxes will ask more information about BUTTONS in this case with the picture below.



Here you can see what the some common types of dialog boxes look like.  I have numbered them for us, and went into the descriptions below of these common dialog boxes.



1) Click on an item in the list box to select it. Use the scroll bar to see items out of view. For this example I took this example from a screensaver menu!

2) Use the tiny arrows in the spin control box to move through the list of available values. Only one value will be visible at a time. You can also type in a value. This type of input number representing a size.

3) Drag the slide. The text below will change as your sliding hits new values. This case is speed.

4) This is a text box option.  It shows you what folder the computer has chosen for this task.   If you don’t wish to use the chosen folder would you click ‘choose folder’ to change it.

5) Click on the circle of your choice, called a radio button. In a group of radio buttons, only one choice can be chosen at a time.

6) Click a checkbox to select it. At times you will have more than one box to choose from! This one just had the single! 

I notice these types of checkboxes when you are installing a new program.  They have the box already selected asking you if it is okay to install additional programs , or options for you.    All to often I see programs asking to install a toolbar.  I never let the programs do that.  If I want the toolbar I will install it separately.

 

 

 

7) Clicking the down arrow will open up a drop list (or dropdown list) of choices. Click on your choice just like in a list box.


Goodness knows there are more types than this!

Keep in mind MOST dialog boxes have a red "?" in the upper right hand corner. You can click that question mark, and it will have information about the dialog box itself! In some cases you can right click, and choose the option 'what's this?"

What do Dialog Boxes Do?

Dialog boxes ask you to enter additional information or setting for the activity you are currently working on.

Think of it like when you go the shoe store to buy shoes.

The sales person hands you the first menu

Are the shoes for men, women or a child? The dialog box would have an option for each.  You click child.  Next choice gender…

What type of shoe are we looking for? (gym shoes, dress shoes, sandals)

What size are you looking for……

I’m sure you get the idea here. Dialog boxes basically narrows down the menu choices.  It goes into MORE detail if you will.

I hope you enjoyed today’s How-To Guide for the Computer Beginner is what are Dialog boxes, and what do they do!

 

As always if you have any questions or comments please feel free to leave a comment.

Also don’t forget to leave your email in the subscription box below, so that future lessons are sent to you directly.

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Start Button On Computer? Where is the Start Menu?

When I started to help some friends and family with their computer skills one of the first questions they asked was, “What is a start button?”

 

That is when I realized I need to slow down, because some of the computer stuff maybe second nature to me!  It hardly is the case with the person I was speaking to.

 

The Start Button and the Start Menu are something you will be using on a regular basis when using your computer.

 

Today’s How-To Guide for the Computer beginning is: What is the start button?  Where is the Start Menu?

 

What is a Start Button

This is what the Windows 7 Start Button looks like

 

 

 

This is the Windows Vista Start Button

 

 

The Geekzone.co.nz had a awesome picture of different start buttons you might see on your computer! Same principal as above!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is a Start Menu?

When you click on one of the above start buttons?  The START MENU will appear.

 

 

This would be a Windows 7 Start menu.

 

You would see this AFTER you click the start button.

 

 

 

 

Vista start menu

Again you see this AFTER you click on the Vista Start Button

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This the same with Windows XP start menu.

 

Notice the cursor clicked on the start button in this picture!

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is the same principal with older operating systems like Windows 98.

Once you click that start button? You start menu will appear.

 

 

 

 

 

If something is not clear, or you feel something should be added to our lesson? Please feel free to leave your comment or question in section we provided.  Remember!  I can also learn from the computer beginner!

Also please subscribe by leaving your email in the box supplied, and you will received future lessons by email as they come out.

 

Thank you for reading out How-To Guide for the Computer Beginner on start button and start menus!!

 

 

 

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What are Menu Options? Sub Menus?

Windows have TONS of menus! What is a menu option?

Today’s How-To Guide for the Computer Beginner is our explanation of Menu Options.

Compare the term menu options to when you go out to eat at a restaurant.    You tell the wait staff what meal you would like to have, and they tell you that you have  MENU OPTIONS for your choice of potatoes.  You have a choice between mashed, hash browns, French fries, or baked.

The concept of menu options is pretty much the same, and YES I realize the wait staff ISN’T going to use ‘menu options’ at your table (giggles).

For example, lets click your start menu.  I have pictured here a older operating system, Called Windows 98.

Notice next to PROGRAMS, DOCUMENTS, SETTINGS, FIND

you have an arrow.  I have circled and pointed to the ‘documents’ example in our picture today.

That arrow will tell you that you will get a submenu when you click on it (remember our potatoes example).

In this example with this Windows 98 picture the Documents arrow will open up a list of documents that you have saved on your computer.

Menus, Menu Options, and SUB Menus!

Sometimes your MENUS that have SUBMENUS even have MENUS themselves like our example of this Windows XP choice.

Notice the computer user first clicked on ‘settings’, and then on ‘control panel’, and moved on to ‘sounds and audio devices’.

If we use our potatoes example again?  Our First menu option would have been the type of potatoes as we mentioned above. 

Lets say you made your choice of ‘mashed potatoes’. 

A SUB menu option window would ask you:  Butter, Sour cream, Chives as you choices of what you would LIKE on your mashed potatoes.

You can always tell if you have additional choices, or another menu – submenu by noticing the arrow again.  I pointed to them in this pictured of the Windows XP machine.

Menu Options NOT available! Menu Options that require user information!

Now if you notice some menus have odd appearances!

For example look at this screenshot, and you will notice that some of the options are greyed out!

Those greyed out options means they are NOT currently available for use at this time.

Other menu options have the ‘…’ like the RUN pictured here!

Normally, if you click this you will get a dialog box that opens, and the computer user will have to enter some information.

Explanation of the FIND menu option!

the Find Menu Option is a great example of the computer user having the to enter information.

The find menu option (pictured is older operating system) opens into a dialog box.

If you notice in the upper right hand corner next to the X you will see a question mark.  That is your help section in case you are NOT sure what the dialog box is asking you for.

Find Menu Options

Window Element	Element Type	Description
Find What	Required Text File	Enter the text that you want to find.
Match Whole words only	Checkbox	If you select this box, the system does not find a string if it is contained in a longer word. For example, if your search criteria is "Some," it would not find the word "Sometimes".
Match Case	Checkbox	Select to distinguish between upper case and lower case letters in a search.
Direction	Radio button	Choose the direction of the search. (up or down the document)
Find Next	Button	Click to highlight the requested text.
Cancel	Button	Click to close the window.

Menu Options Already in Use!

Another option is you may see a checkmark that indicates you are using an option that is currently active.

You notice in the is picture the menu options ‘play sounds’ and ‘automatically show deals’ are checked.  They are in use currently.


In conclusion, Menu Options, or Sub Menus are basically used to narrow down your choices.

Next time you go to breakfast?  Think MENU OPTIONS!

Eggs – scrambled, sunny side up, sunny side down, fried, etc.

Toast – wheat, rye, white or biscuit.

Orange juice – small, medium or large

Coffee – regular or Decaf?

We deal with menu options and sub menus in life all the time.

If you have ANY questions or comments about our How-To Guide for the Computer Beginner on “Computer Menu Options” please feel free to leave us a note in the box supplied below.

Also make sure you leave your email address in our subscription we have supplied to received future lessons sent your email box!

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How do I find out what version of windows I have?

From time to time you will need to know what version of windows operating system you are presently running.

 

With the newer operating systems you also need to know if you are a 32 bit or a 64 bit operating system.

 

Today’s How-To Guide for the Computer Beginner is about versions of windows.  In particular what version of windows do I have?

 

I have to admit I get more questions like these that we will answer as well

 

64 bit vs 32 bit
32 bit or 64 bit
is my system 32 or 64 bit

 

We will start with the older versions of Windows, and then move into Vista and Windows 7.

 

What Version of Windows do I have?

This is a very easy process I promise!!

Find 'My Computer' on your desktop

 

 

 

Right Click on “My Computer”.  You will be given some options, and we are looking for ‘properties’

 

 

Click on Properties

 

 

If you look at this XP Windows menu, we will look under the GENERAL tab at the top. 

 

Versions of Windows older than XP follow these same directions.

This version of windows is noted

 

Windows Version:

Microsoft Windows XP

Home Edition

Version 2002

Service Pack 2

 

If you are having a hard time finding the MY COMPUTER icon we can go at this a different way.

 

First we must click on your start button

 

and find the MY COMPUTER (right side of this screen shot)

Again you must Right click on MY COMPUTER, and look for Properties, and click on that.

The system properties window up pop up, and it will tell you what version of windows you are running!

 

 

 

 

Version of windows, 32 bit or 64 bit

 

In Vista or Windows 7 you can push your start button, and start to type ‘system information’ in the box pictured.

 

You will see the system information tab come up! Click it, and there you have it!

I will admit the system information tab at times is a little to technical for some people, and YES there is an easier way to find your version of windows.

 

If you someone needs the technical information?  The above is the way to show them about your operating system.

 

Most of the time you will just need your version of windows, but also remember these questions?

 

64 bit vs 32 bit
32 bit or 64 bit
is my system 32 or 64 bit

 

There will be times in which you will need to update your java, or another program.  They will ask you what version of windows, and how many bits you are currently using in your version of the windows operating system.  That is why it is important to know how many bits your system has.

 

Don’t worry this is EASY as well!  I prefer doing it this way, because you get your version of windows, and your 32 bit or 64 bit information at the same time.

 

Lets go to the start button once again, and move over to control panel.

 

 

Once you are in control panel you will look for System and Security.  Its in green, and you want to click on the green ‘system and security’ words.

 

 

A new screen will appear, and you again wish to click on the green word ‘system’.

 

 

The last screen will pop up, and you will get a summary of your windows system.

 

 

This is the middle section of the screen that will pop up.  The top section tells you what operating system you have, and this middle section will tell you if you are 32 bit computer or 64 bit operating system.

 

Look closely to the ‘system type’, and you will see this operating system is 64 bit.

 

 

Or if you are in the classic view of the control panel click the system icon to find your version of windows.

 

 

Once you click on the system icon your basic information about your computer will pop up.

 

 

 

If you look above?  Windows Vista Home Premium, Service Pack 2 is our windows version.  That is under the ‘windows edition’ top section

 

If you look at the ‘system type’ this picture shows 32-bit operating system.  That is in the second section called, ‘system’.

 

I will tell you it won’t be that often that you will need to have some of this information, but it is helpful to have handy. 

 

I think most people can remember what operating system they currently have, but they do have trouble remembering how many bits.

 

Well!  Now you can show them!  Won’t you LOOK smart!

 

I hope today’s How-To Guide for the Computer Beginner was helpful to you.  If you are still having trouble figuring out what version of windows you have, or if your system is 32 bit or 64 bit just leave a comment to tell me where I lost you.

 

As Always, don’t forget to leave your email in the subscribe section I have provided.  You will be sent future lessons directly to your email!

 

 

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What is Spyware? What do you because it can't be GOOD?!

PC Vs Mac Spyware Commercial -


That commercial just tickles me! PC gave you an idea of what spyware is!

From From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia the definition is:

Spyware is computer software that is installed surreptitiously on a personal computer to intercept or take partial control over the user's interaction with the computer, without the user's informed consent.

While the term spyware suggests software that secretly monitors the user's behavior, the functions of spyware extend well beyond simple monitoring. Spyware programs can collect various types of personal information, such as Internet surfing habit, sites that have been visited, but can also interfere with user control of the computer in other ways, such as installing additional software, redirecting Web browser activity, accessing websites blindly that will cause more harmful viruses, or diverting advertising revenue to a third party. Spyware can even change computer settings, resulting in slow connection speeds, different home pages, and loss of Internet or other programs. In an attempt to increase the understanding of spyware, a more formal classification of its included software types is captured under the term privacy-invasive software.

In response to the emergence of spyware, a small industry has sprung up dealing in anti-spyware software. Running anti-spyware software has become a widely recognized element of computer security best practices for Microsoft Windows desktop computers. A number of jurisdictions have passed anti-spyware laws, which usually target any software that is surreptitiously installed to control a user's computer.

Major YUCK right???

Along with Spyware you have other types of infections!



Adware, Malware, Spyware all very hard on computers, and can cause all kinds of issues!

One thing I get asked alot is, "WHAT did we do to get it there in the first place?" The simplest answer is pretty much nothing! Its pretty much IS part of the Internet community, and for PC users (remember the commercial) its part of our reality online!

Another thing you need to remember is these infections are like an onion! You peel off the first layer, and you still have that next layer of skin!

We are going to use what I call the ONION peel method of taking care of these infections! KEY - remember ONION!


When you run your programs to get rid of these infections you may have another layer of spyware ready to crop up! RUN the program until you get NOTHING left! Remove all the layers!

Another part of this is you need to layer your programs! There are alot of really NICE programs out there for these infections, and alot of them are free of charge! Even if you purchased one program, or may even HAVE a program on your computer ready to combat these little buggers you need layered protection! There isn't anything WRONG with these programs. I think its just the nature of the beast!


I realize there are alot of people that have older software systems, and some of these up to date programs will NOT work for you! In my blog roll I have two links for websites that have downloads for some nice programs for older systems.

The first program I use is Ad-Aware. I found a video that will give you good visual! The program has been updated since this video, but when you use it you will see most of the aspects are the same! The only thing he didn't mention was to RE RUN that program until its ALL gone!



The second program I like to use is Ewido. Ewido has an online scan, and it will ask you if you can download an application. I have also been using this for while, and I will tell you it takes a while to run. The older operating systems may not be able to use this program.

I'm sure your friends and family have other programs they like to use. Those are two I like to use. So GO and get that SPYWARE, ADWARE, MALWARE.........and DELETE DELETE DELETE!!

What programs do you use already?

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What are all those buttons on my keyboard?

I saw this message, and I had to share it with you today! Somehow I can picture a computer giving this keyboard error, and you left scratching your head wondering....and HOW are you to PUSH any key to continue???







Indiana University had this diagram of a typical keyboard.

As always keep in mind there are different looking ones, but most of them all have the buttons we are going to talk about today!



Keyboards are similiar to the typewriters of the past! You had the letters, numbers, shift, backspace, spacebar on them, and they are still present on your keyboard. Your carriage return is now called "ENTER"! What is nice is you don't have to use the carriage return like you had in the past, because the computer will do that for you! IF you want to make a new paragraph of course you would use that enter key as you carriage return!

Lets start on the first row of keys!

ESC

You can use the ESC (or escape key) in most programs to back out or quit whatever you happen to be doing at the time.

Most of the time I see people use this with video's for example! They want to see videos in FULL screen mode, and when they are done viewing they will hit the ESC key to bring the screen back to normal size.

If you look to the top of the keyboard you will see keys that have 'F' and a number on them. They are called function keys. Typewriters didn't have these, and some of them you might use from time to time and others you may NEVER use!

F1
F1 you can press to bring up the help menu. Alot of times if you are working in a program, and you need to reference something you can click that F1 for help. If you are browsing the internet, and use F1 your help menu for your system will come up! Try it now to see what I'm talking about!

F2
F2 is something I have never used! You can use this function when you rename documents. For example, lets say you have a file you made named 'my computer basics' and you hate the title! You want to change that title to something you like better! You click that document, and hit F2 and it will allow you to change that document name. Its basically the same thing as you right clicking on the document, and hit the command 'rename'.

Highlight any folder or file, and press F2. You will then be able to type a new name for the object. After you type the new name, just click outside the name box or press the enter key to make the name change.

F3
F3 When you are working in Windows, the F3 key will open the Find Files window.

I will give you another example!

Click on the screen you are currently reading. Then hit your F3 key, and type in the word BASIC in search space provided. The FIND command will find EVERY time the word 'basic' comes up. Pretty cool huh?

F4

F4 is something I really don't use very often either...if ever! Some people LOVE it!

The F4 key has some very useful functionality. You can press F4 to open the Address bar when working in Internet Explorer. This will allow you to type the address of a Web page for quick access. You can also press the Alt key and the F4 key at the same time to close the open Window that you are currently working on.

F5
The F5 is the REFRESH key!

You can press F5 when viewing a Web page to make sure that you have the most current version of that Web page. You can also use F5 when in Windows to refresh the screen. This can be a handy shortcut.

Lets say you have two folders of letters, documents, etc. You are moving one or all of them to another folder. You just got got pasting them, but want to refresh the screen to make sure the computer understood what you were doing....Hit F5! it will refresh the screen with everything 'as is' at the present moment!

F6

This key is often used to move the cursor around the structure of the program. Pressing it will often cycle you from window to window.

I don't use this one either much!

F7

The F7 key does not have any functionality in Windows. It may, however be used in some individual programs. To find out if it is available in the program you are using, bring up the program's help screen and type in the words function key.

F8

The F8 key can be used to access Safe Mode if pressed during the computer's boot up process. For example during a trouble-shooting mode. You would push this button during the booting up process to go into safe mode instead of the regular screen we use most often.

F9

The F9 key does not have any functionality in Windows. It may, however, be used in some individual programs. To find out if it is available in the program you are using, bring up the program's help screen and type in the words function key.

F10

F10 is the key that is used to activate the menu bar in many programs. You can use F10 to highlight the first menu choice, and then use the arrow keys to move around the menus. Pressing the Shift key while pressing F10 will bring up the shortcut menu. This is similar to right-clicking on an object.

F11

Press F11 when you are working in Internet Explorer and the window will open to full screen mode. This will make all the toolbars disappear and can be useful to see more information on the screen. Press F11 when you are in full screen mode will toggle you back to your normal view.

F12

The F12 key does not have any functionality in Windows. It may, however be used in some individual programs. To find out if it is available in the program you are using, bring up the program's help screen and type in the words function key.

Print Screen/SysRq

You can use this button if you want to take a picture of the screen you are using presently. I have used this on the lessons here to show you what the individual steps are to doing things on the computer!

The computer places that image on the windows clipboard. You then can paste that image into a word processing program for example!

If you want to try this once we can! Open up your word processor (word, wordpad, word perfect). Click on this webpage that you are reading. Then look to the top of your keyboard, and find the Print Scrn/sysrq button and click that. Its normally right next to the function keys (The F Keys). Go to your word processor, and look to the top of the screen within that program. You will see the FILE, EDIT at the top! Click edit, and then click 'paste'. YOu should see an image of this screen on your word processor now! COOL huh?

Scroll Lock

Pretty worthless key. There are some programs that will use the scroll lock.

Pause/Break

Additional worthless key, but some older computer programs will use it.

Lets now to the BOTTOM of the keyboard!

Ctrl and Alt


The Control (Ctrl) and Alternate (Alt) keys make other keys on the keyboard act differently from the way they normally would act. They are normally used with short cut methods.

If you still have your word processor open from the exercise we did a little while ago you can see some of the short cuts listed under the 'edit' features. For example you will see CTRL+X to CUT!

Windows Logo Key

This is another shortcut key.

(windows key) = Open the start menu

(windows key) + Pause/break = Display the systems properties dialog box

(windows key) + Tab = Cycle through running programs in the taskbar

(windows key) + E = A new Windows Explorer window

(windows key) + L = Lock your computer

(windows key) + D = Hide all windows and show the desktop. Press it again to bring everything back.

(windows key) + F = Computer and files search box

(windows key) + F + Ctrl = Find a computer on a network

(windows key) + F1 = Display the windows help window

(windows key) + M = Minimize all open windows

(windows key) + R = Quick access to the Run program box

(windows key) + Shift + M = undo minimize all program windows

Arrow Keys

These keys will move your cursor up, down, and side to side

Page up, Page down, Home, End Keys

They are movement keys as well.

Numeric keypad

You remember the adding machines? If you see this portion of the keyboard it should look familiar! You need to have the NUM LOCK button pressed in order to use this like you did the adding machine. There will NOT be any tape like in the past!

When the NUM LOCK (number lock) key isn't being used they are basically movement keys as described above.

Most of the time computers have this NUM LOCK turned on at startup!

If you look on your keyboard you will see a button that looks like it has two minus signs on it.  See the picture to the left.  Without using your shift that you would normally use for capital letters you will get a (-) minus sign.  If you use your shift key ( _ ) you get what they call an underscore key.






Don't forget if you have any question or comments use the top of this post to start the discussion! If you don't know how to do this I have also written about that! How do I comment! You can also subscribe to the lessons as they are published as well!



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How-To Change Your Mouse Settings

Today’s How-To Guide for the computer beginner  lesson is how to change your mouse settings.
Why would change your mouse settings?  You could be left handed, and you are more comfortable clicking the opposite way.
Lets say mouse sensitivity drives you nuts, because you can’t double click as fast as the computer wants you too.
You want to change the appearance of your pointer so you can see it better.
Those are just a few examples.
I’m going to break down how to get to the mouse settings on the computer, and then briefing walk you through all the options you have.
Keep in mind some operating systems have all the options we will talk about, and others will not. 

Change Mouse Settings on Windows 8

Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and then tap Search. (If you're using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer down, and then click Search.)

In the search box, enter Change how your mouse works, tap or click Settings, and then tap or click Change how your mouse works.

Change Mouse Settings on Windows 7

Open Mouse Properties by clicking the Start button, and then clicking Control Panel. In the search box, type mouse, and then click Mouse.

Change Mouse Settings on Windows Vista

Start button To Control Panel To Hardware and Sound To Mouse.

In the traditional screen on the Control Panel - just look for MOUSE under the options.
All your options should be in Alphabetical order if you are suing classic mode in the control panel.

Change Mouse Settings On Windows XP

Start button to Control Panel to Printers and Other Hardware To Mouse

Change Mouse Settings on Older Operating Systems

In older versions:
Start Button to Settings to Control Panel to Mouse

How-To Change the Mouse Settings on Your Computer

Keep in mind the mouse properties screen will look similar no matter what operating system you are using. 
You should be looking at a screen similar to the one below.    If you look at the top of this menu?  Make sure you are on the

Mouse Properties Buttons Tab

Button Configuration
Notice the very TOP of this screen is Button Configuration.  As the description mentions if you have trouble ‘right clicking’, and you would rather LEFT click?  You can switch the primary function of the mouse to make it more comfortable for you.
Double Click Speed
Adjust the double click speed on your mouse to either slower or faster.  Some people just can’t double click fast enough, and they can slow that speed down so it is more responsive to their needs.  The opposite is also available.
ClickLock
This function can help with those that have trouble clicking on something, and having to HOLD the mouse key down for any length of time.  To be honest?  This function is better described in a visual manner, and I found this Youtube video that explains – and shows you visually how this option can help you.
Windows Mouse Properties Click Lock
If you made any changes that more fit your needs at this point?  Click apply, and these move to the next tab called Pointers.  Look to the TOP of this properties box for that.

Mouse Properties Pointers Tab

This Pointer section has already selected a Scheme.  If you look below it you will see the customize box, and it will show you what the appearance will look like.

Scheme
Here you can customize your mouse pointer to one you can more easily see, such as larger or higher-visibility pointers, by choosing one of the available schemes. Click on the drop-down box below the 'Scheme' header, or press Tab until the drop-down box is highlighted, then use the mouse or the up and down arrow keys to scroll through the options until you find the scheme you want.
As you scroll through the list, you will see the pictures changing to reflect the scheme that is highlighted at the time. If you have trouble seeing well, try the schemes labeled 'Large', 'Extra Large' and/or 'Inverted'.
When you've highlighted the scheme you want, click the 'OK' button
Below is a screen shot with the different Scheme’s that this computer user had on their machine.

Enable Pointer Shadow
The pointer shadow being turned on puts a faint dark shadow under the mouse pointer arrow, giving it a 3D appearance and making it appear to "float" above other items on the screen.  This shadow also makes it easier to find the pointer on lightly colored websites or programs.
Once again, when you make changes make sure you click apply at the bottom to save your choices.

Mouse Properties Pointer Options

Motion
The pointer speed is how quickly you want that pointer to zip across your computer screen.  This is personal taste once again.
Enhance Pointer Precision
To make the pointer work more accurately when you're moving the mouse slowly, select the Enhance pointer precision check box.
Snap To
To speed the process of selecting a choice when a dialog box appears, select the Automatically move pointer to the default button in a dialog box check box .
I personally would rather do this myself, but some people do like the control of this option for personal reasons.
Visibility
These three options may or may not be available to you, and once again they are personal preference.  They explanations are pretty much self explanatory.
To make the pointer easier to find when you move it, select the Display pointer trails check box, and then move the slider towards Short or Long to decrease or increase the length of the pointer trail.
To ensure that the pointer doesn't block your view of the text you're typing, select the Hide pointer while typing check box.
To find a misplaced pointer by pressing the CTRL key, select the Show location of pointer when I press the CTRL key check box.
Once again, if you make changes you should click apply at the bottom of the screen.

With some of the older operating systems like pictured below you options maybe more limited. 
M

Mouse Properties Wheel Options

Just to make sure we are clear as to what the ‘Wheel’ is I have pointed to it in this picture.







Vertical Scrolling
To set the number of lines the screen will scroll for each notch of mouse wheel movement, under Vertical Scrolling, select The following number of lines at a time, and then enter the number of lines you want to scroll in the box.
To scroll an entire screen of text for each notch of the mouse wheel, under Vertical Scrolling, select One screen at a time.
A Notch you can FEEL a click when you roll your finger on it when it moves.
Horizontal Scrolling
If your mouse has a wheel that supports horizontal scrolling, under Horizontal Scrolling, in the Tilt the wheel to scroll the following number of characters at a time box, enter the number of characters you want to scroll horizontally when you tilt the wheel to the left or right.
Again all of this is personal preference, and if you made some changes make sure you click apply when finished.

Mouse Settings – Hardware

This basically is showing the software, drivers, etc. that the computer uses to operate your mouse.  I would leave that alone!

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Thank you for reading our How-To Guide for the Computer Beginner lesson Changing your Mouse Settings!

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