Quick Tip Faster Use Of Mouse

Although I am not a Keyboard Ninja I still like to navigate quickly through Windows.  You can make your mousing more efficient using the snap to option which is inherent to XP.  This also works with Vista although getting to this setting is obviously different.

Start \ Settings \ Control Panel and double click the Mouse icon.  Then in Mouse Properties go to Pointer Options.  Place a check in the Snap To section next to "Automatically move pointer to …"  Click Apply and Ok and you're done.

Because this will send the pointer to a default button in a dialog box every time you may want to use caution if you're click happy.  What are some of the ways you make mousing more efficient on your systems?

| More

This article was originally written on 11/16/07 Tagged with: XP, Windows

Daily Email Updates

You can get our how-to articles in your inbox each day for free. Just enter your name and email below:

Name:
Email:

Comments (5)

1. November 16, 2007 3:13 pm
   Alisha

   I notice you also have your pointer speed set to Fast. Is there a reason? If I was to set mine up that high, I would never be able to control the cursor because it moves way too quickly.

2. November 16, 2007 7:11 pm
   mysticgeek

   Alisha,

   I always set my speed to fast. One reason I started doing this was because I used to own an IBM Thinkpad and this setting allowed me to control the Touch Stick in a more efficient manner. Ever since then I have always set this to the fast setting.

   I imagine depending on the make and model of the PC and Mouse … USB/PS2 connection affects it. There are different drivers for different hardware and also if you are using a touch pad.

   The only reason mine is set to fast is based on personal preference.

3. November 16, 2007 9:42 pm
   Alisha

   Oh, okay. I actually had recently set the speed on my laptop to a little faster than I'm used to, because I use a mouse with it that just seems to be really slow.

4. January 2, 2008 10:47 am
   WHS

   Hi Mysticgeek, Whilst we are on the subject I would like to point out that you get much better control of the pointer with a keyboard that has a scrollball. I would never use a mouse again. The scrollball option is much more relaxing for the hand and more precise. The one I am using is on the following webpage. I am not sure though, whether they sell them in the US, but I am sure there are others.

   http://focus3115.trustpass.alibaba.com/product/11947348/Wireless_Keyboard.html

5. January 2, 2008 5:30 pm
   mysticgeek

   WHS that certainly is an interesting set up. I would like to try one of those at some point.