Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I know when to left-click and when to right-click?
Word Definitions: ( These definitions are not in any way concrete, but allow you to know how these words will be used in this answer. )
cursor - the object ( often a pointer ) that moves around the screen when you move your mouse.
left-click - the act of clicking the left mouse button and then releasing it.
right-click - the act of clicking the right mouse button and then releasing it.
popup menu - a list of options which appears after you right-click your mouse.
NOTE: Some people may have the button settings reversed for their mouse. Test your button settings first. Right-click your mouse over this page and see if a popup menu appears. If it does not, then you may have to left-click where most people right-click or change your mouse settings. If it does, you can make the popup menu go away by left-clicking anywhere on the page.ANSWER: Generally speaking, you will right-click the mouse to get a popup menu with options. Most other times you will left-click the mouse.
NOTE: Programs can set the functionality of the left and right click events. Some programs do not utilize any right-click events. Also, some web sites disable the right-click event.
The popup menu that you may get when you right-click depends on where your cursor is at that particular moment and also depends on which of those options are available to you at that moment. To visualize this, right-click anywhere over these words and make a mental note of the options that are shown in the popup menu. You can left-click anywhere on the page to close the menu.
Now, right-click over the blank text area above. Notice the difference in the options that are presented to you. Again, try the same thing over the picture below.
As you are presented with different screens while using the computer, you can right-click in different areas to see what options you have available to you. You can normally left-click anywhere except for the popup menu to close the menu. Just try to always be aware of what you are clicking on.
