Mouse-less Right-Click

People are always asking me how I am so fast on the computer. My answer is that I try to keep my hands on the keyboard and avoid the mouse as much as I can. Really? Yes, really!

I have provided many shortcuts in my Tips and Newsletters, and I will continue to do so. One easy one that many people do not know is that you can use your Keyboard to right-click a Mouse. You've been told for years to Right-click whenever possible to receive shortcut menus. Well, you do not need your mouse to perform a Right-click.

Find the button below on your keyboard. It is usually located next to the CTRL button.

Simply press the ALT key and this button and the right-click (or shortcut) menu will appear.

Use your arrow keys to navigate the menu and press ENTER to select an item.

HINT: Shift + F10 also works to perform the mouse right-click.

Mouse Tips

Are you Left Handed? I mean truly Left-Handed, meaning you write and use the mouse with your Left Hand?

If you are and you haven't setup your mouse for Left-Handed use, follow these steps.

Open the Control Panel by clicking on the Start Button Settings Control Panel.

Within the Control Panel, double-click Mouse Icon. This will open your mouse controls dialog.

On the Buttons Tab, choose "Switch Primary and Secondary Buttons". This will Reverse the mouse buttons, making it much easier for truly Left-Handed individuals.

Now, the right button on the mouse will be used for single-clicking and the left button will be used for double-clicking. This means that a Left-Handed person will use the same fingers, thus making the mouse much easier to use.

In the Control Panel, Mouse Controls Dialog, there are many other options - not just the options for Left-Handed users.

One option that I find helps users is to change the double-clicking speed to be specific for their own speed. NOTE: Do not change this option if there are multiple users on your computer - what may be comfortable for you, may not be for someone else.