When a job advert asks for basic computer skills, the very first part is using a mouse and keyboard without struggling. In DMP week 1 you will work with files, folders and a browser on a computer, so being comfortable with these tools lets you follow the mentor instead of hunting for buttons.
The mouse
A mouse moves a small arrow, called the pointer or cursor, on the screen.
- Click: press the left button once. This selects something or presses a button on screen.
- Double click: press the left button twice quickly. This opens a file or folder.
- Right click: press the right button once. This shows a menu of extra options, like a long press on a phone.
- Scroll: roll the wheel in the middle to move up and down a page.
- Drag: hold the left button down, move the mouse, then let go. This moves a file or selects a block of text.
Hold the mouse lightly. If you run out of space on the table, lift it and put it back in the middle. The pointer will not move while the mouse is in the air.
Laptops often have a touchpad instead. Move one finger to move the pointer, tap to click, and slide two fingers to scroll.
The keyboard
The letters are not in alphabetical order. This layout is called QWERTY, after the first letters on the top row. Everyone finds it strange at first.