Almost everything on a computer is one of three actions: one click, two clicks, or a right click. Once you know which does what, nothing on the screen is mysterious any more.
One click selects something, the way tapping once highlights it. Two quick clicks open it. Right click opens a small menu of what you can do with that item, which is the fastest way to discover what is possible.
If double clicking is difficult, click once to select and then press Enter. It does the same thing, and it is easier if your hand is unsteady or the mouse is worn.
I double clicked and nothing happened
The two clicks were probably too far apart, or the mouse moved between them. Try again a little faster and keep your hand still. Or use the easier route: click once, then press Enter.
What are the keys I keep hearing about?
Enter confirms or opens. Backspace deletes the character before the cursor. Escape closes or cancels. Tab moves to the next box in a form. Those four will get you through most screens.
Before you move on
- Remember: one click selects, two clicks open
- Try right click to see what is possible
- Learn Enter, Backspace, Escape and Tab
Check what you know
3 questions. Have a look at what this lesson asks.
Sign in to take this quiz
Reading is free and always will be. Answering counts towards your progress, your streak and your certificate, so we need to know who you are.
Sign in or create a free accountIt takes a minute and costs nothing.