LOOSEN YOUR GRIP ON THE MOUSE

There are two mouse technologies: one uses a rollerball, the other uses an optical sensor. Mice usually have left-click and right-click buttons, and a central scroll wheel.

A rollerball mouse has two tiny discs mounted on axles set at 90 degrees to each other. As the mouse is moved, the rollerball rotates the axles. Changes in the positions of the discs are converted to a digital data stream which moves the on-screen cursor.
However, the rollerball gradually picks up dust and fluff, some of which winds round the axles. The discs don't turn so smoothly and the mouse seems unresponsive.

An optical mouse doesn't use a rollerball, so doesn't pick up dust and fluff. As the mouse is moved, a light shines on the mouse mat or desktop. Changes in the reflected light are converted to a digital data stream which moves the on-screen cursor.

Generally, mice have a normal cable, an infrared link, or a wireless link: the last two need a battery but don't need a cable. An infrared mouse needs line-of-sight and your computer needs to be IR-aware. A wireless mouse needs a small USB receiver.

Using a good mouse is important: cheap ones are often badly shaped and clunky to use. Remember, you've only got one pair of hands: don't get finger stress, wrist strain, arm ache, shoulder cramp, back pain, or RSI.

During training courses, I've noticed that very few people use the scroll wheel. It's easier and quicker than dragging the on-screen scroll bar up and down, especially for long pages.