Customize your mouse settings
Published: September 7, 2006
Some people like their mouse pointer to move fast, while others prefer slow and precise mouse movement. The Microsoft Windows XP default mouse settings are designed to meet the needs of the average user, but you may want to change the settings. By adjusting your mouse settings, you can change your mouse and scroll wheel speed, the size and shape of your pointer, and how quickly you double-click.
To customize your mouse settings
1. | Click Start, and then click Control Panel. 
|
2. | Click Printers and Other Hardware. 
|
3. | Click Mouse. 
|
4. | In the Mouse Properties dialog box, click the Buttons tab. |
5. | Drag the Double-click speed slider to adjust how quickly you want to click. Test the setting by double-clicking the folder icon. Then click Apply. 
|
6. | On the Pointers tab, click the down arrow in the drop-down box to choose a pointer scheme. Windows Standard (extra large) or Magnified are good choices if you have a high-resolution monitor or if you have difficulty seeing your cursor. Dinosaur is perfect if you have kids, and Conductor is fun for musicians. Click Apply to immediately change your cursor. 
|
7. | The Pointer Options tab gives you access to several additional settings. You can: | • | Drag the Select a pointer speed slider to change how fast your mouse moves. | | • | Select the Automatically move pointer to the default button in a dialog box check box if you use a notebook computer. | | • | Select the Display pointer trails and Show location of pointer when I press the CTRL key check boxes if you ever have a difficult time finding your cursor. 
|
|
8. | After you make your changes, click Apply. |
9. | On the Wheel tab, increase the number to make your scroll wheel move faster, or decrease the number to make it move slower. Then click Apply. 
|
10. | Once you’ve made your changes, test them using your favorite program. If you like your changes, return to the Mouse Properties dialog box and click OK. 
|
To allow everyone who uses your computer to have their own mouse settings, create separate accounts for each person. After you use your new mouse settings for a few days, you may decide to fine-tune them further and change them again.
