Good Mousekeeping

It's not much to look at, it gets pushed around, and it's named after a rodent. Sometimes you forget that your mouse is one of your PC's most important devices. But is your mouse all that it can be?

As described in this month's Windows Tips, your mouse driver software gives you a world of options. They vary depending on the type of mouse you use, but you should at least be able to adjust the quickness of your double-clicks and the speed of your pointer. You may get more options by downloading an updated driver. Windows installs a bare-bones driver if it can't find any software more specific to your mouse's make and model. Figure 1 (on the next page) lists utilities that will give your mouse more maneuverability.

If you have a mechanical mouse, it may require cleaning. (Optical mice have no such need.) Just turn the mouse upside down and remove the cover that holds the ball inside. Take out the ball, clean it with soap and water, and thoroughly dry it before putting it back in place. Use the end of a paper clip to gently scrape the debris off the two hard plastic rollers inside the mouse's case.

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