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The “conventional” set-up for a computer is to have your computer mouse placed on the right side of the keyboard and control it using the right hand. Most left-handers find this not only confusing but uncomfortable. In fact, prolonged use can cause strain on your body thereby creating fatigue and pain.
We sell a range of ergonomically designed mouses for the left hand. Click here to see them. All use USB port connectivity to the computer and are very comfortable to use.
But if you would prefer to use your current mouse, read on!
With most mouses being symmetrically designed, it is quite easy to make your life comfortable again by using it with your favoured hand. And the right-handers in your home or office can easily change it back to their preference by following the same instructions.
You can make your mouse left-handed by following the instructions below:
The PC mouse comes in a wide variety of shapes and sizes with up to 5 buttons and a roller button as controllers. Some mouse drivers have specific software that is supplied with the mouse and you are prompted during the set-up phase if you want it set up for left-handed or right-handed use. But once loaded, it is easy to change between the two.
For most PC mouses, just follow these simple steps in Windows 10:
1. Go into Settings
2. Select Device
3. Select Mouse
4. Select Primary Button as Right
5. Close Settings
Your mouse is now set for left-handed use! Your right button now acts as a left click in all applications and your left button now acts as a right click. Just move it over to the left side of the keyboard and life is wonderful again!
And you now use the CTRL and ALT keys on the right side of the space bar.
If you have an older version of Windows there will be a similar simple procedure to change the mouse settings.
Right-handers can change it back quickly by following the same process but choosing Left as the Primary Button.
We must congratulate Apple Macintosh for considering left-handers in their mouse design – only one button! Just place your mouse on the left-hand side and away you go. There is no need to specially configure your computer in order to use it this way.
And you now use the CTRL and ALT keys on the right side of the space bar.
The operating system has a range of mouse options.
1. Go to the top left of the screen and click ‘System”.
2. Slide the cursor down to Preferences, slide right then down, and click on ‘Mouse’ in the drop down list – a small window will open.
3. Under the ‘General’ tab, click a radio button to choose mouse ‘Right-Handed’ or ‘Left-Handed’.
4. Go to bottom right of window and click the ‘Close’ button.
In linux, there is no Apply button, actions are saved when you close the window. Now shift your mouse to the left hand side of the keyboard.
Reduce keystrokes with linux, use the mouse to highlight any text on the screen, move the cursor to where you want to insert that text, then click down on the mouse’s centre scroll wheel. Copy and paste in two clicks, reducing key strokes for editing work.
We are not familiar with all operating systems on the market.
If you use another platform and can help us prepare similar instructions, please contact us.