Thread: Mouse proud

Clicking on 'Make the mouse easier to use' brings up a number of useful mouse utilities. Mouse Keys provides a way of controlling the mouse pointer using the number

pad found on the right of most keyboards. The 5 key acts as a left¬click button, and the other number keys around it move the mouse up, down, left and right - for example, pushing the 2 key moves the pointer down. This takes some practice to get used to. It's also possible to control the speed of the pointer by pushing the Control key to speed it up of the Shift key to slow it down. Another handy mouse trick is to use the Mouse Pointers tool. This makes it possible to increase the size of the pointer on screen so it's easier to see against the flashy graphics of Windows Vista.



Under 'Make the keyboard easier to use' you'll find the Sticky Keys tool. This makes it easier to press multiple key combinations, such as Control and S to save a
document, by making it possible to push the keys one at a time rather
than simultaneously. Toggle Keys is similar, and makes a noise to signal when the Caps lock, Num lock or Scroll lock keys are pressed.

The next set of options, 'Use text of visual alternatives for sounds' is ideal for those with hearing difficulties or anyone who works in a noisy environment or without speakers or headphones. Soundsentry adds a visual alert every time Windows plays a sound, while Showsound is designed to allow programs to provide subtitles for any spoken words. Sadly, it's not supported by many programs at present.