Mouse and keyboard adjustments

Most people use a mouse and keyboard to control a computer. You can make changes to the way your mouse and keyboard behave so they become even easier to use.

Mouse adjustments

If you use Windows or Mac OSX you can make changes to the way your mouse behaves so that it's easier for you to carry out different tasks.

Windows

In Windows you can slow down the speed of your mouse, make it easier to use if you're left handed, and slow down the double click speed.

Windows 7 and Vista

The mouse options in Windows Ease of Access centre.

  1. Click the Start button, or press the Windows key.
  2. Type Ease of Access Center, then press the Enter key.
  3. Select Make the mouse easier to use.

If you use Windows you can find more information on the Microsoft website about accessibility in:

Mac OSX

In Mac OSX you can change the speed of your mouse, the double click speed, and the mouse's sensitivity.

The mouse pane on the univeral access preferences.

  1. Open System Preferences from the Dock or through the Apple icon.
  2. Open the Universal Access pane.
  3. Select the Mouse tab.

If you use Mac OSX you can find more information on the Apple website: Mac OSX accessibility

    Keyboard adjustments

    If you use Windows or Mac OSX you can change the way your keyboard works to make it easier for you to carry out different tasks.

    Windows

    In Windows you can use the keyboard to control your mouse, turn on sticky keys, and set it to ignore rapidly repeated key presses.

    Windows 7 and Vista

    The keyboard settings in Windows Ease of Access.

    1. Click the Start button, or press the Windows key.
    2. Type Ease of Access Center, then press the Enter key.
    3. Select Make the keyboard easier to use.

    If you use Windows you can find more information on the Microsoft website about accessibility in:

    Mac OSX

    In Mac OSX you can choose alternative keyboard layouts, turn on sticky keys, use the keyboard to control your mouse, and set up custom keyboard shortcuts.

    The keyboard settings in OSX Universal Access preferences.

    1. Open System Preferences from the Dock or through the Apple icon.
    2. Open the Universal Access pane.
    3. Select the Keyboard tab.

    If you use Mac OSX you can find more information on the Apple website: Mac OSX accessibility