Ubuntu: Up and Running

Mouse

Configuring your mouse is a little easier than the keyboard, as there are fewer options. To start the process, select System → Preferences → Mouse to call up the window in Figure 3-12, which offers two sets of options: General and Accessibility.

Figure 3-12. The Mouse Preferences window, set to right-handed by default

General

Under the General tab you can choose whether you will use your mouse left- or right-handed, and whether to highlight the location of the mouse pointer when the Ctrl key is pressed. You also can adjust various settings such as the Acceleration speed and Sensitivity, the Drag and Drop Threshold, and the Double-Click Timeout.

Adjust the settings to your preference, and then click the light bulb image. A single click will make it light dimly for a while and then go out. This length of time is the Double-Click Timeout, which increases as you move the slider to the right.

The Acceleration setting determines the speed at which the pointer will move as you move the mouse, whereas the Sensitivity determines the responsiveness. If you find the mouse pointer is a little jerky, move the slider to the left; if it seems sluggish, move the slider to the right.

The Drag and Drop Threshold specifies the distance you have to move an item before Ubuntu decides you are conducting a drag-and-drop operation.

Accessibility

The Accessibility tab provides enhanced features to provide assistance ...