Run Control Panel from Task Bar /Start /Settings /Control Panel. The settings given are correct
for Windows 98 and Word 2000. They are offered as suggestions only - experiment with the
settings to suit you. Macintosh users should consult our factsheet, Apple Macintosh Shortcut
Keys and Tips.
- 1. Make the mouse easier to use
a) Slow your mouse down
Slowing down your mouse greatly reduces muscle tension in your hand
1. In Control Panel double-click on Mouse
2. Select the tab Pointer Options
3. Under Pointer Speed move the slider left to Slow
4. Click OK
5.
You may also find it helpful to increase the interval between clicks when double-clicking.
b) Reduce the number of clicks
From the Tools menu at the top of any window, choose ‘Folder Options’. On the ‘General’ tab,
locate ‘Click items as follows’ and choose ‘Single click to open an item (point to select)’. After
making this change, you’ll find that items highlight when you point at them (no need to click),
and you only have to click once to open a folder or document. This may require a little time to
get used to. You can choose to have all icon names underlined (like web browser links), or
underlined only when you point at them.
There used to be a free program called Mousetool, which could simulate a click when the user
moved the cursor over an icon, but this is now a commercial product, Quill Nib. Visit
www.mousetool.com for an update.
- 2. Avoid using the mouse as much as possible
a) Keyboard shortcuts
You don’t have to use the mouse to navigate and execute commands in Windows. For a full list
of keyboard shortcuts see our factsheet Windows shortcut keys. To show shortcut keys
for windows programmes, got to View/Toolbars/Customise/Options and click on show shortcut
tips in screen tips.
Windows was designed to be an intuitive and easy to use interface, i.e. if you want to do something,
using the mouse to point at a picture of it on the screen doesn’t need a lot of explanation.
However, although it takes a bit of time to learn the shortcuts, using them does speed up work
considerably, and avoids the discomfort that can be associated with mouse work.
b) Mouse keys
If you really can’t do without using the pointer, try switching on ‘Mouse keys’. Go to Ctrl
Panel, choose Accessibility Options then click the tab for Mouse. Tick the box for Mouse Keys.
This will allow you to move the pointer with the arrow keys on the number pad. You will need to
make sure your pointer speed is set quite fast for this (see point 1a).
- 3. Adjust your screen
This allows you to fit far more information on your screen. N.B. Before changing monitor
settings check with your IT department or IT support service for monitor compatibility.
1. In Control Panel double-click on Display
2. Select Settings
3. Under Screen Area move the slider to the right to 800 by 600. (If you have a
17 inch screen try 1024 by 768 pixels)
4. Press Apply to test. If test is successful keep new setting
5. Now staying on the Settings tab, press the Advanced button.
6. Select the Adapter tab. Change the Refresh frequency to 70-75 Hz or higher
(remembering to check with your IT dept or IT support service for monitor
compatibility).
7. Re-adjust size and shape of screen using monitor controls (usually found on
the front of the monitor itself).
8. Is text too small? Leave the Adapter tab and choose the General tab. Then
under Font Size choose Large Fonts
9. Click OK.
- 4. Adjust your keyboard
a) Slow your repeat rate down
Avoid mistakes that you then have to go back and correct…
1. In Control Panel double-click on Keyboard
2. Set Repeat delay – long, Repeat rate – slow.
b) Sticky keys
Some people find having to hold shift down while pressing another key awkward. Go to ctrl
panel, choose Accessibility Options and on the Keyboard tab tick the box marked ‘Sticky Keys’.
This will mean that to type the word ‘The’ you would type ‘SHIFT-t-h-e’ rather than ‘SHIFT+t-he’.
- 5. Avoid unnecessary keystrokes
a) Auto-correct
Word can automatically correct errors you make. But did you know you can also use this
feature as a shortcut to inserting phrases and paragraphs you type frequently?
Go to tools. Choose Autocorrect. The first tab you see open in front of you contains a list
of commonly used spelling mistakes and typos. Beside them are substitutions that Word
will automatically make. Make sure that the box ‘replace text as you type’ is ticked. You
can add any common mistakes that you make.
You can also add commonly used phrases and assign them a shortcut.
So for example, you can input that ‘sig’ is an error and should be replaced with the
following phrase:
‘If you have any more questions do not hesitate to call the RSI helpline on 0800
018 5012 which is open between 11am and 5pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Yours sincerely
Deirdre Rusling
Information Officer’
b) Predictive text
This guesses what you are about to type, saving you unnecessary keystrokes.
Go to tools. Choose Autocorrect. Then choose the tab Autotext. You will see a list of
commonly used phrases like yours sincerely, best wishes and so on. You can add your
own commonly used phrases such as your name, the name of your organisation or
department or any sentences or long jargon you use frequently. When you are writing a
document, if the computer recognises that you have typed the first few letters of the
given phrase, it will suggest the phrase in a box. Just hit return to accept the phrase or
carry on typing to reject it.
In summary…
Basically don’t use the mouse if you can type and don’t type if you can possibly avoid
it…
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