How to use a graphical browser

You slide a mouse, roll a trackball, push a stick, or slide on a pad. And a "pointer" (arrow, hand, 'I', or hourglass) picture moves on the screen. You are then using what's called a "graphical browser".

How to move (or "scroll") up and down a long page

You see these words through a rectangle or "window" on the screen.

• To see information that continues beyond the bottom of the window:
  1. Move the pointer to the (right) edge of the window.
  2. Move the tip of the pointer into the arrow that points downwards.
  3. Don't move the pointer, as you tap the (left) button on or near the mouse [or trackball, stick, or pad].
     (Some say: "Click on the downward-pointing arrow"). The window seems to jump downward.
  4. Tap the (left) button on the mouse [or keyboard] several times.
     You see information that was below the bottom of the window earlier.
  
  
• To see information that starts above the top of the window:
  1. Move the pointer to the (right) edge of the window.
  2. Move the tip of the pointer into the arrow that points upwards.
  3. Don't move the pointer, as you tap the (left) button on or near the mouse [or trackball, stick, or pad].
     (Some say: "Click on the upward-pointing arrow"). The window seems to jump upward.
  4. Tap the (left) button on the mouse [or keyboard] several times.
     You see information that was above the top of the window earlier.
  
  
• To move the window up or down quickly:
  1. Look at the (right) edge of the window - between the "down" arrow and the "up" arrow.
  2. Find the little rectangle or square there.
     This is the "vertical scroll bar".
  3. Move the pointer's tip into the vertical scroll bar.
  4. Don't move the pointer, as you press the (left) button on or near the mouse [or trackball, stick, or pad].
  5. Keep-that-button-pressed-as-you-move-the-pointer-up-and-down.
     The vertical scroll bar moves with the pointer. You are "dragging" the vertical scroll bar up and down.
     The window seems to follow - gliding up and down. You see information that was above or below the window's edges just moments earlier.
  6. Release the (left) button on the mouse [or keyboard].

How to move (or "scroll") across a wide page

Suppose you are reading a wide document in a window on the screen. You read till you reach the right edge of the window.
How do you see what is 'beyond' the right edge of the window?

1. Look at the bottom edge of the window.
   
2. Find a left-pointing arrow and a right-pointing arrow there.
3. Between these arrows, find a rectangle (the "horizontal scroll bar").
4. How do you slide-the-window-over-the-information a little to the right?
   Click on the right-pointing arrow.
5. How do you slide-the-window-over-the-information a little to the left?
   Click on the left-pointing arrow.
6. How do you move large distances left and right?
   Drag the horizontal scroll bar left and right.

Do you see the right-pointing arrow, the left-pointing arrow, and the horizontal scroll bar?
If you do, practise moving this window left and right:

Click on the right-pointing arrow several times.  Click on the left-pointing arrow several times.  Drag the horizontal scroll bar to the right - and then to the left.  These words should move to the right and left.

How to learn more and to get help

1. Look near the very top and bottom of the window.
2. Look for a row of words there. This row of words is called a "menu bar".
3. Find the word, "Help", or a question mark, "?", on the menu bar.
4. Move the tip of the pointer into that word or question mark.
5. Don't move the pointer, as you tap the (left) button on the mouse [or keyboard].
6. Rows of words might appear (a "pull-down menu") near the "Help" word or question mark.
7. Look for words like "Help", "Tutorial", or "Introduction". You might need to click on words in the pull-down menu(s).
8. Skim the help information that appears.
   Use this help information to help you learn how to use the computer system better.
   Think of some of this help information as a dictionary or encyclopedia. It is written as reference material. So, if you find the words and ideas a little difficult at first, don't be worried.
9. Look for words that are underlined or highlighted.
10. Move the tip of the pointer into one of these words.
11. If appropriate, tap the (left) button on the mouse or keyboard.

How to see, hear, and experience more material on the Internet

• Words or phrases that are bridges
  Suppose you are reading on the screen:
  1. Look for a word or phrase that is underlined or "highlighted".
  2. If you want, move the tip of the pointer into that word or phrase.
  3. The shape of the pointer may then change. If it does, tap the (left) button on the mouse or keyboard.
     The word or phrase provides a "link".
     You are "following a link" that might lead you elsewhere on the Internet.
  
  
• Pictures that are bridges
  In some situations, a picture is a link to another document.
  Suppose you see a picture ("image") on the screen:
  1. If appropriate, move the pointer's tip into the picture.
  2. The shape of the pointer may then change. If it does, tap the (left) button on the mouse or keyboard.
     The picture provides a "link".
     You are "following a link" that might lead you elsewhere on the Internet.
  
  
• Sounds, movies, and other material

  Some links might be designed to present sounds ("audio"), movies ("video"), or other material. The computer system you are using might not yet be equipped to present that material. Near those links might be information on how to equip the computer system appropriately.

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This page was updated on April 6, 2002.

Copyright © 1998-2002 by Barry G. Wong. All rights reserved.