The trackpad serves as an alternative to a mouse when using a laptop. On many laptop models, the trackpad has a flat surface plus one or two buttons. On your MacBook, depending on the model, you'll find that it has one button or no buttons at all. You can use your trackpad in a variety of ways, such as to help you zoom, scroll, select, and minimize windows.
Use the trackpad to move the mouse cursor. You can use two fingers to scroll your window up, down, and sideways. This is a standard use for the trackpad and is turned on as a default.
When you use the right-click function of a mouse, you can access a contextual menu for whatever you happen to be doing. For example, you might right-click in your word processing document and see a menu that includes tasks like Copy, Cut, and Paste. You can do the same thing with your trackpad. You can adjust how this works from the Trackpad pane, shown next, and set it up for two-finger or one-finger clicking. You can also access this function by pressing the control key while clicking.
Some programs allow you to use the two-finger trackpad to zoom in and out and rotate. By pinching your two fingers together on the trackpad, you can zoom into a photo or PDF file. Moving your fingers apart will zoom out. Place two fingers on the pad and rotate them to the right or left to rotate your photo or PDF document.
Brushing three fingers across the trackpad allows you to quickly page through documents or photos. You can move backward or forward using this method to switch to the next or previous item. If you use four fingers, you can swipe left to right to switch between open programs, or you can swipe up and down to access Exposé and either view all open windows or the desktop.
The trackpad and built-in keyboard are ideal for using your laptop while traveling but they may not be comfortable for long-term use. It's a good idea to add a mouse and/ or external keyboard when you will be using your MacBook in a stationary area for an extended period. There are many portable yet full-sized keyboards and mice to choose from that you can keep in your computer bag and plug in when you need them.
The most common way to connect these external devices is through the USB port. You can purchase a mouse and simply plug in the USB connector to the port on the side or back of your computer. Your MacBook will automatically install the driver needed to use the mouse. In just a few seconds, you are ready to go!
The same is true of using a keyboard. You can purchase a USB keyboard that is full size, such as you would use with a desktop computer, or one that is smaller and thus easier to transport. There are even some that are full size but fold up for easy transport.
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Note: This article was sent to us by: Andrew Deloney at 11012010
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