Some devices will have different components you will use to operate the device where some have none at all. This page will detail some of the actions you might do depending on the device you are using to help you operate the device.
Desktops and laptops have a very similar operation method when using them, the main difference being is the item you will move around the screen to interact with objects. On a desktop you will have a keyboard and mouse while a laptop you will have a built in keyboard and a replacement for the mouse called a Track Pad. The track pad and mouse operate nearly the same, but the core difference is that a track pad is build in and is limited to the square towards the bottom of the laptop and the mouse has as much freedom as your space/the cable will afford.
On a PC the mouse and keyboard are connected via a USB cable on the back of the PC tower.
For laptop users, you might find it easier to operate with a mouse on a laptop which you can connect via a usb port on the side of the device.
You operate the mouse by moving it around your work area using it as a pointer to click on items you wish to use. Typically, mouses and track pads will have 4 key components:
- First is the motion control which is the mouse/track pad itself. Moving the mouse around will move a pointer on the screen. On a laptop you will use your finger and move it around the rectangle or square to do this.
- Left button – On the mouse there is a button which is your primary interaction button, Clicking or double click will allow you to interact and open an object.
- Right Click – The second button located next to the left click, the right click enables you to access more options that you can do on an object. For example if you are opening a website but you would like to keep your current website open, you can right click to access more options and open the website on a separate page.
- Middle mouse button (mouse only) – on a mouse located between the left and right click, you will have a scroll wheel. This is primarily for navigating up and down a page. If a page is larger or moves left to right, you can press the middle mouse button in to navigate the page in a range of movement in conjunction with moving the mouse. For laptop users, instead you will place two fingers on the track pad and navigate in the motion you wish to move. For example, to move right: place two fingers on the left side of the box and move then to the right side of the box.
Devices like phones and tablets are typically controlled with your fingers, and you will have to tap on the screen. Press on objects like apps to open them, you can hold your finger on an object to access more options (like a right click). Depending on your device, you will be able to make certain gestures like shaking the device or swiping your finger a certain way to complete a quick task like turning your device’s volume down. Be sure to review your tips application on your device to learn these!
Audio control
Controlling your audio controls is an important part of operating your device.
Desktop
Depending on the device, your audio control will move.
- On a windows device, in the bottom right corner there will be a speaker next to the time and date. If it is not there, pressing the arrow pointing up in the bottom right corner. From here you can drag the sound control to left to right to change the volume. You might also have this as a button on your keyboard as well.
- On a Apple device these will be located at the top right and you will be able to control it in the same way.
Laptops work similarly and are also dependent on the operating system however, the majority of laptop will have a dedicated button(s) near to the power button.
The primary way to adjust the volume on a mobile device is use the two rockers (button) on the side of the device opposite the power button. Pressing the up button will turn the volume up and pressing down will turn the volume down. There are additional ways to change the volume, however it would be best to check the operating manual as these change per device and might change upon an update.
