As a Windows user, I'm used to right-clicking on an object to access an object-specific pop-up menu of options or commands. Does the Mac offer an equivalent function? The mouse that came with my Mac seems to have only one button.
Pre-OS X versions of the Mac OS didn't support multi-button mice. In fact, until recently, Apple didn't offer a mouse with multi-button capabilities. OS X introduced built-in support for multi-button mice, but in the default installation of OS X, Apple's multi-button mouse (aka Mighty Mouse) acts like a one-button mouse.
To enable the second button on a Mighty Mouse:
- Open System Preferences by clicking the 'System Preferences' icon in the Dock, or by selecting 'System Preferences' from the Apple menu.
- In the Hardware section of the System Preferences window, click the 'Keyboard & Mouse' icon.
- In the Keyboard & Mouse window, click the 'Mouse' tab. You will see a pictorial representation of your Mighty Mouse.
- Use the drop-down menu on the right button to change its function from Primary Click to Secondary Click.
If you use a third-party mouse, you should already have standard two-button mouse capabilities. If you're having problems with a third-party mouse, check the manufacturer's web site. You may need to download and install an updated mouse driver.
If you use a single-button mouse, press and hold the control key on the keyboard while clicking the mouse on an item to create the equivalent of a right-click.
