One of the most perplexing things about Microsoft Windows (any version) is that sometimes you need to click once, and sometimes you need to click twice (aka double-clicking). By this point in my life, the difference between the two is hard-wired into my DNA, and I don’t have to think about it. However when training new computer users how to use Windows, I’m at a loss as to how to explain what the difference is. How does once describe situations in which a double-click is required vs. situations where a single-click is required (esp. without using the work invoke)?
Perhaps the only honest advice I could find online to this question is on this University of Michigan website: If a single click does not work, try a double-click.

There’s an attempt at a fuller explanation on the geekgirl.talk website. It’s about 1,200 words long.

Peter Rukavina

Comments

Submitted by Guenther Duvall on

Permalink

Once single-clicking becomes a habit, you’ll see that not only there’ll be less clicking noise, but also, less mouse-work.
Single-clicking is easier on the hand, and less tiring, especially if you work long hours at the computer.
When browsing online, single clicks are the standard.
Try double-clicking on the send / submit button twice…
So why not adopt single-clicking when working offline as well?
Double clickers work almost twice as much with their mouse compared to single-clickers.
Double clickers waste their time clicking.
Have you noticed that double clickers are often impatient?
It’s up to you, ultimately.
Brought to you by a determined single-clicker.

Add new comment

The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.

Plain text

  • Allowed HTML tags: <b> <i> <em> <strong> <blockquote> <code> <ul> <ol> <li>
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.

About This Blog

Photo of Peter RukavinaI am . I am a writer, letterpress printer, and a curious person.

To learn more about me, read my /now, look at my bio, listen to audio I’ve posted, read presentations and speeches I’ve written, see things I’ve favourited elsewhere, or get in touch (peter@rukavina.net is the quickest way).

I have been writing here since May 1999: you can explore the 25+ years of blog posts in the archive.

You can subscribe to an RSS feed of posts, an RSS feed of comments, an RSS feed of favourites elsewhere, or a podcast RSS feed that just contains audio posts. You can also receive a daily digests of posts by email. I also publish an OPML blogroll.

InstagramYouTubeVimeoORCIDOpenStreetMapInternet ArchivePEI.artDrupalGithub.