Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I copy and paste text?

Word Definitions: ( These definitions are not in any way concrete, but allow you to know how these words will be used in this answer. )

cursor - the object ( often a pointer ) that moves around the screen when you move your mouse.

left-click - the act of clicking the left mouse button and then releasing it.

left-click and hold - the act of clicking the left mouse button and keeping it pressed down.

right-click - the act of clicking the right mouse button and then releasing it.

popup menu - a list of options which appears after you right-click your mouse.

NOTE: Some people may have the button settings reversed for their mouse. Test your button settings first. Right-click your mouse over this page and see if a popup menu appears. If it does not, then you may have to left-click where most people right-click or change your mouse settings. If it does, you can make the popup menu go away by left-clicking anywhere on the page.

STEPS:
  • Left-click and hold at either end of the text you wish to copy. For practice, try copying the next step.
  • Move ( drag ) your mouse to the other end of the text you wish to copy while still holding the left mouse button. This should "highlight" the text.
  • LET GO ( release your mouse button )
  • Next, without moving your mouse from it's current position, right-click the mouse.
  • --------------------------------You should now have a popup menu appear. If you do not, then start over and try again.
  • --------------------------------Left-click the word "Copy" on the popup menu.
  • If everything went well, the text has been placed on an invisible "clipboard" so that it can be pasted elsewhere. You will not see anything actually happen when you click "Copy" from a popup menu other than the menu disappear.
  • Now, let's see if you were successful. To paste the text, you must have the cursor within an area that supports the copy and paste of text such as the text area ( whitespace ) below.
  • Right-click your mouse in the text area below. Another popup menu should appear.
  • Left-click the word "Paste" on the popup menu. If "paste" is not available, then you may need to start over and try again.


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