Terms:

• pointer (also known as the cursor) – the object that moves around the screen as you move your mouse
• click – press and release the left mouse button (a.k.a. left-click)
• right-click – press and release the right mouse button
• popup menu – a list of options that appears when you right-click

Note: Some users, especially left-handed individuals, configure the mouse click in reverse. If you do not see a popup menu when you right-click, this could be why.

Answer: Generally speaking, you right-click to get a popup menu with options. Most other times you left-click.

Additional notes:

Programs can set the functionality of the left and right click events. Some programs do not utilize any right-click events. Also, some web sites disable the right-click.

The popup menu you (might) see when you right-click depends on where your pointer is at that moment and also what options are available to you at that moment. To visualize this, right-click over this paragraph and make a mental note of the options shown in the menu. You can left-click anywhere on the page to close the menu.

 

Now, right-click over the blank text area above. Notice the difference in the options that are presented to you. Again, try the same thing over the image of my eBook cover below.

As you are presented with different screens while using your computer, you can right-click in different areas to see the options that are available to you. You can normally left-click anywhere else to close the menu, but always try to be aware of what you are clicking.