I’ve been asked a couple questions recently that I actually answered in two separate articles in the past. Here are reprints of these two questions along with their answers (tweaked just a little bit) that still hold true years later.
Question #1: I fill out quite a few online forms. It’s very annoying when there are many fields in these forms and once I type in my answer, I have to click my mouse to move to the next field. Is there a more efficient method of completing online forms that I’m not aware of? And while I’m asking about online forms, is there any difference between the square checkboxes and the circular buttons I can click on in these forms??
Answer: It’s actually very easy to move from field to field in online forms without having to use your mouse. The secret weapon? The “TAB” button on your keyboard.
Let’s say the first field of the form I’m filling is “FIRST NAME.” I type in the letters e-r-i-n. Then, instead of reaching for my mouse and clicking in the next field (most likely “LAST NAME”), I simply reach my left pinky finger up a bit and press down on the TAB key. And voila, the cursor is now blinking and patiently waiting inside the “LAST NAME” field, waiting for me to type in my information.
As a bonus, I’ll let you know a little secret about checkboxes as well. You can “TAB” from one checkbox to the next, and when you want to check/select a checkbox, simply hit the spacebar on your keyboard. The same tip works for radio buttons (the official name of those little circles you asked about).
Now let’s move on to an explanation of the difference between the checkboxes and radio buttons. When you see a list of options next to checkboxes, it means you can select more than one of those options. When you see a list of options next to radio buttons, it means you can select only one option.
I’ll put this explanation into an example. Let’s say you come across a question in an online form asking you which days of the week you prefer going to the gym. There will probably be a list of all the days of the week sitting next to some checkboxes, and you’ll be allowed to select whichever (and as many) checkboxes you wish.
On the other hand, you may come across a question in an online form asking you to select your favorite type of ice cream. Next to each option you see an empty circle (these are the radio buttons we’ve been talking about). Since this question uses radio buttons, you can select only one flavor of ice cream as your favorite. If you’re in a fickle mood and mark the radio button next to Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip–but then change your mind and mark the radio button next to Strawberry Decadence, the first radio button will deselect (become empty) as you can only have one radio button selected at a time.
It’s a good thing you don’t have to remember this; the forms handle it all for you; I just wanted to make sure you understood the difference.
Question #2: I have an absolutely filthy mouse that’s starting to “stick,” and I’m not sure as to how I should go about cleaning it up. Any pointers?
Answer: Cleaning your mouse is super simple. Just remember: DO NOT use any harsh or abrasive chemicals on during the cleaning process.
First rotate the ball container (sometimes known as the “locking ring”) to open up the mouse. Then place the ball onto a cleaning cloth and wipe it off, gently removing grime and dirt. A solution of 80% water and 20% alcohol works just fine.
Then use your fingernails to scrape the rollers inside the mouse to remove buildup—but be careful not to bend any of them. Then just pop the ball back into the mouse, screw the cover up, wipe down the top of your mouse, and you’re done.
