TITLE
    Macintosh PowerBook: Mouse Keys Extension
Article ID:
Created:
Modified: 		30279
12/5/97
12/5/97
TOPIC

    This article discusses the Mouse Keys Extension for Macintosh PowerBooks.

DISCUSSION

    Introduction

    Easy Access is a control panel extension containing a set of keyboard utilities. These utilities assist people who might otherwise have difficulties using the keyboard or the mouse. Included as part of Easy Access are three main features-Sticky Keys, Mouse Keys, and Slow Keys. This document concerns only the Mouse Keys feature.

    Mouse Keys lets a user manipulate the screen cursor with the numeric keypad part of the keyboard instead of using the regular mouse. One can click, drag, and perform all the usual mouse activities. Mouse Keys also makes it easier to make fine adjustments of the cursor position, a feat that is often difficult using a regular mouse. Because the PowerBook does not have a built-in numeric keypad, the file "Mouse Keys" is used to emulate the numeric keyboard on the standard PowerBook keyboard.


    Installation

    To add Mouse Keys functionality to your Macintosh PowerBook place the "Mouse Keys" extension file in the Extensions folder of the System Folder and then restart the computer.


    Mouse Keys Description

    The Mouse Keys interface uses keys from the PowerBook's keyboard to control the mouse. This interface emulates a keypad in the area surrounding the K key (the K key is used as a central reference point). Surrounding keys are pressed to establish the direction of travel for the cursor. The sequence Command-Shift-Escape enables Mouse Keys; pressing Escape turns it off. The Space Bar is used to latch the button and the Enter key is used to release it.
    • Turning-on Mouse Keys: Press Command-Shift-Escape simultaneously
    • Turning-off Mouse Keys: Press Escape
    • Cursor Movement: The keys (U, I, O, ...) surrounding the K keys let you move the cursor in the corresponding direction. When you hold down these keys, the cursor moves slowly and then accelerates until it reaches its maximum speed.
    • Trackball Button: The K key itself operates as the trackball button (the equivalent of clicking on it)-press it once to click the trackball button, press it twice to double-click the button. Pressing the Space Bar key locks down the trackball button (for dragging, etc.) and the Enter key unlocks the trackball button.

    NOTE: Be careful not to press Command-Option-Escape when you intend to press Command-Shift-ESC to activate Mouse Keys. Doing so will activate a "Force Quit" Alert in System 7. A careless user could very easily invoke the alert by accidentally.

    For more information on the MouseKeys extension, contact Apple Computer's Worldwide Disability Solutions Group at the following address:

    Apple Computer, Inc.
    Worldwide Disability Solutions Group
    One Infinite Loop, MS 38-DS
    Cupertino, CA 95014

Document Information
Product Area: Computers
Category: PowerBook
Sub Category: General Topics
Keywords: kaswu

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