Appendix 3 - Windows Control Panel options

Windows has three Control Panels which are used to adjust the operation and response of the keyboard, mouse and display: the Keyboard, Mouse and Accessibility Options Control Panels. All users should explore these settings – not just those with access difficulties – because they can make the computer easier and more pleasant to use. Adjustments can be fairly simple – swapping the mouse buttons round for a left-handed user, or slowing down the key repeat rate; or more complicated – such as setting up settings (‘profiles’) for different individual users.

You can find out more about ways to make Windows more accessible to people with access difficulties, by looking inside the Windows Help facility, which is in the Start menu:

To adjust the system, open the Control Panel in the Start menu, as shown here.

Keyboard Control Panel

Some people have difficulty using the standard keyboard; they might often hit the wrong key by mistake, or accidentally type several letters on screen instead of one.

To adjust the keyboard settings, open the Keyboard Control Panel:

Speed

If you have difficulty taking your finger off the key quickly, and tend to get extra letters typed by mistake, try using a longer Repeat Delay. This sets the time before the letter starts to repeat when the key is held down.
The repeat rate is the speed at which it is repeated. Some people find it easier to spot the cursor on screen if it blinks faster (or slower) – this can also be set.

Special keyboards and adaptations

There are additional settings that can be changed in the Accessibility Options Control Panel (see page 40) Adjusting keyboard response can often help, but some people still have difficulty with the standard keyboard; perhaps they often hit keys accidentally, or maybe they cannot reach all the keys on the keyboard. If so, refer to Unit 7 – Accessing Technology, which covers the range of specialized keyboards and adaptations available.

Mouse Control Panel

Windows lets you adjust the mouse response and buttons response on the computer, by using the Mouse Control Panel. Some pointing devices have different Control Panels provided with them, with more features. For example, the software supplied with the Microsoft IntelliMouse or devices from Kensington or Logitech usually let you program the buttons to double-click or lock for easier dragging. More changes can also be made in the Accessibility Options Control Panel (see page 40).

You can find out more information about each setting by clicking on the ‘?’ in the top right corner, then on the setting you want to know about.

Buttons The Buttons tab lets you set the mouse for left or right-handed use. The double click speed sets how fast you have to double click to select an item.
Pointers The Pointers tab lets you define the size and shape of the Windows pointer. Some people will find it easier to spot an extra-large pointer on screen.
Motion The speed that the pointer moves, in response to the movement of the mouse, is set by Pointer Speed. If you have difficulty controlling the mouse pointer accurately, try slowing the speed down. Pointer Trails leaves a ‘trail’ behind the pointer as it moves. This can make the pointer more visible on screen.
General This tab is usually only available in Windows 95, and is for selecting the type of mouse or pointing device to be used with the computer. For example, if you want to use a ‘serial’ mouse rather than a ‘PS/2’ mouse, you would choose it from this list. In Windows 98, both serial and PS/2 devices can be used at the same time so there is no need to choose one rather than the other.

This ICTS website is maintained by Inclusive Technology.