Most of the time, you double-click the left mouse button to open a program or document. Place you mouse pointer on the file's icon and click the left button twice in rapid succession. The file should open.

Not everyone likes this procedure. People who are new to using a computer often have trouble with double-clicking. It's not always easy to click the button fast enough, or keep the pointer on the icon while clicking.

There is a solution, though. You can set Windows to open items with a single click. Unfortunately, you'll have to double click once more to get the process rolling.

Open a window, such as the one that corresponds to the "My Computer" or "My Documents" icon. Next, click on the "Tools" menu item and choose "Folder Options" from the list. Look down at the last option on the "General" tab and click on the round button next to "Single-click to open an item". No more double-clicking!

Another option is to use theQuick Launch menu located just to the right of the "Start" menu. These items will each open with one click. The arrows to the right of the first few icons opens a pop-up menu with more program icons in it. You can add to this menu by dragging icons from other locations to it.

Programs that remain active while the computer is on (such as anti-virus programs) often show up in the System Tray, located at the far right from the "Start" menu. These items often open with a single click.