Mr. Modem: Controlling a misbehaving mouse
When I move my mouse pointer, it jumps around instead of moving smoothly as I move the mouse. Is there anything I can do to get the pointer under control?
If, on occasion, your mouse doesn’t behave or the cursor hops across the screen like a stone skipping across a lake, here are a few pointers for your pointer:
1. Change the surface on which you are moving your mouse. Try several different textures. Sometimes it’s just a matter of finding the best mousing surface for a particular mouse.
2. If you are using a cabled mouse, make sure it is securely plugged into your computer. Remove the mouse cable (plug) from the back of your computer and reinsert it firmly, then restart Windows. Let it fully reboot, then try moving your mouse again.
3. If you are using a wireless USB mouse, replace its batteries. Look (possibly on the underside of the mouse) for a “resync” button and press that, as well.
4. If you are using a roller-ball mouse, turn it upside-down and wipe off any visible dirt stuck to the bottom. Twist or unscrew the round cover until the mouse ball pops out. Wipe off any debris and blow out any dust. Use rubbing alcohol (avoid using any type of cleaning solution that contains ammonia, acetone, ethyl acid or ethyl mertz) and a cotton swab to clean the roller ball, and an emery board to scuff its surface lightly to provide more traction. Remove any disgusting debris you may find on the little rollers, then insert the ball back inside the mouse.
If you are using an optical mouse, make sure there is no dust or debris blocking the laser on the underside.
How do I obtain updated print drivers for the Google Chrome operating system?
Chromebooks (devices that run the Chrome operating system) are designed to work with cloud-enabled printers or you can set up a traditional computer with an Internet connection. You cannot, however, print directly to a standard printer with your Chromebook. For additional information about cloud printing and other stress-inducing subjects, visit www.google.com/cloudprint/learn.
Only newer printers fit into the cloud-ready category. Open your Chrome browser and go to www.google.com/cloudprint#printers to set up a cloud-ready printer. You will see a list of cloud-ready models and it will walk you through the set-up process.
You can also use a computer with an attached printer via Google Print. You will need to open the Google Chrome browser on your PC and sign into your Google account. Go to Settings, scroll down and select Show Advanced Settings, then continue to scroll to Google Cloud Print and select Manage. Under Devices, choose Classic Printers and then Add Printers. You will then see a list of printers available from your PC, from which you can select your particular printer.
Mr. Modem publishes “Ask Mr. Modem!” each week, featuring PC tips, tricks and plain-English answers to your questions by email. For more information, visit www.MrModem.com.
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This story was originally published September 3, 2015 at 10:39 AM with the headline "Mr. Modem: Controlling a misbehaving mouse."