Click facts for kids

The word click is a special kind of word called an onomatopoeia. This means the word sounds like the action or noise it describes. Think of words like "buzz" or "meow" – they sound like what they mean!

When you hear "click," you might think of many things, like the sound a camera makes when taking a picture, or the noise a pen makes when you press its button. But most often, especially with computers, "click" means pressing a button on a computer mouse. This action is a super important way we tell computers what to do!

What is a Click?

A "click" can be two things. First, it's a short, sharp sound. This sound often happens when two hard things quickly touch each other. For example, a door latch might click when it closes.

Second, a "click" is also an action. It means pressing a button or switch quickly. When you press a button on a remote control, you are performing a click. This action usually makes something happen.

Clicking with a Computer Mouse

One of the most common places you'll hear about "clicking" is with a computer mouse. A computer mouse is a small device you move on a desk. It helps you control what happens on your computer screen.

When you press one of the buttons on your mouse, it makes a small clicking sound. This action tells the computer to do something specific. For example, you might click to select an item, open a program, or follow a link on a webpage. It's like pointing and then saying "do this!" to your computer.

Types of Clicks

There are different ways to click with a computer mouse, and each one usually has a different purpose:

Single Click

A single click, usually done with the left mouse button, is the most common type. It's used for many actions:

• Selecting an item, like a file or an icon.
• Activating a button on a website or in a program.
• Following a link to a new webpage.
• Placing your cursor in a text document.

Double Click

A double click means pressing the left mouse button twice very quickly. This action is often used to:

• Open a file or launch a program. For example, double-clicking a document icon will open that document.
• Select an entire word in a text document.

Right Click

The right click uses the button on the right side of the mouse. When you right-click, a special menu usually appears. This menu is called a "context menu." It shows you different options related to whatever you clicked on. For instance, if you right-click on a file, you might see options to "copy," "delete," or "rename" it.

Scroll Wheel Click

Many modern mice have a scroll wheel between the left and right buttons. This wheel can be rolled up and down to scroll through pages. Sometimes, you can also press this scroll wheel down like a button. This "middle click" can have different uses, such as:

• Opening a link in a new browser tab.
• Activating "auto-scroll" mode, which lets you scroll by moving the mouse.

The History of the Mouse Click

The idea of the computer mouse and its click goes back many years. The first computer mouse was invented by Douglas Engelbart in the 1960s. His early mouse had a single button. The goal was to make computers easier for people to use.

Over time, the mouse became more popular. It helped people interact with computers in a simple, visual way, rather than just typing commands. The "click" became a fundamental action, making it easy to select things and give instructions to the computer.

Why is Clicking Important?

Clicking is super important because it's a basic way we communicate with computers. It makes using computers, tablets, and even smartphones (where tapping is like clicking) very intuitive. Without clicking, many everyday tasks on a computer would be much harder or even impossible. It's a simple action that unlocks a world of digital possibilities!