6.3 Configuring Your Mouse for x86 Systems

Problem  

Neither a two-button mouse, nor a three-button mouse work correctly when the GNOME Desktop is running on the x86 architecture edition. 

Solution  

Many GNOME applications require a three-button mouse. You need to do the following:  

• Three-button mouse: enable the third button.

• Two-button mouse: emulate a third button when you click on the two buttons simultaneously.

To enable a third mouse button, or emulate a three-button mouse, perform the following steps:  

1. Choose Options -> Command Line Login from the login screen.

2. Press Return, then log in as root.

3. Type the following command: kdmconfig

   The kdmconfig command launches the Solaris Device Configuration Assistant, which displays the current system configurations. The program only accepts keyboard input. Use the keys shown in Table 6–1 to navigate through the menus.

4. From the main window, select Change Pointing Device/Mouse.

5. Press F2 to open the next screen.

6. Select the appropriate mouse type or emulation.

7. Press F2 to return to the main screen. The Pointer Device should have visibly changed.

8. Press F2 to display a test screen.

9. Click Yes if the screen display is correct.

10. Type the following command to quit the console session: Exit

The system should now be properly configured to use a three-button mouse.  

Down arrow 

Moves the cursor down a menu.  

Up arrow 

Moves the cursor up a menu.  

F2 

Opens the next screen.  

F3 

Exits the program without saving.  

Return 

Selects an option.