Two of the best ways to improve your computer productivity are:

• Reduce the number of times you move your hand from your mouse to your keyboard
• Reduce the distance you need to move your mouse for repetitive actions

You can accomplish both of these by programming the special keys that are on most new mice, such as the two buttons on the side of the mouse in the picture above. If you have a Microsoft mouse like I do and you’re using Windows Vista, you’ll need to download the latest version of IntelliPoint. Vista shipped with a beta version of the software.

After you install the software, follow these steps to configure your special buttons:

1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.

2. Under Hardware and Sound, click Mouse.

3. Click the Buttons tab (you might have more than one). Click the list for the button you want to program, and then select the desired action.
4. At the Mouse Properties dialog, click OK.

Now, when you press the button on your mouse, it’ll do whatever you configured.