Why do some people prefer single-click over double-click?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Loren Booda
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The discussion centers on the functionality of single-click versus double-click actions for desktop icons. Single-clicking is primarily used for selecting icons, which changes the focus to the selected item without executing any operations. In contrast, double-clicking is the standard action that performs an operation, such as opening a file in the appropriate program. The preference for single-clicking is noted, particularly for users with fewer icons and those who typically operate in full-screen mode, as it simplifies the process of accessing files.
Loren Booda
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Why the difference?
 
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Pretend all the icons on your desktop only requird one click. After you accidently activated all your programs a few dozen times throughout a few days, then you'll understand why 2 clicks are needed.
 
It's just a convention, of course.

Single-clicking is normally indicates selection. Single-clicking does not perform any operations, it just registers a selection. If you have a window full of icons representing files, selecting an icon doesn't do anything but change focus to that icon. The focus is usually indicated by some kind of highlighting.

Double-clicking normally performs some operation on the selection. In the case of file icons, it opens the file in the appropriate program.

- Warren
 
I have my computer setup to single click icons to open them. However, I have only a few icons on my desktop, and am almost always in full screen for programs. I like it :smile:
 
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