How to . . . change pointers in Windows

Bored with the standard Windows arrow and hourglass pointers? You can freshen up your PC experience by quickly and easily changing your cursors.

1. Click the Start button and select Control Panel. Select Mouse and double click to open Mouse Properties. Select the Pointers tab at the top of the properties box.

2. Select the pointer you want to change, then click the Browse button. Windows' Cursors folder opens with the available choices. Some pointers are static, others animated. Select one, and the preview pane illustrates what it looks like in use.

3. Click Open to apply the new pointer. Unhappy with your choice? Go back to the Pointers tab, select the changed pointer and click the Use Default button. To add pointers you find online, drop them into the Cursors folder in Windows, then apply as above. - Ronnie Gill