What!? No Three-Button Mouse?

QUESTION: How can I run IDL programs if I don't have a three-button mouse?

ANSWER: If you don't have a three-button mouse there are ways to simulate other buttons in IDL. On a Macintosh, for example, with its standard one-button mouse, you simulate the middle mouse button by holding down the Option key while you press the mouse button. The right mouse button is simulated by holding down the Command key while you press the mouse button.

If you have a Windows two-button mouse, you can simulate the middle mouse button by holding down the Control key while pressing the left mouse button.

Note: As of IDL 6.2, holding down the Control key while pressing the left mouse button no longer simulates a middle mouse button event. Starting in this version, you will have to make up your own mind what to do with a LEFT event with a CONTROL modifier key. This will require re-writing programs that relied on this behavior.

Of course, the best solution may be to purchase a three-button mouse. A decent three-button mouse can be obtained for less than $20.