Selecting a single file with the mouse is easy. You point the mouse at the file icon, click it once, and it's selected. You probably also know that you can select multiple files with the Edit menu's "Select All" feature (also found by right-clicking). But did you know that you can skip that menu altogether?
How to Select a Group of Files with the Mouse Only
To grab a group of files together, place the mouse near the edge of the group you want to select, click the mouse, and at the same time drag it back across the group to draw a selection box. When you release the mouse, all the files inside the box will be selected.
How to Pick and Choose Files with Shift or Control
The Shift key can also be used along with the mouse to select a group of files. Select one file, hold down the Shift key, and use the mouse to click on another one in the same folder. All the files between the initial two will be selected.
Next, say you want to select every file in a given folder except for one or two. First, select all of them (with the Edit menu, by drawing a selection box, or however you like). Then hold down the Control key with one hand, and use the mouse to click each file to exclude it. It will de-select that file while keeping the others selected. Miss one? Hold down the Control key again and use the mouse to de-select it.
Thanks to yesterday's OverDrive Database Demo Workshop participants for sharing this tip!