What are the side buttons on the mouse called?

It would seem that there is no simpler computer device than a mouse. No special work is needed to connect, but there are few buttons and their meaning is extremely clear. However, today a consumer may encounter computer mice with a large number of keys, namely three to five main (left, right and middle) and two additional ones, which are located on the left side under the thumb.

What are the name and why the side mouse buttons are needed

They are called like this - XButton1 (fourth mouse button, located on the top side) and XButton2 (fifth mouse button, located on the side bottom). Side mouse buttons are used:

1. In computer games. The vast majority of gaming mice are equipped with XButton1 and XButton2 buttons. Actually here they are of the greatest utility, increasing the speed of the player’s actions and facilitating the gameplay. To assign a function to a mouse button, you just need to specify this in the game settings in the "Management" section. Further, the player is required only the timely pressing of this button during the game.
2. For navigation. Buttons on the sides of the mouse can be useful outside the game. For example, they can be used to scroll through images, to navigate in programs and documents, to decrease / increase the volume, as well as other frequently used actions.

IMPORTANT! By standard, the side keys of a computer mouse perform the function of navigating through the pages of the Microsoft Internet Explorer browser (only in it, and no other more).

How to configure side mouse buttons

If your device has those, then automatically the default functions will be fixed for them. Those users who are not satisfied with the standard key assignment can be reprogrammed by assigning the buttons to perform the required functions on their own.
There are several ways to reset your mouse:

1. Branded driver manufacturer. An individual program with drivers is used for each model. They are downloaded on the manufacturer’s website. The official website is indicated on the product packaging. There is also a step-by-step instruction for activating and setting up the mouse. This is the most frequently used and simplest method, since at present operating systems do not provide for customizing the mouse keys according to their interests. This option is applicable only to models of popular companies (including "Logitech", "A4Tech", "Razer"). If the purchased mouse is not a brand product, then you have to use another option.
2. Special programs for reconfiguring drivers. Such a program can also be easily downloaded on the Internet. The most common in its segment is the X-Mouse Button Control. It is free, and it weighs very little (about five megabytes). Therefore, downloading, installing, and reconfiguring the device for yourself is not difficult. To do this: open the program and settings menu, select a specific action for each mouse button (at the request of the user), save.

Now the computer mouse is configured in accordance with the preferences of the user for convenience and comfort when working with a PC.