Method and system for selecting text with a mouse input device in a computer system

An improved method and system for selecting text is provided. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method and system is provided for selecting text utilizing two text selection modes. In the first text selection mode, text is selected with a minimum granularity of a letter. In the second text selection mode, the text is selected with a minimum granularity of a word. The preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes both text selection modes and determines whether and when to switch between each text selection mode. The preferred embodiment of the present invention determines whether to switch between text selection modes based on user input, mouse movement, and the mouse remaining stationary for more than a predetermined amount of time.