How to zoom the plot using the mouse?

If the mouse zooming is turned on (see below) this can be done. To zoom in, drag a rectangle from upper left to lower right. Note that this is the only way to zoom in if using the mouse. If you drag a rectangle any other way this does zooming out.

Zooming can also be done very efficiently by the Plot Toolbar. Note that in certain cases, if the plot is to be zoomed out, the mouse zooming will not zoom enough. Then click on the Autoscale all button on the Plot Toolbar (View->Plot Toolbar).