Select through the object

Can anyone tell me how to turn on the ability to select vertices, faces or edges through an object?

It's the default in Softimage to be able to select backfacing items (though I think that's disabled if the object is not in wireframe mode).

Thanks,

Paul

use middle mouse and drag a box selection.

Is there a setting that makes that the default action?  I much prefer it when I'm in wireframe.

Thanks!

Paul

yep going to Edit > Preferences and check off "Switch marquee select through from mmb to lmb.