What do you call devices that allows users to control a pointer on the screen?
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A trackball is a computer cursor control device used in many laptop computer keyboards and older versions of computer mice. Show
The device comprises a ball held by a socket containing sensors to detect a rotation of the ball about two axes -- like an upside-down mouse with a ball in it. When was the trackball invented?The trackball was invented in 1952 by Tom Cranston and Fred Longstaff. Early trackballs were mechanically complex and cumbersome, but since the 1980s trackballs have been largely replaced by optical mice. How does a trackball work? The user rolls the ball with their thumb, fingers or the palm of their hand to move a cursor without moving their arm. Some trackballs have textured rubber or metal surfaces to provide additional grip; others may have detachable covers. Buttons on the top, bottom, front or back of the device enable the user to execute various commands, such as selecting an object or dragging and dropping it. Why use a trackball?One advantage of a trackball over a regular mouse is that it can be positioned away from the user's body on a desktop, requiring less space to operate. Trackballs also do not require any moving parts on the surface on which they're used. This means there is no friction between the ball and the surface, which can be important for precise movements. Some people also find trackballs more ergonomic than regular mice because they don't require the user to move their arm as much. What are some disadvantages of a trackball?One downside of a trackball is that it can take some time to get used to using one. Another potential issue is that the ball can become dirty or sticky over time, which can affect its performance. Some trackballs also have limited compatibility with certain types of software and gaming applications. See also: TrackPoint, touchpad, context menu, assistive technology This was last updated in November 2022 Continue Reading About trackball
Related Termsdevice driverA device driver is a special kind of software program that controls a specific hardware device attached to a computer. See complete definitionOTA update (over-the-air update)An over-the-air (OTA) update is the wireless delivery of new software, firmware or other data to mobile devices. See complete definitionsoap opera effect (motion interpolation)The soap opera effect is the colloquial name for a visual effect caused by motion interpolation on television sets that some ... See complete definitionWord of the Day fixed wirelessFixed wireless networking refers to the operation of wireless devices in fixed locations such as homes and offices. A cursor is the position indicator on a computer display screen where a user can enter text. It is also known as a "caret." The word cursor comes from the Latin word "cursorem," which means runner. The cursor is a visible and moving pointer that the user controls with a mouse, touchpad or similar input device such as a trackball. When a user moves the cursor, the computer redraws it at the new location. What are cursors used for?Cursors are often used to highlight text or objects on the screen so that they can be selected. For example, in a word processor, the cursor can be used to select text, format it, and insert new text. In a web browser, the cursor can be used to click links and scroll through pages. In many cases, the cursor can also be customized to suit the needs of the user. For example, some users may prefer to have a larger cursor that is easier to see, while others may prefer a smaller cursor that takes up less space on the screen. In an operating system (OS) with a graphical user interface (GUI), the cursor is used to select and activate various user interface elements, such as menus, buttons and windows. Different types of cursorsThere are four main types of cursors: text insertion, pointing, selection and busy.
How to control a cursorThere are two ways to control a cursor: with a mouse and with keyboard shortcuts. To control a cursor with a mouse or touchpad, simply move the mouse or finger in the direction you want the cursor to go. The cursor will follow the mouse pointer. To select text or other items, click and drag the cursor over the desired area. To control a cursor with keyboard shortcuts, use the arrow keys on your keyboard to move the cursor in the desired direction. To select text or other items, hold down the Shift key and use the arrow keys to highlight the desired area. While they may seem insignificant, cursors are one of the most essential elements of any operating system, as they provide one of the few ways for users to interact with the interface and perform various actions. See also: TrackPoint, mickey, context menu, assistive technology, fetch, command prompt, brain-computer interface, natural user interface, command-line interface, hierarchical menu, Ctrl-Alt-Delete, mobile user interface, system tray. This was last updated in November 2022 Continue Reading About cursor
Related Termsdevice driverA device driver is a special kind of software program that controls a specific hardware device attached to a computer. See complete definitionOTA update (over-the-air update)An over-the-air (OTA) update is the wireless delivery of new software, firmware or other data to mobile devices. See complete definitionsoap opera effect (motion interpolation)The soap opera effect is the colloquial name for a visual effect caused by motion interpolation on television sets that some ... See complete definitionWord of the Day fixed wirelessFixed wireless networking refers to the operation of wireless devices in fixed locations such as homes and offices. What is the device called that you use to control the pointer?A mouse is called a pointing device because using it lets you move the mouse cursor and point to anything on the screen.
Is an input device that allows a user to control a pointer on the screen?A mouse is an input device that allows you to control the coordinates and movement of the onscreen cursor/pointer by simply moving the mouse across a flat surface with your hand.
Which device is used to point on the screen?A pointing device is basically used to move the mouse cursor and there are various examples of pointing device like Camera Mouse, Computer Mouse, etc.
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