What Is the Definition of a Mouse Pointer?
In computer systems that use a mouse as a user interface device, a mouse pointer is used to show the computer user the current location of the mouse's tracking. The mouse pointer is a secondary user input tool that is utilized in many ways to drive events on a computer system.
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History
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The computer mouse and mouse pointer were first utilized in the 1960s. Douglas Engelbart, a researcher at the Stanford Research Institute, along with other researchers in a collaborative computing venture were the first to use the mouse. The computer system itself that used the mouse and mouse pointer first was called the NLS, or the "oN-Line System."
Function
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The mouse cursor acts as a user input device by allowing the cursor position on the screen to be set by a left click in the desired screen area. Beyond mimicking cursor operations it also allowed for new types of user interaction that was not immediately available before, such as selecting portions of the screen image, additional program options through context menus and advanced object placement options in graphical design software.
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Types
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The standard Windows operating system mouse is a white arrow facing up and slightly to the left. Users may replace this pointer icon to whatever they wish, however. Furthermore, the mouse pointer can be application specific. The most widely known non-arrow mouse pointer type is the one used in web browsers that can change from an arrow to a cursor and further to a hand with one finger extended upwards when hovering over a hyperlink.
Benefits
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Mouse pointers provide an ergonomic interface for computer systems. This "point and click" simplicity helps reduce wrist strain that may be acquired from having to manually use the keyboard to move the text cursor all over the screen. Furthermore, the mouse provides a computer interface for those unable to type proficiently such as children or learning-disabled adults. The mouse cursor's use allows for children to gain hand-eye coordination while learning to use a computer, while adults or children with learning disabilities can interact with computer software that is designed to help them learn or rehabilitate.
Significance
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The inclusion of the mouse pointer provided an easy-to-learn user interface to computers at a time when learning the keyboard commands of computer operation was a steep learning curve. This introduction of an easily available interaction method allowed for greater public interest in the computer as it made it less of a technical machine and more of a personalized general purpose aid.
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