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Guide to Computer Pointing Devices

The document discusses different types of pointing devices including mice, tracker balls, and touchpads. Mice can be mechanical, optical, or cordless/wireless. Mice are commonly used to open and close programs, move files, and perform image editing. Tracker balls are similar to upside down mice and are easier for some users to use than mice. Touchpads are found on laptops and use finger movement instead of a physical mouse.

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256 views3 pages

Guide to Computer Pointing Devices

The document discusses different types of pointing devices including mice, tracker balls, and touchpads. Mice can be mechanical, optical, or cordless/wireless. Mice are commonly used to open and close programs, move files, and perform image editing. Tracker balls are similar to upside down mice and are easier for some users to use than mice. Touchpads are found on laptops and use finger movement instead of a physical mouse.

Uploaded by

sahoopragyan2510
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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POINTING DEVICES

MOUSE

A mouse is an input device that is used specifically for pointing to and


selecting objects that are displayed on the monitor screen. It is therefore
referred to as a pointing device. The mouse is the most widely used pointing
device.

Types of mouse

1. Mechanical –is a type of mouse in which a ball is used underneath to


detect movement, so by moving the mouse around the user can
control the position of a pointer on the screen.

2. Optical- is a type of mouse where the movement is detected by


reflected light rather than the position of a moving ball.
3. Cordless/wireless- is a mouse that uses infra-red waves to
communicate with the computer

Diagram of a mouse

Uses of a mouse
1. Used for opening, closing and minimizing software
2. Grouping. Moving and deleting files
3. Image editing and positing a drawing posted into a document
4. Used for clicking and dragging on items on the screen.
5. Used for placing the cursor onto a document.
Advantages

1. Faster way to choose an option than using a keyboard


2. Very quick way to navigate through applications and the internet
3. Does not need a large desk area when compared to a keyboard

Disadvantages

1. Can be more difficult for people with restricted hand movement than
using a keyboard data entry
2. Easy to damage, and the older types of mouse quickly clogged up with dirt
3. Difficult to use if no flat surface is readily available

TRACKER BALL

A tracker ball is like an upside down mouse.


The ball is on the top of the device and you
move it with your thumb. Buttons on the
tracker ball works in the same way as mouse
buttons. A tracker ball is also part of the
pointing devices.

This pointing device is not moved about like


a mouse; instead it has a large ball that the
user spins. Data about which direction the
ball is spun is accessed to the computer.

Tracker balls are often used by people with limited movement (disabled) or
by the very young since they are easier to use than a mouse.

TOUCHPAD / TRACK PAD

A pointing device found on most laptops.


Used instead of a mouse since it takes
up less space. The user moves a finger
across the touch pad and this movement
data is sent to the computer which moves
the pointer on the screen.

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