Pointing device

Pointing device

A pointing device, or sometimes called a pointing tool, is a hardware input device that allows the user to move the mouse cursor in a computer program or GUI operating system. Using a pointing device allows you to point at or manipulate any object or text on the screen. For example, using a pointing device you could point at and select an icon from a list of icons.
Examples of pointing devices

Below are examples of pointing devices that can be used on a computer.

• Camera mouse
• Computer mouse (shown in picture)
• Finger on touch screen
• Footmouse
• J mouse
• Joystick
• Leap Motion
• Light pen (pen)
• Stylus
• Trackball
• TrackPoint
• Touchpad
• Keyboard (Can be used to move the mouse pointer)

What is the most common pointing device?

For desktop computers, the most common pointing device is the computer mouse. For laptop computers, the most common pointing device is the touchpad. Finally, for smartphones and tablets, the most common pointing devices is your finger on a touch screen.

Why is a mouse called a pointing device?

A mouse is called a pointing device because using it allows you to move the mouse cursor and point to anything on the screen.

Why are pointing devices input devices?

Pointing devices send information (axis pointer information) to the computer and do not receive any information from the computer which makes them input devices.

What is the difference between an input and output device?

Related pages

Computer mouse help and support.

Read More

Mouse Properties

Mouse Properties

This option is used to change the appearance of mouse. We can also change the speed and visibility of the mouse.

Setting the Mouse Pointer

Double click on Mouse icon.

The Mouse Properties box will appear with row of tabs at the top of the box.

1. Click the pointer tab at the top of the box.
2. Click on drop down box under schemes to find a list of additional cursors.
3. To change the pointer, click on the pointer which you wnat to change.
4. Then click on Browse button.

A window will open with different pointers  in it.

1. Click the pointer of choice and click the open button.
2. Click the Apply button to apply the new mouse pointers.
3. Click OK.

To change the speed of Mouse Pointer in Window XP

1. Click on the pointer option tab.
2. Click on Motion Tab.
3. The Motion Screen appears.
4. Slide the bar to the right to speed the mouse up.
5. Click Apply to apply the changes.

To change the visibility of Mouse Pointer in Window XP

1. Click on the pointer options tab in the Mouse Properties window.
2. The Visibility screen will appear.
3. lick on check box to lengthen the pointer trail for better visibility.
4. Click APply button to apply the changes.
5. Click OK button to close Mouse Properties Box.

Read More