What is pointing device and explain types of pointing device?
Answers
examples of pointing devices that can be used on a computer.
Camera mouse
computer mouse
fingers on touch screen
joystick
touchpad
keyboard...
and many mores
Answer:Pointing Devices:
An input device used to control a pointer on the screen is called a pointing device. A pointer is a small symbol that appears on the screen in a graphical user interface. Different shapes of a pointer are available.
Types of Pointing Devices
Different types of pointing devices are as following:
Mouse
Trackball
Touchpad/ Trackpad
Pointing Stick
Graphics Tablet
Touchscreen
Light Pen
Joystick
Stylus
Mouse
A mouse is a small, lightweight input device. The mouse is moved on a flat surface to control the movement of the cursor on a screen. A mouse usually has two or three buttons. These buttons are used to do various tasks.
pointing devices
Different types of a mouse are as follows:
Mechanical Mouse
Optical Mouse
Wireless Mouse
Mechanical Mouse
pointing devices
Mechanical mouse encloses a rubber or metal ball in it. The movement of the cursor depends on the movement of the ball. This mouse is normally used on a mouse pad. A mouse pad is a small pad made of rubber or foam to provide easy movement for the mouse. It also protects the mouse from dust and dirt.
Optical Mouse
pointing devices
Optical mouse contains no ball inside it. It uses a device that emits light to detect the mouse movement. Optical sensor or laser is used in these types of mouse. Furthermore, It is more costly than a mechanical mouse.
Wireless Mouse
pointing devices
A wireless or cordless mouse is a type of mouse that does not require a wire to work. It transmits data using wireless technology like radio waves or infrared light waves.
Trackball
A trackball can also be used as an alternative to a mouse. This device also has buttons similar to those on a mouse.
It holds a large moving ball on the top. The body of the trackball is not moved. The ball is rolled with fingers. The position of the cursor on the screen is controlled by rotating the ball.
pointing devices
The main benefit of the trackball over a mouse is that it takes less space to move. The trackball is often included in laptop computers. The standard desktop computer also uses a trackball operated as a separate input device.
Touchpad/ Trackpad
A touchpad is a small, plane surface over which the user moves his finger. The user controls the movement of the cursor on the screen by moving his fingers on the touchpad. It is also known as a trackpad.
pointing devices
A touchpad also has one or more buttons near it. These button work like mouse buttons. Touchpads are commonly used with notebook computers.
Pointing Stick
pointing devices
Pointing stick is a pressure-sensitive device. It is similar to a pencil eraser and exits between keys on the keyboard. When the user pushes the pointing stick, the pointer on the screen also moves. It demands no extra space or cleaning like a mouse. Pointing stick is normally used with notebook computers.
Graphics Tablet
pointing devices
A graphics tablet consists of a flat pad on which the user draws with a special pen called a stylus. The image is created on the screen as the user draws on the pad. A designer can produce very accurate drawings using a graphics tablet. It is also called a digitizer.
Touchscreen
pointing devices
The touchscreen is a video display screen that receives input from the touch of a finger. The screen is covered with a plastic layer. There are undetectable beams of infrared light at the back of the screen. In order to enter data, the user touches icons or menus on the screen. Most touchscreen computer use sensors to detect the touch of a finger.
Light Pen
pointing devices
A light pen is a hand-held pen-like device. It is light- sensitive stylus. Light pen is connected by a wire to the computer. It has a device at the tip that emits light. The pen sends information to the computer when a user touches the pen on certain areas of a specially designed screen. A light pen I usually used by engineers, graphics designers and illustrators.
Joystick
pointing devices
A joystick consists of a base and a stick. The stick can be moved in several directions to shift an object anywhere on the computer screen. A joystick can perform a similar function to a mouse or trackball. It is often considered less comfortable and efficient. The most common use of a joystick is for playing computer games.
Stylus
pointing devices
The stylus is similar to a ballpoint pen. It uses pressure to write text and draw lines. It was also called a pen. A stylus is used in graphical applications. Architects, artists, and designers use it to create drawings and sketches.