Glossary

CAD

CAD stands for Computer Aided Design. CAD programs are used to design complex objects using 3D modeling packages. A number of specialised mouse-like devices have been developed to help in designing 3D objects by allowing a vertical movement as well as the normal horizontal movement of a normal mouse.

Context Menu

Some operating systems provide additional functions that become available as a pop-up menu when the right mouse button is depressed. The contents of this menu changes depending on where the mouse pointer is, providing a menu that relates to what is being pointed at.

GUI

GUI stands for Graphical User Interface. This is what you see on most modern operating systems - a combination of icons and windows on your screen. GUIs are designed to be controlled using a mouse/pointer combination rather than via the keyboard.

Hardware Cursor

Computer mice were originally controlled purely by a software program called a mouse driver. Modern computer designs now incorporate support for the computer mouse as part of the hardware, meaning the mouse will work immediately and often without custom mouse drivers, although without the benefit of additional buttons.

Mouse Wheel

Mouse wheels are a relatively new addition to computer mice. Sitting between the two buttons of a non-Apple mouse, the mouse wheel can be turned using a finger, and programmed to perform different functions on the computer.

Pointer

The pointer is a small arrow or similar object on the computer screen that moves in relation to the movement of your computer mouse. You use the pointer to access and control the various functions of your computer through a graphical user interface.
Some operating systems also support a range of custom pointers that you can install and use, allowing you to change the way the mouse pointer looks on screen.

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