MCA111 – Fundamentals of Computer and IT Assignment Subject MCA111

Assignment Set -1

1. Question. Explain the features of a mouse and a track ball

Answer:-

 Mouse:-This Input device is categorized as a pointing device because it is used to point and select an option on the monitor. It is small boxlike object that is connected to the computer by a cable and can be rolled around on the table. A pointer on the screen follows the movements of the mouse; rolling the mouse left moves the pointer left by an equipment amount, rolling the mouse in the right direction moves the pointer in the right direction, rolling the mouse in the up direction moves the pointer in the up direction, rolling the mouse in the down direction moves the pointer in the down direction and you can roll the mouse in a angular direction also. In order to select an option on the computer screen, the user should move the pointer at the desired position and press the button on the mouse. The mouse can be used to open menus, select texts for editing, move objects on the screen, images or diagrams etc.

Track ball: -   is a pointing device consisting of a ball held by a socket containing sensors to detect a rotation of the ball about two axes—like an upside-down mouse with an exposed protruding ball. The user rolls the ball with the thumb, fingers, or the palm of the hand to move a pointer.

Compared with a mouse, a trackball has no limits on effective travel; at times, a mouse can reach an edge of its working area while the operator still wishes to move the screen pointer farther. With a trackball, the operator just continues rolling, whereas a mouse would have to be lifted and re-positioned. Some trackballs, such as Logitech's optical-pickoff types, have notably low friction, as well as being dense (glass), so they can be spun to make them coast. The trackball's buttons may be situated to that of a mouse or to a unique style that suits the user.

Large trackballs are common on CAD workstations for easy precision. Before the advent of the touchpad, small trackballs were common on portable computers, where there may be no desk space on which to run a mouse. Some small thumb balls clip onto the side of the keyboard and have integral buttons with the same function as mouse buttons.