
The computer keyboard and VDU
The mouse
This colourfully named data entry device is an increas-
ingly popular method of screen manipulation. It is not
confined solely to arty applications, but is also widely
used as a means of communication in what is usually
referred to as a WIMP environment (W = windows; I =
icons;
M = mouse and P = pointers). In this type of situa-
tion, of which the well known Windows and GEM
(Graphics Environment Manager) are examples, the key-
board is largely ignored. Instead of typing in textual
commands to obtain the required response, the mouse
is used to move a pointer around the screen, which may
contain text in window ...