Xmouse
Encyclopedia
Xmouse is a system of mouse
control used instead of the standard system of selection on computers (most notably Windows
and X11, where it is an option). Where normal mouse control uses single-click
for selection and double-click
to open/edit/etc, the xmouse system automatically selects objects after hovering the mouse over the object for a certain period of time (often one second). The context function, previously activated by double-clicking is activated by single-clicking. Double-clicking is made redundant by this system and is ignored. Operation of menus, text selection and other features remain unchanged.
Proponents of the xmouse system claim it has many advantages over the regular system of selection. Most notably, it requires much less effort on the part of the user to use the computer, and can be considerably faster once users have adjusted to the non-standard interface.
The two main disadvantages are the selection speed, and the non-standardness of the xmouse system. Firstly, there must be a minimum time for the cursor to hover over an icon before it is selected, or else all icons would be immediately selected. This 'lag time' reduces the maximum speed that xmouse can be used at, and could lead to annoying pauses. Secondly, as it is rarely used in the world, people who get used to the xmouse system might find it hard to adjust to using other computers, and vice versa.
On Microsoft Windows
, an Xmouse Control Panel applet was available as part of the Windows 95 PowerToys. On newer Windows versions, the behavior can be configured using Tweak UI or directly from the Windows Registry
. The setting is also built into Windows Vista
in the Ease of Access Center.
Mouse (computing)
In computing, a mouse is a pointing device that functions by detecting two-dimensional motion relative to its supporting surface. Physically, a mouse consists of an object held under one of the user's hands, with one or more buttons...
control used instead of the standard system of selection on computers (most notably Windows
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows is a series of operating systems produced by Microsoft.Microsoft introduced an operating environment named Windows on November 20, 1985 as an add-on to MS-DOS in response to the growing interest in graphical user interfaces . Microsoft Windows came to dominate the world's personal...
and X11, where it is an option). Where normal mouse control uses single-click
Point-and-click
Point-and-click is the action of a computer user moving a cursor to a certain location on a screen and then pressing a mouse button, usually the left button , or other pointing device...
for selection and double-click
Double-click
A double-click is the act of pressing a computer mouse button twice quickly without moving the mouse. Double-clicking allows two different actions to be associated with the same mouse button...
to open/edit/etc, the xmouse system automatically selects objects after hovering the mouse over the object for a certain period of time (often one second). The context function, previously activated by double-clicking is activated by single-clicking. Double-clicking is made redundant by this system and is ignored. Operation of menus, text selection and other features remain unchanged.
Proponents of the xmouse system claim it has many advantages over the regular system of selection. Most notably, it requires much less effort on the part of the user to use the computer, and can be considerably faster once users have adjusted to the non-standard interface.
The two main disadvantages are the selection speed, and the non-standardness of the xmouse system. Firstly, there must be a minimum time for the cursor to hover over an icon before it is selected, or else all icons would be immediately selected. This 'lag time' reduces the maximum speed that xmouse can be used at, and could lead to annoying pauses. Secondly, as it is rarely used in the world, people who get used to the xmouse system might find it hard to adjust to using other computers, and vice versa.
On Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows is a series of operating systems produced by Microsoft.Microsoft introduced an operating environment named Windows on November 20, 1985 as an add-on to MS-DOS in response to the growing interest in graphical user interfaces . Microsoft Windows came to dominate the world's personal...
, an Xmouse Control Panel applet was available as part of the Windows 95 PowerToys. On newer Windows versions, the behavior can be configured using Tweak UI or directly from the Windows Registry
Windows registry
The Windows Registry is a hierarchical database that stores configuration settings and options on Microsoft Windows operating systems. It contains settings for low-level operating system components as well as the applications running on the platform: the kernel, device drivers, services, SAM, user...
. The setting is also built into Windows Vista
Windows Vista
Windows Vista is an operating system released in several variations developed by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops, tablet PCs, and media center PCs...
in the Ease of Access Center.