Common Software Features, ContinuedCursers andpointers(Continued)HOURGLASSES: The appearance of an hourglass on the monitor screenindicates that the computer is accessing memory or a function. While thehourglass is displayed, the keyboard or mouse is inoperable. Hourglasseswith an arrow indicate the computer is working, but you are free to accessanother function. The hourglass or hourglass with arrow disappears whenthe computer completes the requested activity.DIRECTIONAL ARROWS on bars or cross hairs: Directional arrowsattached to bars or cross hairs indicate that the curser may shift selected itemsor lines in the direction of the arrows to another position in documents.Directional arrows also allow you to resize information windows.PROHIBITING CIRCLES: Circles crossed diagonally by a line that may ormay not have an additional icon let you know that the application or functionyou request is prohibited.HANDS: Hands or question marks indicate that clicking in a particularspace, phrase, or image accesses the HELP feature of the software program.On the Internet or web pages, these helpers indicate internal and externallinks to web sites.IconsIcons are small graphic images representing functions or applications ofsoftware. Icons eliminate memorizing multiple keystrokes by replacing thekeystrokes with pictures. Icons speed up selection and execution of options.The ability of software to use graphics to make software more user friendly ispart of the software graphical user interface (GUI).Screen displaysScreen displays are the entire monitor face capable of showing information.Some screens show only a portion of text requiring the viewer to scroll.Screens that show a portion of the whole image are difficult to work with andmake it hard to develop a feel for page aesthetics. Monitors having morepixels and larger working monitors may allow you to see exactly how pageswill appear when printed. Monitor resolution is adjustable. On-screeninformation appears and disappears through what are called windows.Continued on next page8-15
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