<P> A pointing device is an input interface (specifically a human interface device) that allows a user to input spatial (i.e., continuous and multi-dimensional) data to a computer . CAD systems and graphical user interfaces (GUI) allow the user to control and provide data to the computer using physical gestures by moving a hand - held mouse or similar device across the surface of the physical desktop and activating switches on the mouse . Movements of the pointing device are echoed on the screen by movements of the pointer (or cursor) and other visual changes . Common gestures are point and click and drag and drop . </P> <P> While the most common pointing device by far is the mouse, many more devices have been developed . However, the term "mouse" is commonly used as a metaphor for devices that move the cursor . </P> <P> For most pointing devices, Fitts's law can be used to predict the speed with which users can point at a given target position . </P>

The process of touching an object with mouse pointer is called