Mouse pointers

Different types of mouse pointer

Try moving your mouse (cursor) pointer over the grey squares.

cursor name cursor graphic Used where Notes
default None of the others is used
pointer There is a link
cross hairs in some graphics programs
move You can click-&-drag Default pointer is usually used
e-resize or
w-resize
You want to change the width of a window
ne-resize or
sw-resize
you want move either the top-right or bottom-left corners of a window
nw-resize or
se-resize
you want move either the top-left or bottom-right corners of a window
n-resize or
s-resize
you want to move the top or bottom of a window
text You are pointing at text
wait The computer is carrying out a long-winded process
help a click could bring up a help tip
progress you have to wait for a process that you have started

Finding a mouse pointer when you lose it!

Move the mouse around and you will probably notice it! In Windows Vista, if you lose the pointer, press the 'Ctrl' key. When you release the key circles flash around the mouse pointer.

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