Re: UI terminology

[Kim Keegan <keegan -at- EXPLORERS -dot- COM>]

Kevin Smith wrote:
>
> Open query:  What's the real name for the little white hand that appears
> over a link in HTML?
>         (for that matter, what's the real name for the arrow?)
>         I can't find a NAME for it in any of our MS guidelines or manuals.


They're called *pointers*. A pointer can take on different shapes, such
as the arrow or hand. To quote from MS Manual of Style:

=======
pointer

Mouse term. Although the mouse pointer can assume many shapes, avoid
descriptive labels for mouse pointers. For example, use _pointer_, not
_double-headed arrow_, unless necessary to distinguish the different
types of mouse pointers. If a description would be unwieldy, use a
graphic if possible.

Use _input device_ generically to refer to mice, pens, balls, styluses,
and other input devices.

For more information about pointer shapes, see _The Windows Interface
Guidelines for Software Design._
=======

I don't have the other book mentioned, so I can't give further
reference. I would probably say something like this: "When the pointer
changes to a hand..."

Kim

--
Kim Keegan | Information Developer
ISI Data Services / Intrepid Technology
keegan -at- explorers -dot- com or keegan -at- isidata-intrepid -dot- com
http://www2.explorers.com/~keegan

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