Re: Word-a-Day: cursor, insertion point, pointer

[Stefan Kost <ensonic hora-obscura de>]

hi,

Shaun McCance schrieb:
> ============================================================
> cursor
> A symbol indicating where text will be inserted or deleted
> when the user types.  Prefer the term "insertion point" over
> "cursor".  The term "cursor" may be more appropriate when
> discussing text-based interfaces where that term is used
> more frequently.

While I agree that cursor and pointer are different things on the screen, I am 
not happy with "insertion point". Its sounds quite artificial. There is a cursor 
on the screen and it marks the "insertion point". The insertion point is moved 
by manipulating the cursor. I am not a native speaker, dunno if cursor sounds 
strange in english or is some overloaded term.

Stefan

> Do not use cursor as a synonym for pointer.
> ============================================================
> insertion point
> The point at which text will be inserted or deleted when the
> user types.  The insertion point is shown as a blinking line
> or a blinking rectangle.
> ============================================================
> pointer
> The arrow or other symbol which moves when the user moves
> the pointing device and which indicated where on the screen
> clicks will go.  Use "pointer" even when it takes on a shape
> other than an arrow, although you may use a descriptive
> adjective, such as "the I-beam pointer".
> ============================================================
>
> The current Style Guide recommends "cursor", and doesn't
> even mention "insertion point".  Both Apple and Microsoft
> recommend "insertion point", and I think it's a good way
> to go.  I've left a loophole for text-based applications
> because, let's face it, that's still the world we live in.
>
> Apple actually recommends *not* using pointer when a more
> descriptive term is available, such as "I-beam".  I think
> using a single consistent term is more understandable.
>
> --
> Shaun
>
>
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