Trackball facts for kids
A trackball is a cool tool used with computers. It helps you control things on your screen. Think of it like an upside-down computer mouse! Instead of moving the whole mouse, you roll a ball that sticks out. This ball sits in a special holder with sensors. These sensors figure out how the ball is spinning. This movement then tells your computer where to move the pointer on the screen.
You can roll the ball with your thumb, fingers, or even the palm of your hand. Today, companies like Logitech, A4Tech, and Kensington make many trackballs. Microsoft used to make them too. Big trackballs are sometimes found in special computer setups. These include places like air traffic control rooms, where people watch radar. They are also used with sonar equipment on ships or for computer-aided design, which helps engineers create things.
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What is a Trackball?
A trackball is a type of input device. This means it's a piece of computer hardware that lets you send information to your computer. It's also called a pointing device. This is because it helps you point to and select things on your computer screen.
How a Trackball Works
Inside a trackball, there's a ball that you can roll. This ball sits in a special socket. The socket has sensors that detect how the ball moves. When you roll the ball, these sensors measure its rotation. They figure out how much it's spinning in different directions. This information is then sent to your computer. The computer uses this data to move the cursor on your screen. It's a very precise way to control your computer's pointer.
Where Are Trackballs Used?
Trackballs are often used in places where space is limited. They are also good when you need very accurate control. For example, you might see large trackballs in:
- Air traffic control: Controllers use them to track planes on radar screens.
- Sonar equipment: On ships or submarines, they help navigate and detect objects underwater.
- Computer-aided design (CAD): Engineers and designers use them for detailed drawing and modeling.
These special jobs need tools that are very precise. Trackballs offer that kind of accuracy.
Images for kids
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See also
In Spanish: Trackball para niños
