Definition of the word cursor

The word "cursor" comes from the Latin word "cursus," which translated in English means "running" or "course." In ancient times, a "cursor" referred to a person who ran errands or delivered messages, as they would "run" from one place to another. In the context of computing, a cursor is a blinking or moving character or symbol that indicates the current position of the user's input on the screen. It allows users to navigate through text documents, spreadsheets, or other applications by moving the cursor using directional keys on the keyboard. This feature has its origins in the days of analog computers, where a physical cursor was used to mark the position of input or output data on a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display. The first computer to use a visual cursor, in the form of a block, was the IBM 2250 in the late 1960s. Today, the term "cursor" in computing has evolved to encompass a wide range of input devices and techniques, including touch pads, trackballs, and mouse pointers, as well as touch screens and digital pens. These devices allow users to control the movement of the cursor on the screen to perform actions such as selecting text, making corrections, or launching commands. Ultimately, the cursor has become an essential part of the modern computing experience, providing users with a quick and intuitive method for interacting with their devices.