Possible to use a computer without using a mouse pad?(like the movies)

JaWalrus

JaWalrus

New Member
Hey guys, first of all thanks for the advice and I appreciate what you guys do on this forum. Some background info, I am not new to computers, I'd actually say when it comes to OS's and things internally I'm pretty good. I can type very fast, and I know quite a few shortcuts around the board. That being said, I know I'm nowhere near the level of most of you as you all have degrees, certifications, and actual qualifications. Most of you even do this for a job.


So I've got a question for the experts.. On spy movies and stuff we always see people using computers extremely fast, with windows popping up everywhere, and for the most part we never see them touch their mouse or mousepad. They seem to be able sift through large amounts of data very quickly, stringing together information and streamlining the use of the computer. I'd say if this possible, I'd love to know where you can learn to do this at. I've been on computers since they came out, and even I don't have a clue. Is it possible to get to a level with the computer where this is accomplishable, or is it just Hollywood? Once again, Thanks guys.
 
Well as you must understand movies aren't real. In movies for the most part they use fictional computers and software that look really cool and super efficient for dramatic effect and even if they are using what seems like a real computer using a real operating system, it would just be special effects or I guess a fake program that is programmed to throw up differently designed windows to make it look like its doing something. Also remember these fictional spy's and tech wizards in movies are so good that they can write programs, hacks, viruses or operating systems in a very short period of time, so they like gods on computer, they do what they like.
 
Yeah, that's what I thought unfortunately as well. Thanks for the reply. I just don't see why it can't be done. It definitely makes more sense than the over reliance on the mouse. From what I understand tablets were actually made in this idea to "forego" the mouse, and make computer use more efficient. However as we know tablets can't do real work. It just sucks. Somebody should take this idea and run with it or sell it. If somebody can make an OS that relies purely on shortcuts and the quick access of movement that person would make millions. Then we all could look like the movies in our living rooms lol! Thanks again Shlouski.
 
More could be possible in the future as they develop stuff like virtual reality, eye tracking, gestures/motion tracking (like the cameras on the xbox and ps4) and whatever that one is called that can interpret brain waves.
When it comes to mice, I think they are by far still the easiest, most effective and precise input device used over a wide range of applications. Of course mobile devices are different as you don't carry a flat surface around with you and mice are a little harder to use when moving around :)
 
Last edited:
You can use all the keyboard shortcuts you want, in a GUI environment a mouse is faster in a lot of instances.

I've seen a lot of idiots think that a simple command prompt is 'hacking', throw up a shell or something in a movie and you're good.

Some of them like the Matrix reference actual tools like nmap though, granted it's still sensationalized a bit.
 
Many of the screens you see are CGI and not actually being controlled by the actors. If you ever watch an interview my Mary Lynn Rajskub who played Chloe on 24, she says she just typed random stuff, like "You look very pretty today Mary Lynn! Keep doing a good job!"
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top