Online Computer Terms Dictionary - M

mouse ahead

The point-and-click analog of "type ahead". To manipulate a computer's pointing device (almost always a mouse in this usage, but not necessarily) and its selection or command buttons before a computer program is ready to accept such input, in anticipation of the program accepting the input. Handling this properly is rare, but it can help make a WIMP environment much more usable, assuming the users are familiar with the behaviour of the user interface.

[Jargon File]

(1994-12-05)