CompuServe Messages

Larry, I think the main problem with the HELP key / mouse pointer relationship is in the loss of keyboard autonomy. I personally hate programs which FORCE me to use the mouse when it's not strictly necessary. If I am typing away in my word-processor and forget how to use the spelling checker, I don't want to have to move my hand to the mouse just so I can position the pointer directly over the already active cursor. The other problem I see is that you may be risking major confusion for new users (not to mention the old-hands :-)). As the system software stands right now, all keyboard activity is handled by the currently active window. That in itself is enough to confuse most new users (You mean if I click a CLI to the background it becomes active? Even I find that infuriating!). To have to explain to them that, unlike every other key, the HELP key is not tied to the active window but to the mouse pointer may be too much. – Dave