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Janghou
Asked: 2014-02-25 04:39:01 +0800 CST

Locate mouse helper in Xubuntu for visually impaired

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I can't find a locate pointer feature (anymore) in Xubuntu.

Is there an Xubuntu 13.10 (XFCE) alternative for the Show Mouse Accessibility CCSM plugin for ubuntu?

My mother is slightly visually impaired and has difficulties finding the mouse. Her computer is to old/weak to run Ubuntu/Unity.

UPDATE

Still not present in 14.04, but I noticed the feature exists in default Debian: Show position of pointer when the Control key is pressed, maybe that's GNOME not XFCE.

As I recall correctly it existed in Xubuntu in older versions too, why has this extremely valuable feature been dropped?

xubuntu

3 Answers

  1. About the original question: I too am an xfce user and am somewhat visually impaired.
    I use the red pointer, but often can't find it in a cluttered desktop. Then I just use Alt+F1 which pulls up a file manager menu box. I don't need it, but it's always placed on the desktop with the cursor at one of its upper corners. Once I've located the cursor, I just left-click away from the file manager menu box, and I'm back in business.
    Hope this helps the OP's mother.

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  2. Try a new mousetheme with partial transparent background and use an improved high/contrast theme

    Mousetheme: DMZ with Yellow Background Multisized.

    Theme: Treepata (improved high/contrast theme)

    Suggestions have been given here: Is there a Locate pointer helper in Lubuntu (for visually impaired)

    IMHO this is an acceptable solution that offers an appropriate type of assistance for the visual impaired in Xubuntu.

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  3. There does not seem to be anything included by default. In Ubuntu, it is the org.gnome.settings-daemon.peripherals.mouse locate-pointer gsettings option, but xfce4 does not have it.

    You could theoretically build something yourself using xdotool and bind a hotkey to it. Here is an example.

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