Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing the operation of pointing devices currently in use with video display environments by reducing the amount of motion necessary to cause the movement of parts of the display over distances of the screen environment within existing pointing devices and pointing device control programs. This is accomplished by allowing the customary operation, of the pointing device, presently including computer "mice", "trackballs"; and "touchpads", or any similar device, within a predefined "select area". Within the select area, pointing and control functions are performed in the manner normal to the chosen supported controller device. Movement of the control device or cursor beyond this established range or select area invokes the "slide" function in which the cursor movement becomes automated, allowing the user to cause the cursor to traverse significant distances of the screen with little effort.