Input Controls

Each type of input control utilized by the dialog boxes is described below. Note that the examples shown here are for a Windows system; if you are working on a Linux system, your dialog box controls may look slightly different, but they will work exactly as described here.

2.1.6.1.1. Tabs

Much like the tabs on a notebook divider, tabs in dialog boxes are used to mark the different sections into which a dialog box is divided. A dialog box that contains many controls may be divided into different sections to reduce the amount of screen space it occupies. You can access each section of the dialog box by “clicking” the left mouse button on the corresponding tab. A click is one press and release of the mouse button.

2.1.6.1.2. Buttons

A button, also referred to as a push button, is used to perform a function indicated by the button label.

To activate a button, place the pointer over the button and click the left mouse button.

2.1.6.1.3. Check Boxes

A check box, also referred to as a check button, is used to enable / disable an item or action indicated by the check box label. Click the left mouse button on the check box to toggle the state.

2.1.6.1.4. Radio Buttons

Radio buttons are a set of check boxes with the condition that only one can be set in the “on” position at a time. When you click the left mouse button on a radio button, it will be turned on, and all others will be turned off. Radio buttons appear either as diamonds (in Linux systems) or as circles (as shown above).

2.1.6.1.5. Text Entry Boxes

A text entry box lets you type text input. It will often have a label associated with it to indicate the purpose of the entry.

2.1.6.1.6. Integer Number Entry Boxes

An integer number entry box is similar to a text entry except it allows only integer numbers to be entered (e.g., 10, -10, 50000 and 5E4). You may find it easier to enter large integer numbers using sci-entific notation. For example, you could enter 350000 or 3.5E5.

The integer number entry also has arrow buttons that allow you to easily increase or decrease its value.

For most integer number entry controls, the value will be increased (or decreased) by one when you click an arrow button. You can increase the size of the increment by holding down a keyboard key while clicking the arrow button. The keys used are shown below:

Factor of Increase Key

10 Shift

100 Ctrl

2.1.6.1.7. Real Number Entry Boxes

A real number entry box is similar to a text entry, except it allows only real numbers to be entered (e.g., 10, -10.538, 50000.45 and 5.72E-4). In most cases, the label will show the units associated with the real number entry.

2.1.6.1.8. Single-Selection Lists

A single-selection list presents a list of items, with each item printed on a separate line. You can select an item by placing the pointer over the item line and clicking with the left mouse button. The selected item will become highlighted. Selecting another item will deselect the previously selected item in the list.

Many dialog boxes will also accept a double-click in order to invoke the dialog box action that is asso-ciated with the list selection (see information on the dialog box of interest for more details).

2.1.6.1.9. Multiple-Selection Lists

A multiple-selection list is similar to a single-selection list, except it allows for more than one selected item at a time. When you click the left mouse button on an item, its selection state will toggle. Clicking on an unselected item will select it. Clicking on a selected item will deselect it.

To select a range of items in a multiple-selection list, you can select the first desired item, and then select the last desired item while holding down the Shift key. The first and last items, and all the items between them, will be selected. You can also click and drag the left mouse button to select multiple items.

There are two small buttons in the upper right corner of the multiple selection list that accelerate the task of selecting or deselecting all the items in the list. Clicking the left button will select all items.

Clicking the right button will deselect all items.

2.1.6.1.10. Drop-Down Lists

A drop-down list is a hidden single-selection list that shows only the current selection to save space.

When you want to change the selection, follow the steps below:

1. Click the arrow button to display the list.

2. Place the pointer over the new list item.

3. Click the left mouse button on the item to make the selection and close the list.

If you wish to abort the selection operation while the list is displayed, you can move the pointer anywhere outside the list and click the left mouse button.

2.1.6.1.11. Scales

A scale is used to select a value from a predefined range by moving a slider. The number shows the current value. You can change the value by clicking the arrow buttons, or by following one of the pro-cedures below:

1. Place the pointer over the slider.

2. Press and hold down the left mouse button.

3. Move the pointer along the slider bar to change the value.

4. Release the left mouse button.

or

1. Place the pointer over the slider and click the left mouse button.

2. Using the arrow keys on the keyboard, move the slider bar left or right to change the value.