What Is a Touch Window?

Touch Window

• A touch window is a clear window that can be mounted onto a computer monitor or screen. In addition to being mounted on the screen, it is also connected to the computer through the USB port. The touch window acts as a touch screen for your computer, eliminating the need for your mouse. You can drag the cursor around by moving your finger over the touch window, tapping on icons or links to activate them.

Home Use

• Touch windows can make your home computer easier to use for several members of your family. Children who are too young to use a mouse will find a touch window easier to use, as will older adults who might have lost some of the fine motor control needed to control a mouse. Family members with developmental issues or in need of occupational therapy will benefit from the direct correlation of moving their finger and having action take place on the screen.

Drawbacks

• Touch windows are expensive; you need to purchase both the screen and software to run one. The screen is sized for different monitors, so you can’t easily move it from your main desktop computer to a laptop. If your family uses both Windows and Mac platforms, you need to purchase two sets of software if you want to have the option of using a touch window on every computer.

Considerations

• A touch window can open up new opportunities for fun and communication, as well as being useful for academics for children and young people -- and helping with finances and work for adults. If you install a touch window on your home computer, you can still use the mouse, so you won’t lose any functionality as a result. As young children grow, they will eventually no longer need the window to operate the computer. You can then transfer the touch window to an older relative’s machine if needed.