Hobbies And Interests
Control Stick
The oldest use of the term refers to an aircraft's control column. The control column is the lever in the cockpit of the aircraft that allows the pilot to control the plane's direction and altitude. Tanks and other large vehicles use joysticks to control movement and direction as well. Another common term used to describe this lever is "control stick." Usage in this context began sometime between 1905 and 1910.
Video Games
In a computing context, a joystick is an accessory that can be used in place of a mouse. It is a lever that directs the movement of a symbol or character from one point on the screen to another. There are often two or more buttons, called triggers, built into the joystick that function like the buttons on a mouse. While they can be used for other purposes, joysticks are most commonly used to play video games.
Features
A joystick is usually composed of two basic parts: a stable base and a stick. The stick can be moved back and forth in any direction; it's the part used to control cursor or vehicle motion. The speed at which the stick is moved determines the speed at which the cursor moves. In some cases, the stick can rotate as well. A USB connection is generally used to connect a joystick to a computer.
Uses
Computer joysticks have several potential uses, but the most common is to play video games. A joystick can offer a number of advantages over a keyboard and mouse depending on player preference and the type of game being played. Joysticks are particularly popular when playing flying and shooting games because they mimic genuine aircraft controls and react well to subtle movements, making it easier to aim at moving targets.