First, you only need one or the other. The difference between a mouse and a track ball is that the mouse ball is underneath the mouse where you can't see it and is moved by moving the entire mouse.

The ball for the track ball is on the top and is moved with your fingers without having to move the entire unit.

The mouse requires space and a special surface (like the mouse pad) to move around whereas the track ball requires no special surface or space other than where it is placed.

I prefer a trackball. But it is a matter of personal choice. You should try them both in a computer store and chose the one that feels better to you.

Both the mouse and trackball are used to move the pointer. The mouse or trackball pointer (they are both the same) comes in two flavors: A tilted arrow when it is moving over areas of the screen that contain pictures, or an I- beam when it moves over areas containing text characters.

These two pointers look like the following:

You will be moving these symbols all around the monitor screen with your mouse or track ball to select and click on various objects.

The Printer:

The printer can print what is shown on the monitor screen or what is contained in files and do so in black or color, depending on what printer you purchase. It's an amazing device!

Speakers:

Speakers come in various sizes and sound quality. You should buy speakers that satisfy your personal sound and musical needs. They don't affect the function of your PC in any way.

The monitor

Displays pictures and typed information just like a TV. However instead of obeying your TV remote control commands, the PC monitor only obeys commands from the PC user.

Monitors come in various sizes. The 15" monitor is adequate if you have excellent vision. A 17" or 19" monitor is a must for those with less than perfect vision.

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