Final answer:
The main types of mice and pointing devices include optical mice, trackballs, joysticks, mechanical mice, touchpads, and touch screens, each functioning uniquely to detect and translate user movement into cursor movement on the screen.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main types of mice and pointing devices include: optical mice, trackballs, joysticks, mechanical mice, touchpads, and touch screens. Optical mice use a light source and sensor to detect movement on a surface. Trackballs have a ball that the user can rotate to move the cursor. Joysticks are generally used for gaming and can detect direction and movement. Mechanical mice, also known as ball mice, have a ball inside them that rolls as the mouse is moved. Touchpads are common on laptops and are used by dragging one's finger across the pad to move the cursor. Touch screens allow for direct interaction with the display by touching it with a finger or a stylus.