Glossary » device independence
device independence
the ability for software to work with a variety of different input or output devices without having to worry about which ones exactly the user is using. This enables users, such as the disabled, to use whatever devices are most appropriate for them. This has enabled users to switch between, for instance, a mouse, a trackball, or a touch tablet, each of which works best in different situations. When done well, people with motor disabilities can substitute joysticks, large keyboards, blow-suck tubes, or whatever they like.
