Xubuntu/XFCE definitely needs something like `show mouse` in Unity compiz or in Gnome: Open Dconf and navigate to: org -> gnome -> settings-daemon -> peripherals -> mouse -> locate pointer. This is really a setback for accessibility in XFCE, it makes XFCE a bad choice for even the slightest visually impaired. http://askubuntu.com/questions/425530/locate-mouse-helper-in-xubuntu-for-visually-impaired Xubuntu 14.04
Not sure to which product it belongs
Hi Janghou, Thanks for your report. We're sadly quite aware that we have progress to make. In order to help developers looking at this bug in the future, what kind of cue would help you locate the pointer when you need to? In other words, what kind of impairment do you have and what is easier for you to see? Thanks.
I was absolutely helped by some suggestions on AskUbunutu http://askubuntu.com/questions/569274/is-there-a-locate-pointer-helper-in-lubuntu-for-visually-impaired and before https://askubuntu.com/questions/425530/locate-mouse-helper-in-xubuntu-for-visually-impaired The mouse theme is definitely an improvement http://xfce-look.org/content/show.php/DMZ+with+Yellow+Background+Multisized?content=164006 And the improved Treepata (improved high/contrast theme) is better then the shipped default one http://xfce-look.org/content/show.php/Treepata+-+High+contrast?content=151928 But it does not show on an empty desktop, only in running programs. I have not tried to compile locate-pointer.c yet. It doesn't look that subtle though ;) I guess the best would be some extra temporary visual attraction after pressing CTRL e.g., like Gnome. Not me personal BTW: visual impairment / glaucoma http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glaucoma
Thanks Janghou, I've sent a mail to the developers about the high contrast icon themes we ship. I've also found this locate-pointer.c file you talked about and will see if I can get it to build and if we can release it with Xfce. In the meantime, have you considered using "swarp"? You could setup a Xfce keyboard shortcut that warps the mouse using swarp to coordinates of your choice (e.g. the middle of the screen), if that is acceptable for your mother. Thanks.
Thx Steve, No, not considered `swarp` yet, my mother is actually training herself for using extra keyboard shortcuts and blind typing. Somehow for older people pressing more then 2 keys at a time is difficult. Finding the mouse is one thing, most times you don't want it to change position. Still a good suggestion for `solution for the last resort` though, if you really can't find the mouse.
You can now use xfce4-find-cursor