I've been a user of Linux on the desktop off and on again over the years. I very nearly switched my primary computer to Ubuntu prior to the release of Windows 7. There were a few, but significant issues at the time that prevented wholesale adoption, mostly tethering with my phone and lousy VPN Client.
One key component I could count on was the Accessibility features. I have recently installed Ubuntu 10.10 and am considering giving it another try, but it appears Ubuntu has taken a leap backwards in that it no longer has a click lock feature for the mouse.
Basically I need the ability to press and hold the left button to trigger a locking of the button so I can move the mouse by way of a trackpoint with my prosthesis. I absolutely require this feature and it is a deal breaker if it won't work. I've tried the Dwell keys but this is a chaotic control at best. I've never been able to manage a drag of any kind.
Best Answer
Have you looked at xte? It's part of the
xautomationpackage.It's pretty stable, so you shouldn't need to do any compiling or hacking.
Typing
xte "mousedown 1"on a console seems to do what you're looking for. It simulated a click and hold of the first mouse button. The button appears to stay clicked until I click another mouse button.To make the UI work the way you want, you could add
xte "mousedown 1"to a keybinding. When you hit that key, you'll get the click-and-hold you describe.If you want the click-and-hold behaviour on a mouse click, you could try looking at Compiz. I believe Compiz allows binding commands to mouse button presses.