What is the term for the blinking dash or small rectangle on a computer screen that shows where data will be entered?

The term for the blinking dash or small rectangle on a computer screen that indicates where data will be entered is known as the cursor. The cursor serves as a visual marker, guiding users on where to input text, numbers, or other data within a document or a field. Its appearance, which may vary depending on the context (e.g., a text cursor often looks like a vertical line, whereas a block cursor may appear as a rectangle), helps users identify the active point of entry in a screen interface.

Other options do not accurately describe this function. For instance, "pause/break" typically refers to a key on the keyboard that interrupts a process or operation, rather than indicating a location for data entry. An "icon" usually represents a program, file, or command in a graphical user interface but does not function as a data entry indicator. "Page-up" is a navigational command that moves the view upward through content but does not indicate an input position. Thus, understanding the role of the cursor is pivotal for effective computer use, as it directly relates to user interaction with software applications.