The present invention is directed at making a computer interface easier to use by facilitating the acquisition of a target with a pointer. In this regard, normal pointer movement is altered, when the pointer is scheduled to intersect an adjustment barrier associated with a target. The pointer movement is altered at the adjustment barrier to assist the user in keeping the pointer located on the target. Moreover, while the pointer is located on the target, the user may cause a pointer selection event to occur. Alternatively, the user may generate input for the purpose of “breaking free” from a threshold distance where pointer movement is adjusted.