In one embodiment, a technique is provided for using a virtual mouse to interact with an electronic device. The virtual mouse is displayed on a touch screen display of the electronic device. The virtual mouse includes a pointer identifying a position, and a control region positioned proximate to, but offset from, the pointer. The control region includes a movement area for receiving touch input that is mapped to movement of the virtual mouse, and one or more buttons for performing one or more actions related to an item or point located at the identified position. In use, when touch input is received in the movement area of the virtual mouse, the virtual mouse, including the pointer, is moved. When, a button of the one or more buttons is pressed, an action is performed that is related to the item or point located at the identified position.