What does the cursor indicate on a computer screen?

The cursor on a computer screen primarily serves as an indicator of where the next typing will occur. When a user types on the keyboard, the text appears at the location of the cursor, making it a crucial component for text entry and editing. The cursor allows users to navigate around the text area, click to position it, and can change shape based on context, such as switching to an arrow when hovering over clickable objects or to an I-beam when positioned over text.

While the other options provide useful functions in computing, they do not accurately define the purpose of the cursor. The battery level, open files, and active programs are indicated by different icons and interfaces within the operating system, rather than by the cursor itself. Thus, the correct answer effectively encapsulates the fundamental role of the cursor in facilitating user input and interaction with text.