Slider control for graphical user interface and method for use thereof

A system and method are provided for varying a parameter graphically represented by a first control button on a display. The first control button is pressed either by contacting a touch screen or via a cursor control. Symbology is then generated on the display graphically representative of a slide control, which is dragged to vary the parameter to a desired value. Contact with the display, either by means of touch or cursor control, as the case may be, is then terminated.