Which tense to use? Present or present progressive?

Question

Hi,

I have two sample sentences, but I'm unsure which tense to use here:

1) In a description of a computer system:
The camera continuously records a video stream.
OR
The camera is continuously recording a video stream.

2) When describing user behavior:
While the user moves the mouse, the computer calculates...
OR
While the user is moving the mouse, the computer calculates...
OR
While the user is moving the mouse, the computer is calculating...

Too many options. They all sound almost the same to me, but I'm sure they're different in meaning.

Thanks,
Sebas

Philip · Accepted Answer

I see all of your choices as viable.

Seson · Answer

I guess so, but why? Are they interchangeable?

Philip · Answer

sesonI guess so, but why? Are they interchangeable?

Not really interchangeable. It jus depends on what time frame you want to emphasize.

Seson · Answer

Okay, so what is the difference exactly? (I guess that should have been my original question.)

Which tense to use? Present or present progressive?

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