Computer mouse

A computer mouse is a handheld hardware input device that controls a cursor in a GUI (graphical user interface) and can move and select the text, icons, files, and folders on your computer.

For desktop computers, the mouse is placed on a flat surface (e.g., mouse pad or desk) in front of your computer. The picture is an example of a Logitech desktop computer mouse with two primary buttons and a wheel.

 

Who invented the mouse?

The mouse was initially known as the X-Y Position Indicator for a Display System and was invented by Douglas Engelbart in 1963 while working at Xerox PARC. But, due to Alto's lack of success, the first widely used application of the mouse was with the Apple Lisa computer. Today, this pointing device is on virtually every computer.

What are the uses of a mouse?

Below is a list of computer mouse functions to give you an idea of all the things a mouse is capable of doing.

1.   Move the mouse cursor - The primary function is to move the mouse pointer on the screen.

2.   Open or execute a program - Once you've moved the pointer to an icon, folder, or another object clicking or double-clicking that object opens the document or executes the program.

3.   Select - A mouse also allows you to select the text or a file or highlight and select multiple files at once.

4.   Drag-and-drop - Once something is selected, it can also be moved using the drag-and-drop method.

5.   Hover - Moving the mouse cursor over objects with hover information helps discover each object's function. For example, hover the mouse over the "hover" link to see an example.

6.   Scroll - When working with a long document or viewing a long web page, you may need to scroll up or down. To scroll, use the mouse wheel, or click-and-drag the scroll bar.

7.   Perform other functions - Many desktop mice also have buttons that can be programmed to perform any function. For example, many mice have two side buttons on the thumb portion of the mouse. The button closest to the palm can be programmed to go back to the previously viewed web page in a browser.

Computer mouse ports

Today, most computer mice connect to a computer using a USB port. Below is a list of ports and wireless connections a mouse is capable of using.

1.   Bluetooth
2.   Infrared
3.   PS/2 Port
4.   Serial Port
5.   USB

What are the parts of a computer mouse?

The parts of a computer mouse can vary by the type of computer mouse. Below is a general overview of the parts found on most computer mice.

 

Button 

Today, almost all computer mice have at least two buttons, a left button and a right button for clicking and manipulating objects and text. In the past, there were mice with only one button. For example, many of the early Apple computer mice only had one button.

 

Bottom of optical-mechanical and optical computer mouse

Ball, laser, or LED

A desktop mouse uses a ball and rollers if it's a mechanical mouse or a laser or LED if it's an optical mouse. These components track the movement of the mouse on an x-axis and y-axis and move the mouse cursor on the screen. In the picture is an example of the bottom of a mechanical and optical mouse.

 

Mouse wheel

Today's desktop computer mice also usually include a mouse wheel that allows you to scroll up and down on a page.

What does a laptop use for a mouse?

Because a laptop is designed for portability, almost all laptops today use a touchpad as the mouse, and some Lenovo laptops still use a TrackPoint. Also, all laptop computers can have a USB corded or wireless mouse attached to them. In the picture is an example of a touchpad found below a laptop keyboard.