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Computer Mouse

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40 views

Computer Mouse

Uploaded by

ruthlabosede
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Computer Mouse

A computer mouse is a handheld


hardware input device that controls a cursor in a GUI and can move and select
text, icons, files, and folders. For desktop computers, the mouse is placed on a flat
surface such as a mouse pad or a desk and is placed in front of your computer.
The picture to the right is an example of a desktop computer mouse with two
buttons and a wheel.

 Who invented the mouse?


 What are the functions of a mouse?
 How has the mouse increased the computer usability?
 Types of computer mice?
 Computer mouse ports
 What are the parts of a computer mouse?
 What does a laptop use for a mouse?
 What does a smartphone or tablet use for a mouse?
 What hand should I use to control the mouse?
 How can I use or practice using the mouse?
 Mouse vs. mice or mouses
 Is "mouse" an acronym?
 Related mouse pages
 Computer mouse help and support

Who invented the mouse?


The mouse was originally known as the X-Y Position Indicator for a Display
System and was invented by Douglas Engelbart in 1963 while working at Xerox
PARC. However, 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.

 When and who invented the first computer mouse?

What are the functions of a mouse?


Below is a list of each of the computer mouse functions that help a user use their
computer and gives you an idea of all of the things a mouse is capable of doing.

1. Move the mouse cursor - The primary function is to move the mouse
cursor on the screen.
2. Open or execute a program - Once you've moved the cursor to an icon,
folder, or other object clicking or double clicking that object opens the
document or executes the program.
3. Select - A mouse also allows you to select 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 additional hover
information can help discover the function of each object on the screen.
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 which can be done using the mouse
wheel or clicking and dragging the scroll bar.
7. Perform other functions - Many desktop mice also have additional 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 on web pages.

Tip: Steps and help with using the mouse and performing all of the above
functions can be found on our how to use a mouse page.

How has the mouse increased computer usability?


By using a computer mouse, the user doesn't have to memorize commands, such
as those utilized in a text-based command line environment like MS-DOS. For
example, in MS-DOS a user would have to know the cd command and dir
command and type the commands on the keyboard to navigate to a directory
(folder) and view the files inside. Whereas a Windows user only has to double-
click to open a folder and see its contents.
Types of computer mice

Below is a listing of all of the types of


computer mice and pointing devices used with a computer. Today, for a desktop
computer the most common type of mouse is an optical mouse that connects to
the USB port and known as a USB mouse. For laptop computers, the most
common type of mouse is the touchpad.

 Cordless (Wireless)
 Footmouse
 IntelliMouse (Wheel mouse)
 J-Mouse
 Joystick
 Mechanical
 Optical
 Touchpad (Glidepoint)
 Trackball
 TrackPoint

Computer mouse ports


Today, most computer mice connect to a computer using a USB port. Below is a
listing of all of the type of ports and wireless connections that a mouse is capable
of using or has used in the past.

 Bluetooth
 Infrared
 PS/2 Port
 Serial Port
 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.

Buttons

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

Ball, Laser, or LED

A desktop mouse may contain a ball and rollers if it is a mechanical mouse or a


laser or LED if it is an optical mouse. Each of these components are used to track
the movement and move the mouse cursor on the screen.

Mouse wheel

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

Tip: Instead of rolling the wheel if you push in on the wheel it can be used as a
third button.

Circuit board

To take all the signal information, clicks, and other information being created by
the mouse and input it to the computer it must also have a circuit board with
integrated circuits.

Cable or wireless receiver


For a corded mouse, it also includes a cable with a plug that connects to the
computer. Today, most corded mice connect to the USB port. If your computer
has a wireless mouse, it needs a USB wireless receiver to receive the wireless
signal and input it into the computer.

Other parts

If you're using a laptop, some of the above components mentioned earlier are not
required. For example, a touchpad does not use a ball, laser, or LED to control
movement it uses your finger on the touchpad. Other parts include a ball for
trackball mice, extra buttons that may be on the thumb side of the mouse, and
nubs that may be used with other laptop mice.

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
also attached to them.

What does a smartphone or tablet use for a mouse?


Smartphones and tablets use a touch screen as their primary input device, and
therefore your finger is the mouse on these devices. With most tablets, you also
have the option to connect a computer mouse and use it on the tablet.

What hand should I use to control the mouse?


By default, a computer mouse is setup to be used with your right-hand. However,
if you are left-handed, it can be setup to be used with your left-hand.

Note: Although any mouse can be setup to be used with your left-hand keep in
mind that some mice are molded to fit a right-hand and may feel uncomfortable
with your left-hand.
 How to change the left and right mouse buttons.

How can I use or practice using the mouse?


Below is a page we've created that explains all of the basics of the mouse, how it's
held, how to connect it, and how to use it on your computer. Included in the page
is interactive examples that can be used to help practice with additional
information about each of the mouse features.

 How to use a computer mouse.

Mouse vs. mice or mouses


When talking about one (singular) you refer to a computer mouse as a "mouse."
When talking about two or more (plural), you refer to them as "mice" or
"mouses" although "mice" is more standard.

Note: To help prevent confusion, some companies and writers avoid using either
plural form of a mouse by referring to multiple mice as "mouse devices."

Is "mouse" an acronym?
No. Some believe that mouse is short for "manually-operated user-select
equipment." However, when Douglas Engelbart helped invent the mouse, he
called it a mouse because the device resembled the rodent.

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