A computer mouse is a hand-held pointing device that detects two-dimensional motion relative to a

surface. This motion is typically translated into the motion of a pointer on a display, which allows a
smooth control of the graphical user interface. The first public demonstration of a mouse controlling a
computer system was in 1968. Originally wired to a computer, many modern mice are cordless, relying
on short-range radio communication with the connected system. Mice originally used a ball rolling on a
surface to detect motion, but modern mice often have optical sensors that have no moving parts. In
addition to moving a cursor, computer mice have one or more buttons to allow operations such as
selection of a menu item on a display. Mice often also feature other elements, such as touch surfaces
and "wheels", which enable additional control and dimensional input.

The computer mouse as we know it today was invented and developed by Douglas Engelbart, with the
assistance of Bill English, during the 1960s and was patented on November 17, 1970.

While creating the mouse, Douglas was working at the Stanford Research Institute in Menlo Park,
California, a think tank sponsored by Stanford University. The mouse was originally referred to as an "X-
Y Position Indicator for a Display System" and was first used with the Xerox Alto computer system in
1973. Using the mouse, Douglas was able to demonstrate moving a mouse cursor on the Alto computer
in The Mother of All Demos. However, because of its lack of success, the first widely used mouse is the
mouse found on the Apple Lisa computer.

Everyone is familiar with a computer mouse; along with the keyboard, it is one of the most common
input devices you will use.

A mouse is also called a 'pointing device' because it enables you to control what happens on the screen
by moving the mouse on your desk and pointing, clicking and selecting items on the screen.

A mouse usually has two buttons, a right and left one and also a central wheel which allows you to scroll
up and down the page (some mice have up to five buttons). The left and right button have different
functions. Left clicking usually lets you put your cursor at a certain point on the page or lets you choose a
menu item. Right clicking brings you up a list of relevant menu items from which you can select a task.
Many of the older styles of mice used a ball which moved against two internal rollers to record the
direction that the mouse was being moved in. Recent versions of mice use 'optical' or 'wireless'
technology to track mouse movement.

Turn over the mouse you are using right now, do you see a red light? If you do, then you are using an
optical mouse.

Advantages of mice Disadvantages of mice

Ideal for use with desktop computers They need a flat space close to the computer

Usually supplied as part of a new computer system Older style mice which have roller balls can
become clogged with grease and grime and lose their accuracy until cleaned.

Most computer users are familiar with them and require little training Excessive use can lead to health
problems such as repetitive strain injury (R.S.I.)

Works well in conjunction with a keyboard for data entry If the battery wears out in a wireless
mouse, it cannot be used until it has been replaced