What is Mouse in computer, What is the use of mouse

A mouse is a input device that helps the person using the computer to control it. It moves the cursor on the screen and allows something to be selected or opened. A mouse is used quite easily and is one of the necessary things in a computer. It was invented in 1964 by Douglas Engelbart. The work at that time was being operated only by the keyboard and commands, which was very hard. The mouse made this work simple and fast, What is Mouse in computer, What is the use of mouse.

Balck colour mouse on table, What is the use of mouse
InventorDouglas Engelbart
FunctionInput device
ButtonsLeft, Right, Scroll
UsesCursor control, selection
TypesWired, Wireless

Earlier, there was a mouse containing a small ball inside it; when rolled on a surface, the ball moved the cursor. Now, optical mice are in use. These have lights or sensors that sense the movements of the surface, moving the cursor on the screen in the same direction. A mouse is used for opening, dragging, and dropping files or scrolling up and down on the screen, What is Mouse in computer, What is the use of mouse.

There are lots of types of mice, like wireless mice without wires and gaming mice that work for fast and accurate tasks. These are most useful for games and designing. The biggest advantage of a mouse is that it makes the operation of a computer easy and saves time. Though touchscreens and touchpads have arrived, yet a mouse is still very important. It’s mainly used with computers and desktops, used especially for graphic designing. It makes a computer very useful and easy to use for anybody.

What is the history of mouse

The computer mouse was first discovered in the 1960s. Between 1963-1964, Douglas Engelbart, and his team came up with its design. It was a wood- made one that consisted of two metal wheels on its two ends which control the cursor to move horizontally or vertically across the screen. The “X-Y Position Indicator” is its first version, which Engelbart patented in 1970. Its name, “mouse,” comes from the resemblance of the cable as the tail.

In 1972, Bill English invented the ball mouse. The metal ball was incorporated into this design to make the movement of the mouse more accurate. This design was a huge success for mechanical mice. The ball mouse made using the mouse easier and more effective than before.

In 1983, Apple launched the first commercial mouse with its computer “Lisa.” In 1984, the Macintosh computer made it even more popular. At that time, the mouse had a simple design and only one button. The use of the mouse with a graphical user interface (GUI) simplified computer operations.

The optical mouse replaced the ball mouse in the 1990s. Instead of a ball, it used LEDs and sensors. It was more precise and cleaner because dust and dirt did not affect it. This made using a mouse with a computer even better, What is the history of mouse.

Wireless mice made the mouse more modern in the 2000s. Users were finally freed from cables through the help of Bluetooth and radio frequency (RF) technology. It became more convenient for laptop and desktop users alike.

Post 2010, major changes began to surface in mouse technology and design. Gaming mice revolutionized the experience of gaming with extra buttons, faster response times, and ability to customize. Touch and gesture-based mice arrived, just like Apple’s “Magic Mouse,” where one can use their mouse to interact with more dynamic multiple touch and gestures.

What are the main parts of a mouse

What are the major parts of a mouse

  • Main Body: The main part of the mouse facilitates holding and usage. They are made up of light-weight and comfortable materials so that you can easily hold them.
  • Buttons: Generally, a mouse has two buttons. The most frequently used button is the Left Button, used for clicking or selecting something. The second one is the Right Button, used to open special options. In addition, a mouse may also have another button called the Scroll Wheel, which helps in moving pages up and down.
  • Scroll Wheel: It is a button in the middle of the mouse, which can be used to scroll pages up and down. This can easily show you a website or a document by turning it.
  • Sensor: There’s a sensor in the bottom side of the mouse that detects both the movement and direction of the mouse. Such a sensor, therefore, is responsible for operating the cursor-thus, as you move your mouse, you see the pointer on the computer screen moving correspondingly.
  • Cable: Some older mice have a cable that connects the mouse to the computer. Many mice today are wireless, meaning they work without a wire. These connect to the computer using Bluetooth or radio waves.
  • Battery: Wireless mice have a battery that provides power to operate. This battery can either be replaceable or rechargeable.
  • Tracking Pad: Under the mouse, there is a tracking pad that detects the movement of the mouse and sends it to the computer. This helps in guiding the mouse in the right direction.

How does a mouse work

There is a sensor underneath the mouse, which traces each movement of the mouse. When you move the mouse, this sensor detects the scattering of light (LED or laser) on the surface and transmits information to the computer about in which direction the mouse goes. This means the computer knows each movement of the mouse, and the cursor moves in the same direction on the screen. When the mouse is moved, it sends the information received as a small digital signal to the computer. The computer reads this information and moves the cursor to the appropriate position.

How many types of mouse are there

Wired Mouse

The inventor of the wired mouse was Douglas Engelbart, an American engineer. He created the first prototype in the 1960s. The wired mouse is connected to the computer through a cable. Initially, it used a serpentine cable. The wired mouse has a stable and reliable connection. Its design was further developed by Theodor Hough and George William in the 1970s, when it was introduced to the market.

Wireless Mouse

Originally, Douglas Engelbart and his group invented the cordless mouse in the 1970s, but its commercial use started only towards the late 1990s, thanks to the Bluetooth and Radio Frequency technology. This type of mouse is cable-less and dependent on batteries. Mainly Logitech and other such companies developed this technology. The wireless mouse is suitable for laptops and other mobile gadgets because of the ease with which it connects and for its comfort.

Optical Mouse

The optical mouse was developed by Douglas Engelbart, but the commercial production came into existence in the 1980s. Sensors were introduced for the first time in this to track the movement by scanning the surface. Initially, it used balls for movement tracking. However, Logitech introduced a ball-free optical mouse in 1999 that became popular.
This mouse provides fast and precise cursor movement and can be used on smooth surfaces.

Laser Mouse

The laser mouse was developed as an improvement in sensor technology. Its first model was introduced by Logitech in 2004. It is better than the optical mouse because it uses laser beams for more precise cursor movement. It is ideal for high-precision tasks like gaming and graphic design. The laser mouse requires less power and works efficiently even on glossy surfaces.

Trackball Mouse

Trackball mouse is an invention made by Sun Microsystems in the 1980s. It is uniquely designed, including a ball that people rotate with their fingers so that the cursor follows them. The mouse is fixed in place, rendering it useful to those who have limited spaces. It is very useful to those experiencing wrist or hand pain, as it requires less effort, How many types of mouse are there.

Gaming Mouse

The gaming mouse first appeared in the 1990s, introduced by companies like Logitech and Razer. This mouse has multiple buttons that can be customized for specific in-game functions. It features high DPI (dots per inch), enhancing cursor speed and precision. Designed primarily for gamers, it includes advanced technologies for improved accuracy and speed.

Bluetooth Mouse

This technology was developed as a result of the invention of Bluetooth. Logitech introduced the first model of a Bluetooth mouse in the 2000s. It connects with the computer or laptop wirelessly through a Bluetooth connection, removing the need for cables. Such a mouse is very suitable for laptops and mobile devices because it is easy to connect.

Vertical Mouse

It is a vertical mouse designed by Logitech and other ergonomic design companies. Its first model was in the mid-2000s. This type of mouse maintains the hand’s natural position with no strain on the wrist. It is especially used by long hours computer operators and people having problems with the wrist. Its main purpose is to give an experience that is comfortable and healthy.

What is a Mouse Pointer

A mouse pointer is a small icon that is controlled by the mouse on a computer screen. As you move the mouse, the pointer moves in the same direction on the screen. Usually, the mouse pointer looks like an arrow. When you place it over an option, button, link, or icon, it becomes clickable.

Besides, the mouse pointer has special features. Thus, when it hovers above text, then it changes its shape into the I-beam shape, thus meaning that the text can be highlighted or altered. When a button is moved above a button that can be clicked, the pointer changes to a hand that indicates you can click on that particular button.

Do you need to use a mouse to operate the computer

Well, a computer may be used with or without the mouse. For this, you can use the keyboard. Computers have a lot of keyboard shortcut keys, such as Alt + Tab to switch between apps, Ctrl + C to copy, and Ctrl + V to paste. You can also navigate the screen using the Tab and Arrow keys. Similarly, you can use your keyboard for different commands. That way, you can easily use the computer without a mouse, but having a mouse makes things more convenient, What is Mouse in computer, What is the use of mouse.

FAQs

Who invented the mouse

The inventor of the mouse is Douglas Engelbart. In the 1960s, he developed the mouse with an aim to creating a new kind of interaction mechanism with computers.

How many buttons does a mouse have

A mouse essentially has two keys: the right key and the left key. However, new mice have several keys that facilitate different functions as well as an extra scroll key.

A mouse is an input device. It is used in the computer to navigate through the graphical user interface such as moving the pointer and making other selections on the screen.