HID - technical definition

(Human Interface Device) A class of peripheral device that enables people to input data or interact directly with the computer, such as with a mouse, keyboard or joystick. The HID specification is a part of the USB standard, thus USB mice and other USB user input devices are HID compliant. Windows 2000 defines HID standards that enable drivers to be written for such devices no matter which connection is used (USB, serial port, etc.).