The most popular pointing device. It was called a "mouse" because it more or less resembled one, with the cord being the tail. Although key commands can often substitute, graphical interfaces (GUIs) are designed for pointing devices. However, graphics applications, such as CAD and image editing, demand a pointing device. On a PC, the mouse connects to the PS/2, USB or serial port.
Mouse movement is relative. The cursor moves from its existing location. The mouse could be moved across your arm, and the screen cursor would move as well. The mouse-like object on a graphics tablet, which is correctly called the "tablet cursor" or "puck" is often not relative. It contacts the tablet with absolute reference. Placing it on the upper left part of the tablet moves the screen cursor to the corresponding location.
After years of use, it is now known that mice can be hazardous to your health. Many applications require endless clicking and dragging, which puts a strain on the wrist (see
carpal tunnel syndrome). See
pointing device,
mechanical mouse,
optical mouse and
mickey.
The First Mouse
Invented by Doug Engelbart in the early 1960s at Stanford Research Institute (SRI), it used two moving wheels 90 degrees apart. Most mechanical mice are still made this way, but the wheels are inside, and the ball moves the wheels. (Image courtesy of The Bootstrap Institute.)
One Size Does Not Fit All
The Contour Perfit mouse comes in five right-hand and three left-hand sizes for a perfect fit. It also puts less strain on the "clicking finger," which is a major contributor to carpal tunnel syndrome. (Image courtesy of Contour Design, Inc., www.contourdesign.com)
A Variety of Critters
All kinds of mouse designs have come and gone over the years. (Image courtesy of Palo Alto Research Center (PARC), Brian Tramontana, Photographer.)
