A computer mouse is a handheld hardware input device that controls a pointer in a graphical user interface (GUI) on your computer for pointing, moving, and selecting text, icons, files, and folders. A mouse can also be used to drag and drop objects and access the right-click menu in addition to these functionalities.
For desktop computers, the mouse is placed in front of the computer on a flat surface (e.g., a mouse pad or desk). A Logitech desktop computer mouse with two major buttons and a wheel is shown in the image.
What are the functions of a mouse?
To give you an idea of all the mouse capabilities, here is a list of all the computer mouse functions and options.
Move the mouse pointer on the screen – The primary function is to move the mouse pointer on the screen.
Point – After moving the mouse, you can point something out to another user or a digital object. In a game, for example, you can use the mouse to point a gun in the direction you want to shoot.
Open or run a program – After pointing to an icon, folder, or another object, clicking or double-clicking that object opens the document or runs the application. Some apps even allow you to triple-click. For more information about mouse clicking, visit our click page.
Choose – A mouse also allows you to select the text, a file, or highlight and select several files at the same time.
Drag-and-drop – Once something is selected, it can also be moved using the drag-and-drop approach.
Hover – Moving the mouse cursor over objects with hover information helps discover each object’s function. Hover your mouse over the “hover” link to see an example.
Scroll – When working with a long document or viewing a long web page, you may need to scroll up or down. Rotate the mouse wheel or click and drag the scroll bar to scroll. The mouse wheel can be used as a button as well. More information and mouse wheel functions can be found on the IntelliMouse page.
Other functions can be performed – Many desktop mice feature buttons that can be configured to do any purpose. Many mice, for example, have two side buttons on the thumb portion of the mouse. The button closest to the palm can be set to return to the last web page seen in a browser.
How has the mouse made computers more usable?
You don’t have to memorize commands when using a computer mouse, unlike when using a text-based command line environment like MS-DOS.
To access a directory (folder) and examine its files with MS-DOS, for example, you would need to know the cd and dir commands and input them on the keyboard.
A Windows user, on the other hand, merely needs to double-click to open a folder and view its contents.
Types of computer mice
The following is a list of all the different types of computer mice and pointing devices. Today, the most common type of mouse for a desktop computer is an optical mouse that connects to a USB connection and is known as a USB mouse. The touchpad is the most prevalent type of mouse for laptop computers.
- Air mouse
- Cordless (Wireless)
- Footmouse
- IntelliMouse (Wheel mouse)
- J-Mouse
- Joystick
- Mechanical
- Optical
- Touchpad (Glidepoint)
- Trackball
- TrackPoint
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Ports for computer mice
Most computer mice nowadays connect to a computer via a USB connector. The ports and wireless connections that a mouse can utilize are listed below.
- Bluetooth
- Infrared
- PS/2 Port
- Serial Port
- USB
What components make up a computer mouse?
The components of a computer mouse differ depending on the type of computer mouse. The following is a broad breakdown of the components found in most computer mice.
Buttons
Almost all computer mice now contain at least two buttons, one on the left and one on the right, for clicking and manipulating objects and text. There were mice with only one button in the past. Many early Apple computer mice, for example, only featured one button.
Ball, laser, or LED
A mechanical mouse employs a ball and rollers, whereas an optical mouse uses a laser or LED.
These components follow the mouse’s movement on the x and y axes and move the mouse cursor on the screen. The image depicts the bottom of a mechanical and optical mouse.
The mouse wheel
The mouse wheel on today’s desktop computer mice allows you to scroll up and down on a page.
Circuit board
The mouse must also contain a circuit board with integrated circuits to send (input) all mouse signal information, clicks, and other information.
Wireless or cable receiver
A corded mouse comes with a cable and a plug that connects to the computer. Most corded mice now connect to a USB port. If your computer has a wireless mouse, it will require a USB wireless receiver to receive and input the wireless signal.
Other components
Some of the previously stated components are not required if you are using a laptop.
A touchpad, for example, does not employ a ball, laser, or LED to control movement; instead, it uses your finger on the touchpad.
Other components include a ball for trackball mice, extra buttons on the mouse’s thumb side, and nubs for laptop mice.
Final thought
There you have it now, a mouse is not software but rather hardware as we have indicated in our post today. We believe that this post was helpful to you.
Kindly consider leaving us a comment in the comment section below in case you need to express something.
Q,and A
Do smartphones make use of a mouse?
Because smartphones and tablets employ touch screens as their primary input device, your finger serves as the mouse on these devices. Most tablets also allow you to connect a computer mouse and utilize it on the tablet.
Which of my hands should I use to operate the mouse?
A computer mouse is designed to be used with your right hand by default. It can, however, be configured to be used with your left hand if you are left-handed.
Where should I set my mouse fingers?
The illustration below depicts proper finger placement, with the index finger on the left button, the middle finger on the right button, and the ring and pinky fingers resting on the side.
If your mouse has any buttons on the left side, the thumb controls them. The hand location is reversed if you use a left-handed mouse.
How can I use the mouse or practice using it?
The next page describes the mouse basics, including how to hold it, connect it, and operate it on a computer.
There are interactive examples on the website to help you practice using the various mouse functions.
How do I change the batteries in my mouse?
To change the batteries in your mouse, slide out the bottom cover, replace the old batteries, and then reinstall the cover.
Mouse vs. mouse or mice
When referring to one (single), call a computer mouse a “mouse.” When referring to two or more (plural), use the term “mice” (preferred) or “mouses.”