What is Mouse?

What is Mouse?

Mouse is An input device used to interact with a computer, usually consisting of buttons and a scroll wheel.

Functionality: 

It allows users to move a cursor on a screen, select items, and execute commands through clicks and scrolls.

Types: Wired Mouse & Wireless Mouse.

Wired Mouse: Connects to a computer via a cable.
Wireless Mouse: Uses radio frequency (RF) or Bluetooth to connect without cables.

Optical Mouse: Uses an optical sensor instead of a ball to detect movement.

Ergonomic Mouse: Designed to reduce strain and improve comfort during extended use. 

The history of the mouse, particularly the computer mouse, is quite fascinating:

Early Beginnings

1960: The concept of the computer mouse was first invented by Douglas Engelbart at the Stanford Research Institute (SRI). Engelbart's prototype was a wooden device with a single button and a trackball. This early mouse was part of a larger project aimed at developing interactive computing.

1970s

1972: Engelbart's mouse was introduced to the public at the Fall Joint Computer Conference in San Francisco. At this point, the mouse was still relatively obscure but showcased the potential for interactive computing.

1973: Xerox PARC (Palo Alto Research Center) began developing its own mouse based on Engelbart's work. The PARC mouse was part of the development of the Alto, one of the first personal computers to use a graphical user interface (GUI).

1980s

1981: Xerox introduced the Star workstation, which was the first commercial computer to use a mouse and a GUI. This helped in demonstrating the practical utility of the mouse in everyday computing.

1983: Apple Computer released the Lisa, the first personal computer with a GUI and a mouse, and the Macintosh in 1984, which popularized the use of the mouse among home users. The Macintosh mouse was a simple, one-button device, which became an iconic part of the Macintosh's user experience.

1990s

Early 1990s: The introduction of optical mice, which used light sensors instead of a ball, started to replace the older ball-based mice. This technology offered greater precision and less maintenance.

1995: Microsoft released the IntelliMouse, which introduced the scroll wheel, enhancing navigation and productivity. This innovation became a standard feature in most mice.

2000s and Beyond

Early 2000s: Wireless mice became more popular, using radio frequency (RF) or Bluetooth technology to connect to computers, thus eliminating the need for a physical cord.

Present Day: Modern mice come with various features like customizable buttons, ergonomic designs, high-precision sensors, and integration with different operating systems. They are available in different shapes, sizes, and technologies to suit various needs and preferences.