A computer mouse is a small hand-operated input device used to manipulate objects on a computer screen. It controls the movement of the arrow shown on the computer screen. The computer mouse was invented in 1963 by Douglas Engelbart. It was meant to make navigation through the computer easier. The mouse mirrors the movement of the arrow on the computer screen. The computer mouse got its name from its looks. The early version of the computer mouse was a small semicircle shaped device with a cord that attached the device to the computer. This oval shape with the cord resembled the common mouse.
Physical Characteristics of a Computer Mouse
A computer mouse has many defining physical characteristics. It is a small …show more content…
The tracking ball is small rubber circle. It is located on the underside of the mouse allowing it to roll in any direction while the mouse moves on a flat surface. Through a system of mechanism this movement is captured and converted into an electronic signal that controls the motion of the pointer on the computer screen.
Internal circuit board. The internal circuit board of a mouse can be compared to the human body’s nervous system. It collects and decodes information from the user’s clicking, scrolling, and movement. This information is then sent to the computer through the cord. It is protected by the top casing.
Cord/Cable. The cord is known as the “tail” of the computer mouse. The cord is a bundle of wires sealed in a plastic covering that sends messages from the mouse to the computer. It connects the mouse to the computer. The cord is several feet long to allow it the range to reach the port on the computer yet still allowing the user an extensive range of motion to move the mouse.
Plug. The plug is a connected to the end of the cord allowing for an electrical connection between the mouse and the computer. The plug is made up of insulated casing with metal pins that fit into holes in an outlet on the …show more content…
The drivers of a computer mouse can be compared to the human brain. It is a type of software that allows the computer to recognize the mouse’s signal. The drivers tell the computer how to understand the mouse’s commands.
How does the Computer Mouse Work?
The computer mouse works because as it moves a crossed a flat surface the ball rolls under its own weight and pushes against two plastic rollers linked to thin wheels. These wheels detect different types of movement. For example, one of the wheels detect up and down movement while the other detects side to side movement. The display arrow moves as the mouse detects the direction.