Mouse

Mouse

It is the most common pointing input device. The data is entered by pointing the mouse to a location on the computer screen. The mouse may also be used to position the cursor on screen, move an object by dragging, or select an object by clicking. The key benefit of using a mouse is that the cursor moves with the mouse. So, the cursor can be positioned at any location on the screen by simply moving the mouse. Moreover, it provides an easy way to select and choose commands from menus, dialog boxes, icons, etc. Mouse is used extensively, while working with graphics elements such as line, curve, shapes, etc.

Description of Mouse

Mouse is a small hand-held device having two or three buttons on its upper side. In addition to the buttons, mouse also has a small wheel between the buttons. The wheel of the mouse is used for the up and down movement, for example, scrolling a long document. A mouse is classified as physical mouse or optical mouse.

Mouse

Physical Mouse

Physical Mouse has a rubber ball on the bottom side that protrudes when the mouse is moved. It requires a smooth, dust free surface, such as a mouse pad, on which it is rolled.

Optical Mouse

Optical Mouse uses a Light Emitting Diode (LED) and a sensor to detect the movement of mouse. Optical mouse requires an opaque flat surface underneath it. Optical mouse was introduced by Microsoft in 1999. Optical mouse is better than physical mouse as there is no moving part that can cause wear and tear, and dirt cannot get inside it.

Working of Mouse

In a physical mouse, rollers and sensors are used to sense the direction and rate of movement of mouse. When the ball of mouse moves, the rollers sense the horizontal and vertical movement and sensors sense the speed of movement. This information is passed to computer via the mouse chord.
When an optical mouse is moved, a beam of light is reflected from its underside. These pulses of light determine the direction and rate of movement. This information is sent to computer via the mouse chord.