A computer mouse is one of the most common input devices used to operate and interact with a computer. A computer mouse allows you to move the cursor on the screen, select and click on icons, menus, buttons, and text, as well as perform various other functions. A computer mouse is essential for running various applications, such as games, graphic design, text editing, and others.
However, do you know how a computer mouse works? What are the parts of a computer mouse and what do they do? How to choose a computer mouse that suits your needs? This article will answer those questions and give you complete and in-depth information about computer mice.
A Brief History of the Computer Mouse
The computer mouse was first invented by Douglas Engelbart in 1963 at the Stanford Research Institute. Early computer mice took the form of wooden boxes with two metal wheels that detected mouse movements over flat surfaces. This computer mouse is connected to the computer via cable and has one button at the top.
In 1972, Bill English developed a computer mouse that used rubber balls instead of metal wheels. This computer mouse is easier to move and more accurate in detecting movement. This computer mouse also has two buttons at the top.
In 1980, Steve Jobs saw a computer mouse made by Xerox PARC and was inspired to create a cheaper and simpler computer mouse for Apple personal computers. This computer mouse has only one button and uses a plastic ball instead of a rubber ball.
In 1984, Logitech introduced the wireless mouse that used radio waves to communicate with the computer. This computer mouse does not require cables and is more flexible in its use.
In 1998, Microsoft launched an optical computer mouse that uses light beams to detect mouse movement over surfaces. These computer mice do not require balls or wheels and are more precise and durable.
In 2004, Logitech re-developed a laser computer mouse that uses laser light to detect mouse movement over surfaces. These computer mice are more sensitive and can be used on different types of surfaces, even glass.
Today, computer mice have undergone many developments and variations, in shape, size, color, number of buttons, features, and technology. The computer mouse has also become an integral part of the computer experience for many people.
Computer Mouse Parts and Their Functions
A computer mouse consists of several main parts, namely:
- Left and right buttons: These buttons are used to select and click objects on the screen, such as icons, menus, buttons, and text. The left button is usually used to click the object once (single-click) or twice (double-click), while the right button is usually used to open a context menu that displays options related to the object clicked. The left and right buttons can also be used to perform other functions, such as dragging and dropping objects, highlighting text, and others.
- Center button or scroll wheel: This button is a wheel that can be moved up or down to scroll pages or documents on the screen. This button can also be used to click objects on the screen, such as opening a link in the browser. This button can also be used to perform other functions, such as zooming in or out (zooming) images, changing the viewing angle (view) in games, and others.
- Additional buttons: Some computer mice have additional buttons next to the left and right buttons, such as front and back buttons, DPI buttons, macro buttons, and others. These buttons can usually be programmed to perform certain functions, such as moving between web pages, changing mouse sensitivity, executing macro commands, and others.
- Motion sensor: This sensor is located at the bottom of the mouse and serves to detect mouse movement on the surface. These sensors can be balls, wheels, lights, or lasers, depending on the type of mouse. These sensors send movement signals to the computer, which then translate into cursor movement on the screen.
- Cable or wireless receiver: A cable or wireless receiver serves to connect the mouse to the computer. The cable usually connects with a USB, PS/2, or serial port on the computer. Wireless receivers usually connect with a USB port on a computer and receive radio wave signals from the mouse. Wireless mice also require batteries to supply power.
How to Choose a Suitable Computer Mouse
A computer mouse is a very personal device and depends on the preferences and needs of each user. Therefore, no computer mouse is best or worst for everyone. However, several factors can be considered in choosing a suitable computer mouse, namely:
- Size and shape: The size and shape of the computer mouse should match the size and shape of your hand so that you can grasp and move the mouse comfortably and easily. You should also pay attention to whether the computer mouse is suitable for your right or left hand, or can be used by both hands. You can try a computer mouse directly in a store or look at reviews and pictures of computer mice on the internet to find out their size and shape.
- Sensor type: The type of computer mouse sensor determines the accuracy, precision, and sensitivity of the mouse in detecting motion. Common types of computer mouse sensors are spherical, optical, and laser. The spherical computer mouse uses a spinning ball to detect movement, but it is easy to get dirty and jam. Optical computer mice use light beams to detect motion, but they are less sensitive and cannot be used on shiny or transparent surfaces. Laser computer mice use laser light to detect motion, are more sensitive, and can be used on many types of surfaces, but are more expensive and require more power. You should choose the type of computer mouse sensor that suits your needs and budget, as well as the surface you use for the mouse.
- Number of buttons: The number of computer mouse buttons determines the function and ability of the mouse to interact with the computer. The standard number of computer mouse buttons is three, namely the left, right, and center buttons. However, there are also computer mice that have more buttons, such as four, five, six, or even more. These additional buttons can usually be programmed to perform certain functions, such as switching between web pages, changing mouse sensitivity, executing macro commands, and others. You should choose the number of computer mouse buttons that suit your needs and convenience, as well as your ability to remember and use those buttons.
- Wired or wireless: Wired or wireless determines how a computer mouse connects with a computer. A wired computer mouse uses a cable that connects to a USB, PS/2, or serial port on the computer. Wired computer mice are usually cheaper, more responsive, and don’t require batteries. However, wired computer mice also have disadvantages, such as cables that tangle easily, limited distance and angle of motion, and take up space on the desk. Wireless computer mice use radio waves to communicate with a wireless receiver connected to a USB port on the computer. Wireless computer mice are usually more expensive, more flexible, and not distracted by wires. However, wireless computer mice also have disadvantages, such as requiring batteries, being more susceptible to signal interference, and being easily lost or stolen. You should choose a wired or wireless computer mouse that suits your preferences and situation.
How to Use a Computer Mouse Effectively and Efficiently
A computer mouse is a very useful and versatile device, but it also requires skill and practice to use it effectively and efficiently. Here are some tips and tricks you can do to improve your experience in using a computer mouse:
- Set mouse sensitivity: Mouse sensitivity is the level of speed and accuracy of the cursor on the screen to mouse movements. Mouse sensitivity that is too high can make the cursor move too fast and difficult to control, while mouse sensitivity that is too low can make the cursor move too slowly and require greater mouse movement. You can adjust the mouse sensitivity according to your needs and convenience through the mouse settings on your computer, or use the DPI button if your mouse has the feature.
- Learn keyboard shortcuts: Keyboard shortcuts are key combinations on the keyboard that can perform specific functions without having to use a mouse. Keyboard shortcuts can help you save time and effort in carrying out different tasks on your computer, such as copying, pasting, cutting, deleting, saving, opening, closing, and more. You can learn commonly used keyboard shortcuts in different apps, such as Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V, Ctrl+X, Ctrl+Z, Ctrl+F, Ctrl+S, Alt+F4, and more. You can also create your keyboard shortcuts through the keyboard settings on your computer, or use the macro keys if your mouse has the feature.
- Use the scroll wheel smartly: The scroll wheel is one of the most useful and frequently used features in a computer mouse. The scroll wheel can be used to scroll through pages or documents on the screen, but it can also be used to perform other functions, such as zooming in or out of images, changing the point of view in the game, opening links in the browser, and more. You can click the scroll wheel to activate auto-scroll mode, which allows you to scroll through pages or documents without having to constantly move the scroll wheel. You can also press the Shift key while moving the scroll wheel to scroll horizontally through a page or document. You can also change the functionality of the scroll wheel through the mouse settings on your computer, or use special software provided by your mouse manufacturer.
- Clean the mouse periodically: A computer mouse is a device that is often exposed to dust, dirt, oil, and sweat from your hands. A dirty computer mouse can reduce mouse performance and comfort, as well as cause damage or problems with the mouse. You should clean the mouse periodically to maintain the cleanliness and function of the mouse. You can use a soft cloth, cotton swab, or toothpick to clean the outside of the mouse, such as buttons, scroll wheels, and cables. You can also use compressed air, alcohol spray, or a damp cloth to clean the inside of the mouse, such as sensors, balls, or wheels. You should turn off and remove the mouse from the computer before cleaning it, and make sure the mouse is dry before using it again.
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Conclusion
A computer mouse is the most common input device used to operate and interact with a computer. A computer mouse allows you to move the cursor on the screen, select and click on objects, as well as perform various other functions. A computer mouse is essential for running various applications, such as games, graphic design, text editing, and others.
A computer mouse consists of several main parts, namely the left and right buttons, the middle button or scroll wheel, additional buttons, motion sensors, and a wireless cable or receiver. Computer mice also have various types, such as spherical, optical, laser, wired, and wireless. Computer mice also come in different sizes, shapes, colors, number of buttons, features, and technologies.
You can choose a computer mouse that suits your preferences and needs, taking into account factors such as size and shape, type of sensor, number of buttons, and wired or wireless. You can also use a computer mouse effectively and efficiently, by adjusting mouse sensitivity, learning keyboard shortcuts, using the scroll wheel intelligently, and cleaning the mouse periodically.