igforum.bio / what-is-a-mouse-computer-mouse-definition - 103119
S
% What Is a Mouse? (Computer Mouse Definition) GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Computers, Laptops & Tablets &gt; Accessories & Hardware 104 104 people found this article helpful <h1> What Is a Computer Mouse?</h1> <h2> A computer mouse is an input device to control on-screen objects</h2> By Tim Fisher Tim Fisher Senior Vice President & Group General Manager, Tech & Sustainability Emporia State University Tim Fisher has more than 30 years&#39; of professional technology experience.
Sofia Garcia Member
access_time 5 minutes ago
% What Is a Mouse? (Computer Mouse Definition) GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Computers, Laptops & Tablets > Accessories & Hardware 104 104 people found this article helpful

What Is a Computer Mouse?

A computer mouse is an input device to control on-screen objects

By Tim Fisher Tim Fisher Senior Vice President & Group General Manager, Tech & Sustainability Emporia State University Tim Fisher has more than 30 years' of professional technology experience.
thumb_up Like (19)
comment Reply (0)
share Share
visibility 424 views
thumb_up 19 likes
E
He&#39;s been writing about tech for more than two decades and serves as the VP and General Manager of Lifewire. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on February 7, 2022 Reviewed by Ryan Perian Reviewed by Ryan Perian Western Governors University Ryan Perian is a certified IT specialist who holds numerous IT certifications and has 12&#43; years&#39; experience working in the IT industry support and management positions.
Elijah Patel Member
access_time 8 minutes ago
He's been writing about tech for more than two decades and serves as the VP and General Manager of Lifewire. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on February 7, 2022 Reviewed by Ryan Perian Reviewed by Ryan Perian Western Governors University Ryan Perian is a certified IT specialist who holds numerous IT certifications and has 12+ years' experience working in the IT industry support and management positions.
thumb_up Like (39)
comment Reply (3)
thumb_up 39 likes
comment 3 replies
E
Evelyn Zhang 6 minutes ago
lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Accessories & Hardware Keyboards...
M
Madison Singh 2 minutes ago

Mouse Physical Description

Computer mice come in many shapes and sizes but are all design...
Show 1 more replies
V
lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Accessories & Hardware Keyboards & Mice The Ultimate Guide to Keyboard Shortcuts The Ultimate Guide to Keyboards The Ultimate Guide to Computer Mice The Quick Guide to Webcams Monitors Cards HDD & SSD Printers & Scanners Raspberry Pi The mouse, sometimes called a pointer, is a hand-operated input device used to manipulate objects on a computer screen. Whether it uses a laser or ball, or the mouse is wired or wireless, a movement detected from the mouse sends instructions to the computer to move the cursor on the screen in order to interact with files, windows, and other software elements. Even though the mouse is a peripheral device that sits outside the main computer housing, it's an essential piece of computer hardware in most systems...at least non-touch ones.
Victoria Lopez Member
access_time 3 minutes ago
lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Accessories & Hardware Keyboards & Mice The Ultimate Guide to Keyboard Shortcuts The Ultimate Guide to Keyboards The Ultimate Guide to Computer Mice The Quick Guide to Webcams Monitors Cards HDD & SSD Printers & Scanners Raspberry Pi The mouse, sometimes called a pointer, is a hand-operated input device used to manipulate objects on a computer screen. Whether it uses a laser or ball, or the mouse is wired or wireless, a movement detected from the mouse sends instructions to the computer to move the cursor on the screen in order to interact with files, windows, and other software elements. Even though the mouse is a peripheral device that sits outside the main computer housing, it's an essential piece of computer hardware in most systems...at least non-touch ones.
thumb_up Like (12)
comment Reply (3)
thumb_up 12 likes
comment 3 replies
R
Ryan Garcia 2 minutes ago

Mouse Physical Description

Computer mice come in many shapes and sizes but are all design...
N
Nathan Chen 1 minutes ago
However, a computer mouse can have anywhere from one to several more buttons to provide a wide varie...
Show 1 more replies
D
<h2> Mouse Physical Description </h2> Computer mice come in many shapes and sizes but are all designed to fit either the left or right hand, and be used on a flat surface. The standard mouse has two buttons toward the front (to left-click and right-click) and a scroll wheel in the center (to quickly move the screen up and down).
David Cohen Member
access_time 4 minutes ago

Mouse Physical Description

Computer mice come in many shapes and sizes but are all designed to fit either the left or right hand, and be used on a flat surface. The standard mouse has two buttons toward the front (to left-click and right-click) and a scroll wheel in the center (to quickly move the screen up and down).
thumb_up Like (10)
comment Reply (3)
thumb_up 10 likes
comment 3 replies
D
Dylan Patel 3 minutes ago
However, a computer mouse can have anywhere from one to several more buttons to provide a wide varie...
D
David Cohen 2 minutes ago
The Logitech M570 is one example of this type of mouse. There are also mice made for special uses, s...
Show 1 more replies
I
However, a computer mouse can have anywhere from one to several more buttons to provide a wide variety of other functions (like the 12-button&nbsp;Razer Naga Chroma MMO Gaming Mouse). The 5 Best Gaming Mice of 2022 While older mice use a small ball on the bottom to control the cursor, newer ones use a laser. Some computer mice instead have a large ball on top of the mouse so that instead of moving the mouse across a surface to interact with the computer, the user keeps the mouse stationary and instead moves the ball with a finger.
Isabella Johnson Member
access_time 15 minutes ago
However, a computer mouse can have anywhere from one to several more buttons to provide a wide variety of other functions (like the 12-button Razer Naga Chroma MMO Gaming Mouse). The 5 Best Gaming Mice of 2022 While older mice use a small ball on the bottom to control the cursor, newer ones use a laser. Some computer mice instead have a large ball on top of the mouse so that instead of moving the mouse across a surface to interact with the computer, the user keeps the mouse stationary and instead moves the ball with a finger.
thumb_up Like (47)
comment Reply (2)
thumb_up 47 likes
comment 2 replies
G
Grace Liu 8 minutes ago
The Logitech M570 is one example of this type of mouse. There are also mice made for special uses, s...
C
Christopher Lee 1 minutes ago
Another type is the ergonomic mouse that has a very different shape than a standard mouse to help pr...
L
The Logitech M570 is one example of this type of mouse. There are also mice made for special uses, such as travel mice, which are smaller than a typical mouse and often have a retractable cord.
Liam Wilson Member
access_time 6 minutes ago
The Logitech M570 is one example of this type of mouse. There are also mice made for special uses, such as travel mice, which are smaller than a typical mouse and often have a retractable cord.
thumb_up Like (34)
comment Reply (3)
thumb_up 34 likes
comment 3 replies
N
Nathan Chen 2 minutes ago
Another type is the ergonomic mouse that has a very different shape than a standard mouse to help pr...
I
Isaac Schmidt 3 minutes ago
If wireless, mice connect to the computer either via RF communication or Bluetooth. An RF-based wire...
Show 1 more replies
E
Another type is the ergonomic mouse that has a very different shape than a standard mouse to help prevent hand strain. As you can see, mice come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and colors: Microsoft Amazon Amazon Amazon Anker Amazon No matter what type of mouse is used, they all communicate with the computer either wirelessly or via a physical, wired connection.
Ella Rodriguez Member
access_time 35 minutes ago
Another type is the ergonomic mouse that has a very different shape than a standard mouse to help prevent hand strain. As you can see, mice come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and colors: Microsoft Amazon Amazon Amazon Anker Amazon No matter what type of mouse is used, they all communicate with the computer either wirelessly or via a physical, wired connection.
thumb_up Like (2)
comment Reply (0)
thumb_up 2 likes
C
If wireless, mice connect to the computer either via RF communication or Bluetooth. An RF-based wireless mouse will require a receiver that will physically connect to the computer. A Bluetooth wireless mouse connects via the computer's Bluetooth hardware.
Charlotte Lee Member
access_time 24 minutes ago
If wireless, mice connect to the computer either via RF communication or Bluetooth. An RF-based wireless mouse will require a receiver that will physically connect to the computer. A Bluetooth wireless mouse connects via the computer's Bluetooth hardware.
thumb_up Like (5)
comment Reply (0)
thumb_up 5 likes
N
See How to Install a Wireless Keyboard and Mouse for a short look at how a wireless mouse setup works. If wired, mice connect to the computer via USB using a Type-A connector.
Noah Davis Member
access_time 36 minutes ago
See How to Install a Wireless Keyboard and Mouse for a short look at how a wireless mouse setup works. If wired, mice connect to the computer via USB using a Type-A connector.
thumb_up Like (19)
comment Reply (0)
thumb_up 19 likes
I
Older mice connect via PS/2 ports. Either way, it's usually a direct connection to the motherboard. <h2> Drivers for a Computer Mouse </h2> Like any piece of hardware, a computer mouse works with a computer only if the proper device driver is installed.
Isabella Johnson Member
access_time 30 minutes ago
Older mice connect via PS/2 ports. Either way, it's usually a direct connection to the motherboard.

Drivers for a Computer Mouse

Like any piece of hardware, a computer mouse works with a computer only if the proper device driver is installed.
thumb_up Like (4)
comment Reply (2)
thumb_up 4 likes
comment 2 replies
D
David Cohen 3 minutes ago
A basic mouse will work right out of the box because the operating system likely already has the dri...
H
Harper Kim 26 minutes ago
The best way to install a missing mouse driver is through the manufacturer's website. Logitech and M...
T
A basic mouse will work right out of the box because the operating system likely already has the driver ready for installation, but special software is needed for a more advanced mouse that has more functions. How Do I Fix a Mouse That Doesn't Work? The advanced mouse might work just fine as a regular mouse, but it&#39;s likely that the extra buttons won&#39;t function until the right driver is installed.
Thomas Anderson Member
access_time 44 minutes ago
A basic mouse will work right out of the box because the operating system likely already has the driver ready for installation, but special software is needed for a more advanced mouse that has more functions. How Do I Fix a Mouse That Doesn't Work? The advanced mouse might work just fine as a regular mouse, but it's likely that the extra buttons won't function until the right driver is installed.
thumb_up Like (25)
comment Reply (3)
thumb_up 25 likes
comment 3 replies
S
Sophia Chen 13 minutes ago
The best way to install a missing mouse driver is through the manufacturer's website. Logitech and M...
H
Henry Schmidt 24 minutes ago
for instructions on manually installing these types of drivers in Windows. However, one of the easie...
Show 1 more replies
J
The best way to install a missing mouse driver is through the manufacturer's website. Logitech and Microsoft are the most popular manufacturers of mice, but you'll see them from other hardware makers as well. See How Do I Update Drivers in Windows?
Jack Thompson Member
access_time 12 minutes ago
The best way to install a missing mouse driver is through the manufacturer's website. Logitech and Microsoft are the most popular manufacturers of mice, but you'll see them from other hardware makers as well. See How Do I Update Drivers in Windows?
thumb_up Like (3)
comment Reply (3)
thumb_up 3 likes
comment 3 replies
C
Christopher Lee 9 minutes ago
for instructions on manually installing these types of drivers in Windows. However, one of the easie...
J
Joseph Kim 12 minutes ago
Some drivers can be downloaded through Windows Update, so that's another option if you still can't s...
Show 1 more replies
S
for instructions on manually installing these types of drivers in Windows. However, one of the easiest ways to install drivers is to use a free driver updater tool. If you go this route, just be sure the mouse is plugged in when you start the driver scan.
Sophie Martin Member
access_time 52 minutes ago
for instructions on manually installing these types of drivers in Windows. However, one of the easiest ways to install drivers is to use a free driver updater tool. If you go this route, just be sure the mouse is plugged in when you start the driver scan.
thumb_up Like (33)
comment Reply (2)
thumb_up 33 likes
comment 2 replies
E
Ella Rodriguez 9 minutes ago
Some drivers can be downloaded through Windows Update, so that's another option if you still can't s...
S
Sofia Garcia 11 minutes ago

More Information on the Computer Mouse

A mouse is supported only on devices that have a g...
T
Some drivers can be downloaded through Windows Update, so that's another option if you still can't seem to find the right one. Basic options for controlling the mouse can be configured in Windows through Control Panel. Search for the Mouse Control Panel applet, or use the control mouse&nbsp;Run command, to open a set of options that let you swap the mouse buttons, pick a new mouse pointer, change the double-click speed, display pointer trails, hide the pointer when typing, adjust the pointer speed, and more.
Thomas Anderson Member
access_time 28 minutes ago
Some drivers can be downloaded through Windows Update, so that's another option if you still can't seem to find the right one. Basic options for controlling the mouse can be configured in Windows through Control Panel. Search for the Mouse Control Panel applet, or use the control mouse Run command, to open a set of options that let you swap the mouse buttons, pick a new mouse pointer, change the double-click speed, display pointer trails, hide the pointer when typing, adjust the pointer speed, and more.
thumb_up Like (3)
comment Reply (2)
thumb_up 3 likes
comment 2 replies
L
Liam Wilson 15 minutes ago

More Information on the Computer Mouse

A mouse is supported only on devices that have a g...
A
Alexander Wang 12 minutes ago
While laptops, touch-screen phones/tablets, and other similar devices don't require a mouse, the...
J
<h2> More Information on the Computer Mouse </h2> A mouse is supported only on devices that have a graphical user interface. This is why you must use your keyboard when working with text-only tools, like many programs that run from a disc before the operating system starts—these bootable antivirus programs are one example.
Joseph Kim Member
access_time 15 minutes ago

More Information on the Computer Mouse

A mouse is supported only on devices that have a graphical user interface. This is why you must use your keyboard when working with text-only tools, like many programs that run from a disc before the operating system starts—these bootable antivirus programs are one example.
thumb_up Like (16)
comment Reply (0)
thumb_up 16 likes
A
While laptops, touch-screen phones/tablets, and other similar devices don&#39;t require a mouse, they all use the same concept to communicate with the device. That is, a stylus, trackpad, or your own finger is used in place of the traditional computer mouse. However, most of those devices support using a mouse as an optional attachment if you'd prefer to use one anyway.
Aria Nguyen Member
access_time 16 minutes ago
While laptops, touch-screen phones/tablets, and other similar devices don't require a mouse, they all use the same concept to communicate with the device. That is, a stylus, trackpad, or your own finger is used in place of the traditional computer mouse. However, most of those devices support using a mouse as an optional attachment if you'd prefer to use one anyway.
thumb_up Like (31)
comment Reply (1)
thumb_up 31 likes
comment 1 replies
S
Sophie Martin 16 minutes ago
When you do that, you sometimes have the option to turn off the built-in mouse so you can use the ex...
K
When you do that, you sometimes have the option to turn off the built-in mouse so you can use the external one only—e.g., you can disable the touchpad in Windows 11. Some computer mice power down after a certain period of inactivity to save on battery life, while others that require a lot of power will be wired-only to favor performance over the convenience of being wireless. The mouse was originally referred to as an &#34;X-Y position indicator for a display system&#34; and was nicknamed a &#34;mouse&#34; because of the tail-like cord that came out the end of it.
Kevin Wang Member
access_time 34 minutes ago
When you do that, you sometimes have the option to turn off the built-in mouse so you can use the external one only—e.g., you can disable the touchpad in Windows 11. Some computer mice power down after a certain period of inactivity to save on battery life, while others that require a lot of power will be wired-only to favor performance over the convenience of being wireless. The mouse was originally referred to as an "X-Y position indicator for a display system" and was nicknamed a "mouse" because of the tail-like cord that came out the end of it.
thumb_up Like (26)
comment Reply (0)
thumb_up 26 likes
S
It was invented by Douglas Engelbart in 1964. Prior to the invention of the mouse, computer users had to enter text-based commands to do even the simplest of tasks, like moving through directories and opening files/folders. 8 Things to Consider Before Buying a Computer Mouse <h2> Frequently Asked Questions </h2> What is DPI on a mouse?
Sofia Garcia Member
access_time 18 minutes ago
It was invented by Douglas Engelbart in 1964. Prior to the invention of the mouse, computer users had to enter text-based commands to do even the simplest of tasks, like moving through directories and opening files/folders. 8 Things to Consider Before Buying a Computer Mouse

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DPI on a mouse?
thumb_up Like (27)
comment Reply (1)
thumb_up 27 likes
comment 1 replies
J
Julia Zhang 11 minutes ago
DPI is like a mouse's sensitivity. At higher DPIs, the mouse is more sensitive and will move your cu...
J
DPI is like a mouse's sensitivity. At higher DPIs, the mouse is more sensitive and will move your cursor further on your screen than lower DPI mice will over the same physical distance. You can change your mouse sensitivity in a few quick steps.
James Smith Moderator
access_time 19 minutes ago
DPI is like a mouse's sensitivity. At higher DPIs, the mouse is more sensitive and will move your cursor further on your screen than lower DPI mice will over the same physical distance. You can change your mouse sensitivity in a few quick steps.
thumb_up Like (3)
comment Reply (0)
thumb_up 3 likes
M
What is CPI on a mouse? In the mice world, CPI and DPI are used interchangeably, though they have slightly different technical definitions. When buying or using a mouse, CPI and DPI will refer to the same value.
Mason Rodriguez Member
access_time 100 minutes ago
What is CPI on a mouse? In the mice world, CPI and DPI are used interchangeably, though they have slightly different technical definitions. When buying or using a mouse, CPI and DPI will refer to the same value.
thumb_up Like (14)
comment Reply (2)
thumb_up 14 likes
comment 2 replies
M
Madison Singh 7 minutes ago
What is polling rate on a mouse? A mouse's polling rate is the amount of times per second a mouse re...
W
William Brown 75 minutes ago
Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Othe...
E
What is polling rate on a mouse? A mouse's polling rate is the amount of times per second a mouse reports its position to your computer. Was this page helpful?
Evelyn Zhang Member
access_time 105 minutes ago
What is polling rate on a mouse? A mouse's polling rate is the amount of times per second a mouse reports its position to your computer. Was this page helpful?
thumb_up Like (11)
comment Reply (1)
thumb_up 11 likes
comment 1 replies
I
Isaac Schmidt 80 minutes ago
Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Othe...
A
Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire 8 Things to Consider Before Buying a Computer Mouse Expert Tested: The 9 Best Wireless Mice in 2022 How to Use a Trackball Mouse Wired vs.
Andrew Wilson Member
access_time 44 minutes ago
Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire 8 Things to Consider Before Buying a Computer Mouse Expert Tested: The 9 Best Wireless Mice in 2022 How to Use a Trackball Mouse Wired vs.
thumb_up Like (50)
comment Reply (1)
thumb_up 50 likes
comment 1 replies
C
Charlotte Lee 25 minutes ago
Wireless Mice: Which Is Better? How to Fix It When the Cursor Disappears in Windows 10 The 8 Best Mi...
S
Wireless Mice: Which Is Better? How to Fix It When the Cursor Disappears in Windows 10 The 8 Best Mice for Macs How to Pair a Logitech Mouse How to Fix Windows 10 Mouse Lag Optical Mice vs.
Sebastian Silva Member
access_time 115 minutes ago
Wireless Mice: Which Is Better? How to Fix It When the Cursor Disappears in Windows 10 The 8 Best Mice for Macs How to Pair a Logitech Mouse How to Fix Windows 10 Mouse Lag Optical Mice vs.
thumb_up Like (36)
comment Reply (3)
thumb_up 36 likes
comment 3 replies
S
Sofia Garcia 19 minutes ago
Laser Mice How to Set Up a Bluetooth Device on a PC How to Right-Click on a Mac Logitech G602 Gaming...
A
Audrey Mueller 85 minutes ago
What Is a Mouse? (Computer Mouse Definition) GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! ...
Show 1 more replies
L
Laser Mice How to Set Up a Bluetooth Device on a PC How to Right-Click on a Mac Logitech G602 Gaming Mouse Review: Fast and Furious How to Clean a Wireless Mouse The 5 Best Gaming Mice of 2022 How to Connect a Mouse and Keyboard to Steam Deck LogiLDA.dll: What It Means and How to Fix It Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies
Luna Park Member
access_time 24 minutes ago
Laser Mice How to Set Up a Bluetooth Device on a PC How to Right-Click on a Mac Logitech G602 Gaming Mouse Review: Fast and Furious How to Clean a Wireless Mouse The 5 Best Gaming Mice of 2022 How to Connect a Mouse and Keyboard to Steam Deck LogiLDA.dll: What It Means and How to Fix It Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies
thumb_up Like (17)
comment Reply (1)
thumb_up 17 likes
comment 1 replies
M
Madison Singh 19 minutes ago
What Is a Mouse? (Computer Mouse Definition) GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! ...

Write a Reply

Similar Discussions