Concept in Definition ABC

It is a peripheral without which - in one form or another - today's computers would not be understandable, since it allows us to interact with the ubiquitous graphical interfaces.

The mouse is an external device (peripheral) that connects to the computer or, eventually, another electronic device, allowing the user to interact with the graphical interface by means of a pointer represented on the screen that can be moved by moving the mouse, and some buttons on the peripheral that allow actions to be taken on the system.

For this, the operating system it must be prepared to recognize mouse movements and keystrokes, something for which the hardware must also be prepared.

Intuitively, we all have the notion of what a mouse is, but this piece has undergone some evolutions since its creation.

The mouse was invented by Doug Engelbart in 1967, and initially consisted of a small wooden box in which the inventor had added two small metal wheels attached to both axes, and an electronic mechanism that allowed to capture and send position and movement information to the computer.

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Although the patent was granted to Engelbart because the idea was his, the design Y building of the first prototype was made by Bill English.

For him impact that, through the decades, has had its creation, Engelbart has been recognized throughout this time with various distinctions and recognitions. And it is still curious that, at first, the mouse did not reap great success among professional computer systems.

For a long time, graphical user interfaces were seen as an unprofessional way of interacting with the computer, and despite the fact that the microcomputers that began to become popular in the early 80s, they included one, they used mostly command line operating systems, such as the MS-DOS.

Consequently, the software for use professional that was sold and shipped with these machines was ready for command line use, with some exceptions such as image retouching or graphic editing programs, which had their own environment graphic, different in each case.

Apple was the first computer manufacturer that strongly opted for the graphical environment as a way of interacting with the computer and, consequently, also in the use of the mouse.

Apple was followed by Microsoft with Windows, a graphical environment that initially ran on MS-DOS and which, as of 1995, was established as one of all operating systems. This led the mouse to be extensively used also in the field of productivity.

The first commercialized mice allowed movement by means of a ball at their base, from which only one part protruded, which touched two axes responsible for transmitting movement.

Bliss technology it has lasted for many years, being replaced by optical and laser mice.

Optical technology mice rely on image comparison while on the go.

To do this, they have a small camera inside, and an image recognition system that calculates the differences at each moment of the "ground" that steps on the mouse when moving.

Laser technology emits a beam that is imperceptible to humans, which performs the same function.

The latter is normally the most used, as it is mechanically simpler and also more precise.

In addition to his evolution technological, mice have also adopted different forms over time, driven by the need to adapt said peripheral to different forms of use or devices.

The trackball it is nothing more than turning a mechanical mouse (of the ball type) upside down, generally on a laptop or a separate device designed to be used in places with little space.

It is a type of mouse that is practically in disuse, but of which some brands still make copies.

The trackpoint replace the ball with a small partially movable button, generally located in the middle of the keyboard.

Although several manufacturers have used this variant (such as Dell), it became a hallmark of IBM. The great advantage it provided is that it saved space on laptops, an always appreciated commodity.

Still today, Lenovo computers (heir to IBM in the field of microcomputers) include this pointing device.

What is the future of the mouse? We will still see it for a long time on the desks of our work tables, but it is an issue that, in the long run, ends up disappearing. Its replacement will most likely be the voice, the recognition of which is making progress in steps. huge on all electronic devices, be it computers or other personal devices Like the smartphones and tablets.

Touch screens or gesture control in front of a camera built into the devices (used, for example, on smart TVs) are two other things that can mow the grass under your feet in the long run. mouse.

Photo: Fotolia - nyul

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