Computer Help: How to Fix a Mouse

A computer mouse is a type of device that connects to your computer through a plug on the outside of the computer. Devices which connect to your computer are often called peripheral devices, and devices which connect to your computer to help you interact with the computer are called human interface devices. A computer mouse can take many forms; it can be connected by a cord, as is common with desktop computers, or it can be a touchpad that is part of a laptop case. A mouse is part of a class of peripheral devices called human interface devices; another well-known human interface device is the computer keyboard.

Why is a computer mouse used?

A computer mouse allows you to navigate the computer cursor around the screen and click to activate icons, menus, and applications. Without a mouse, computer navigation is difficult and requires expert skills at keyboard quick-keys to get around. A computer mouse can be used for a variety of applications to watch movies, play games, or to create art, music, documents and presentations.

Types of computer mouse

Types of computer mouse include rolling ball, trackball, optical, and laser. A mouse can connect to a computer using a cable like a USB or PS/2 cable, or it can connect wirelessly via Bluetooth or a wireless external connecting device. Some devices, like graphics tablets used with a sensor pen, are not necessarily considered to be computer mice but can be used as a mouse controller.

How does a computer mouse work?

A computer mouse often uses a rolling ball or optical light signal to measure mouse movements and reflect them as cursor movements on the computer screen. A roller ball mouse works by triggering rolling sensors that transmit the movement to the computer. An optical mouse works by sensing the movement of the mouse with light. A hybrid mouse uses an optical light to sense the movement of a rolling ball, most often used in trackballs.

Mouse problems

If your computer mouse freezes or you have mouse problems, you may need to clean your computer mouse. The contacts for a rolling ball computer mouse must be regularly cleaned for smooth function. As the ball rolls across the mouse pad, it collects dust and debris and deposits it on the rollers that sense the movement of the ball. The buildup of debris can lead to jumpy mouse movement and an unreliable cursor.