The computer mouse is an input device that uses a graphical user interface. Computers that incorporate the graphical user interface into their system are able to use the computer mouse to maneuver around the computers different applications. The mouse is used in many different applications including engineering and computer games. When using the computer mouse with the graphical user interface you move the mouse along a flat level surface. The arrow on the computer monitor will move with the movements created by the mouse. Clicking the mouse button will allow for certain programs or operations to happen.

Douglas C. Engelbart is the first person to develop the original computer mouse. He completed a great deal of different studies in regard to human interpretation with the computer. Englebart completed a study of augmentation, which he defines as using technology to assist the intellect. The computer mouse came out of Engelbart's study due to the acceptability and ease of its operation. Engelbart did not officially announce his invention until 1968. After the debut of the mouse the next real step in its advancement did not come until 1970 at the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center. Alan Day developed the first working computer that used the computer mouse. While at the research center Day and other researches developed the first computer that depended on the computer mouse to point. The next advancement for the computer mouse came out of the Apple computer. The Apple Lisa computer used a graphical user interface and it helped create the technology used for the computer mouse. The Macintosh computer used a computer mouse and it simplified the use of the computer because all you had to do was point and click.

The windows based systems and Macintosh all used the computer mouse. The growing computer market and its need for easier and faster computers led to the industry to make a shift to using the mouse with every computer sold. As more computers moved to the graphical user interface the more the computer mouse was being used.

There is not only the growing need for the computer mouse, but also the need for different types of computer mice. Since the introduction of carpitunnel to the computer user there has been a challenge to create more ergonomically fit mouse. One of these introductions is the Mouse Man computer mouse by Logtech. This computer mouse is developed for the left-handed user. It allows for the left-handed user to use the mouse more comfortably.

The future of the computer mouse is also adding some different turns on the capabilities of the mouse. One of the new technologies that are being used more and more is the wireless mouse. This mouse allows you to move the mouse with out the drag of the cord. Also the three-D mouse is becoming available. This mouse will allow the user to rotate objects on the screen using the mouse. The user will be able to look at what they are creating on the screen from different views. Also with the Internet becoming more frequently used the computer mouse is an important tool for the user. There is a computer mouse developed to allow for the user the ability to feel what they are looking at on the screen through the mouse. The mouse called the FEELit mouse will be able to simulate the sensations of what they are looking at on the screen. They mouse will come with its own processor which will allow for it to produce the sensations required.

The computer mouse has come a long way from what is used to be. Douglas Engelbart invention has allowed for a great deal of innovation in the computer industry. All of the computers created today are using the computer mouse as standard equipment. The computer mouse makes it easier for the user to interact with the computer. The newer technology being implemented in the computer mouse will allow for it to become even more important tool that it has been. In conclusion the computer mouse is a valuable tool which is going to see a lot more changes that will make it even easier to use.