Input devices allow users to interact with computers and include keyboards, pointing devices like mice, and devices that capture audio and video like microphones and cameras. A mouse is a common pointing device that controls the cursor on a screen when moved across a flat surface. Mice reduce the need for keyboards and allow for graphical user interfaces with point-and-click interactions. Different types of mice include mechanical, optical, cordless, and specialized mice like footmice.

1. Input Devices
Definition
In computing, an input device is a peripheral (piece of computer hardware equipment) used to
provide data and control signals to an information processing system such as a computer or other
information appliance.
Explanation:
input devices are geared toward user-computer interaction, they are used to transform user
actions or commands into electronic signals that are understood by computers.
Examples of input devices include:
 Keyboards: Allow users to input data
 Pointing devices and game controllers: Allow users to direct application software like
mouse and devices used to capture audio and video, like cameras and microphones.
Input also may come from other computers via input/output (I/O) devices, like network adapters
and Bluetooth ports.
Mouse
Definition:
A mouse is a small handheld input device that controls a computer screen's cursor or pointer in
conjunction with the way it is moved on a flat surface. The mouse term name originates from its
likeness to a small, corded and elliptical shaped device that looks like a mouse tail. Some mouse
devices have integrated features, such as extra buttons that may be programmed and assigned
with different commands.
Because the mouse reduces the use of a keyboard, its invention and continuous innovation is
considered one of the most important breakthroughs in computer ergonomics.
Characteristics:
The mouse is important for graphical user interfaces (GUI) because you can simply point to
icons, files and folders and click a mouse button. Such applications are often called point-and-
click programs.
By using a mouse, the user doesn't have to memorize commands, such as those utilized in a text-
based command line environment like MS-DOS. For example, in MS-DOS a user would have to
know the cd command and dir command to navigate to a folder and view the files inside.
Whereas a Windows user only has to double-click a file to view its contents.

2. Some Important Terminologies:
MS-DOS
Definition
The Microsoft Disk Operating System (MS-DOS) is an operating system developed for PCs with
x86 microprocessors. It is a command-line-based system, where all commands are entered in text
form and there is no graphical user interface.
MS-DOS was the most commonly used member of the family of disk operating systems.
Originally developed by Microsoft for IBM, MS-DOS was the standard operating system for
IBM-compatible personal computers. MS-DOS was gradually replaced by system's with
graphical user interfaces, particularly Microsoft Windows.
Computer compatibility
A family of computer models is said to be compatible if certain software that runs on one of the
models can also be run on all other models of the family. The computer models may differ in
performance, reliability or some other characteristic. These differences may affect the outcome
of the running of the software.
GUI:
Graphic user interface, a program interface that takes advantage of the computer's graphics
capabilities to make the program easier to use. Well-designed graphical user interfaces can free
the user from learning complex command languages.
OR
A graphical user interface (GUI) is an interface through which a user interacts with electronic
devices such as computers, hand-held devices and other appliances. This interface uses icons,
menus and other visual indicator (graphics) representations to display information and related
user controls, unlike text-based interfaces, where data and commands are in text. GUI
representations are manipulated by a pointing device such as a mouse, trackball, stylus, or a
finger on a touch screen.
Icon
Definition
The icon is a small picture or symbol serving as a quick, "intuitive" representation of a software
tool, function or a data file accessible on the system. Icons, in conjunction with computer
windows, menus and a pointing device form the graphical user interface of the computer system
and enable the user to easily and intuitively navigate the system.
Explanation:

3. Ever since the Macintosh was introduced in 1984, icons have been the way we view files on
computers. An icon on your computer screen represents an object or a program on your hard drive.
For example, the folders you see on your desktop or in open windows are icons. The files that you
see in those folders are also icons. The trash can on the Macintosh and the recycle bin on Windows
are both icons as well.
File
Definition:
A file is the common storage unit in a computer.
Explanation:
Almost all information stored in a computer must be in a file. There are many different types of
files: data files, text files ,program files, directory files, and so on. Different types of files store
different types of information. For example, program files store programs, whereas text files
store text.
Computer files can be considered as the modern counterpart of paper documents which
traditionally are kept in office and library files, and this is the source of the term.
Folder
Definition
A folder holds one or more files, and it can be empty with just a name.
Explanation:
In graphical user interfaces such as Windows and the Macintoshenvironment, a folder is an
object that can contain multipledocuments. Folders provide a method for organizing files similar
to a manila file folder containing paper documents in a file cabinet.. In the DOSand UNIX
worlds, folders are called directories.
Directory
Definition
A directory is a location for storing files on your computer.
Explanation:
On many computers directories are known as folders or catalogs . Files on your hard disk are
organized into various folders, or directories, so that it is easier to keep track of them. For
example, you may keep your pictures in one folder and your music files in another folder.
Folders can also contain other folders, allowing for more specific organization.

4. Dir Command
Displays directory of files and directories stored on disk.In addition to listing the contents of a
directory, the dir command also shows the last modification date and time, as well as the file
size.
Double-Click
Tapping a mouse button twice in rapid succession. Note that the second click must immediately
follow the first, otherwise theprogram will interpret them as two separate clicks rather than one
double click.
In Microsoft Windows and the Macintosh interface, you can use a double click to open files and
applications. Both systems let you set the double-click speed (the longest acceptable interval
between each click).
cd Command
CD (Change Directory) is a command used to switch directories in MS-DOS and the Windows
command line.
Cursor
Definition
A special symbol, usually a solid rectangle or a blinking underline character, that signifies where
the next character will be displayed on the screen. To type in different areas of the screen, you
need to move the cursor. You can do this with the arrow keys, or with a mouse if your program
supports it.
Different Forms Of Cursor:
If you are running a graphics-based program, the cursor may appear as a small arrow, called a
pointer. (The terms cursor and pointer are often used interchangeably.) In text processing, a
cursor sometimes appears as an I-beam pointer, a special type of pointer that always appears
between two characters. Note also that programs that support a mouse may use two cursors: a
text cursor, which indicates where characters from the keyboard will be entered, and a mouse
cursor for selecting items with the mouse.
How To Use A Mouse
Holding and moving the mouse
Place your mouse beside your keyboard on a clean, smooth surface, such as a mouse pad. Hold
the mouse gently, with your index finger resting on the primary button and your thumb resting
on the side. To move the mouse, slide it slowly in any direction. As you move the mouse, a

5. pointer (see picture) on your screen moves in the same direction. If you run out of room to move
your mouse on your desk or mouse pad, just pick up the mouse and bring it back closer to you.
Pointing
Pointing to an item on the screen means moving your mouse so the pointer appears to be
touching the item. When you point to something, a small box often appears that describes the
item. For example, when you point to the Recycle Bin on the desktop, a box appears with this
information: "Contains the files and folders that you have deleted." Most mouse actions combine
pointing with pressing one of the mouse buttons.
There are four basic ways to use your mouse buttons: clicking, double-clicking, right-clicking,
and dragging.
Clicking (single-clicking)
To click an item, point to the item on the screen, and then press and release the primary button
(usually the left button).
Clicking is most often used to select (mark) an item or open a menu. This is sometimes called
single-clicking or left-clicking.
Dragging
You can move items around your screen by dragging them. To drag an object, point to the
object on the screen, press and hold the primary button, move the object to a new location, and
then release the primary button.
Dragging (sometimes called dragging and dropping) is most often used to move files and
folders to a different location and to move windows and icons around on your screen.
Viewing properties
To view the properties of anything on the computer, move your mouse cursor over the icon,
folder, or file press the right mouse button (right-click). Then, select properties from the
dropdown menu. If you view the properties of text, you'll be given a menu with options such as
cut, copy, and paste.
Types Of Mouse:
 Mechanical: Built with a trackball underneath the mouse and mechanical sensors,
allowing easy movement in all directions

6.  Optomechanical: Similar to the mechanical type but uses optical, rather than
mechanical, sensors to detect trackball movement
 Optical: The most expensive. Uses a laser to detect mouse movement, has no mechanical
parts and reacts more precisely than other types.
 Cordless (wireless mouse): A wireless mouse is a computer mouse that needs no wires
to send signals from the mouse to a computer. Wireless mouse technology predominantly
uses radio frequencies (RF) to send signals from the mouse to the computer.
 Footmouse: is a type of computer mouse that gives the users the ability to move the
cursor and click the mouse buttons with their feet. It is primarily used by users with
disabilities or with high-back or neck problems
 Scroll Mouse: A mouse with a rubber or plastic wheel located between the left and right
buttons (the "scroll wheel"). Also known as a "wheel mouse," when the wheel is moved
back and forth, the active window is scrolled, eliminating the need to aim the pointer at
the scroll bar.
 J-Mouse: Alternatively referred to as a JMouse or J Mouse, a J-Mouse is a mouse
solution used with older portable computers that utilized the "J" key on the keyboard and
commonly had two separate buttons for the left and right-click below the space bar.
 Joy Stick: In computers, a joystick is a cursor control device used in computer games
and assistive technology.
 Touch Pad: A touch pad is a device for pointing (controlling input positioning) on a
computer display screen.
 Track Ball: A trackball is a computer cursor control device used in many notebook and
laptop computers. It serves the same purpose as a mouse, but is designed with a moveable
ball on the top.Instead of moving the whole device, you simply roll the moveable ball on
top of the trackball unit with your hand to generate motion input.
 Track Point: TrackPoint is a cursor-pointing device. It is a small, isometric joystick that
resembles a pencil's eraser head, located between the "G," "H," and "B" keys on the
keyboard. This technology enables the user to keep their hands on the keyboard and still
be able to control the mouse.
Advantages of using a mouse include
 A mouse is user-friendly for computer beginners.
 A mouse is easy and convenient to use with a graphical user interface.
 Using a mouse to select items or move to a particular position on the screen is faster than
using a keyboard.
Disadvantages of using a mouse include
 It is not easy and convenient to input text with a mouse.
 Issuing commands by using a mouse is slower than by using a keyboard.
 A mouse is not accurate enough for drawings that require high precision.

7.  A mouse usually requires a flat surface to operate.
 A mouse needs more desk space to operate when compared with a trackball.
Manufacturers of Mouse:
1. Logitech
Logitech is a provider of personal computer and tablets accessories. The company develops and
markets products like peripheral devices for PCs, including keyboards, mice, trackballs,
microphones, game controllers andwebcams
2. Razer
Razer's products are generally targeted at gamers. The bulk of Razer's products are PC
peripherals including mice, audio devices, keyboards, mouse mats and gamepads.
3. Microsoft Corporation
4. SteelSeries
SteelSeries is the creator of some of the most amazing gaming gear in the world. The company
make gaming headsets, mouse, keyboards, surfaces and more.
5. Roccat
The company entered the scene with its Kone Gaming Mouse – a high-performance device that
still ranks as one of the world’s premier gaming peripherals.
6. Hp
HP brings together a portfolio of innovation including cutting-edge personal devices and
business solutions for the New Style of IT.