A mouse is the device that is used in WIMP (Windows Icons Mouse and Pointer) operating systems for human interface interaction with software. The mouse generally is a small device (approximately the size of the palm part of your hand) that you put your hand down on and move about on a surface (usually a desk or mouse pad). This is turn usually moves an icon that will look link a pointer or arrow on the screen to match your hand movements. Mouses also usually have buttons at the top/front (the finger area) that are used in performing functions (operating your operating system or application). Mouse can have 1, 2 or 3 buttons. Some mouses also have 1 or two scroll wheels. These are controlled by finger or thumb, depending on the location of the wheel/s, to perform a scrolling function in your software, or to increase or decrease something. The mouse is usually connected to your computer with a serial cable connector or a USB connector. There are also mouses that are wireless and usually operated by sending remote movements by Infra Red (IR) or Bluetooth to a receiver connected to your computer. Mouses usually have a teflon or rubber ball in the base that facilitates moving the mouse on a surface. There are also mouses that have no ball and rely on optical data instead to interpret your mouse movements.

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