What Is A Computer Mouse?

The mouse is the curvy palm sized object that is bundled with your new computer system. It's job is to send commands to the computer and interact, along with the keyboard, with your software.

You'll have noticed by now a white arrow on your monitor screen. You move this arrow, or cursor, to give it its proper name, around by moving the mouse.

The mouse likes to run around on flat surfaces. Put your mouse on your mouse mat if you have one. A large envelope will do if you don't.

As you move your mouse, watch the cursor move in tandem around the monitor screen. If you run out of mouse mat or desk, whichever comes first, lift your mouse up. Wave it gently in mid air. See, the cursor on the monitor screen is stationary. The cursor only moves when the ball on the underside of your mouse is in contact with a surface.