The mouse is a common pointing device which controls cursor location on the video display. It is named after the small animal it resembles. Input is achieved by means of a tracking ball on the underside of the device. As the mouse is rolled across a flat surface, rollers inside the housing translate the directional components of the tracking ball's movement. Signals from these rollers are translated by the computer to reflect corresponding movement of the cursor. A button (or buttons) on the top or side of the mouse allow selection of functions at desired cursor locations.
Though the mouse can be used on just about any flat surface, a |mouse pad| usually is preferred. These pads provide better traction and comfort as well as minimizing wear on internal components.
A variation on the mouse is the |mouse pen|. This device contains the basic components of the mouse in a housing the size and shape of a common pen.
