Magicnation Forum

Did You Know? 

• Inventor: Douglas Engelbart, a visionary engineer, created the first computer mouse while working at the Stanford Research Institute.
• Year: The mouse was made in 1964, marking an important step in how people interact with computers. 

• Material: Unlike today's plastic mice, the first mouse was made from wood.
• Shape: It was a simple rectangular block, designed to fit in your hand.
• Mechanism: The mouse had two metal wheels on the bottom, which moved in different directions to detect movement.​​​​​​

• Purpose: Engelbart's mouse was designed to help navigate and interact with early computer screens.
• Prototype: The wooden mouse had one button and was connected to the computer with a wire, allowing users to move a cursor on the screen.

• Revolutionary: The mouse made using computers much easier and more efficient compared to typing commands.
• Demonstration: Engelbart showed the mouse's capabilities in a famous demonstration in 1968, where he used it for tasks like text editing and linking documents. 

• Advancements: Over the years, the mouse has evolved from a wooden block to the sleek, ergonomic designs we see today. New features like multiple buttons, scroll wheels, and wireless technology have been added.
• Ubiquity: The computer mouse has become a crucial tool for using computers, found in homes and offices everywhere.

Conclusion:
Douglas Engelbart's invention of the wooden computer mouse in 1964 changed the way we use technology. This simple wooden block with wheels laid the groundwork for the advanced mice we use today, making it a key moment in computing history.​​​