Quiet As a Mouse Trivia Quiz

Answer: Stanford Research Institute

The term "mouse" was first used by the Stanford Research Institute to describe a computer tool. This term came from the fact that early mouse models had a cord (or tail) extending from the rear of the device. This suggested a mouse-like look.

Answer: Xerox Star 1981

The Xerox Star 1981 was just one in a line of computers marketed by the 8010 Star Information System. Individual computers in this line usually sold for $16,000. Though only 25,000 unit were sold (the price was too high), many people today claim that the system was ingeniusly ahead of it's time.

Answer: Douglas Engelbart

Douglas Engelbart, who worked for the Stanford Research Institute, invented a basic computer mouse in 1964. It was a bulky device with two perpendicular wheels. Engelbart patented the device in 1970 (US Patent 3541541).

Answer: Ball Mouse

In 1972, Bill English invented the ball mouse while working for Xerox PARC. The external wheels of Engelbart's mouse were replaced with a single ball. Wheels inside sensed movement of the ball and relayed this information to the main computer.

Answer: turning the computer on and off

Engelbart, the mouse's inventor, wanted a mouse to have as many buttons as possible. Though models have been made with up to five buttons, the typical model was chosen for its ease of use.

Answer: Mouse Systems

Mouse Systems introduced the scroll wheel in two commercially available products in 1995, though the model didn't become popular until Microsoft released a scroll-wheel mouse in '96.

Answer: CPI

CPI (Counts per Inch) measures mouse speed, and is equatable to DPI (dots per inch), another less correct measurement. New software, however, can allow a mouse to move at a speed drastically above or below its original CPI.

Answer: mousepad

The most common mouse accessory, the mousepad, is typically used for mechanical mice only, because they require excess traction. Optical and laser mice, though they do not require a pad, are often used in conjunction with a pad to eliminate scratches on the desk surface, and when the surface is detrimental to the laser tracking.

Answer: Voice-Activated Controller

A gyroscopic mouse senses mouse movement as it moves through the air, making it a good choice for users who must operate the equipment standing up, or who have little room for a regular mouse.
A foot mouse is a suitable alternative for those who cannot, or wish not to, use their hands.
A camera mouse utilizes a camera to track a user's head movement and changes it to mouse movement on a computer screen.

Answer: Apple

Historically, Apple (Macintosh) has always produced one-button mice, portraying them as a user-friendly alternative to "confusing" multibutton mice.