Apple Macintosh - Page 24

Overview of the Mac 23
THE MOUSE
The mouse, as shown in figure 1.4, is a combination
pointing de vice and signaling device. The mouse can be used as
a
pointing device by sliding it over the work surface. The mou se
operates using a small rubber ball which rotates within its
socket as the mouse moves across the table. The ball turn s two
rotating vanes which interrupt light beams. The se light beams
operate light sensitive tran sis tors which send signals to the Mac
through the attached electrical connection. The pointer on the
Mac 's screen will move relative to the movement of the mouse
on th e work surface. Thi s is depicted in figure 1.5.
The mou se can be used as a signaling device by clicking the
mou se button. The mouse is generally used as a signaling
de vice when some piece of information is being selected. This
process will be di scussed in chapter 3.
Figure 1.4. The Macintosh mouse. a, mou se button