Why Computer Mouse Was Named That Way And Not Something Else?

Do you ever wonder why the computer mouse got the name? Isn't it quite weird to name an electronic device after an animal?

The computer mouse is a device that is already too familiar for anyone who ever touched a computer. But why is was called a mouse, the name of an animal, and not anything any other fancy name that might sound more technical?

Here, in this article, we will find out about the answer to this question.

Pop Gamingmice Index 1586536892 — Computer mice have become a very essential part of every computer system nowadays

Let's go back in time to when the first computer mouse was created. In 1964, Bill English and Douglas Engelbart produced the first input device that allows users to directly interact with a computer. Before that, the only way to make a computer works was to type in commands using a keyboard.

1200px Dec Vt100 Terminal Transparent — Computers back then only have a keyboard and can only be controlled by commands from its keyboard

Douglas Engelbart was the one who came up with the idea to develop a new device to control computers. William English was the one who made that idea happen with a device called "X-Y Position Indicator for a Display System" and was first used with the Xerox Alto computer system in 1973.

The device was quite a bucky back then with a wire on its back instead of in front. It had a rectangular shape with only one button on top, certainly does not look like modern computer mice at all.

First Mouse — The first computer mouse ever has its cord on its back

With its cord coming out of its back, the device reminds Douglas of a rodent mouse and he decided to stick with that name. It is certainly easier to remember than "X-Y Position Indicator for a Display System".

However, this device was not very successful until Apple introduced Apple Lisa computer with its own mouse.