The Mouse Turns 40

Smivs writes with an excerpt from the BBC marking the anniversary of what may be the most famous tech demo outside Trinity site: "The humble computer mouse celebrates its 40th anniversary today. On 9 December 1968 hi-tech visionary Douglas Engelbart first used one to demonstrate novel ways of working with computers. The first mouse that Dr Engelbart used in the demo at the Fall Joint Computer Conference (FJCC) was made of wood and had one button. Much of the technology shown off in the demo inspired the creation of the hardware and software now widely used. ... The mouse, which was built by Bill English, helped Dr Engelbart demonstrate how text files could be clipped, copied and pasted as well as showing ways of using computer networks to collaborate on projects or co-edit documents." According to the article, "A day of celebration is planned in California to mark the 40th anniversary; with many of the researchers behind the original demo reunited to mark the event."

Celebration?

[clam666]

We're rejoicing over an input device?

No keyboard monument? Or was it overshadowed by the typewriter?

In other news

[BadAnalogyGuy]

The mouse was seen at the local Maserati dealership evaluating cars with his 20-something year old girlfriend.

Re:Priorities, people, priorities

[eln]

Oh come on, we already have a special event for when an Illinois politician gets busted for corruption...we call it "Tuesday".

Obligatory review comment

[Mononoke]

One button. You have to take your hand off the keyboard. Lame.

Congrats

[truthsearch]

Aw, and it doesn't look a day over 30.

Except it lost its ball. Pretty sad to lose a ball while you're in your prime.

Mouse??? WTF

[omuls are tasty]

Dude, this is Slashdot. We don't use freakin mice around here. Keyboards are always faster

<CTRL+L>javascript:document.getElementById('Submit').click()

Re:Congrats

[Justin Hopewell]

The child in me finds this funny. The adult in me finds it hilarious.

Mouses

[IainMH]

And lets be clear. The plural of computer mouse is most definitely not 'computer mouses'.

Re:Congrats

[gEvil (beta)]

Except it lost its ball. Pretty sad to lose a ball while you're in your prime.

It may have lost its ball, but look at what it gained...a frickin LASER!

Re:Congrats

[eln]

Except it lost its ball. Pretty sad to lose a ball while you're in your prime.

Oh, I don't know...I hear losing a ball makes it easier to win the Tour de France, so it might not be all bad.

Copycats

[Fri13]

What? They have copied the "one button mouse" idea from Apple!! Damn Copycats!! Thats why Apple needed to invent the Mighty Mouse so there would not be so many copies!

Re:Mouses

[Timberwolf0122]

It is Meases and I hate them to pieces!

Re:In other news

[philspear]

Wait, USB has been around 20 years? I didn't know they were even an item, I just thought they were fooling around.

obviously

[Anonymous Coward]

This was invented by Shampoo.

I can't do with these new fangled inventions

[Chrisq]

I can't do with these new fangled inventions. They don't help. They just slow you down. In my day with a few "vi" keystrokes I could out edit any wysywyg app.

:wq

:wq!

(what's happening. How do I get out of this)

Re:In other news

[eln]

If I were that mouse, I would steer clear of USB...I hear she'll let just about anyone in to her "ports".

Re:Congrats

[Conditioner]

Mouse Balls Available as FRU (Field Replacement Unit) http://www.neystadt.org/john/humor/IBM-Mouse-Balls.htm [neystadt.org]

Guess what else is 40 years old?

[Anonymous Coward]

This story: How to clean your mouse This memo is from an unnamed computer company. It went to all field engineers about a computer peripheral problem. The author of this memo was quite serious. The engineers rolled on the floor. "Mouse balls are now available as FRU (Field Replacement Unit). Therefore, if a mouse fails to operate or should it perform erratically, it may need a ball replacement. Because of the delicate nature of this procedure, properly trained personnel should only attempt replacement of mouse balls. Before proceeding, determine the type of mouse balls by examining the underside of the mouse. Domestic balls will be larger and harder than foreign balls. Ball removal procedures differ depending upon the manufacturer of the mouse. Foreign balls can be replaced using the pop-off method. Domestic balls are replaced by using the twist-off method. Mouse balls are not usually static sensitive. However, excessive handling can result in sudden discharge. Upon completion of ball replacement, the mouse may be used immediately. It is recommended that each replacer have a pair of spare balls for maintaining optimum customer satisfaction. Any customer missing his balls should suspect local personnel of removing these necessary items."

Re: The Mouse Turns 40

[Anonymous Coward]

... cleaning mouse balls jokes turn 39.

Re:Priorities, people, priorities

[IceCreamGuy]

Holy shit. This guy is right! How naive we've been! We've been reading news about technology on a technology focused website while this whole time our technology news site should have been posting items that have nothing to do with technology! What kind of crazy mixed up world is this!?!

Re:Copycats

[jandrese]

As as Slashdotter, I resent the implication that I am not, in fact, a mammal.

Re:I can't do with these new fangled inventions

[ciderVisor]

vi - The WYSIWTF editor.

Re:Obligatory review comment

[srussia]

jesus christ. it's been 40 years and the mouse still ONLY has 2 buttons? wtf?

It's been 7000 years and the WHEEL still comes in just ONE SHAPE? WTF?