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The Mouse Turns 40

Posted by timothy on from the well-it-wasn't-born-that-day dept.

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."

8 of 169 comments (clear)

  1. In other news by BadAnalogyGuy · · Score: 5, Funny

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

  2. Re:Priorities, people, priorities by eln · · Score: 5, Funny

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

  3. Obligatory review comment by Mononoke · · Score: 5, Funny

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

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  4. Congrats by truthsearch · · Score: 5, Funny

    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.

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  5. Re:Mouses by Timberwolf0122 · · Score: 5, Funny

    It is Meases and I hate them to pieces!

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    In the not too distant future, next Sunday A.D.
  6. I can't do with these new fangled inventions by Chrisq · · Score: 5, Funny
    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)

    1. Re:I can't do with these new fangled inventions by ciderVisor · · Score: 5, Funny

      vi - The WYSIWTF editor.

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  7. Guess what else is 40 years old? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    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."