Mouse

=Mouse Hints & Tips=

Plural is? Mice, Meese, mouses? Moose?
There's nothing worse than trying to use a modern computer with a mouse that jumps and skips all over the computer desktop or simply moves in the opposite direction of where you want it to go! (This doesn't apply if you're using Linux without a graphical interface, console mode! Who needs a mouse then!?!) So, here's a start for tips on using and cleaning the computer mouse.

TIP
A spastic mouse is typically caused by accumulated [|gunk] built up on the internal rollers on a PS/2 mouse with an internal ball. Remove the back plate, drop out the ball, get out your handy Bic-type pen. What?!? Use the cap with the pocket clip and gently scrape the black rollers of the gunk. Here's a [|link to a site] with pictures of cleaning the mouse.

TIP
If the mouse is a wheel mouse, then gently clean the plastic wheel that rubs against the rubber wheel. I must stress the gently part of the equation - you don't want to apply too much pressure against the plastic wheel because it can pop-out of the receptacle it fits into, it can be a bear to get it back in!

TIP
One of the CDO librarians, Beth, was really thinking outside the box and came up with a fabulous solution (or temporary measure) to stop mice pilferage from the workstations on the Library floor. The Library protects books with a magnetic strip called a tattletale. This normally goes in the book and sets off the perimeter alarms and the defense system activates the perimeter lasers when an individual tries to saunter out with Library property. Beth thought of securing a tattletale strip to the mouse cord with magazine binding tape. The library has also converted all the old ball mice to optical mice--no more mouse balls being stolen. (What's the purpose of stealing a mouse ball?)

QUESTION
The mouse is still having conniption fits after all the cleaning is complete. Does anyone know of a way to test the mouse cord wiring for a break?