Anybody computer experts out there!!!

I've installed a new mouse on my computer - it's an optical scroll. I've tried it on the USB and the PS/2 connection but I'm still having problems with it.

Main problem is that the pointer frequently jumps and travels/moves across the screen unaided. I've slowed the speed on the pointer option - not helped.

This is very frustrating and I came very close to throwing the mouse across the lounge last night.

All and any ideas welcome.

Technophobe!

It might be something to do with the surface you're using it on. If it’s not absolutely smooth, the laser-thingy jumps across even tiny imperfections.

Dee

Hi Kev

U could try and re-install the drivers from the CD that came with it.

Dav

Cheers Dee and Dav,

I will swap the mouse mat (old one is crap and lumpy) and if that fails will re-install and re-boot.

By the way Dav - ever come across a John Wayne Mouse Mat - something I would be very interested in acquiring?

Kev.

Kev -

No I haven't actually but I wouldn't mind one too. I'm sure a bit of googling would sort it out. A fine idea. Maybe you can get ones with specific scenes from films? If you can get Star Wars ones I don't see why you can't. If not, there's a business idea in there somewhere!!!

Dav,

Only on eBay - it's all there for the taking. Just searched John Wayne Mouse Mat (on .co.uk) and there are loads to choose from. £4.99 or less - bargain.

Kev.

Nice one Kev, I'll check it out. You gotta love E-bay!!

Kev, with optical mouses (meeses?) it doesn't only matter that the surface be smooth, but be a flat, even colour. Cartoon mousemats and surfaces with a texture design can cause all sorts of problems. Of the few I've had in the past, I've found there to be a slight lag, but you get used to it very, very quickly.

I've got a program on my own pc that allows you to use a webcam as a mouse by moving your head to control the mouse - developed for people with disabilities, but lots of fun, and I've seen an even madder one that works by the muscular movements of the eye, so moving your eye left or right or up or down moves the mouse, and blinking makes it "click".

Anyway, back to optical meeses - aren't we all supposed to be wearing VR headsets and using datagloves these days? It is 2006 after all.

Colin M
(technophile!)

Thanks for the heads up Colin.

I don't even have a PS2 or one of those 360 things???.

Would love to have a go with the eye mouse - sounds excellent although knowing me I'd buy it - fail to install properly and consign it to the garage with all my other crapola.

2006 already, what ever happened to the virtual world we were all going to live in where technology was easy to use and accessible?

I'm sure that there's a story lurking in this somewhere. Preferably with John Wayne making an Easter resurrection as Sheriff of Virtual Realityville, rounding up all of the baddies and heading off into a lunar sunset.

Kev.

Can't type properly - still covered in oil from trying to repair the friggin fusion reactor in my second-hand flying car. Damn you technology - why do you mock me so?

I'm sure I've got one of them flying thingys with all my other crap. If only I could open the garage door - its chocka - could do with a sonic drill and a good reaction mechanic.

Failing a good mechanic (most of them do!!) I'll try and jump it with my; reverse particle electron leads!

Sorry to contradict people, but I recently had trouble with my optical mouse (after a spillage of hot chocolate). After trying to clean the desk top several times, I resorted to using some shiny hard cover books, but still had problems. Eventually I rang for some tech support and the guy told me to use a bog standard mouse mat, preferably with a slightly rough textured surface. With some degree of scepticism I followed his instructions and voila, my mouse has been jitter free…

Grinder

Thanks for the info Grinder.

I tried a newish mouse mat last night - its hard and flat - and it seems to have done the trick.

Fingers crossed - should we still have fingers these days or should we have evolved into the digital age a Multi-use remote control on the end of one arm and a Sonic Swiss Knife on the other?

Kev.