Laser Mouse Drivers

The laser mouse is a peripheral device that uses infrared laser diode, instead of a light emitting diode (LED) to illuminate and capture images of the surface beneath the mouse. The laser mouse driver is the software that translates the language of the mouse and communicates the movements and images of the mouse to the operating system or the PC. Laser mice can be used with nearly every operating system, the IBM compatible personal computer, MacIntosh, Sun Microsystems and others. Typically, laser mice are cordless, though they are available wired, and transmit data via infrared radiation (IrDA) or radio (such as Bluetooth). However, the devices used to transmit the data to the cordless laser mice are often connected via a serial bus or USB on the PC.

The laser mouse is a type of optical mouse that was first introduced in 1998 by Sun Microsystems. In 2004, the laser mouse was introduced to the mainstream market by Logitech in partnership with Agilent Technologies. The use of the laser increased the resolution of the image taken and enabled the mouse to cover a surface area 20 times larger than its predecessor the conventional optical mouse via interference. Interference, wave propagation, involves the combining of two laser wavelengths in order to make a new wave pattern.

Laser mice will operate on virtually any surface, including glossy and some transparent. They are different from mechanical mice in that the mechanical mouse has a moving part that attracts lint and other things that impede the operation of the mouse. Additionally, mechanical mice involve transmitting analog or mechanical data to a digital or electrical format that the computer can understand. Laser mice primarily transmit digital data; therefore, the laser mouse drivers will be significantly different from the mechanical mouse driver and slightly different from its LED predecessor.

Common Problems Associated with Laser Mouse Drivers

1) Conflicts between two or more drivers caused by missing or busy resources

2) Missing drivers

3) Corrupted driver files

4) Poorly designed drivers that reduce a system’s stability and performance

4) Incompatibility with the operating system or hardware device

5) Problems in the Windows Registry

TroubleShooting Laser Mouse Drivers

Make certain that the Laser Mouse driver is compatible with the operating system that the software is installed on. There will be incompatibility problems if the driver does not support the operating system that the user is attempting to install the software.

If you continue to experience problems with the laser mouse driver or the laser mouse driver is corrupted, the user can reinstall the original laser mouse driver, download an upgraded laser mouse driver from the original manufacturer, or revert to a previous laser mouse driver.

If the mouse is wireless be certain that there is nothing in the line of sight of the mouse and the hub to which it is communicating. Synchronizing the mouse and hub will sometimes correct the communication problems. Additionally, since wireless mice often use batteries always make certain they are fresh.