• If you are upgrading, your new mouse should be the same type as your current mouse. For example, if you currently have a PS/2 mouse, your new mouse should also be a PS/2 mouse.
• If you are adding a mouse to your system for the first time, and your PC has only one serial port which is being used, you can buy an I/O card which will add an additional serial and parallel port to your PC.
• If all your serial ports are taken, you can purchase the bus mouse which does not require a serial port.

PS/2, Serial, or Bus mouse: The type you choose will depend on your PC. The PS/2 mouse is the most common, with the serial mouse next on the list. The bus mouse is rare, and soon may be extinct.

Buttons: How many buttons, two or three? Most software will use the left and right mouse buttons. Not many software applications take advantage of the third or center button on a three button mouse. However you can program this button through software that comes with the mouse. The three button mouse is the least popular mouse.

Wheels: The newer two button mouse now comes with a wheel between centered between the two buttons. This wheel can be used for scrolling text or act as a third button. The newer software applications are beginning to take advantage of this feature.

Standard or Cordless: This is a matter of preference. The cordless mouse does require an occasional battery change and does cost more than the standard mouse.

Comfort: The most important consideration is, how does the mouse feel in your hand? Test the mouse out in the computer store before you buy it. Does it fit well in your hand? Is it easy to use? The mouse comes in many different designs. It should not be difficult to find one that you feel comfortable with.