In the history of computer hardware, who is widely credited with inventing the modern computer mouse as a pointing device?

Introduction / Context:
The computer mouse is one of the most recognisable input devices in personal computing. It allows users to control a pointer on the screen and interact with graphical user interfaces. Knowing who invented the mouse is a classic general knowledge question combining computer history and technology awareness.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question asks who invented the computer mouse.
• Options include Gene Dolgoff, Brendan Eich, Douglas Engelbart, Federico Faggin and Tim Berners-Lee.
• We assume the reference is to the first modern mouse like pointing device developed for computer systems, not every later variation.

Concept / Approach:
Douglas Engelbart, an American engineer and inventor, is widely credited with inventing the first computer mouse in the 1960s at the Stanford Research Institute. His early mouse used a wooden shell and metal wheels. Other inventors in the options are known for different technologies: Brendan Eich created the JavaScript language, Federico Faggin worked on microprocessors such as the Intel 4004, Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web and Gene Dolgoff is associated with projector technology. Therefore, Douglas Engelbart is the correct answer.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall key figures in computing history and their major inventions. Step 2: Douglas Engelbart led a famous demonstration in 1968, often called the Mother of All Demos, where he showcased the mouse, windowing interfaces and other innovations. Step 3: He patented the early mouse design featuring a wooden body and two perpendicular wheels that detected movement. Step 4: Brendan Eich is known primarily for creating the JavaScript programming language, used heavily in web development. Step 5: Federico Faggin worked on designing some of the first commercial microprocessors and is not associated with the mouse. Step 6: Tim Berners-Lee is credited with inventing the World Wide Web, including HTTP and HTML, not the mouse. Step 7: Gene Dolgoff is known for work on digital projection technologies, not pointing devices. Step 8: Therefore, only Douglas Engelbart matches the description of the mouse inventor.

Verification / Alternative check:
Historical accounts in computing history texts and museum exhibits attribute the first mouse prototype to Douglas Engelbart. Photographs of his early experimental devices show the wooden mouse with a single button. Technology museums and official sites discussing pointing device history consistently mention Engelbart as the inventor. None of the other individuals listed share this association, confirming that he is the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Brendan Eich is directly linked to JavaScript, not hardware input devices. Federico Faggin made major contributions to microprocessor development but not to pointing devices like mice. Tim Berners-Lee is associated with the World Wide Web, a networking and information system rather than hardware peripherals. Gene Dolgoff's work focuses on display and projection technology. Thus, choosing any of these names would confuse different important but unrelated contributions.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes mix up important computing pioneers because many names are introduced at once during study. To remember Engelbart's role, associate his name with the famous 1968 demonstration and the wooden mouse prototype. Linking each name with a key invention, such as Berners-Lee with the web and Eich with JavaScript, helps avoid confusion in multiple choice questions that test historical facts.

Final Answer:
The modern computer mouse was invented by Douglas Engelbart.