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The mouse can be used in both the Linux console (with gpm) and the X window environment. Normally, this is a simple matter of installing gpm and the X server itself. Both should be configured to use /dev/input/mice as the mouse device. The correct mouse protocol is named exps2 in gpm, and ExplorerPS/2 in X. The respective configuration files are /etc/gpm.conf and
/etc/X11/xorg.conf.
Certain kernel modules must be loaded in order for your mouse to work. In most cases the correct modules are autodetected, but not always for old-style serial and bus mice1, which are quite rare except on very old computers. Summary of Linux kernel modules needed for different mouse types:
Module | Description |
psmouse | PS/2 mice (should be autodetected) |
usbhid | USB mice (should be autodetected) |
sermouse | Most serial mice |
logibm | Bus mouse connected to Logitech adapter card |
inport | Bus mouse connected to ATI or Microsoft InPort card |
To load a mouse driver module, you can use the modconf command (from the package with the same name) and look in the category kernel/drivers/input/mouse.