User Interfaces

DEFINITION 

The user interface is what you see on the screen when the computer is running.  It consists of the cursor, prompts, icons and menus that allow you to use the computer to get something done.

TYPES OF USEFACE

COMMAND LINE INTERFACE                    

                          

To use the command line interface you will need to know all of the exact fuctions to be able to type the in to perform the operation on the computer.  

Advantages

• If user knows commands it can be much faster than using lots of menus
• It does not need windows to run
• It does not take up much memory to run

Disadvantages

• Commands have to be typed in precisely
• Can be confusing to understand commands
• Cannot guess instruction
• A lot of commands need to be learnt

DOS means 'Disk Operating System'. This was created before windows and can be used to do simple operations such as paste and copy.

MENU INTERFACE

This type of userface lets the user interact with a computer or device by going through a series of menus. Menu interfaces can be visual or verbal e.g a cinema phone service or a cash machine.

Advantages

• They are easy to use
• No commands need to be learnt
• They are user friendly
• They do not need to be visual

Disadvantages

• If there are too many levels it can get annoying
• It is essential that they are well designed
• You cannot go to the exact place that might be required first

GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE

A graphical user interface is the most common type of userface that is used today.

Windows

- a rectangular area where operations are usually performed

 Icons

- a picture of symbol to represent a hardware device

Menus

- a list of options that the user can perform reguarly

Pointers

-  a symbol such as an arrow to help move around the screen

 Advantages

• Easy to use (especially for beginners
• Easy to find a way round using WIMP
• There is usually a help system if the user gets stuck
• Data can be exchanged through different softwares

Disadvantages

• It takes up a lot of hard disk within the computer
• They usually need more RAM to be able to run
• They can be slow for experienced workers to use