How do people communicate with computers?

User Interfaces

Software

User Interfaces

A user interface is the way the user (person) and the computer exchange information and instructions.

There are three main types: -

1. command line

2. menu driven

3. graphical user interface (GUI).  

1. Command LineInterfaces

Older operating systems such as MS-DOS are often called Command Line Interfaces or CLIs.

They are text based, and the user has to type in what they want to do using commands the computer will understand.

They work very quickly, and don’t use up much memory or hard disk space, but they are difficult to use unless you know the commands really well.

2. Menu DrivenInterfaces The user is offered a simple menu from which to

choose an option. One menu often leads to a further menu.

Features of menu driven interfaces include:   They are easy to use as the user does not have to

remember sets of commands. They are user friendly - you can often guess your way

around the options. They can be irritating if there are too many levels of

menus to move around.

3. Graphical UserInterfaces (GUIs) GUIs use pictures called icons to represent files or

buttons, and the user clicks on the button with a pointer moved by a mouse.

Features of GUIs include:   They are much easier to use for beginners. They enable you to easily exchange information

between software using cut and paste or 'drag and drop'.

They use a lot of memory and processing power. They can be much slower to use than a CLI for expert

users. Windows, OS/X and Linux Operating Systems are all

graphical user interfaces.  

Designing a User Interface A good user interface should:  

be attractive and pleasing to the eye allow the user to try out different options easily be easy to use use suitable colours for key areas use words that are easy to understand aimed at the

type of user have online help It also should consider the needs of the users. For

example, young children are likely to prefer pictures to words.