Human-Computer interface

Human-Computer interface

1. GUI - Graphical user interface (WIMP - Windows, Icons, Menus and Pointers).

   • Advantages
     • This type of user interface is easy to use, especially for a beginner
       • It is easy to explore and find your way around the system using a WIMP/ GUI interface
         • You do not have to learn complicated commands
           • There are usually a reasonable 'help' system included with WIMP interfaces
             • You get the benefits of WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get).
               • They let you exchange data between different software applications
   • Disadvantages
     • GUIs take up a much larger amount of hard disk space than other interfaces
       • They need significantly more memory (RAM) to run than other interface types
         • They use more processing power than other types of interface
           • They can be slow for experienced programmers to use. These people often find CLI interfaces much faster to use

2. Command line - A Command Line Interface allows the user to interact directly with the computer system by typing in commands (instructions) into a screen

   • Advantages
     • Instructions execute quickly
       • Instructions are versatile. Large number of options can be picked per instruction.
         • Small operating system (less memory used)
   • Disadvantages
     • Need to learn the special instructions.
       • Need to type the instructions precisley
         • Complex levels with some commands. High level ICT skills needed

3. Menu inerface - This type of interface lets you interact with a computer or device by working your way through a series of screens or menusMenu

   • Advantages
     • Extremely easy to use. Someone who has never seen the interface before can work out what to do
       • There are no commands to learn or remember
         • Step-by-step options are given so that the user doesn't have to remember anything
           • Menu interfaces don't have to be visual, they can be spoken - good for telephones or for visually impaired people
   • Disadvantages
     • Some options may have no use for a particular user.
       • It can be difficult to locate an option if there are high number of menus & sub-menus.
   • Sound and speech interface - This type of interface allows the user to speak or type in their normal everyday language in order to interact with the computer.
     • Advantages
       • The user does not need to be trained in how to use the interface
         • More flexibility than a dialogue interface
           • Suitable for physically handicapped people
     • Disadvanatges
       • Reliability remains an issue - the interface can only respond to commands that have been programmed
         • Highly complex to program and so only warrants this kind of interface where other types of interface are unsuitable
           • Not widely available as other forms of interface are often superior
             • A voice interface might need training in order to get the software to recognise what the user is saying

4. Touch Sensitive interface - Touch sensitive interfaces can be found on many mobile devices such as a smart phone or a tablet computer.

   • They work by your finger touching the screen. The touching is detected and translated by the device into instructions.
   • Advantages
     • Low-level ICT skills needed
       • Less possiblity of theft
         • More practiality in some environments where a keyboard cannot be used i.e. extreme cold.
   • Disadvantages
     • Need to understand the language or the meaning of the icons
       • If the screen becomes damaged it might not pick up the touch command
         • The screen could become scratched or dirty so it is difficult to see the options available
           • No so good in bright sunshine as the screen is hard to see

5. Biometrics

   • Fingerprint scanner
     • Voice pattern
       • Eyeris scanner

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