HCI's (human computer interfaces)

HCI's (human computer interfaces)

1. Operating Systems

   • programs which allow the hardware of a computer to work with software application programs which are installed
   • examples
     • Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, Linux
   • key features
     • hardware
       • allows devices like printers to work with applications
       • controls how the computer memory (or RAM) is used by applications
     • software
       • allows more than one application to run at the same time (multitasking)
       • contains utility applications like virus scanners and firewalls
     • user interface
       • provides a graphical way to interact with a computer and make tasks easier
       • organises storage by using files and folders

2. User Interfaces

   • command line
     • you need to remember and type in certain commands and operate
     • computers normally allow you to use command line features when deleting all data from a PC and installing a new operating system.
     • advantages - requires less memory/storage than GUI - no graphics to load. Quicker if an expert knows the commands which are needed
     • disadvantages - hard for beginners who dont know the commands. if commands have any spelling errors, it wont work
   • menu/dialogue box
     • with menus, you have to select a choice from a list of different menu options. dialogue boxes can also pop up on screen to ask the user a question or inform them about something
     • advantages - no need to remember commands like with command line interfaces. easier for beginners than command line interfaces
     • disadvantages - too many levels of menus can be annoying for the user. it is not as intuitive/easy to use as graphical user interfaces
   • voice user interface (VUI)
     • you can give the computer verbal commands by speaking into a microphone. used in GUI operating systems which come with voice recognitioin software
     • advantages - it is useful for people with disabilities who have difficulty using a mouse/keyboard
     • disadvantages - some voice user interfaces struggle with diferent accents, difficult words and high levels of background noise
   • touch
     • you can use gestures to control a touch screen
     • used in mobile phones, learning aids and point of sale systems with self-service checkouts
     • advantages - using gestures is intuitive and nearly everyone can use touch screens without training
     • disadvantages - some people will find it easier to type lots of data using a normal qwerty keyboard
   • biometrics
     • uses unique parts of the body to control a computer
     • you can log in to a computer using a retinal (eye) or fingerprint scan.
     • computers can catch criminals by looking at the way they walk or at their DNA print
     • advantages - you dont have to remember a passwordwhen logging in with biometrics. biometrics can also help to reduce crime
     • disadvantages - biometrics are expensive. people may worry about having personal details like fingerprints logged by a computer

3. Key Words

   • WIMP
     • Windows, Icons, Menus Pointers
       • windows are used to carry out different tasks
       • icons are pictures that you click to open different programmes
       • menus can be used to choose what you want to do
       • pointers are cursors on the screen
   • GUI
     • Graphical User Interface
     • allow you to use office assistants - where you type in a question and get help
     • you can see demonstrations of software by viewing online tutorials
     • allow you to customize your desktop
     • advantages
       • dont need to remember complicated commands - you can use icons and pointers to find your way around
       • you can use a mouse to control a pointer, which is easier than having to type everything in
     • disadvantages
       • you need memory and storage space to run a GUI in order to load and store all the graphics
       • computer experts who know advanced commands may find GUIs slower than command line interfaces
   • Command Line
     • commands how the computer operates
   • Dialogue Box
     • can pop up on the screen to ask a question or inform the user of something

Bilder und Dateien der Mindmap