The human-computer interface

The human-computer interface

1. GUI (WIMP)

   • ADVANTAGES
     • easy to use for beginners
     • easy to explore and find your way around the system
     • you do not have to learn complicated commands
     • usually a reasonable 'help' system included with a WIMP
     • you get the benefits of 'what you see is what you get' (WYSIWYG)
     • they let you exchange data between software applications
   • DISADVANTAGES
     • can be large and complex and therfore take up resources
     • can make the computer run slower
   • most common type of user interface in use today

2. COIMMAND LINE INTERFACE

   • ADVANTAGES
     • instructions execute quickly
     • insttuctions 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 precisely
     • complex levels with some commands. High level ICT skills required.
   • allows the user to interact directly with the computer system by typing in commands

3. MENU DRIVEN INTERFACE

   • lets you interact with a computer or device by working your way through a series of screens or menus
   • ADVANTAGES
     • no commands to learn or remember
     • navigation to find option is easy
     • they don't need huge amounts of processing power or memory
     • stops you from choosing an invalid response
   • DISADVANTAGES
     • some options may have to use for particular users
     • can very difficult to locate an option if there are a high numbers of menus and sub-menus

4. SPEECH AND SOUND INTERFACE

   • ADVANTAGES
     • suitable for physically handicapped people
     • more flexibility than a dialogue interface
     • the user does not need to be trained in how to use the interface
   • DISADVANTAGES
     • not widely available as other forms of interface are often superior
     • often not reliable if there is background noise or you have a strong accent
   • allows the user to speak or type in their normal everyday language in order to interact with the computer

5. TOUCH SENSITIVE INTERFACE

   • can be found on many mobile devices such as a smart phone or a tablet computer
   • ADVANTAGES
     • do not need good ICT skills such as typing to be able to use
     • you can see all of the options available
   • DISADVANTAGES
     • not good in bright sunshine as the screen is hard to see
     • screen could become scratched or dirty so it is difficult to see the options available

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