Human Computer Interfaces

Human Computer Interfaces

1. Command Lines Interfaces

   • Allows the user to interact with the computers by typing in commands.
   • must be typed correctly and in the right order.
   • they don't need the memory and processing power
   • common drive programs don't need to run in Windows.
   • can run many programs

2. Menu Driven Interfaces

   • the user is offered a simple menu to choose an option
     • if an option is chosen a drop-down menu can be offered
   • one menu often leads to a further menu.
   • part of the screen has an instruction followed by a numbered list of options to choose from.
   • full screen menu takes up the entire screen.
   • a set of options at the top of the screen.
   • easy to use
   • don't have to remember sets of commands
   • user-friendly
   • irritating if there are too many levels of menus

3. Graphical User Interfaces

   • user chooses an option usually by pointing a mouse at an icon representing that option
   • much easier for beginners
   • easily exchange information between software using cut and paste or 'drag and drop'
   • use lots of memory and processing power
   • can be slower than a command-line interface