User Interface

User Interface

1. Graphical User Interface (GUI)

   • ADVANTAGES
     • Most operations are self-explanatory.
     • You can often have more than one program running at a single time.
     • Most GUIs provide good help facilities.
   • DISADVANTAGES
     • GUIs can take up a lot of memory and may require a fast computer to run efficiently.
   • Graphical User Interfaces consist of windows, icons, menus and a pointer.
   • Common uses include Windows, Risc-Os and any of the software running on either of these programs.

2. Command Line Interface

   • ADVANTAGES
     • Experienced users can type and enter commands a lot faster.
     • Can be used on a computer with little memory.
   • DISADVANTAGES
     • It is very difficult to remember all the commands.
   • The user types a command and the computer carries out the command and displays the result.
   • Common uses include MS-DOS, BBC Micro and Quest Database.

3. Menu Driven Interface

   • ADVANTAGES
     • The user does not need to remember and type lots of commands.
     • Menus contain explanations of available options so the user does not require a guide.
   • DISADVANTAGES
     • You may have to switch screens to access a menu.
   • Menus can either be full screen or pull-down. Pull-down menus are accessed by selecting the menu from a menu bar. Pop-up menus are activated by pressing a button on the mouse.
   • Common uses include Wordwise Word Processor and bank cash point machines.