Providing an interface

Providing an interface

1. A GUI is used on phones and PC

   • Graphical representations of the computer's functions are shown to the user and controlled by touchscreen or a mouse and keyboard
     • Programs often run in windows and several can be shown at the same time

2. Command line interface

   • A CLI is a text-based interface
     • The user types commands, and the result is shown as text.
       • Nearly every operating system provides a CLI
       • These are harder to use, but are very lightweight and robust - they use few system resources and are very unlikely to crash or break

3. Files need to be manipulated.

   • OS provide an interface to the user which allows them to: Copy files Move files Delete files Sort files Search for files
   • File Management

4. System Settings

   • Operating systems enable the user to easily alter system settings. Settings include: Enabling or disabling specific hardware Changing the volume Adjusting screen resolution Configuring secondary storage

5. Multitasking

   • Multitasking is allowing multiple processes appear to run simultaneously. CPUs don’t generally support this, so the OS simulates it by alternating which processes get CPU time. A GUI will generally allow different processes to run in separate windows, and be displayed side by side.
   • Error Messages and Support
     • When something goes wrong in a program, the user needs to be informed. However, the programmer may not know how the program is being used (GUI, CLI or remotely on an embedded system). The error is passed to the operating system, which then displays it in the most suitable way. This produces consistent error handling regardless of what application is being used.