Human Computer interface

Human Computer interface

1. GUI

   • ADVANTAGES
     • This type of user interface is easy to use, especially for a beginner
   • DISADVANTAGES

2. GUI

   • DISADVANTAGES
     • GUIs take up a much larger amount of hard disk space than other interfaces
     • They need significantly more memory (RAM) to run than other interface types
     • They can be slow for experienced programmers to use. These people often find CLI interfaces much faster to use
   • ADVANTAGES
     • This type of user interface is easy to use, especially for a beginner
     • It is easy to explore and find your way around the system using a WIMP/ GUI interface
     • You do not have to learn complicated commands
     • There are usually a reasonable 'help' system included with WIMP interfaces
     • They let you exchange data between different software applications

3. COMMAND LINE

   • ADVANTAGES
     • If the user knows the correct commands then this type of interface can be much faster than any other type of interface
     • This type of interface needs much less memory (RAM) in order to use compared to other types of user interfaces
     • This type of interface does not use as much CPU processing time as others
   • DISADVANTAGES
     • There are a large number of commands which need to be learned - in the case of Unix it can be hundreds
     • Commands have to be typed precisely. If there is a spelling error the command will fail

4. MENU DRIVEN

   • ADVANTAGES
     • Extremely easy to use. Someone who has never seen the interface before can work out what to do
     • Menu interfaces don't have to be visual, they can be spoken - good for telephones or for visually impaired people
   • DISADVANTAGES
     • It can be irritating if there are too many menu screens to work through - users get annoyed or bored if it takes too long
     • You often can't go to the exact place you want right at the start. You have to work your way through the menu screens even if you know where you want to get to.

5. SPEECH AND SOUND

   • The user does not need to be trained in how to use the interface
   • Reliability remains an issue - the interface can only respond to commands that have been programmed
   • Highly complex to program and so only warrants this kind of interface where other types of interface are unsuitable

6. TOUCH SENSITIVE

   • Most touch screens are fixed to a larger device so there is less chance of them being removed, lost or stolen (unlike keyboards)
   • Can be adapted for many uses e.g. cashpoint machine, shop, ticket sales office, garage
   • If the screen becomes damaged it might not pick up the touch command
   • The screen could become scratched or dirty so it is difficult to see the options available