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User Interface

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User Interface

Uploaded by

mwansa7chisanga
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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28.07.

2021
THE USER INTERFACE
A computer is an electronic device and only uses binary language. This means it only uses zeros (0s) and
ones (1s). the user however does not understand these codes.

One of the functions of system software is to provide a user interface. User interface is a way through
which users can communicate to the computer and the computer to the user.

TYPES OF USER INGERFACES


There are two main types of user interfaces:

1. Command Line Interface (CLI)


2. Graphical User Interface (GUI)

Command Line Interface

It involves typing of commands to run the program. It was used mostly in earlier computer systems. The
commands have to be typed in their right form so they have to be memorized. Command structures are
difficult to memorize.

There screen is a text window. You use the keyboard to type in commands to the operating system. It
answers you in text.

Graphical User Interface

This interface makes use of graphical representations to select required actions or commands.

Graphical User Interface uses the WIMP features (window, icon, menu and pointer)

▪ Window/ Dialogue Box -a window is a frame with tabs/buttons that can be clicked to accept or
reject certain actions. A dialogue box is a conversation tool (how the computer talks to the user
and vice versa).
▪ Icon -an icon is a graphical representation of a function. Usually it is a picture, and clicking on it
commands the computer to perform that function. Double clicking on the icon open/runs the
program.
▪ Menu -a list of options or commands that a user can select. The options can be selected by a
mouse or using the keyboard arrow keys and the Enter key.
▪ Pointer -a pointer is a tool that makes the surface of the screen as the user moves the mouse, or
the arrow keys. It is a useful tool because it enables the user to point to the actual parts/icons
they need.

The graphical User Interface (GUI) is the widely used interface in computing. This is because they are easy
to use and do not require memorization of any codes. Pictorial representations can even remind the user
on what to do.

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