User Interfaces - Content Flashcards
What is a user interface?
It allows the user to interact with the computer system. It is a core part of any operating system.
What are the three different user interfaces?
– Command line interface (CLI)
– graphical user interface (GUI)
– menu-based interface
What is a command line interface?
It allows the user to interact with the computer by type in commands in response to prompts displayed on the screen
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a command line interface?
Advantages:
– experienced users find it quicker to complete tasks
– require less memory and processing power
Disadvantages:
– requires knowledge of the specific commands to perform functions
– learning many commands can be intimidating for inexperienced users
What is a graphical user interface?
It allows users to interact with the device by controlling a pointer to select icons and menus displayed on screen. It is widely used on devices such as smart phones and PCs.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a graphical user interface?
Advantages:
– it is a simple method of interacting and it is easy for beginners to use
– it does not require users to learn any commands to perform tasks
– it is adaptable according to the individual needs of the user
Disadvantages:
– it often requires a lot of processing power and memory
– experienced users can find it frustrating to complete task they can perform quicker in a command line interface
What is a menu-based interface?
It allows users to interact using a simple menu that present options to choose from.
Example: an ATM screen
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a menu-based interface?
Advantages:
– the limited number of options makes it easy to use
– it is possible to figure out how to perform task without any instructions
Dash it includes options to adapt the interface for the individual needs of a user
Disadvantages:
– Performing tasks can be slow and frustrating when there are many levels of options
