Operating Systems & User Interfaces Flashcards
(20 cards)
what is an operating system
An operating system (OS) is a software that runs in the background of a computer system supporting the computer’s basic functions
3 Examples of Operating systems
chrome OS
Windows OS
Linux
Main Tasks of an operating system
- to control the operations of the input, output, and backing storage devices
- Supervise the loading, running, and storage of application software
- Deals with errors that occur in the application programs
- Maintains security of the whole computer system
- Maintains a computer log
- Allows communication between user and the computer system
What is a user interface
A user interface is the means through which a user communicates with a device
Name The 4 user interfaces
Command line interface(CLI)
Graphical user interface (GUI)
dialogue based user interface
gesture based interface
What is a command line system
A command line interface(CLI) requires a user to type in instructions to choose options from menu, open software etc
Examples of command line interface (CLI)
MS-DOS(Microsoft Disk Operating System)
Advantages of command line interface
Users get direct communications with the computer
The user is not restricted to a number of predetermined options
This OS needs little computer memory and HDD space to operate
IT is possible to alter computer configuration settings
Disadvantages of command line interface
Users have to learn a number of commands for just basic operations
Highly error prone since all commands need to be typed in specific format and spelling
Hard to memorize or remember all the commands needed to use such an interface
What is a graphical User interface
A graphical user interface (GUI) allows the
user to interact with a computer using a
combination graphics, symbols, audio and text.
What is Wimp
Two of the most common technologies used by
GUIs are WIMP (windows, icons, menu and
pointing device) which focuses on a mouse
(pointing device) is used to control a cursor and
icons get selected to open/run windows.
What is post Wimp
Post-WIMP (touchscreen), where fingers
are in contact with the screen allowing actions
such as pinching and rotating.
Advantages of GUI
The user does not need to learn any commands.
It is very user-friendly; icons are used to represent
applications.
It is easier to launch application by using a pointing
device than typing in commands.
Disadvantages of GUI
Uses a lot more computer memory and HDD space to
operate.
User is limited to the icons provided on the screen.
Needs a more complex operating system, such as
Windows, to operate, which can be slower to execute
commands.
What is dialogue based user interface
Also know as natural language interface,
dialogue-based user interface uses the human voice
to give commands to a computer system.
examples of Dialouge based user interface
in voice activation cars like some Tesla models,
In voice activation devices like Amazon Alexa,
Google Now, Apple Siri and Microsoft Cortana.
What is Gesture based user interface
Gesture-based interfaces rely on human interaction with a
computer by the moving of hands, head or even the feet
through gesture recognition.
This type of interface uses techniques known as computer
vision and image processing.
Examples of Gesture based user interface
For example, using a car example, the following gestures
can be used to carry out certain functions:
rotating a finger clockwise near the radio will increase the
sound volume or anti-clockwise will reduce the sound
volume.
opening the thumb and next finger will change the track
being listened to (for example, in a playlist).
Either a sensor or a camera is used to pick up the gesture
and a signal is sent to an on-board computer to carry out the
required action.
Advantages of Gesture based user interface
replaces mechanical input devices
no physical contact required
very natural interface for a human operator
no training needed to interface with the computer
Disadvantages of Gesture based user interface
possible for unintentional movement to be picked up
only works fairly near to the camera or sensor
(maximum of 1.5 metres)
may only accept a limited number of movements (for
example, it may take several attempts to find out exactly
what finger movements are recognised).
