User Interface

What is a User Interface

 A user interface is a link between the user
and the computer. It allows the user and
the computer to communicate with each
other.
 What is a User Interface
 The user interface control the way how
data and instruction are entered (input)
into the computer and how the computer
present information on the screen (output).
 The main types of user interfaces
are:

 Command Driven

 Graphical User Interface

 Command Driven
 The Command Driven Interface is text-
based interface, where the user types in
commands via the keyboard. Commands
usually are typed one line at a time.

 Examples of command Driven Interface

are MS DOS, Linux and Unix
Command driven Interface
 Advantages of Command
Driven Interface
 Faster than using Menus and Icons on a GUI interface.
 Less memory required, because of no graphics on the
interface.
 Works on computers with limited hardware and software.
 Experienced users can use this system faster than
others.
 Complex commands can be entered to customise the
operating system for a particular user.
 Does not require a Windows Operating system to work.
 Disadvantages of Command
Driven Interface
 People with limited knowledge of DOS may find the
interface confusing and hard to use.
 Errors in commands can cause the operation to fail
and can be very time consuming.
 Any errors in typing will require the user to re-type
command. This time consuming and frustrating.
 Commands have to be learnt, especially in UNIX
where there are hundreds.
 The interface is not attractive compared to a GUI
interface.
 Graphical User Interface (GUI)
 Graphical User interface (GUI) is a type of
interface that allows the user to control a
computer’s input, storage and output
through graphical elements.
Graphical User Interface (GUI)
 Graphical User Interface (GUI)

 These elements include Windows, Icons,

Menus, Pointers (WIMP) displayed on
screen and selectable by ‘pointing and
clicking’ a mouse.
 Window
 A window is that part of the screen that
holds its own document or message.
 Icon
 An Icon is a image that represents a
command, files and directory (folders).
 Menu
 Menu is a list of options which the user
may select an operation to be preformed.
 Menu
 There are two main types of menu

1. Pull Down
2. Pop Up
 Pointer
 Pointer is a type of icon, usually a small
arrow that moves on the screen in
response to the movement of a pointing
device (for example a mouse).
 Graphical User Interface (GUI)
 Examples of Graphical User Interface
(GUI) are Windows 95/98, NT, ME, 2000,
and XP
 Command Driven Interface
Verses
Graphical User Interface (GUI)
Command Driven Graphical User
Interface Interface (GUI)
(Disadvantages) (Advantages)
Difficult to understand Easy to understand
and use and use
Not very attractive Very attractive

Mono-coloured Multi-coloured

Not user-friendly User-friendly

 Command Driven Interface
Verses
Graphical User Interface (GUI)

Command Driven Graphical User Interface

Interface (Advantages) (GUI) (Disadvantages)
Faster than using Slower than using
Menus and Icons on a Command driven
GUI interface. interface
Less memory required More memory is required

Needs limited hardware Needs a lot of hardware

and software to work and software to work
 Home Work
1. State the difference between Pull Down
menu and Pop Up menu.
2. Outline three differences between
command driven interface and graphical
user interface.
3. State which user interface you prefer and
give your reasons.