Graphical user interfaces
Graphical user interface is sometimes shortened to GUI. The user chooses an option usually by pointing a mouse at an icon representing that option.
Features of GUIs include:
- They are much easier to use for beginners.
- They enable you to easily exchange information between softwareThe programs, applications and data in a computer system. Any parts of a computer system that aren't physical. using cut and paste or 'drag and drop'.
- They use a lot of memoryThe part of a computer that stores data. and processing powerA measurement of a processor's ability to process instructions - the greater its power, the faster it processes instructions.. It can be slower to use than a command-line interface if you are an expert user.
- They can be irritating to experienced users when simple tasks require a number of operations.
When discussing user interfaces, it is important to note that Windows XPAn operating system by Microsoft., Windows VistaAn operating system by Microsoft., OSXA version of Apple's Mac OS operating system for Apple computers. and UbuntuAn open source (freely available) operating system. all have graphical user interfaces.
Good user interfaces
A good user interface should:
- be attractive and pleasing to the eye
- allow the user to try out different options easily
- be easy to use
- use suitable colours for key areas
- use words that are easy to understand aimed at the type of user
- have help documentation
It should also consider the needs of the users. For example, young children are likely to prefer pictures to words and people with disabilities may benefit from particular inputData which is inserted into a system for processing and/or storage. or output deviceA device used to output data or information from a computer, eg a monitor, printer or speakers..