Providing user interface

• Here are some examples of how the operating system provides a user interface:

  • Allows copying/deleting/moving/sorting/searching of file or folders
  • Provides a command line interface
  • Provides user with error/help messages
• Human-computer interaction (HCI)


  Term used to describe the communication between people and computer systems. Interface required to allow a person and computer to communicate
• Graphical User Interface (GUI)


  Type of interface that allows users to interact with a computer system through graphical icons.
• There are many different features of a graphical user interface. These include:

  • Windows
  • Icons
  • Menus
  • Pointers
• Advantages of graphical user interface:


  • Easy to navigate
  • No complicated commands
• Disadvantages of graphical user interface:


  • Requires a large amount of memory
  • Computing experts may find a GUI slower than a CLI
• Menu-driven interface 


  Allows people to interact with a computer system by presenting the user with a series of menus, and allowing the user to work through them. E.g. iPod
• Advantages of menu-driven interface


  • No need to learn a lot of commands
  • Easy to navigate
• Disadvantages of menu-driven interface:


  • Navigating can be a long process
  • Irritating if there are too many menu screens to work through
• Voice-driven interface


  Can be used to issue commands to a computer system and enter data into it.
• Advantages of voice-driven interface


  • No need to learn to type
  • Users with a disability that prevents typing can use speech input
• Disadvantages of voice-driven interface


  • Users with a disability that prevents speech would need to find a different method for input
  • Words that sound the same, such as ‘too’ and ‘two’ may not be recognised
• Command line interface (CLI)


  An entirely text-based interface that allows a user to communicate with a computer system by typing in commands.
• Advantages of command line interface


  • Little memory and processing power needed
  • Little storage space is required
• Disadvantages of command line interface


  • Very confusing for someone who has never used a command line interface
  • A large number of commands need to be learned
• Touch sensitive interface


  Commands are issued or data is input by touching the screen with your finger. Used in phones
• Advantages of touch sensitive interface


  • No keyboard or mouse is required
  • Easier hand-eye coordination than mice or keyboards
• Disadvantages of touch sensitive interface 


  • Screen can be easily damaged/scratched
  • Dirty screens are difficult to read