Unit 11 graphic user interface

Read the article and decide which of the expressions best describe a graphic user interface (GUI): user-friendly; slow; attractive; text-based; complex; graphics-based.

The term user interface refers to the standard procedures the user follows to interact with a particular computer. In the late 1970s and early 80s, the way in which users had to access to a computer was quite complex. They had to memorize and type a lot of commands just to see the content of the disc, to copy files or to respond to a single prompt. In fact, only experts used computers, so there was no need for a user-friendly interface. Now, however, computers are used by all kinds of people and as a result there is a growing emphasis on the user interface.

A good user interface is important because when you buy a program you want to use it easily. Moreover, a graphical user interface saves a lot of time: you don’t need to memorize commands on order to execute an application; you only have to point and click so that its content appears on the screen.

Macintosh computers – with a user interface based on a graphics and intuitive tools – were designed with a single clear aim: to facilitate interaction with the computer. Their interface is called WIMP: Window, Icon, Mouse and Pointer and software products for the Macintosh have been designed to take full advantages of its features using this interface. In addition, the ROM chips of a Macintosh contain libraries that provide program developers with routines for generating windows, dialog boxes, icons, and pop-up menus. This ensures the creation of applications with a high level of consistency.

Today the most innovative GUIs are Macintosh, Microsoft Windows and IBM OS/2 Warp. These three platforms include similar features: a desktop with icons, windows and folders, a printer selector, a file finder, a control panel and various desk accessories. Double-clicking a folder opens a window which contains programs, documents or further nested folders. At any time within a folder, you can launch the desired program or document by double-clicking the icon or you can drag it to another location.

These three platforms differ in other areas such as device installation, network connectivity or compatibility with application programs.

These user interfaces have been so successful because they are extremely easy to use. It is well known that computers running under an attractive user interface stimulate users to be more creative and produce high quality results; which has a major impact on the general public.

Exercises to the subject: