FUN CORNER

Date: 2015-10-07; view: 514.

GUIs

DO YOU KNOW?

The term user interface refers to the standard procedures the user follows to interact with a particular computer. A few years ago, the way in which users had access to a computer system was quite complex. They had to memorize and type a lot of commands just to see the content of a disk, 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 in 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 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 advantage 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 the Macintosh, Microsoft Windows and IBM OS/2 Warp. These there platforms include similar features: a desktop with icons, windows and folders, a printer selector, a file finder, a control panel and various deck 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.

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

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

Answer the following questions:

1. What does the abbreviation GUI stand for?

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2. What is the condition of Macintosh computers to the development of graphic environments?

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3. What does the acronym WIMP mean?

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4. What computing environments based on graphics are mentioned in the text?

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5. How do you run a program on a computer with a graphical interface?

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6. Can you give two reasons for the importance of user-friendly interfaces?

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