1.1 : Types of user interface Flashcards
what is meant by CLI ?
- command line interface
what are the advantages of CLI ?
- the user is in direct communication with the computer
- the user is not restricted to a number of pre-determined options
- it is possible to alter the computer’s configuration settings
what are the disadvantages of CLI ?
- the user needs to learn a number of commands to be able to carry out basic operations
- all commands needs to be written , which can be time-taking and error-prone
- all commands written needs to be in the right format , spelling and so on.
what is meant by a GUI ?
graphical user interface
what are the advantages of a GUI ?
- the user doesn’t need to learn any commands
- it is more user friendly as icons are used to represent applications
- a pointer device ( a mouse ) is used to click on icons to launch applications which is better than typing in commands
what are the disadvantages of using GUI ?
- it takes up considerably more computer memory than a CLI interface
- the user is limited to the icons on the screen
- needs a more complex operating system to work such as windows , which can be slower to execute commands
what is meant by a dialogue-based interface ?
- the use of a human voice to give commands to a computer system
what are the advantages of a dialogue-based interface ?
- no need for a driver to take their hands of a steering wheel
- in home very useful for disabled people as many tasks are carried out by the spoken word only
- can be used as a security feature as voice recognition can be used to identify a person
what are the disadvantages of a dialogue-based interface ?
- unreliable as there is many commands still not recognized or have to be repeated several time espcially if there is a lot of background noise
- the user needs to learn which commands can be used
- can be complex to set up
what is meant by a gesture-based interface ?
- its an interface that relies on human interaction which can be through the moving of hands , head or even feet , it allows human to interact in a more natural fashion without the need for a mechanical device
what are the advantages of a gesture-based interface ?
- a very natural way of interacting with the computer for a human operator
- no need to learn any commands
- replaces mechanical devices
- no physical contact required
what are the disadvantages of a Gesture-based interface ?
- possible to pick up unintenitinal moves
- it works accuratly to a certain distance ( approx. 1.5 m)
- may only accept a limited number of movements or it may take several times to pick up the command
what is a Desktop computer ?
Desktops usually refer to a general-purpose computer that is made up of a separate monitor , keyboard, mouse and a separate central processing unit , it is distinguished from for example a laptop that its made up of separate components , which makes it not portable
what are the advantages of a desktop computer ?
- it is always connected to the mains
- monitors can come in any size
- easier to replace parts and upgrade the computer
- tend to come in higher specifications than a laptop
what are the disadvantages of a desktop computer ?
- not portable
- takes up a lot of desk space
- separate monitor , keyboard, mouse , speakers , etc.
- loose cables which can be trip hazards
what are the main use of desktop computers ?
- entertaiment use
- used as a gaming device
- educational use
- office and business work
why are mobile computers have that name ?
- because as the name suggests they are more portable than desktop computers
what is meant by a laptop ?
- refers to a type of computer that has the monitor , keyboard , pointing device and processor are all in one unit which makes them extremely portable.
what are the key features of laptop ?
- lightweight ( to aid portability)
- they have low battery consumption ( they also have long battery life)
- they have a low heat output ( cooling is very important)
what are the advantages of a laptop ?
- portable due to small size and weight
- battery can be recharged
- can connect wirelessly to the internet
- no loose cables , all components are connected together
what are the disadvantages of a laptop ?
- limited-battery life
- laptops can be difficult to upgrade or repair
- can be stolen or lost
- some users may find it hard to use pointing device
what are the main uses of a laptop ?
- business or office work
- educational use
- used as a gaming device
- used for monitoring and controlling
- used for general entertainment
Smartphones ?
smartphones allow normal phone calls to be made but also have an operating system allowing applications software to be used which allow the user to send/receive emails , use the camera feature , mp3/mp4 for music and videos ,mobile phones connect to the internet by wi-fi hotspots or by 3G/4G/5G mobile phone networks .
what are the typical features of a smartphone ? >
- high definition ant-glare displays
- makes use of front and back cameras to take phots/videos or can be used as web-cam when making video calls over the internet
- lighter and have longer battery life than laptops
- make use of Bluetooth for communication with printers and other devices
- they use flash solid state memory and cloud storage facilities to sync data up
why are the new generations of smartphones thinner and lighter ?
because they will make use of OLED( organic light emitting diode ) touchscreens , which will be coated with a layer of crystalline that will allow the smartphones to be partially solar powered and make use of LI-fi which uses visible light instead of radio waves , which is faster and safer , and can be used in a aeroplanes flights as it does not interfere with the system of the flight control system
what are the advantages of a smartphone ?
- small in size and easy to carry around
- can be used on the go as it uses 3G/4G wireless connectivity
- touch screen technology
what are the disadvantages of smartphones ?
- small screen which makes it difficult to read
- short battery life
- can be easily misplaced or stolen
- limited storage compared to other types of computers
- slow transfer rates
what are tablets ?
- they are increasingly being used , they work similariliy to smartphones as they have a touchscreen and they do not have a physical keyboard but they do have a virtual one which is activated by simply touching it , they connect to the interent using wi-fi hotspots or 3G/4G/5G connectivity and they also do have sensors such as a smartphone they also share the same typical features
what are the advantages of tablets ?
- high definition anti-glare screens
- uses 3G/4G connectivity
- has touchscreen technology
- can sync data up with other devices
- has a larger battery-life than smartphones
what are the disadvantages of a tablet ?
- limited memory compared to laptops
- expensive to use 3G/4G
- not all files are compatible with tablets
- typing can be difficult compared to a normal keyboard
what is meant by a phablet ?
- it is a hybrid between a mobile smartphones and tablet when compared in size
what are the main uses of a smartphones , phablets and tablets ?
- entertainment use
- gaming uses
- used as a camera
- VOIP technology
- sending / receiving emails
- business or office use
- calendar functions
- global positioning
- used for remotely controlling and monitoring
- educational use
- telephone banking
- instant access to social networks
- ## internet use
