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Software is the name given to all the programs that run on computer hardware There are two main types of software: Operating software (also known as systems software) Applications software
User interfaces
The way in which a computer user communicates with the machine is called the Human-Computer Interface (HCI) or User Interface The user interface an important function of any type of software regardless of whether or not it is an operating system or an application
User interfaces
A good human-computer or user interface needs: To be user-friendly To be attractive to use To be effective To be easy to use
User interfaces
A user-friendly interface should make it possible for the user to use the software without having to read the entire manual first! An interface that is attractive to use will also encourage users to use the software
User interfaces
An effective interface will do its job efficiently An easy to use interface will have menu structures that are consistent in design and layout across several different software packages (e.g. the fast save option will be in the same place on the toolbar and have the same icon)
User interfaces
The main types of user interface are: Command line/driven interfaces Graphical User Interfaces Menu-driven interfaces, including Toolbars Drop-down menus Pop-up menus Combinations of the above
This example is the command used to view the directory of all the programs and files in Windows
Command lines
Many computer users use command lines without realising they are For example a URL (universal resource locator) uses the syntax and commands of a command line (e.g. http://ict-teacher.com/index.html is the URL for a website; it is also a command line that tells the computer to use a hyper-text transfer protocol to search the internet for the index page of a website with the address ict-teacher.com)
Command lines
Icons are short-cut ways of using command lines The properties of a icon show the command line that will be enacted if the icon is clicked
Command lines
The control line used to launch Encarta Premium is: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Microsoft Encarta This is activated when the Encarta Premium icon is clicked
Command lines
It is worth noting that command lines are still used by programmers (e.g. Visual Basic, Javascript, SQL) and website designers (e.g. html) They are still an important part of work done by ICT professionals
Outlook Express
Text Justification
Help
Menu-driven interfaces
Menu-driven interfaces give the user a list of options from which to choose
Menu-driven interfaces
They are often combined with Graphical User Interfaces
Note that options that are not available are greyed or ghosted
The AutoShapes Menu in Microsoft Word pops up when the AutoShapes button is pressed
Besides This example beingis able taken to from the select a command Microsoft by Word Toolbar clicking on the appropriate word with a mouse, these options can also be selected by the use of the keyboard
For example: Pressing the Alt and f keys at the same time selects the File option Pressing the Alt and o keys together at the same time selects the Format option
Form-driven interfaces
Form-driven interfaces are used to collect data, and are usually the front end of a web-supported database They are designed to collect the data by taking the user through a series of steps, and indicate which fields must be completed and which are optional They include validation checks to ensure that the user can only enter data that meets the specific rules
Form-driven interfaces