CIS2110
User Interfaces

Graphical User Interface - GUI

Today most computer users work with a GUI. The GUI makes the operating system friendly to the user. A GUI consists of windows, icons, cursors (pointers), menu bars, buttons, input and other dialog boxes, along with other graphical items. The user of a computer that has a graphical user interface does most of the inputting of data and commands by using the mouse to point and click on these various items. Most computers are shipped with a graphical user interface. Continue reading: A graphical user interface...



Command Line Interface - CLI

Computers started out with Command Line Interfaces. A command line interface consists of what is called a 'terminal' (a screen on the face of the computer with a command prompt) and uses input of data and instructions from the keyboard.
All input is in the form of text.

GUI vs CLI

Many people have expresses a preference for one type of interface over the other for various reasons.Many arguments can be advanced for both types of interfaces citing both advantages and disadvantages. Here is a look at some of these arguments.

Reading 1: History of: Graphical User Interface.
Reading 2: What is a command line interface?
Reading 3: GUI vs CLI

Picture of Graphical User Interface

Picture of Command Line Interface

Assignments:

Explain in what ways the Graphical User Interface has impacted on the use of computers in the home, school, and business environments. Make special reference to point of sales systems and inventory systems.