Graphical User Interface: Menus, Pointer) System, Such As Microsoft Windows or The Apple Mac
Graphical User Interface: Menus, Pointer) System, Such As Microsoft Windows or The Apple Mac
Tuning-in
Task 1 A Graphical User Interface (GUI) makes computers easier to use. A GUI uses icons. Icons are
pictures which represent programs, folders, and files. Can you identify any of these icons?
Task 2 Find the icons for the software which controls these items.
1 date and time 3 fonts 5 a modem
2 the mouse 4 the keyboard 6 sounds
Reading: WIMP
Task 7 Study this screen display. Can you find these items?
1 a window 2 an icon 3 a pointer 4 a menu
Windows A window is an area of the computer screen where you can see the 5
contents of a folder, a file, or a program. Some systems allow several windows
on the screen at the same time and windows can overlap each other.The
window on the top is the one which is 'active', the one in use.
Menus give the user a list of choices. You operate the menu by pressing and
releasing one or more buttons on the mouse.
The pointer is the arrow you use to select icons or to choose options from a
menu. You move the pointer across the screen with the mouse.Then you click a
button on the mouse to use the object selected by the pointer. 15
Language work: Making definitions
Study these descriptions of an icon.
An icon is a small picture on a computer screen.
An icon represents items such as floppy disks.
We can link these sentences to make a definition of an icon.
An icon is a small picture on a computer screen which represents items
such as floppy disks.
Study these other examples of definitions.
A mainframe is a very large computer which is used by universities,
businesses, and government departments.
A palmtop is a very small computer which can be held in one hand.
A byte is a small unit of memory which can hold one character of data.
Task 9 Add to the statements (1-10) using the extra information (a-j).
Example A barcode is a pattern of printed black lines which supermarkets use for pricing.
Task 10 Work with a partner. Ask for and make definitions of these items. Add other examples of
your own.
1 PC 4 active window
2 menu 5 pointer
3 window 6 CD
Aids to communication
You can use these phrases when you're discussing possibilities.
I think it's...
It might/could be...
Possibly it's...
Problem-solving
Task 11 Work in pairs. Study these forms the cursor can take on your computer. Try to match each
icon to one item from the list below.
1 hourglass 5 crosshair
2 arrow pointer 6 magnifying glass
3 pointing finger 7 drag and drop arrow
4 not available
Writing
Task 12 Write a description of the Exit Windows dialog box. Your description should answer these
questions.