Quiz

Question 1

Describe the components and lessons from other fields researchers used to create the

interdisciplinary design science of human-computer interaction (HCI).

Over the years, researchers have used lessons from other fields to create components of human-

computer interaction such as the buttons, window frames, text inputs and onscreen components

that is attractive to humans. Some of the fields that the researchers have gotten the knowledge to

develop these HCI components are the graphic design, technical writing, information

architecture, sociology and industrial psychology, ergonomics and anthropology.

Question 2

Outline some common uses of Java and why it is commonly used within companies.

Java is used for various areas. However, the common uses of Java in companies include:

 Desktop applications

 Mobile applications

 Embedded systems

 Enterprise applications

 Building of distributions

Question 3

What is a disadvantage of using menu selection as a part of your GUI functionality?

a.

Utilizes recognition memory

b.

Simplifies information entry

c.

May slow knowledgeable users

d.

Familiar format

Question 4

A computer has several components. Explain how the "operating system" interacts with

the computer software and hardware.

An operating system is a critical software in a computer. It manages hardware and other software

components of a computer. In addition to managing the other components of a computer, humans

can users can easily interact with the OS through the graphical user interface (GUI). The OS

interacts with the computer hardware through the drivers. The drivers are small pieces of
software that tells computer hardware what to do. Graphics cards, sound cards, peripherals and

networking cards among other rely on drivers to operate as required.

Question 5

Chronicle the major changes in GUIs from 1992 to 2003.

Between 1992 and 2003, there have been major changes in the graphical user interface (GUI)

that have allowed users to interact with computer regardless of their levels of expertise. The first

development was the release of Windows 3.1 in 1992. This version of Windows had preinstalled

fonts TrueType fonts and color schemes designed to help people with color blindness to see text

and graphics better on the screen. OS2 was released in the same year (1992) and was the first

GUI subjected to international acceptance, usability and accessibility testing. It was developed

using object-oriented design with each folder and file associated with other folders, files and

applications. This OS supported the drag and drop functionality and templates.

Another critical development came with Windows 95 released in 1995. This OS saw the user

interface being completely redesigned with small close button added to each window. Icons and

other graphics were also improved. IBM released OS/2 Warp that brought about an improvement

in the workspace through the placement of icons on the desktop where files and folders were

created. A shredder similar to the recycle bin was also created, the difference being that the

copies of deleted files were not kept. Mac OS System 8, released in 1997 introduced 256 color

icons which altered the GUI. This OS adopted isometric style icons called pseudo-3D icons that

became a trademark for the future GUI versions. Windows 98 released in 1998 had almost

similar icons to those of Windows 95 but the GUI had more than 256 colors for rendering.
Windows explorer was also altered significantly and “Active Desktop” came into existence for

the first time.

Question 6

What GUIs were created in the 1960s and 1970s?

The GUIs that were developed in 1960s and 1970s include the oN-Line System (NLS), which

was characterized by mouse-driven cursor, and multiple windows that used to work on hypertext.

This was developed by Douglas Engelbart. His work directly led to Xerox PARC developed in

early 1970s and Alto personal computer. The personal computer was characterized by bitmapped

screen and a demonstration of the first GUI. This later influenced the development of personal

computers in 1970s and 1980s such as the Three Rivers PERQ, first Sun workstations, Apple

Lisa and Macintosh. The first GUI developed at XEROX PARC by Alan Kay and colleagues

used windows, icons and menus to support commands such as opening, deleting and moving

files. The WYSIWYG (What-You-See-Is-What-You-Get) concept was introduced in 1974 and

cut and paste editors came up as well. Pop-up menus came up in 1975.

Question 7

The desktop applications that once served the needs of professionals are now enabling

broad communities of users to prepare user-generated content that can be shared with

millions of World Wide Web users. Explain why this has happened.

The changes were made possible by the researchers and user-interface designers who harnessed

the advancing technologies to serve the needs of different groups of people. The changing
designs saw the creation of user-interfaces, which allowed millions of World Wide Web users

accessing the content that was once deemed as only belonging to professionals. Through the

study of interdisciplinary human-computer interface, researchers created and lessons from

graphic designers, technical writers, information architects, sociologists and industrial

psychologists, everyone was catered for, which was necessary for millions of people to be

accommodated and for content to reach every individual or group.

Question 8

What company created Java, and what was its intended purpose?

Java was created by James Gosling and his colleagues at Sun Microsystems. Its intended purpose

was to create a software to be embedded in electronic devices such as microwave ovens, toasters,

and remote controls among others.

Question 9

Between Apple and Microsoft Operating Systems:

 Which do you like better?

 What aspects make this interface the best in your opinion?

Do you think one OS is better suited for certain functions? Explain your answer.

I like Windows Operating Systems. The operating system has a simple interface that users can

easily learn within a short time and understand. Apart from the graphical user interface (GUI),

Windows also has many shortcuts and commands that can be used by experienced users to make

things easy. Furthermore, the OS has many programs, most of which can be downloaded freely
on the internet. This makes Windows suitable for different functions such as entertainment,

office work and for students among other functions.