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Operating systems and user interfaces notes

Operating systems are essential software that manage a computer's basic functions, enabling user interaction and controlling hardware operations. They provide various user interfaces, including Command Line Interface (CLI), Graphical User Interface (GUI), Dialogue-based, and Gesture-based interfaces, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. These interfaces facilitate communication between the user and the computer, impacting usability and accessibility.

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6 views

Operating systems and user interfaces notes

Operating systems are essential software that manage a computer's basic functions, enabling user interaction and controlling hardware operations. They provide various user interfaces, including Command Line Interface (CLI), Graphical User Interface (GUI), Dialogue-based, and Gesture-based interfaces, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. These interfaces facilitate communication between the user and the computer, impacting usability and accessibility.

Uploaded by

killerash582
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Operating systems

What are operating systems?

 This is software that runs in the background of a computer and


manages basic functions of the computer.
 Operating systems like Windows, Macintosh, Linux, Ubuntu etc
make the computer very user-friendly.

Operating system in a computer performs the following general tasks:


 allows communication between user and the computer system,
 control of input, output and backing storage operations
 controls the loading, running and storage of applications programs
 dealing with errors that occur in application programs,
 maintains security in the whole computer system,
 keeps detailed computer usage.

The operating system allows communication between the user and the
computer with the help of a user interface.

USER INTERFACES
There are four main user interfaces:
i. Command line interface (CLI)
 The user needs to learn commands to carry out basic operations like opening apps,
selecting from a menu.
Advantages
 The user is in direct communication with the computer
 The user can alter computer configuration settings
 Uses little computer memory
Disadvantages
 User needs to learn many commands
 Takes a lot of time to complete simple task.
ii. Graphical User Interface (GUI)
 Allows communication between user and computer using icons.
 Uses technologies like WIMP(windows icons menu and pointing device) which
enable use of mouse to control a cursor on a screen
Advantages
 User does not need to learn any commands
 Programs can be accessed by simply clicking on icons.
Disadvantages
 Uses up a lot of computer space
 User is restricted to only icons on screen.
iii. Dialogue-based user interface
 Use the human voice to give commands to a computer system.
 An example of its use is in some luxury modern cars, where voice activation is
used to control devices such as the in-car entertainment system or satellite
navigation system.
Advantages
 Very useful for disabled people
 No need for physical contact with system
 Voice recognition can be used on security system.
Disadvantages
 User needs to learn and only use acceptable commands
 Words or speech must be very clear, and repetition of words is often needed
iv. Gesture-based user interface
 Makes use of computer vision and image processing.
 Uses gestures like moving of hands or head to allow humans to interface with a
computer without the need for any mechanical devices
Advantages
 User does not need to learn any commands
 Programs can be accessed by simply clicking on icons.
Disadvantages
 Unintentional movements by user can be picked up.
 User needs to be very close to the system to work well.

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