Theory - 97 :- Graphical User Interface

 

Graphical User Interface

GUI stands for Graphical User Interface. It refers to an interface that allows one to interact with electronic devices like computers and tablets through graphic elements. It uses icons, menus and other graphical representations to display information, as opposed to text-based commands. The graphic elements enable users to give commands to the computer and select functions by using mouse or other input devices.

The programs which run under a GUI has a specific set of graphic elements so that after learning a specific interface, a user can use these programs without learning new commands.

Xerox 8010 Information system was the first GUI-centric computer operating model. It was developed at Xerox PARC by Alan Kay, Douglas Engelbart and their associates.

As of 2014, the most popular GUIs are Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X. And, if we talk about mobile devices, the Apple's IOS and Google's Android Interface are the widely used GUIs.

Basic Components of a GUI

Pointer: It is a symbol that appears on the display screen. It can be moved to select commands and objects.

Pointing device: It allows you move the pointer and select objects on the screen, e.g. mouse or trackball.

Icons: It refers to small images on the display screen that represent commands, files, windows etc. Using pointer and pointing device, you can execute these commands.

Desktop: It is the display screen that contains the icons.

GUI Benefits

It allows you to place more information within a program.

The graphics allow users to use complex programs with greater ease.

It saves time as you do not need to edit configurations manually.

You can easily memorize the tasks (point-and-click).

Helps create user-friendly software with a point-and-click interface.