User Interfaces

The user interface is what you see when you turn on the computer;it consists of cursors, prompts, icons, menus etc which allows you to get something done using your computer.
User interfaces may be:

• command-driven
• menu-driven
• graphical user

Command-driven Interface

With command-driven interface, you type in an instruction (which is usually abbreviated) in order to get something done.Command-driven user interfaces are not easy to use.You have to remember many commands. 

Menu-Driven Interface

It produces a list of commands or options available within a program and the user can make a selection by using either a mouse or a keyboard. Both Microsoft Windows and Apple Macintosh programs are menu driven.

Graphical User Interface

It provides a way for the user to communicate with the computer through pictures (icon) and through pull-down menus. Windows is an example of a GUI. Windows provides a common way of using programs, which make them easier to learn. It also take care of some common chores such as working with printer and disk drive.Apple Macintosh computers were amongst the first to use a GUI.