Unit 12 the graphical user interface

Exercise 1. The picture below illustrates a user interface based on graphics.

Read the definitions in the HELP box and then find the following interface elements in the picture:

1. window 7 disk icons

2. scroll bars 8 folders

3. menu bar 9 program icons

4. pull-down menu 10 document icons

5. pointer 11 printer icon

6. toolbar buttons 12 dock icons

HELP box

window: а viewing area less than or equal to the screen size. By using different windows you can work on several documents or applications simultaneously pull-down menu: а menu that the user 'pulls down' from а name in the menu bar at the top of the screen by selecting the name with the mouse the pointer: an arrow, controlled by the mouse, that allows you to move around the screen toolbar buttons: found at the top of а window, they take you to the Ноте folder and others icons: graphic images (or intuitive symbols) used to represent an object or task folders: containers for documents and applications dock: set of icons at the bottom of the screen that give you instant access to the things you use most

Exercise 2. Read the article below and decide which of the expressions in the box best describe а graphical user interface (GUI).

user-friendly slow attractive text-based complex graphics-based

GUIs

The term user interface refers to the standard procedures the user follows to interact with а particular computer. А few years ago, the way in which users had access to а computer system was quite complex. They had to memorize and type а lot of commands just to see the content of а disk, to copy files or to respond to а single prompt. In fact, only experts used computers, so there was no need for а user-friendly interface. Now, however, computers are used by all kinds of people and as а result there is а growing emphasis on the user interface.

А good user interface is important because when you buy а program you want to use it easily. Moreover, а graphical user interface saves а lot of time: you don't need to memorize commands in order to execute an application; you only have to point and click so that its content appears on the screen.

Macintosh computers — with а user interface based on graphics and intuitive tools — were designed with а single dear aim: to facilitate interaction with the computer. This interface is called WIMP: Window, Icon, Menu (or Mouse) and Pointer and software products for the Macintosh have been designed to take full advantage of its features using this interface. In addition, the ROM chips of а Macintosh contain libraries that provide program developers with routines for generating windows, dialogue boxes, icons and рор-up menus. This ensures the creation of applications with а high level of consistency.

Today, the most innovative GUIs are the Macintosh, Microsoft Windows and IBM ОS/2 Warp. These three platforms include similar features: а desktop with icons, windows and folders, а printer selector, а file finder, а control panel and various desk accessories. Double-clicking а folder opens а window which contains programs, documents or further nested folders. At any time within а folder, you can launch the desired program or document by double-clicking the icon, or you can drag it to another location.

The three platforms differ in other areas such as device installation, network connectivity or compatibility with application programs.

These interfaces have been so successful because they are extremely easy to use. It is well known that computers running under an attractive interface stimulate users to be more creative and produce high quality results, which has а major impact on the general public.

Exercise 3. Look at the text again and guess the meaning of these words in your own language.

user interface platform tools

commands desktop file finder

program developer nested folders

Exercise 4. Look at the text again and find answers to these questions.

1. What does the abbreviation 'GUI' stand for?

2. What is the contribution of Macintosh computers to the development of graphic environments?

3. What does the acronym 'WIMP' mean?

4. What computing environments based on graphics are mentioned in the text?

5. How do you run а program on а computer with а graphical interface?

6. Can you give two reasons for the importance of user-friendly interfaces?

Exercise 5. Summarize the text in Exercise 2 in 70-75 words. You may like to follow these steps.

1. Read through the whole text again and think of а suitable title for it.

2. Make sure you understand all the main points. Go through the text and underline the relevant information in each paragraph.

3. Make notes about the main points:

• omit repetitions and unnecessary phrases

• leave out details, such as examples.

Е.g. notes on the first paragraph: In the past only experts used computers. But now, emphasis is on user friendly interfaces.

4 Make sentences from the notes and connect the sentences by using linking words (and, but, also, because, that’s why, in fact, therefore, etc.). Write your first draft.

5 Improve your first draft by reducing sentences (see HELP box below).

6 Check grammar, spelling and punctuation. Write final version of your summary.

HELP box

Ways of reducing sentences: Transform а relative clause into an -ing participle clause е.g. Icons are graphic images that represent tasks ... = Icons are graphic images representing tasks. Take out relative pronouns where possible е.g. The software (that) we bought last year ... Omit qualifying words (adjectives or modifying adverbs) е.g. (quite) complex/(vеry) similar Take out that in reported speech е.g. It is well known (that) computers ... I think (that) there’s something wrong with this program. Cut out unnecessary phrases е.g. Macintosh computers were designed with а clear aim: to facilitate the user’s interaction with the computer. = Macintosh machines were designed to facilitate the user’s interaction with the computer.