This document discusses human-computer interfaces. It describes what an interface is, the tools used in interfaces like keyboards and mice, and how humans and computers communicate differently since computers do not have senses. The document then covers various types of interfaces like graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and virtual reality. It explains how GUIs use icons, windows, menus and pointers to allow for multi-tasking. The benefits of standardization across applications are also summarized.

1. Human Computer Interface

2. What is an Interface?
• A point where two objects meet.
• A point where the human can tell the computer
what to do.
• A point where the
computer displays the
requested information.

3. What Tools are Used?
• A keyboard, for typing,
• A mouse, for clicking,
• A scanner, for copying,
• A camera, for images.
• A monitor, for displaying,
• A printer, for printing,
• A sound card. For audio,
• A DVD, for video.

4. Human-Computer Interface
• A human and a computer communicates.
• A human usually has 5 senses:
– Sight,
– Hearing,
– Touch,
– Taste,
– Smell,
• A computer hasn’t any senses as such, it is
machinery, with electrons running around in and
out of component devices.

6. Computer Match
• A good interface match would include as many
senses as possible.
• Computer input and output is basically seeing
what we enter and what is displayed.
• Sound can be added to some programs, either
by giving instructions by voice, or listening to a
commentary / music.
• Touch can be in the form of using the mouse, a
joystick, or a drawing tablet.

7. Virtual Reality
• Virtual Reality is a computer interface.
• The applications programs combine the
interfaces already mentioned to give a simulated
three dimensional world of sight, sound, touch
and movement.
• Interaction may be made through special
equipment such as: spectacles, gloves, sound
systems, and the computer and monitor.
• As these types of interfaces develop and
become more advanced (realistic) through high
level programming, so the human use will
become more common and so it will seem to be
similar to communication with other humans.

9. Graphical User Interface (GUI)
• Used on computers first by Apple Macintosh,
and afterwards by Microsoft.
• The memory and file management are done by
the operating system while applications are
running – Multi-Tasking.
• A mouse is used to point and click on icons
instead of typing in a command.
• Dialogue boxes, menus, icons, toolbars etc form
the window on the computer screen.

10. Icons

11. Main Features
Mouse: main input device, it moves the cursor
across the screen. Left click for selection, Right
click for a shortcut drop-down menu.
Windows: many can be opened at the same time
allowing for simple transfer of data between
them.
Toolbar Menus: that drop-down when clicked.
Pointers: a pen may be used to point and draw
using a graphics tablet.

12. GUI

13. Standardisation
• The GUI is very similar in different applications.
• In an integrated package it will be almost
identical from application to application.
Word
Power Point
Excel

14. Common Features
• Users get used to an operating system.
• Commands are similar, keys and click perform
the same tasks.
• Learning is achieved faster throughout different
applications.
• Consistency in screen layout; menus, dialogue
boxes, and error messages.
• Customisation is similar in applications.
• On-line help is offered in a similar way.
• In business users are much more efficient in
their work if using common facilities.

15. Control
• The GUI controls the hardware, i.e. the use of
memory, storage, printers.
• It can influence how the user interacts with the
program they are working on.
• Being able to Open, Save, Print, and use Help in
a word processor means the user can do it in a
spreadsheet, a database etc without any further
training.
• This makes it much easier to transfer skills from
one application to another.