Computer Systems and Interaction

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of input devices in a computer system?

To receive user input (correct)

To process information

To display output

To store data

What determines the style of interaction that a computer system supports?

The size of the monitor

The type of operating system

The type of devices used (correct)

The speed of processing

What is an example of physical interaction in a computer system?

Text entry

Haptic interaction (correct)

Virtual reality

Pointing

What is a common use of paper in a computer system?

As an input and output device Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a 'typical' computer system?

It has a keyboard, mouse, and screen Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a variation of a computer system?

A laptop computer Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about computers?

That they are only found in the house or office Signup and view all the answers

What is a key factor in understanding human-computer interaction?

Understanding the computer's capabilities Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of the QWERTY layout in typewriters?

To prevent typewriters from jamming Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common text input device?

Keyboard Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of interactive computing?

Rapid feedback Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of alternative keyboard layouts?

No advantages, only disadvantages Signup and view all the answers

What is a common location for finding electronic devices?

Pockets and bags Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary advantage of the Dvorak keyboard layout?

A 10-15% increase in speed and reduction in fatigue Signup and view all the answers

What is a feature of modern computing that was not present in batch processing?

The user in control Signup and view all the answers

What is a common application of chord keyboards?

Portable applications Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of the QWERTY layout?

It is not optimal for typing Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of T9 predictive entry?

It can be ambiguous with certain words Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of batch processing?

Long wait times for processing Signup and view all the answers

What is a technical challenge of handwriting recognition?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of using a special keyboard design for RSI?

Reduced fatigue Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the Maltron left-handed keyboard?

It is designed for one-handed use Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism of T9 entry?

Using a combination of key presses for each letter Signup and view all the answers

What is a common application of handwriting recognition?

PDAs and tablet computers Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Computer

A computer system consists of various elements that affect interaction, including input devices, output devices, virtual reality, physical interaction, paper, memory, and processing.

Interacting with Computers

To understand human-computer interaction, it's essential to understand what computers can do, including their devices, paper, sensors, memory, processing, and networks.

A Typical Computer System

A typical computer system consists of an screen, keyboard, and mouse/trackpad, with variations such as desktop, laptop, and PDA.
The devices used dictate the styles of interaction that the system supports.

Prevalence of Computers

Computers are ubiquitous, with many devices in our homes and pockets, including PDAs, PCs, laptops, phones, cameras, TVs, and more.

Interactivity

Long ago, computing was based on batch processing, but now most computing is interactive, with rapid feedback and user control.
Interactivity allows users to do rather than think.

Richer Interaction

Modern computing involves richer interaction, with sensors and devices everywhere.

Text Entry Devices

Text entry devices include keyboards, chord keyboards, phone pads, and handwriting/speech recognition devices.

Keyboards

Keyboards are the most common text input device, allowing rapid entry of text by experienced users.
Keyboards have a standardized layout, such as QWERTY, but alternative designs are available.

QWERTY Layout

The QWERTY layout is not optimal for typing, as it was designed to prevent typewriter jamming.
Alternative designs, such as Dvorak, offer faster typing and reduced fatigue, but are not widely adopted due to the large social base of QWERTY typists.

Alternative Keyboard Layouts

Alternative layouts, such as alphabetic and Dvorak, offer improved typing speed and reduced fatigue.
Special keyboards, such as those designed for single-handed use or to reduce fatigue, are also available.

Chord Keyboards

Chord keyboards have a few keys and use combinations of keypresses to type letters.
They are compact, easy to learn, and fast, but may cause fatigue and face social resistance.

Phone Pad and T9 Entry

Phone pads and T9 entry use numeric keys with multiple presses to type letters.
T9 predictive entry uses a dictionary to guess the correct word, allowing fast typing.

Handwriting Recognition

Handwriting recognition allows text input using a pen and a digitizing tablet.
Technical problems include capturing useful information, segmenting joined up writing, and interpreting individual letters.
Handwriting recognition is used in PDAs and tablet computers.

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Description

Learn about the components of a computer system, including input and output devices, memory, and processing. Understand how humans interact with computers and their various devices.