Software User Interface: Class 952 Notes

• Diojyan Fagan created these notes for class 952 on February 27, 2025, under Mr. J. Johnson, covering Information & Technology related to Software User Interface.

User-Friendly Programs

• Software designed for ease of use, even for those without extensive technical knowledge.
• It typically uses icons, menus, and clear instructions.
• Examples include Microsoft Word, Windows 10, macOS, and Solitaire.
• Key characteristics include ease of initial use for new users.
• It should have a tutorial or virtual tour.
• Troubleshooting features are important.
• Easily accessible help menus should provide available options.
• Completing tasks require limited information and effort.

Software User Interface (UI)

• The part of a program that interacts with the user, also known as the Human Computer Interface (HCI).
• A user-friendly HCI makes the program easier to use.
• Operating Systems (OS) offer UIs.
• User-friendliness is affected by the type of user interface.
• Most OSs use a combination of interface types.
• The three types of software user interfaces are Command Driven, Menu Driven, and Graphical.

Command Driven User Interface

• Oldest and potentially least user-friendly type of user interface.
• Uses commands typed in by the user to instruct the computer.
• Commands are entered at a command prompt.
• MS-DOS relied on this type of user interface.
• An example of Command Driven User Interface is "C:\Documents and Settings\lab2 student>".
• Advantages include quick command entry for familiar users and faster execution by the processor.
• All Windows OSs still provide a Command Driven User Interface.
• Disadvantages include needing to know commands, unsuitability for novice users, and limited input device choices (usually a keyboard).
• Requires knowing the commands to work quickly and efficiently.

Menu Driven User Interface

• Allows users to perform tasks via menus containing lists of options.
• Menus can be pull-down or pop-up.
• You can see the menu bar in Google Docs, or the start menu on the computer's desktop
• Advantages include command entry from various input devices (light pen, keyboard, mouse, etc.) and no need to remember commands.
• Disadvantages include potentially many steps to execute a command, needing to know the relevant menu, and locating desired commands to move quickly.

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

• A Human Computer Interface that uses a graphical display with a combination of menus, buttons, icons, and other graphical images.
• It is the most user-friendly user interface.
• Advantages include fewer errors due to the use of icons, suitability for novice users, and reduced typing.
• Some argue that there are no disadvantages to using a GUI.

Importance of the Software Interface

• Important for novice users because the more user friendly the more friendlier the HCI becomes.
• Commands executed faster by the processor are important.
• Allows users to perform tasks via lists of options.
• Ability to use commands from different input devices.
• Icons reduce entry errors, and users do not need to memorize commands as they can select from a list of options.

Computer Ethics

• Dajuan Fagan created the following notes for class 952 on March 31, 2025, covering Information Technology related to Computer Ethics.
• A set of moral principles that govern computer and internet use. When using a computer, a person must avoid harming others or breaking the law and protect themselves from harm.
• Issues include copyright, intellectual property rights, hacking, trademarks, privacy, privacy invasion, and cyberbullying/stalking.

Copyright

• It refers to the exclusive legal right to copy, distribute, and sell one's intellectual property.
• Copyright holders can restrict unauthorized copying and reproducing the intellectual property (movies, music, software, art, designer labels, etc.).
• Violating copyright laws may lead to charges, fines, or incarceration.

Intellectual Property Rights

• It is the exclusive legal right giving investors or creators commercial benefits from their creations (copyrights, trademarks, patents, names, etc.).
• Examples include musical creation, literary works (books, blogs, journals, poems, etc.), and artistic work (painting).

Trademarks

• Symbols or images (logos, trademarks, etc.), names, and designs
• A distinct sign that shows you who made a particular product, also known as a brand or logo.
• Examples include the Microsoft Word logo, Scotia Bank Symbol, and KFC logo.

Hacking

• It is to access someone else's computer system, without their permission, to get or change information.
• Hackers use technology for vandalism or malicious destruction.
• They break into computer systems to commit crimes like stealing money from bank accounts, credit card fraud, and identity theft.

Piracy

• It is unauthorized copying of property, for example, art, software, and music.
• Software piracy includes soft lifting and counterfeiting (illegally copying and selling software).
• Movie and music piracy are the most common types, along with bulletin board piracy.

Privacy

• It is the protection given to information to conceal it from unauthorized persons.
• Privacy invasion is intruding on someone else's information or space.

Cyberbullying

• the use of technology to harass, threaten, embarrass, or target another person.
• It is common among young people.
• When an adult is involved it may meet the definition of cyber stalking.
• It is the repeated use of electronic communications to harass or frighten someone, a crime that can have legal consequences, including jail time.

Sexting

• The sending or receiving of sexually explicit or suggestive images, messages, or videos via a cellphone or the Internet.
• Examples include sending nude or nearly nude photos, videos, or text messages that propose sex or refer to sex ads.

Digital Citizenship

• the norms of appropriate and responsible behavior when using technology.
• A digital citizen develops the skills and knowledge used to effectively use the internet and other digital technology, especially in order to participate responsibly in social and societal activities.

Digital Rights

• Freedom of expression respectfully.
• Right to privacy.
• Right to credit for personal works.
• Right to digital access.
• Right to one's identity.

Digital Responsibilities

• Report bullying, harassing, sexting, or identity theft.
• Cite works used for resources and researching.
• Download music, videos, and other material legally.
• Be polite and respectful to both friends and strangers.
• Keep data/information safe from hackers.
• Do not falsify your identity.

Activity

• To prepare for our next class, use the internet to responsibly research the terms netiquette and digital footprint.