ICT IGCSE Theory – Revision Presentation

1.3 Operating systems

Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems

• Define and describe operating systems which contain a Command Line Interface
(CLI)
• Define and describe operating systems which contain a Graphical User Interface
(GUI)
• Describe the differences, including the benefits and drawbacks, between operating
systems which contain a CLI and those which contain a GUI

Murugan Sidhar Raman

 ICT IGCSE Theory – Revision Presentation
1.3 Operating systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems

Role of an Operating System

An operating system is a system software that manages the general operation of a

computer system:
Allows users to
Provides security
load, run and
and prevents
store applications.
unauthorised
Also resolve errors
access to a system
occurring
applications
Helps the user
interact with the Role of an Decided what
computer through a operating System should be loaded
user interface. and deleted from
memory

Helping save,
organise, find and Manages input,
delete files output and backing
devices.
Murugan Sidhar Raman
 ICT IGCSE Theory – Revision Presentation
1.3 Operating systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems

Describe the main functions of the operating system?

Key Words: User Interface, Security, Files, memory,

applications, input/output/storages devices
Exam Question

The operating system provides the user interface which allows the user to interact
with the system. In addition the operating system provides security and prevents
unauthorised access to a system. Files and folders can be created and organised.
Furthermore the operating system allows users to load, run and storeapplications
also decides what should be loaded into the computer memory (RAM). The operating
system also manages the input/output/storages devices.

Murugan Sidhar Raman

 ICT IGCSE Theory – Revision Presentation
1.3 Operating systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems

Example GUI Operating Systems

Murugan Sidhar Raman

 ICT IGCSE Theory – Revision Presentation
1.3 Operating systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

GUI (Graphical User Interface) is an user interface built around graphics.

Windows – areas Menus - lists of

for displaying options or
information applications users
can select from

GUI
Icons -small images Pointers –Mouse
used to represent pointer can be used
files/folders or to select and open
applications files/applications

• GUIs are quite easy to use due to the visual nature of

the interface
• The user has lots of visual clues as to what things do.

Murugan Sidhar Raman

WIMP
 ICT IGCSE Theory – Revision Presentation
1.3 Operating systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems

Post GUI (GUI) Touch Screen Technology

Post GUI allows the use of touch screen

Post GUI allows the use of pinching, scrolling, expanding

Murugan Sidhar Raman

 ICT IGCSE Theory – Revision Presentation
1.3 Operating systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems

Graphical User Interface (GUI) Examples

Murugan Sidhar Raman

 ICT IGCSE Theory – Revision Presentation
1.3 Operating systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems

Command Line Interface (CLI)

• CLI requires the user to enter command prompts to interact with the
computer.
• CLI are normally used by expert users as it allows them to is more
complicated to use.
• CLI and is not restricted to a number of predetermined options.

Example Command Prompts

ATTRIB: Displays or changes file attributes.

CD: Displays the name of current directory
CHKDSK: Checks a disk and displays a status
report
Copy: Copies one or more files to another
location
DIR: Displays a list of files and sub
directories

Murugan Sidhar Raman

 ICT IGCSE Theory – Revision Presentation
1.3 Operating systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems

Main Differences between CLI and GUI

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

Advantages:
• The user does not need to learn any commands.
• The interface is easier to use.
• Can use a pointing device to clicks and select icons or menu options.
Disadvantages:
• Takes up more memory than a CLI interface.
• Requires an operating system to operate.
Command Line Interface (CLI)
Advantages:
• The user has more freedom to use specific command in interacting
with the computer.
• It is possible to alter computer settings.
Disadvantages:
• User needs to learn commands
• Commands must be typed in without errors.
• No visual aids.

Murugan Sidhar Raman

 ICT IGCSE Theory – Revision Presentation
1.3 Operating systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems

Discuss the difference between a CLI and GUI interface?

Key Words: Windows, Icons, Menus, Pointers, visuals aids,

learn, command prompts, pre-determined options, expert user
Exam Question

The GUI (Graphical user interface) allows the users to interact with the interface by
using a pointer to select windows, icons and menu options. The GUI will have visual
aids which it make it easier for users to learn how to use the interface. On the other
hand users are required to enter command prompts to interact with the CLI
(Command Line Interface). The command prompts have to be learned by the user
and entered correctly. This would make the CLI interface more challenging to for the
user to learn. However the advantage of using the CLI for expert users is that you
are not restricted to pre-determined options which would be the case in the GUI.
This would allow for greater freedom when using the CLI.

Murugan Sidhar Raman