Information

Technology
User Interfaces, Suitability of a Computer
System
Objectives

• Discuss the relative merits of • Evaluate the suitability of a

the various types of user given computer system for a
interfaces: specific purpose.
• Hardware
• Software

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User Interfaces
User Interfaces

• A user interface is the combination of hardware and

software that allows users and computers to
communicate with each other effectively.

• Humans interact with computers in many ways, and the

design of the places at which humans and computers
interact (the interface) is crucial for effective use of
computer systems.
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User Interfaces

• The user interface is made up of a hardware interface

and a software interface.
• A hardware interface is those physical hardware component
(input and output devices) that allow the user to manipulate
the computer.
• A software interface is the programs that are used to
communicate with the computer via the hardware.

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User Interfaces

• Hardware User Interfaces include:

• Keyboard
• Mouse
• Monitor
• Printer
• Touch user interface
• Speech and Sound Interface
• Specialized keyboards

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User Interfaces

Software Interfaces include the following:

• Command line Interface
• Menu-driven interface
• Graphical user interface

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Software Interfaces

Command-Line Interface
• A command-line interface is
when interaction with a computer
is by means of individual lines of
text.

• Command-line interfaces are still

in use but are restricted to
specialist roles such as system
administrators, program
developers, database
administrators, network
managers and home enthusiasts.
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Software Interfaces

Menu-driven interface • For example, at an ATM

• A menu-driven interface is when machine when you have
interaction with a computer is by inserted your card and entered
the user selecting one option your personal identification
from a list of presented options.
number (PIN), you are
presented with a menu of
• These are usually found on
simple computer systems. A
options.
menu is a list of options from
which the user has to select one.
• The user is then presented with
another menu depending on
their first selection.
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Software Interfaces

• The menu-driven interface is ideally suited for

applications used for ‘walk-up and use systems’, such
as:
• ATMs
• Kiosks that vend/sell mobile phone top-up (credit)
• Self-service food and beverage kiosks in casual dining
establishments.

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Software Interfaces

Graphical User Interfaces (GUI)

• By far the most common software interface that we are
all familiar with is the graphical user interface.
• A graphical user interface (GUI) is when interaction with
a computer is by using a pointing device, such as a
mouse.

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Software Interfaces
• In a simple form, a GUI displays
elements such as Windows, Icons,
Menus and Pointers on the screen
and the user points and clicks with
a mouse or types on a keyboard to
operate the computer.

• The pointing device may be a

trackball, joystick or touchscreen
instead of a mouse and actions
may include drag and drop, click
and drag to select as well as
simple click. 14
Evaluating the Suitability
of a Computer System
Suitability of Computer Systems

What are system specifications?

• Computer system specifications are technical

descriptions of the computer’s components and
capabilities. The specifications are used as a guide to
determine what the computer system will be used for.

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Suitability of Computer Systems

• When we are looking at

computer system
specifications, we are looking
for these main components
and capabilities:

• Processing Speed
• Memory
• Secondary Storage
• Types of software
• Input / Output Devices
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Suitability of Computer System

Processing Speed • A CPU core is single processing

• Is how quickly a processor operates. unit within the CPU (Central
The processor speed is usually Processing Unit) that can
measured in Gigahertz (GHz) execute instructions.

• Prices for processors will vary based • Essentially, the more cores a
on the manufacturer, speeds, CPU has, the more tasks it can
number of processing units (number handle simultaneously.
of cores) on a single chip and
different amounts of very fast
memory (called L3 cache memory) • Cache memory is memory
within the CPU itself 18
Suitability of Computer System
• From the table shown, The i9
processor has the greater
processing power of the FOUR (4)
mentioned in the table.

• The CPU speed is similar, but the

number of cores and the cache
memory is higher

• These main components

contributes to the overall
processing power of the CPU 19
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Suitability of Computer System

• Memory is one of the basic

functions of a computer, without
it, a computer would not be able
to function properly.

• When it comes on to
specifications of memory, we are
looking at the number of
installed RAM on the computer
system.
• The unit to display RAM in capacity
is GBs 21
Suitability of Computer Systems

Understanding RAM • Memory Capacity: The more

GBs you have, the more
programs you can have open
• Generally, the more RAM your at once.
computer has, the faster your
programs will run.
• If your computer is running
• 2 - 4 GBs:
slowly due to a lack of RAM, the • This is considered low RAM
general solution is adding RAM to capacity. This amount of memory
the computer system if it’s could handle single applications.
compatible. If your computer has less than
4GB of RAM, adding more RAM
would greatly improve its 22
performance.
Suitability of Computer Systems

• 8GBs:
• This larger RAM capacity works
great for basic multimedia users
and casual gamers.
• It can handle multiple programs
open at once.

• Over 8GBs:
• This robust RAM capacity is
perfect for high end multimedia
users, creators and hardcore
gamers.
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Suitability of Computer Systems

• Secondary Storage • There are two main types of

disk drive:
(Capacity and • Solid State Drive (SSD): very fast and
Speed) robust but expensive per gigabyte

• When we are looking at • Hard disk drive (HDD): slower and less
computer system’s specification robust but much cheaper per gigabyte
and suitability for secondary
storage, we are referring to the
internal storage of the computer. NB: HDD and SSD both are data
• Computer systems when
storage devices. The primary
purchased usually is delivered distinction between HDD and
with a single, large capacity hard SSD is in how data is stored and
disk drive installed. accessed.
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Suitability of Computer System

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

• An HDD consists of a spinning
(platter) coated with a magnetic
material and a read/write head
that reads and writes data on the
disk’s surface.
• The read/write head moves back
and forth across the spinning disk to
access different parts of the data
stored on the disk.
• HDDs have been around for decades
and are the more traditional type of
storage
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Suitability of Computer System

Features of Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

• High storage capacity: HDDs offer a high storage capacity
• Lower cost: HDDs are generally less expensive than SSDs, making them a
more cost-effective option for storing large amounts of data
• Larger Size: HDDs are physically larger and heavier than SSDs, making them
less suitable for portable devices
• Slower performance: HDDs are slower than SSDs when it comes to data
access and transfer speeds
• Mechanical parts: HDDs contain mechanical details that can wear out over
time, making them less durable than SSDs
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Suitability of Computer Systems

Solid State Drive (SSD)

• SSDs, on the other hand, use
flash memory to store data
instead of a spinning disk.

• SSDs have no moving parts,

making them much faster,
more durable, and less
susceptible to mechanical
failure than HDDs
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Suitability of Computer System

Features of Solid State Drive (SSD)

• Fast performance: SSDs offer much faster data access and transfer speeds
than HDDs.
• Compact size: SSDs are smaller and lighter than HDDs, making them an ideal
option for use in portable devices such as laptops.
• Lower power consumption: SSDs consume less power than HDDs, making
them more energy-efficient.
• Higher cost: SSDs are generally more expensive than HDDs, making them a
less cost-effective option for storing large amounts of data.
• No mechanical parts: SSDs have no moving parts, making them more durable
and less susceptible to mechanical failure than HDDs
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Suitability of Computer System
• We are now aware that all computers • All of these types of software must
need an operating system to manage be considered when we are selecting
the user interface, processes, a computer system for an intended
security, memory, files and hardware use or purpose.
resources

• For software to run smoothly, a

• System utilities are also needed as computer system needs to have
these assist in maintaining and sufficient performance.
improving the efficiency of a • Performance can be measured in terms of
computer system. processing speed, amount of internal
memory and the amount of storage

• Application programs are also needed

to perform end user tasks. 29
Suitability of Computer System
There are many different types of
input and output devices available on
the market today.

How would you choose the most

appropriate input / output devices
that are most suitable for your
computer system?

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Suitability of Computer System

Questions to ask include:

1. Determine what type of input and output device you need? Do you need a
keyboard and mouse for input? Or would a touchpad or joystick work better for
you? For output, do you need a monitor or projector?
2. Consider your budget.
3. Read reviews. Before your purchase any input or output device, be sure to read
reviews from other users and trusted sources. This will help you get an idea of
which devices are the best quality and which ones to avoid.
4. Ask for recommendations. If you know someone who is knowledgeable about
computers, ask for their opinion on which input and output devices would be
best for you.
5. Do your research, before you make any final decision.

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Suitability of Computer System
• Another important consideration is
compatibility. Input and output devices
must be compatible with the rest of the
computer system in order to work
properly.
• For example, most keyboard and mice use the
USB standard and will only work with
computers that have a USB port.
• Similarly, most printers use the USB or
Ethernet standards and will only work with
computers that have the corresponding ports.
• It is important to check the compatibility
of input and output devices before
purchasing them. Otherwise, you may
end up with devices that can’t be used.
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Class Activity

• Complete the “Computer System Specification

Class Activity” that is posted in the google
classroom.

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THANK
YOU!