The Role of Interfaces in GUI Applications - Research Paper Example

? Interfaces of An interface of user interface is a set of tools that facilitate the interaction of computer users with computer systems. There are both hardware and software types of user interfaces with different functionalities. GUI on the other hand is a form of interface which is designed and developed to have graphical icons and menus for ease of use of computers and computer applications. Mozilla is one of the common and an effective example of a software application with a GUI that supports java based application and enhances the speed and efficiency of user interaction with computer systems and World Wide Web. Practical application of GUI includes their significant role in solving problems in computing and the generation, design and development of programs during the processes of programming. Interfaces An Interface In information and communication technology the word interface or user interface is a concept that refers to a set of tools which facilitate the interaction between the user and a computer system (Takouachet, Couture, Reuter, Joyot, Riviere & Verdon, 2012). There are two main types of user interfaces. These are software and software user interfaces. These interfaces use a specific protocol which contains a framework of rules that define the manner in which users interact with computer systems (Su, Mavroidis, Shi, Ferreira & Papanikolaou, 2010). Browsers such as Mozilla Firefox and Internet Explorer are good examples of software interfaces. In this regard, software user interfaces are software applications. These applications are written with the use of Java programming language and as a result they are supportive of internet applications and online communications through the World Wide Web (Liqiong & Poole, 2010). On the other hand, hardware interfaces represents the physical components of a computer such as a graphic card which enhance the visualization of the software user interfaces and hence make them robust in their application (Sperling, 2007). The Role of Interfaces in GUI Applications Graphic user interface (GUI) is a form of user interface which is characterized with graphical representation of icons and menus to facilitate the interaction of the users with computer systems (Su, Mavroidis, Shi, Ferreira & Papanikolaou, 2010). The GUI was designed to overcome the problem of manual entry of commands in orthodox computing such as DOS OS. Therefore GUI allows users of computer systems use the mouse for efficient dragging of objects by simply clicking on them (Takouachet, Couture, Reuter, Joyot, Riviere & Verdon, 2012). Unlike the DOS OS which is command based, Mac and Windows OS are the most common forms of GUI. The application of GUI in contemporary computing demonstrates the roles of interfaces in computing. Interfaces within GUI applications play a significant role of making computing easy to learn and apply. This makes even novice users of computers to operate GUI applications such as browsers with ease (Liqiong & Poole, 2010). The various computer application such as copying and moving files within computer storage or memory locations are made easier through the use of GUI as opposed to entering commands manually (Kroeker, 2011). In addition, the GUI allows an interactive communication between the user and computer system. This is demonstrated by the responses that the interface displays for the user such as confirmation of dilatations (Liqiong & Poole, 2010). For example Microsoft applications are designed to provide users with immediate feedback during their interaction with the user including error messages and help facilities. In this regard, interfaces provide users with possible errors and problems in computing with consequent suggestion of solutions (Su, Mavroidis, Shi, Ferreira & Papanikolaou, 2010). Mozilla Firefox Mozilla Firefox is a common example of browser software which provides an effective GUI. This browser is likable because of its user friendliness. This is achieved through the use of icons and menus that are designed to enhance the usability of the browser by users even those with minimal skills in technology (Kroeker, 2011). The menu bar of Mozilla Firefox presents the users with possibilities during their interaction with a computer system. More specifically, this browser is effective in the manner it enhances browsing on the internet. Users are able to open multiple tabs on search addresses. Moreover, the browser provides users with the capability of opening and saving web based or Java programmed pages in HTML formats. Mozilla Firefox is compatible with java applications and as a result it accepts add-ons that facilitate the speed of communication via the internet (Takouachet, Couture, Reuter, Joyot, Riviere & Verdon, 2012). In addition, Mozilla Firefox through its GUI menus and icons allows the user to customize and configure the browser in accordance to their preferences. This browser is additionally likable because of the shockwave capabilities which allow it to stream live video and audio via the internet through sites such as YouTube. In addition, the browser provides users with prompts on security such as caution against remembering passwords within public computer systems. It is this regard that it is evident that Mozilla Firefox is an effective software application with a GUI that promotes the interaction of the user with a computer system and the World Wide Web. GUI Assists in Problem Solving and Programming Programming involves the creation of computer applications with a view of facilitating and speeding up specific functionalities. GUI are important in programming because assist in the development and creation of programming codes (Su, Mavroidis, Shi, Ferreira & Papanikolaou, 2010). For example Dreamweaver is one of the software applications with GUI assists programmers in the generation of codes in java programming language and applying these codes in the design and development of a program or computer application. Moreover, opening and saving programmed applications is facilitated through the use of GUI (Su, Mavroidis, Shi, Ferreira & Papanikolaou, 2010). More importantly, GUI assists programmers to publish web pages and programs such as on the World Wide Web. It is notable that programming applies GUI as facilitators of creating programs which are also designed by programmers to have GUI for the efficiency in computer user interaction. In addition to the role of GUI in programming, these interfaces are significant in problem solving during the processes of computing. This is demonstrated by the feedback that is allowed by GUI on various errors or problems that are associated with computing. For example when computer is infected with malicious software or viruses the Windows base and Mac GUI are effective in error detection through messages that they display. After the detection of these errors or problems in computing, applications with GUI such as antivirus are used to fix these errors and problems. This is usually achieved through few clicks of the mouse on menus and icons within the GUI of a software application (Sperling, 2007). More importantly, GUI solves the problem of inefficiency in computing. This is demonstrated by Mac and Windows based GUI which allows users to create shortcut icons for facilitated and efficient access to various memory locations. References Kroeker, K. L. (2011). Improving Brain-Computer Interfaces. Communications of the ACM, 54(10), 11-14 Liqiong, D., & Poole, M. (2010). Affect In Web Interfaces: A Study Of The Impacts Of Web Page Visual Complexity And Order. MIS Quarterly, 34(4), 711-A10. Sperling, E. (2007). Graphical user interface. Computer Reseller News, (738), 82 Su, F., Mavroidis, P., Shi, C., Ferreira, B., & Papanikolaou, N. (2010). A graphic user interface toolkit for specification, report and comparison of dose–response relations and treatment plans using the biologically effective uniform dose. Computer Methods & Programs in Biomedicine, 100(1), 69-78 Takouachet, N., Couture, N., Reuter, P., Joyot, P., Riviere, G., & Verdon, N. (2012). Tangible user interfaces for physically-based deformation: design principles and first prototype. Visual Computer, 28(6-8), 799-808. Read More