The user interfaces the part of the operating system that allows the user to communicate with it so he can load program, access files and accomplish other tasks.
It is that portion of an interactive computer system that communicates with the user. Design of the user interface includes any aspect of the system that is visible to the user.
The user interface encompasses all components of a device with which users operate the device or attain information. If well designed, the user interface could facilitate users to conduct actions intuitively and to achieve tasks effectively and efficiently. Three main types of user interfaces are the command-driven, menu-driven, and graphical user interface.
The trend in user interfaces for operating systems and other software is moving away from the entry of brief and user commands, or even the selection of choices from menus options. Instead most software provides an easy-to- use graphical user interface (GUI) that uses icons, bars, button, boxes, and other images. GUIs rely on pointing devices like the electronic mouse or touch-pad to make selections that help the user get things done.
Because much interactions with computers is now away from the desktop and taking place on laptops, handheld or palm computers and even in cars, there is likely to be continuing experimentation with user interface design.
The User Interface
