GUI (Graphical User Interface)
A GUI (graphical user interface) is a system of interactive visual components for computer software.
It displays objects that convey information, and represent actions that can be taken by the user. The
objects change colour, size, or visibility when the user interacts with them.
A GUI includes GUI objects like icons, cursors, and buttons. These graphical elements are
sometimes enhanced with sounds, or visual effects like transparency and drop shadows. Using
these objects, a user can use the computer without having to know commands.
Below is a picture of the Windows 7 desktop and an example of a GUI operating system. In this
example, you could use a mouse to move a pointer and click a program icon to start a program.
How does a GUI work?
A GUI uses windows, icons, and menus to carry out commands, such as opening, deleting, and
moving files. Although a GUI operating system is primarily navigated using a mouse, a keyboard
can also be used via keyboard shortcuts or the arrow keys.
As an example, if you wanted to open a program on a GUI system, you would move the mouse
pointer to the program's icon and double-click it. With a command line interface, you'd need to know
the commands to navigate to the directory containing the program, list the files, and then run the
file.
What are the elements of a GUI?
To make a GUI as user-friendly as possible, there are different elements and objects that the user
use to interact with the software. Below is a list of each of these with a brief description.
• Button - A graphical representation of a button that performs an action in a program when
pressed
• Dialog box - A type of window that displays additional information, and asks a user for input.
• Icon - Small graphical representation of a program, feature, or file.
• Menu - List of commands or choices offered to the user through the menu bar.
• Menu bar - Thin, horizontal bar containing the labels of menus.
• Ribbon - Replacement for the file menu and toolbar that groups programs activities together.
• Tab - Clickable area at the top of a window that shows another page or area.
• Toolbar - Row of buttons, often near the top of an application window, that controls software
functions.
• Window - Rectangular section of the computer's display that shows the program currently being
used.
What are the benefits of GUI?
A GUI is considered to be more user-friendly than a text-based command-line interface, such as
MS-DOS, or the shell of Unix-like operating systems.
Unlike a command-line operating system or CUI, like Unix or MS-DOS, GUI operating systems are
easier to learn and use because commands do not need to be memorized. Additionally, users do
not need to know any programming languages. Because of their ease of use and more modern
appearance, GUI operating systems have come to dominate today's market.
What are examples of a GUI operating system?
Microsoft Windows
Apple System 7 and macOS
Chrome OS
Linux variants like Ubuntu using a GUI interface.
Are all operating systems GUI?
No. Early command line operating systems like MS-DOS and even some versions of Linux today
have no GUI interface.
What are examples of a GUI interface?
Apple macOS
Microsoft Windows
GNOME
KDE
Any Microsoft program, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Internet browsers, such as Internet Explorer, Chrome, and Firefox.
How does the user interact with a GUI?
A pointing device, such as the mouse, is used to interact with nearly all aspects of the GUI. More
modern (and mobile) devices also utilize a touch screen.
Does a GUI require a mouse?
No. Nearly all GUI interfaces, including Microsoft Windows, have options for navigating the interface
with a keyboard, if you know the keyboard shortcuts.
