1.

3 Operating systems
• Two user interfaces:
– Command line interface (CLI)
– Graphical user interface (GUI)
Command line interface (CLI)
• Requires a user to type in instructions to
choose options from menus, open a software
etc.
• The user has to learn a number of commands
just to carry out basic operations.
• Advantage: the user is in direct
communication with the computer.
Example of CLI
Graphical user interface (GUI)
• Allows the user to interact with a computer
using pictures or icons.
• GUIs use various technologies and devices to
provide the user interface.
• One of the most common is WIMP (windows
icons menu and pointing device), which was
developed for use on PCs.
• A windows manager looks after the
interaction between windows, the
applications and windowing system (which
handles the pointing devices and the cursor’s
position).
• Devices such as touch-screen phones use
post-WIMP (“windows, icons, menus,
pointer”) interaction, where fingers are in
contact with the screen allowing actions such
as pinching and rotating.
 Differences between CLI and GUI
Interface Advantages Disadvantages
Command • The user is in • The user needs to learn a
line direct number of commands to
interface communication carry out basic operations.
(CLI) with the PC. • All commands need to be
• The user is not typed in, which takes time
restricted to a and can be error-prone.
number of • Each command must be
predetermined typed in using the correct
options. format, spelling, etc.
• It is possible to • It is more difficult to edit
alter computer once commands are
configuration entered.
settings.
 Differences between CLI and GUI
Interface Advantages Disadvantages
Graphical user • The user doesn’t • It uses up
interface (GUI) need to learn any considerably more
commands. computer memory.
• It is more user- • The user is limited
friendly; icons are to the icons
used to represent provided on the
applications. screen.
• A pointing device is • It needs an OS, such
used to click on an as Windows, to
icon to launch the operate, which uses
application. up considerable
memory.
 Who would use each type of
interface?
• CLI: a programmer, analyst or technician; basically
somebody who needs to have direct
communication with a computer to develop new
software, locate errors and remove them, initiate
memory dumps (some computer errors are
unrecoverable because they require a reboot to
regain functionality), etc.

• GUI: the end-user who doesn’t have (or doesn’t

need) any great knowledge of how the computer
works; a person who uses the computer to run
software or play games.
 Which is True about ALU?
A. It is part of the CPU.
B. It carries out calculation.
C. accesses the RAM for immediate data.
D. it interprets and executes the commands
from the computer hardware and software.
 Which is True about BIOS?
A. It checks to ensure all devices are present
and are functional.
B. It stores date, time and system configuration
in a non-volatile chip.
C. Press Ctrl+Alt+Del to access BIOS.
D. It is battery powered.
 Which is the advantage of CLI?
A. The user doesn’t need to learn any
commands.
B. CLI is user-friendly.
C. The user is limited to the icons provided on
the screen.
D. The user is in direct communication with the
PC.
Which is the disadvantage of GUI?
A. It uses up more computer memory.
B. It is more difficult to edit once the typed
commands are entered.
C. It is possible to alter computer configuration
settings.
1.4 Types of computer
• PC/desktop computers
• Laptop computers
• Tablets
• Smartphones
• Smartwatches
• Mainframe computers
PC/desktop computers
• Advantages of desktop computers over laptop
computers:
– spare parts and connections are standardised,
– better specification for a given price,
– power consumption is not critical and the larger
casings allow a better dissipation of any heat build-
up,
– fixed in one location, there is less likelihood of them
being damaged, and
– internet access is more stable since they are not
moved around.
PC/desktop computers
• Disadvantages of desktop computers over
laptop computers:
– not particularly portable,
– it is necessary to copy files when you want to do
some work elsewhere, and
– taking up space since they are made up of
separate components.