ICT IGCSE Theory

1.3 Operating systems

systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer

• Define and describe operating systems which contain a Command Line

Interface and Graphical User Interface

• Interpret the differences, including the benefits and drawbacks, between

operating systems which contain a CLI and those which contain a GUI

Key Words: Windows, Icons, Menus, Pointers, visuals aids, learn, command
prompts, pre-determined options, expert user
 ICT IGCSE Theory
1.3 Operating systems
systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer

Role of an Operating System

An operating system is a system software that manages the general operation of

acomputer
system: Allows users to
Provides security
load, run and
and prevents
store applications.
unauthorised
Also resolve
access to a system
errors occurring
applications
Helps the user
interact with the Role of an
Decided what
computer through a operating System should be loaded
user interface.
and deleted
from memory
Helping save,
organise, find and Manages input,
delete files. output and backing
devices.
 ICT IGCSE Theory
1.3 Operating systems
systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer

Example GUI Operating Systems

 ICT IGCSE Theory
1.3 Operating systems
systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

GUI (Graphical User Interface) is an user interface built around

Graphics.
Windows – areas Menus - lists of
for displaying options or
information applications users
can select from

GUI
Icons -small images Pointers –Mouse
used to represent pointer can be used
files/folders or to select and open
applications files/applications

• GUIs are quite easy to use due to the visual nature of

the interface
• The user has lots of visual clues as to what things do.
WIMP
 ICT IGCSE Theory
1.3 Operating systems
systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer

Command Line Interface (CLI)

• CLI requires the user to enter command prompts to interact with the
computer.
• CLI are normally used by expert users can use these commands.
• Command Line Interface's do not make use of images, icons or
graphics. All the user is sees is a plain black screen like the one is below.

Example Command Prompts

RENAME: Change the file or folder name.
CD: Displays the name of current directory
Copy: Copies one or more files to another
location
DIR: Displays a list of files and folders
MD: Creates a new folder
FORMAT: Deletes all the data on a hard disk
 ICT IGCSE Theory
1.3 Operating systems
systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer

Main Differences between CLI and GUI

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

Advantages:
•The user does not need to learn any commands.
•The interface is easier to use.
•Can use a pointing device to clicks and select icons or menu options.
Disadvantages:
•Takes up more memory than a CLI interface.
•Requires an operating system to operate.
Command Line Interface (CLI)
Advantages:
•Commands are faster execution than GUI
•No depends any Operating System.
Disadvantages:
•User needs to learn commands
•Commands must be typed in without errors.
•No visual aids.
 Activity 1

GUI Vs CLI

1) Why is it easier to learn to use a GUI interface?

2) Give one example of a GUI interface and one feature that you like?

3) Why would you not recommend a user to use a CLI interface?

4) Who do you think would use a CLI interface and give one reason?
 Activity 1

GUI Vs CLI

1) Why is it easier to learn to use a GUI interface?

commands do not need to be memorized, GUI is primarily navigated using a mouse, It consists
of picture-like items (icons). 

2) Give one example of a GUI interface and one feature that you like?

EX: Windows 10, Unix, Linux, or MAC OS, Android.

Feature: Menu, Pointer, Icon
3) Why would you not recommend a user to use a CLI interface?
Commands have to be typed accurately. Large number of commands which need to be learned

4) Who do you think would use a CLI interface and give one reason?
Commands are faster execution than GUI
No depends any Operating System
 Activity 2
1

2 3

1 Down

1)Small images used to

2
represent
folders/applications/files
2)List of options
4
3)Used to select options
4)CLI command to check a disk
and display status
3
5)Four main features for a GUI

5
Across

5 1)Used in CLI
2)Areas for displaying
information
3)GUIs are built around this.
4)GUI
5)CLI
 Activity 2

1
Down
I 2 3

1 C O M M A N D P O I N T E R 1)Small images used to

represent
O E O
folders/applications/files
N N 2 W I N D O W S 2)List of options
3)Used to select options
S U N
4)CLI command to check a disk
S T 4 and display status
5)Four main features for a GUI
E C

3 G R A P H I C S

S K

D
Across
4 G R A P H I C A L U S E R I N T E R F A C E

K 5
1)Used in CLI
W 2)Areas for displaying
information
5 C O M M A N D L I N E I N T E R F A C E
3)GUIs are built around this.
M 4)GUI
5)CLI
P
 ICT IGCSE Theory
1.3 Operating systems Question
systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer

Find out about menu-based interfaces and form-based interfaces.

 ICT IGCSE Theory
1.3 Operating systems Question
systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer

Find out about menu-based interfaces and form-based interfaces.

a. For a menu-based interface, find an information system at mobile

phone.

b.For a form-based interface, look at a typical website for booking a hotel

room.