GUI

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Revision as of 13:56, 6 March 2009 by PaulClayberg (talk | contribs) (WIMP)

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

A graphical user interface (or GUI) is an interface that uses visual metaphors for certain objects, such as files and a desktop, instead of text. Graphical User Interfaces are now in widespread use as they are more visually appealing and can be used by many more people, because of the visual metaphors they employ.

In Layman's Terms

A graphical user interface is an interface you can see as well as read.

WIMP

WIMP stands for:

  • Windows
  • Icons
  • Mouse (or Menus)
  • Pointer (or Pull-down Menus)

WIMP is a way of classifying interfaces as graphical and almost always consist of the four basic elements listed above for usability reasons.