Basic GUI Terminology
Basic GUI Terminology
Knowing What You're Working With Helps Technicians
Getting help with your
computer software can be easier when you know the correct terms to use. One of
the biggest problems that new computer users have with technical support is not
knowing how to correctly describe the problem that they're having. And it isn't
fair to expect a tech support person to automatically know what a
"thing-a-ma-jingy," or "whatcha-ma-call-it" is.
The following describes the
correct names for common components of software so that when you experience a the problem, you can effectively describe an issue that you're having and a technician
can readily resolve it.
User interface - This is
the visual design of a program. It may contain squares, boxes, words, icons,
and buttons. If you're experiencing insufficient memory, for example, you might
see black rectangles across the user interface of your software programs.
Title bar - this is the
top-most part of a program that displays its own name or it may describe the
contents displayed in another part of the interface. If a program is
incorrectly coded, you may see a wrong description in this part of its
interface.
Menu bar - this part of a
program displays menu items and menu options. Some of the most common parts of
a menu bar grants access to File commands, Open commands, Save commands, and
Print commands. An example of an error in this part of an interface would be if
an option was missing or grayed out (lighter in color).
Tool bar - this part of a
program displays small icons across the top which represent tools. Clicking an
icon will open a tool or process a command that might also exist on a program's
menu bar. Problems in this part of an interface are uncommon, however, if you
find yourself repeatedly clicking an icon with no results, you can correctly
describe the problem by referring to the toolbar.
Minimize, Restore, and Exit
buttons - these three buttons are usually located on the right-most upper part
of a program's interface and each allows you to minimize a program's screen,
restore it to its original size, or shut down the program completely.
Scroll bar - this a convenient tool allows users to move data up and down the computer screen.
Status bar - this part of a
program is located at the bottom-most part of its interface, and it usually
displays small messages that indicate the progress of a command or task. If
programmed incorrectly, an application might display the wrong information in
this area.
Context menu - like the
menu bar, a context menu displays when a user right-clicks on something. It
displays commands just like what you see on a File menu or a Help menu.
Input box - input boxes are
usually, small rectangles that allow you to type data into simple interfaces
like a webpage or browser window. If you find that you can't type information
into one of these, you can effectively resolve the issue with a technician by
calling it an input box, rather than a "white rectangle," or
"place to put in the text."
Button - buttons perform a
command after a user clicks them with a mouse. Problems occur when the text of
a button is grayed out or if it doesn't appear to sink into the screen when
clicked.
Checkbox - a checkbox is
a small box that allows a user to indicate several choices among many. When
clicked, a small "x" displays inside a box. Similar to the checkbox,
a radio button allows a user to indicate a single choice among many. Problems
with radio buttons and checkboxes occur when a user makes one choice, but the
interface reacts as if the user made many choices (or none at all). When
describing a problem to a technician, be sure to indicate whether the problem occurs
with a checkbox or a radio box. Computer novices mistakenly interchange the
names of both of these controls.
Buying a Computer
What To Do And Why
It isn't fair, but buying a
computer is just plain easier for some than it is for others. Those who've
purchased and used a computer in the past already have an idea of what they
need in a new computer. But those who are new to the computer world could get
lost in the myriad of choices available.
The short answer to
"What should I buy?" is "The best." Of course, that answer
is extremely subjective because "the best" to one person is certainly
different from another. Our definition of "the best" is the fastest and
the biggest, but even that leaves the computer newbie confused. Here's a quick
rundown of what the computer novice should do and why.
1. Buy a computer that
includes basic peripherals. Every computer can be broken down into four major
components: CPU unit, monitor, keyboard, and mouse. For the novice, it's best
to buy a computer that has all of these components included so that when it's
taken home, assembling the computer is a simple matter of plugging things in
where they belong. Save the individual purchases of these components for those
who have more experience.
2. Decide what you'll use
the computer for. If you want to use your computer for cruising the web,
sending an email, or performing simple word-processing or spreadsheet tasks, a
computer with the basic components that we just described should suffice. If
you want to use a computer to help with a career in multimedia, however, you're
going to need to accessorize your system with a scanner, printer, digital
camera, tablet, or digicam for example. If you want a computer to help with a
career in music, you will need a quality microphone and set of speakers.
3. Create a budget and
stick to it. How much can you afford to spend on a new computer? Although the
prices of computers are decreasing, they can still create a hefty expense
especially if you need additional peripherals described above. In addition,
you'll need to figure in costs for maintenance, servicing, and insuring.
4. Start comparison
shopping and look for the "fastest and biggest." By "fastest and
biggest," we mean the computer with the fastest processor, the fastest
modem, the biggest memory, and the biggest hard drive capacity. Even if you
think that you'll never need the amount of speed or space available on the
market today, it's important to have in the event that you truly do need that
much in the future. Having such a large reserve will cut down on costs when the
time comes to upgrade for more than what you may settle for in a computer that
offers less.
5. Stick with the
better-known brands. Venturing off the beaten path with lesser-known brands is
again, an adventure for those who have more experience with computers. Although
those better-known brands are maybe a tad bit more expensive, the computer novice
will appreciate the comfort in purchasing a computer from a business that has a long record of building quality products and that has the funds available for
fulfilling returns, trades, servicing, and warranties.
6. Select a store. Having
an idea of what you want in a computer and what kind of computer you want,
your only task left is to select the place in which you want to buy it. There
are a number of places available including computer store outlets, online
stores, auction sites, used computer stores, or your friendly neighborhood yard
sale. For the computer novice, we recommend buying a computer from a physical
store. In a physical store, you have the
opportunity to see the computer of interest in the person and ask questions. New
computer buyers also have access to store warranties, returns, trades, and
services.
These suggestions should
give the computer newbie a great start in selecting a quality computer for the
first time and they apply to either Windows computers or Apple Macintosh
computers. After making these decisions and finally selecting one that fits
your needs, you can then venture into the fascinating world of software - a
world that is just as grand as the world of hardware!
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