Lessons 9 · 1 lessons · B. Boltayev, A. Azamatov, A. Asqarov, M. Sodiqov, G. Azamatova. Fundamentals of Informatics and Computer Technology, Grade 8. Second edition. “O‘zbekiston milliy ensiklopediyasi” State Scientific Publishing House, Tashkent, 2015
9
Interface
Textbook: pp. 39–42
GoalUnderstands the term interface, its kinds (hardware, software, user) and the properties of a user interface.
New words
interface: a means of interaction and connection between parts of a system or between a person and a program · interfeysprotocol: a set of agreed rules that devices or programs follow to work together · protokolgraphical interface: windows, icons and a pointer or touch are used to control the program · grafik interfeystext interface: commands are typed on the keyboard and results are shown as text · matnli interfeys
Explanation
An interface is a means of interaction, connection and adjustment between parts. A hardware interface is between devices (for example the shape of a USB plug and socket, the type of signal, the voltage); a software interface is between program modules; a hardware-software interface is between a program and a device (through a driver); a user interface is between a person and a program. For parts to work together they must follow common rules, a protocol – for instance a phone charger’s plug must fit the phone’s port and its voltage must suit the phone. The device maker ensures hardware compatibility, while the operating system arranges the match between programs and devices. A user interface can be friendly (easy to learn), flexible (a task can be done in several ways) or rigid (only one fixed way). By how it is controlled, a program has a text interface (commands typed on the keyboard) or a graphical one (windows, icons, a mouse or a touch screen); voice assistants are now common too.
Worked examples
A calculator app on a phone: on-screen buttons are tapped – a graphical (touch) interface; simple and clear – a friendly interface.
A printer cable: the plug shape, signal rules and voltage must match. That is the protocol of a hardware interface: if one does not match, the device cannot be connected.
Class activity
“Interface hunt”: in pairs, decide which kind of interface 6 classroom items have (speaker cable, door lock, phone app, projector, mouse, keyboard).
Practice
1
Name the four kinds of interface and give an example of each.