Configuration of Software

1. Configuration of Software Unit 2, Introduction to Computer Systems

2. User Requirements Modern software is customisable; it can be functionally and cosmetically altered to suit a user’s personalneeds and tastes. Functionality – what it can actually do Cosmetics – what it looks like (also called its “aesthetics”). Configuration of Software Presentation Unit 2

3. User Requirements The following list contains some common customisations… • Appearance of the user interface (the “skin” or theme) • Level of help offered to user • Options available on the main menu (eg selected toolbars) • Pre-programmed shortcuts that perform common tasks (macro’s, wizards etc) • Security settings • Privacy settings • Navigation settings • Input settings (eg keyboard, mouse, voice control) • Display settings (eg possible use of dual monitors) • Audio feedback and notifications of events • Accessibility settings • Additional functionality via option plug-ins • Remembering previously edited data files and documents. Configuration of Software Presentation Unit 2

4. User Requirements User requirements must be investigated thoroughly if a computer system is being tailored for a specific user. How? • Interview them • Let them experiment, document their preferences • Accommodate workplace standards and security. Configuration of Software Presentation Unit 2

5. Worksheet: Activity #1 and #2 Configuration of Software Presentation Unit 2

6. Personalisation of a GUI • GUI (pronounced “goo-ee”) is an acronym for Graphic User Interface. • Allows user to interact with the computer system in a more intuitive way than that provided by an older Command Line Interface (CLI). • Microsoft’s Windows Operating System has a well known GUI… Configuration of Software Presentation Unit 2

7. Personalisation of a GUI Other friendly GUIs exist such as KDE or GNOME for Linux or Mac OS X. They all rely on 4 basic components: • Windows • Icons • Mouse • Pointer. Hence they can also be called “WIMP” systems. Configuration of Software Presentation Unit 2

8. Personalisation of a GUI GUIs can be customised in a number of ways. The most common customisations in Microsoft Windows are shown below: • Desktop arrangement • Wallpaper • Mouse settings • Date/Time • Screen Saver • Taskbar settings • Shortcuts. Configuration of Software Presentation Unit 2

9. Desktop arrangement Desktop icons can be arranged via Right-click on the desktop which (as usual) causes a context-sensitive menu to appear It is possible to re-arrange the physical order of the desktop’s icons using this menu, change graphic options and display modes. Configuration of Software Presentation Unit 2

10. Wallpaper • An image that appears behind the icons on the desktop. • Usually a .jpg or .bmp file) which can be loaded on the computer via disk or downloaded from the Internet (or scanned). • The wallpaper can be altered by right-clicking on the desktop and selecting “properties” on the context-sensitive menu… Configuration of Software Presentation Unit 2

11. Wallpaper The image (if smaller than the current resolution) can be stretched, centred or tiled (ie repeated to fill the available area). Configuration of Software Presentation Unit 2

12. Mouse Settings • Since a vast amount of interaction between the user and a GUI occurs via the mouse, it is important that the user is comfortable with the device’s settings. • The mouse settings can be accessed via the ControlPanel. Configuration of Software Presentation Unit 2

13. Mouse Settings Microsoft’s Windows XPControl Panel View Configuration of Software Presentation Unit 2

14. Mouse Settings The options available to change the mouse/pointer behaviour will alter depending on the actual Mouse hardware (and its drivers) in use. Common changes to make can include: • Swapping functionality of left/right buttons • Altering double-click speed • Changing the animated icons used for the mouse pointer, hourglass etc • Altering the speed of the mouse pointer. Configuration of Software Presentation Unit 2

15. Date/Time • Date and Time settings are taken from the battery-backed real-time clock (RTC) which is built into the computer’s motherboard. • In Windows, the clock is typically shown on the bottom right-hand corner of the screen; a part of the task bar which is called the system tray. Configuration of Software Presentation Unit 2

16. Date/Time A right-click on the time will display a different context-sensitive menu. Correct Date and time settings are vital for the accurate recording of file creation and modification, virus signature updating etc. Configuration of Software Presentation Unit 2

17. Screen Saver • A screen saver is an animated image or text display which is used to prevent burn-in on CRT monitors (where static images permanently mark the phosphorous coating on the screen leaving a “ghost”). • Modern screen savers also incorporate password locking – useful if a machine if left unattended in an open access environment as it can prevent unauthorised access. • Screen savers can be installed via disk or downloaded from the internet. • Access to the Screen saver settings is via the Display Properties panel which we saw when we changed the wallpaper. Configuration of Software Presentation Unit 2

18. Screen Saver Common settings for the Screen saver include: • Delay (in minutes) before activating • Whether to display the Welcome Screen (for password input) • Settings to change the Screen saver behaviour • It is also possible to also adjust power settings for the monitor; switching it into a less power-hungrystandby mode after a period of non-use. Configuration of Software Presentation Unit 2

19. Screen Saver Configuration of Software Presentation Unit 2

20. Taskbar settings The taskbar is (usually) a horizontal strip which lies at the bottom of the desktop interface in recent releases of Microsoft Windows. The task bar typically contains (from left to right): • A “Start” menu button • A “Quick-launch” area • Active program area • System Tray. The task bar can be customised through a simple right-click which displays another context sensitive menu. Configuration of Software Presentation Unit 2

21. Shortcuts Shortcuts are used to create a basic link between the user and a resource (typically a file or a program) which is normally stored in a remote location. The most common method is to right-clickon the file in question and then use the “Create Shortcut” option. The shortcut can then be cut & pasted or moved to another directory or even the Desktop. Configuration of Software Presentation Unit 2

22. Shortcuts Shortcuts are often distinguished from a normal file by the use of a small “arrow” (although this can be turned off). Deletion of a shortcut will not affect the original file. Configuration of Software Presentation Unit 2

23. Worksheet: on-line Missing Words Configuration of Software Presentation Unit 2

24. Working with Folders • A folder (or sub-directory) is used to group files which are related or those which are similar in nature. • Most operating systems permit the user to create an almost unlimited number of folders in which they can organise their work in their own way. • Folders are created in a hierarchical fashion (looks a bit like an upside-down tree). • The main directory is often called the “Root”. Configuration of Software Presentation Unit 2

25. example college home work Working with Folders • Example Folderstructure: Windows Explorer would show the same folder structure like so: Configuration of Software Presentation Unit 2

26. Working with Folders • Folders can be created using a simple right clickon an existing directory. • New folder names need to be unique inside each parent folder. Configuration of Software Presentation Unit 2

27. Worksheet: Activity #3 Configuration of Software Presentation Unit 2

28. Summary • User requirements • GUI customisations including: • Desktop arrangement • Wallpaper • Mouse settings • Date/Time • Screen Saver • Taskbar settings • Shortcuts • Creation of folders. Configuration of Software Presentation Unit 2