41. How do you run а program on а computer with а graphical interface?

A program interface that takes advantage of the computer's graphics capabilities to make the program easier to use. Well-designed graphical user interfaces can free the user from learning complex command languages. On the other hand, many users find that they work more effectively with a command-driven interface, especially if they already know the command language.

Graphical user interfaces, such as Microsoft Windows and the one used by the Apple Macintosh, feature the following basic components:

pointer : A symbol that appears on the display screen and that you move to select objects and commands. Usually, the pointer appears as a small angled arrow. Text -processing applications, however, use an I-beam pointer that is shaped like a capital I.

pointing device : A device, such as a mouse or trackball, that enables you to select objects on the display screen.

icons : Small pictures that represent commands, files, or windows. By moving the pointer to the icon and pressing a mouse button, you can execute a command or convert the icon into a window. You can also move the icons around the display screen as if they were real objects on your desk.

desktop : The area on the display screen where icons are grouped is often referred to as the desktop because the icons are intended to represent real objects on a real desktop.

windows: You can divide the screen into different areas. In each window, you can run a different program or display a different file. You can move windows around the display screen, and change their shape and size at will.

menus : Most graphical user interfaces let you execute commands by selecting a choice from a menu.

42. What is a word processor?

A word processor is a software application that enables a personal computer user to create, format, edit, save and retrieve documents. The documents may contain text, numbers, graphics, photographs or a combination of two or more of these formats. The processor may be installed on a desktop or laptop computer or be part of both operating system software programs.

Prior to the mid 1980s, the term word processor normally referred to a self-contained document preparation system. These somewhat bulky machines, introduced to the public in the 1970s, combined the keyboard functions of an electric typewriter with memory capabilities in a processor inside the device. A printer was typically attached to the back of the apparatus. A single line electronic readout at the bottom of the keyboard enabled the user to view text before printing it. A diskette or memory card inserted into the machine stored documents for retrieval.

As technology advanced, the word processor became more sophisticated. New features were steadily introduced and typically included font directories and formatting capabilities, such as italics, boldfacing, column creation and pagination. Internal spell checking capabilities were soon added, along with grammar checking programs and thesauruses.

43. What makes word processors superior to a traditional typewriter?

There are many advantages of using word processors over a typewriter. Some of them are:

-The word processors are faster and easier to use than typewriters.

-In word processors, you can store documents and you can make as many copies as you want, while with typewriters you cannot do so.

-With word processors you have formatting choices and can change the font, text size, use bold,italic e.t.c.

-Word processors help you improve your writing skills e.g vocabulary and also spelling mistakes.

44. What are two important features offered by word processors? Give their brief characteristics.