User+Interface

User Interface

We tend to use this term quite a bit in our tips, but do you really understand what all is behind it? First of all, you should know that every time you use a new software program or any new application on your computer, you are experiencing the user interface. Basically, an interface allows you, the user, to interact with any program, any device or any other tools that you might use on your computer.

The interface includes everything you need to run a program. All of the little controls that come with the program (menus, links, buttons, files, sounds, etc.) are shown on the interface. The interface is also mainly the first screen you see when you install a new program or connect a new piece of hardware. It is your navigational beacon that helps you surf through the rest of the program.

Most programs aim to provide a simple and easy to use interface. If it is easy to follow, it is going to be more effective for the user, which is always nice. There are different types of interfaces (graphical, Web based, command-line, tactile, etc.) and it just depends on the application you're working with as to which one you will have from program to program. You should always take some time to familiarize yourself with the interface of a new program just so you're sure you'll know your way around without any major complications.

Every time you restart your computer, it will read the drive to verify if there's a floppy disk in it or not. That's one noise you may hear. Another is when the drive itself is detecting and then reading the disk (when you have one inserted in the drive). You may also hear a noise when you're using certain programs, such as a virus scanner. Sometimes these types of programs try to access the floppy drive to check for viruses there. The virus scanner also comes into play when you're shutting your computer down. When you turn your computer off, the virus scanning program you have installed checks the drive for any viruses. This is very important, because if you happened to have a virus on the floppy disk, your whole computer could be infected.

So, all in all, if you hear any noises during those times, don't panic! It is probably just a normal sound and you do not have anything to worry about. If your floppy drive makes other noises at other times, you may want to have it checked out by a computer technician.  