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e e e 003n4~ requests for action. Output is generally textual in nature. although it is possible to request the display of non-interactive images. Also. for this type of interface, a high resolution, color monitor is not essential. Typically. there is no memory associated with each command, Thus, the output of one command is not necessarily known by the subsequent command. A form based interface requires the use of a keyboard. Data are entered into fields of a pre-configured form which gets displayed on the screen. A mouse is not necessary. although one may be used, Also, a high resolution, color monitor is not essential. The fixed fields used for data entry constrain what may be used as input Once data have been entered into these ti:elds, a command" may be invoked and output either placed in the form. displayed on the terminal as graphics or directed to a file. To execute a series of commands. it may be necessary to use a series of fonns, each of which handles a ponion of the whole task to be accomplished, This type of interface does contain a state for the duration of a panicular form. Thus, the last inputs entered into the form and the last outputs displayed to the form will remain until overwritten or until another fonn is invoked, Inter-fonn information may have to be explicitly saved to a file or may be able to be saved in a temporary buffer between commands. An interactive graphics interface allows the user to use both keyboard and mouse to accomplish actions. It is usually necessary to use a mouse with these types of interfaces and a high resolution. color monitor is desirable. if not necessary. for much of the required functionality. This type of interface may also use forms and even some command line syntax. although these will be used in the context of a direct manipulation, most likely window based, interface. Commands are typically executed using pull-down or pop-up menus, push buttons, lists and text fields, This type of interface provides the most flexibility of the three. The following table summarizes how well each of these interfaces are suited to the user tasks: Table 1: User Interface TypefUser Needs Matrix -c- SlatuS Reporting Basin River Planning Adminisuation Command Line moderale moderate low low Fonn Based high .. high low low Inleractive Graphics high high high high Jiist as some user i'inerrace 'types are Detter suited to' some user tasks thllrl others. different user interface types will also be better suited to different Form Based Interface I nteractive Graphics User Interface Type vs. User Needs Use" IRter/ace Type" vs. Computer Type DAMES& M OORE/CA DSWES-23