It is what you see when you turn on your computer; it consists of the cursors, prompts, icons, menus, etc. which allow you to get something done using your computer. Ideally the user interface should be as easy to use as possible, so it is obvious to someone who has never used the software before, what they have to do.

User interfaces may be:
1. command-driven
2. menu-driven
3. graphical (referred to as a graphical user interface or GUI)

1. Common-driven interface
With a command-driven interface, you type an instruction, which is usually abbreviated, in order to get something done. Common-driven user interfaced are not easy to use. If you are new to the software you have to remember many commands in order to be able to use the software quickly. Commands for different software packages are rarely the same,so people often get the commands mied up. Some people, mainly those who are used to using them, prefer command-driven menus because they can be faster to use once you learnt all the commands.

2. Menu-driven interface
This type of user interface produces a list of commands or option available within a program and the user can make a selection by using either a mouse or a keyboard. Both Microsoft Windows and Apple Macintosh programs are menu driven.

3. Graphical user interface
A grapical user interface (GUI) provides a way for the user to communicate with the computer through pull-down menus. Windows is provides a common way of using programs, which makes them easier to learn. It also takes care of some common chores such as working with the printer and the disk drive.