5.1. About menus in software system
Application programs target a wide range of users (non-programmers) and assume the human-computer dialogue mode. Programs that have a user-friendly interface, i.e. the one that does not require much effort on the user’s part to work with all the necessary peripherals and special computer settings, and has a convenient control system and dialogue, are widely popular.
Interactive applications are based on the principles: “look and select” and “confirm what I do”. Programs do not lose their functionality in case of user errors, allow to easily and safely correct erroneous actions by canceling them, and refer to contextual help at any time. All the principles of a user-friendly interface are implemented by a special system of interactive (dialogue) communication between the computer program and the user, called “user menu” or simply “command ribbon”.
The “command feed” is a set of commands, instructions, and data that are available to the user at any time to select the next action. The pointer (cursor) can be moved over the menu and is controlled with arrows and/or a mouse manipulator. The command is selected by hovering the cursor over the item and pressing the Enter or pointing the mouse and double-clicking it. A faster command selection can be made by pressing special keys or their combination. As a rule, they involve buttons with the letter the command name begins with. The menu is organized as a hierarchical structure with a system of nested submenus (“pop-up”, “drop-down”, “window”, etc.) with the option to return from any item to the Main Menu.
Microsoft PowerPoint (full name is Microsoft Office PowerPoint) is a program for preparing and viewing presentations, which is part of Microsoft Office and is available in Microsoft Windows and macOS editions, as well as for the Android mobile devices and IOS platforms. Materials prepared with PowerPoint are designed to be displayed on a large monitor either by means of a projector or a television screen.