Oxford, Cambridge and RSA (OCR) GCSE Computer Science Practice Exam

A graphical user interface (GUI) is characterized by its use of visual components that enable users to interact with the system in an intuitive way. This includes elements such as windows, icons, buttons, and menus which allow for the manipulation of files and resources through direct interaction, as opposed to typing commands in a command-line interface. The design of a GUI focuses on making navigation and operation user-friendly, which is fundamental for users who may not have technical expertise.

Command-line inputs and text-based navigation are features of command-line interfaces, which require knowledge of specific commands and syntax rather than visual interaction. Standalone applications can be designed for both GUIs and command-line interfaces, but this is not a defining characteristic of GUIs. Therefore, the presence of visual elements is what fundamentally distinguishes a graphical user interface, highlighting its importance in promoting accessibility and ease of use for a wide range of users.