SitePoint

SitePoint Glossary

UNIX

UNIX is a commonly used multi-user, multitasking Operating System. The UNIX trademark and specification is owned by The Open Group and the specification is freely available on the web. The SCO Group, Inc. nows owns the original implementation of Unix. However, a number of other operating systems also adhere to the Simple Unix Specification in part including Project GNU, and GNU/Linux.

Usability

Usability refers to the ease with which a User Interface can be used by its intended audience to achieve defined goals. Usability incorporates many factors: design, functionality, structure, information architecture, and more.

User experience

The term "user experience" refers to a concept that places the end-user at the focal point of design and development efforts, as opposed to the system, its applications or its aesthetic value alone. It's based on the general concept of user-centered design.

User Interface

A User Interface (UI) is the face or shopfront through which a user interacts with an application. It describes the way that the user uses input devices such as keyboards and mice, and the way the information is portrayed on screen or on the output device. A Graphical User Interface (GUI) uses visual controls such as menus and buttons to allow the user to accomplish tasks. The user typically uses a mouse. A console or command-line interface requires the user to type commands as text using the keyboard. A web site can be considered as having a User Interface. The term User Interface describes the way in which the user interacts with the Web site.

USP

A Unique Selling Proposition is a statement that identifies what makes a person, product or organisation different from competitors.