GMAT Essays (AWA)

"The term 'user-friendly' is usually applied to the trouble free way that computer software moves people from screen to scree, function to function. However, the term can also refer to a government office, a library, public transportation system, or anything designed to provide information or services in an easy, friendly way. Just as all societies have many striking examples of user friendly services, so do they abound in example of user-unfriendly systems."

Identify a system and discuss in what way the system either is or is not easy to use and explain the consequences or effect of such as system.

Some might agree that societies have many striking examples of user friendly systems. On the other hand, some would counter that there are major limits to the user friendliness of certain systems. Through reasoned analysis and argument, I will argue for the former and against the latter.

The Mac computer is a striking example of a user friendly system. The computer provides the user with an easy to use platform to navigate the many programs computers now offer. One major user friendly feature of the Mac is installing software. The Mac computer has made what once was an intimidating task, into an almost thoughtless process: put the software CD into the drive, and press install. Done!

Additionally, the Mac is compatible with multiple operating systems, such as Windows. Rather than force users away from the Windows operating system, the Mac allows for parallel desktops. If Windows software does not work on the Mac operating system, the computer simply allows users to "switch" into Windows mode in order to allow the user the freedom to operate multiple systems. Not only does this save time, but also the money that would be require to operate multiple computers.

Although the Mac is very user friendly, there are some drawbacks that require consideration. The standard Windows based PC is used by the vast majority of computer users. When a PC user decides to switch from a PC to a Mac, not only is the user making a monetary investment, but also an investment in time to learning the features of the Mac computer. If the user does not catch on to the method of operation that the Mac provides, then the user might feel that the Mac is less user friendly than the PC.

The Mac computer is a massive achievement in user friendly technology. Not only does the Mac computer provide users with a user friendly interface with multiple operating systems, but also with new user friendly features such as installing software. The Mac does require the user to learn a new method of operation, but once learning the system is achieved, the benefits of the Mac are extraordinary.