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wizard is an interactive computer program which acts as an
interface to lead a user through a complex task, using step-by-step
dialogs. In some open source software they are called Druids.
Other software products like the Alpha Five database application
development tool, call them "Genies" to reflect
the "magical" help they give users.
Microsoft's Windows 95 was the
first operating system to make use of wizards. The most commonly-used
wizard at the time was the Internet Connection Wizard, which
was renamed to the "New Connection Wizard" in later
versions of Microsoft Windows. This wizard guides the user
through the process of creating a connection to the Internet,
or to a Virtual Private Network. Wizards had become commonplace
in most consumer-oriented operating systems. In Mac OS X,
for example, they are called "Assistants"; some
examples include the "Setup Assistant", which is
run when one boots the Macintosh for the first time, and the
"Network Setup Assistant", which has similar function
to the aforementioned "New Connection Wizard".
Web applications, such as an
airline booking site, also make use of the wizard paradigm
to complete lengthy interactive processes.
By contrast, expert systems
guide the user through a series of (usually yes/no) questions
to solve a problem, and tend to make use of artificial intelligence
or other complex algorithms. Some consider expert systems
as a general category that includes all problem-solving programs
including wizards.
Wizards were controversial among
user interface designers when they first gained widespread
use, because they encourage modal windows, which some consider
antithetical to proper human interface design. Supporters
of the wizard paradigm argue that compliance with what they
consider to be arbitrary laws should be secondary to ease
of use in interface design.
Quality Process
Automation
Karomi ENTERPRISE: Although not widely available
today, service-oriented architectures are an umbrella term
for a move in IT systems towards providing greater Quality
Process Automation access and exchange
of functionality between systems. The idea is that both previous
and future IT systems will be re-engineered to provide standard
interfaces, thus allowing themselves to be linked more easily
and flexibly. However as these standard interfaces can only
be delivered relatively slowly, it will be some time before
SOA can be viewed as an immediate option for delivery of process
automation.
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