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A shell in computing provides a user interface for access to an operating system's
services. "Shell" is also used loosely to describe applications, including software that is
"built around" a particular component, such as web browsers and email clients that are, in
themselves, "shells" for T!" rendering engines. The term "shell" in computing, being
the outer layer between the user and the operating system #ernel, is synonymous with the
general word "shell".
$enerally, operating system shells use either a command%line interface &'"() or graphical
user interface &$U(). !ac *S and +indows are widely used operating systems with
$U(s.
,-.,/.,0.
The optimum choice of user interface depends on a computer's role and particular
operation. '"(s allow some operations to be performed faster, rearranging large bloc#s of
data for e1ample. '"(s may be best for servers which are managed by e1perts2
administrators, while $U(s offer simplicity and ease%of%use and would be more
appropriate for image editing, 'A33, and des#top publishing. (n practice, many systems
provide both user interfaces which can be called on a command%by%command basis.
+indows is the most obvious e1ample with its "command prompt" and normal
"windows" mode. (t's no e1aggeration to say that both Apple !acintosh *S and
!icrosoft +indows have revolutionised home computing by helping relatively
ine1perienced users to interface with a P' using a $U(.
(n e1pert systems, a shell is a piece of software that is an "empty" e1pert system without
the #nowledge base for any particular application.
,4.
Contents
- Te1t &'"() shells
/ $raphical shells
o /.- *n !icrosoft +indows
o /./ *n Uni1%li#e systems
0 See also
4 5eferences