noun COMPUTING
a visual way of interacting with a computer using items such as windows, icons, and menus, used by most modern operating systems.
A good rule of thumb for getting stuff done on any device with any app is to think about what you want to do and then look around for a way to do it. For example, what if you wanted to import a video into a video editing app?
![](https://i0.wp.com/technologyskillsforkids.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/app-gui-think-about-what-you-want-to-do-and-then-look-around-for-a-way-to-do-it.jpeg?resize=990%2C619&ssl=1)
Hint: It pays to be visual during technology use 👀
![](https://i0.wp.com/technologyskillsforkids.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/hint.gif?resize=800%2C460&ssl=1)
Menus
Always look for a menu selection when you want to do something (e.g. open the “Applications” folder on your device).
![](https://i0.wp.com/technologyskillsforkids.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/menu-selection-1.jpeg?resize=900%2C653&ssl=1)
Utility icons
Utility icons will be smaller and less obtrusive than application and folder shortcut icons but will be readily accessible on a computer regardless of which application you are currently using.
Examples of utility icons include battery indicators and wi-fi connections…
![](https://i0.wp.com/technologyskillsforkids.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/battery-icon.jpeg?resize=920%2C411&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/technologyskillsforkids.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/wi-fi-network.jpeg?resize=920%2C424&ssl=1)
folder and application icons
Icons can be shortcuts to applications and files.
![](https://i0.wp.com/technologyskillsforkids.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/fille-icon-on-a-computer-desktop.jpeg?resize=920%2C624&ssl=1)
NOTE: When you double-click a file icon on a computer, the file will open with its default application.
Window
![](https://i0.wp.com/technologyskillsforkids.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/gui-folder-1.jpeg?resize=920%2C574&ssl=1)
Think about what you want to do and then look around for a way to do it.
— Tech Wizard Mike