CompuServe Messages

Martin, "Radio" and "Check" buttons are standard elements of a user interface, according to Apple and IBM. You've used some in CanDo, and probably didn't even realize it! While the shapes are standardized on those other operating systems, the concept is what's important. (Although standard shapes help the user recognize the difference.) A radio button consists of a circle with text to its immediate right. These are combined to show a user a fixed set of mutually exclusive choices, so at least two choices must be present. Click anywhere on the button to select the choice (which fills in the circle), and de-select any previous choices. Only one button in the range of choices is selected at any time. Perhaps you've seen a word processor requesting High/Normal/Draft quality printing… that's an example of radio buttons. A check box consists of a square with text to its immediate right. Unlike radio buttons, these are not mutually exclusive. switches (toggles) it on and off again (placing a graphic 'X' or a check mark in the box), and does not affect other selections. These are often grouped into a logical sequence, but since it doesn't involve competing choices, more than one need not be present. In both situations, the text is OUTSIDE the standard imagery, to the right. <continued>