wimp environment

Free On-line Dictionary of Computing

WIMP WIMP environment

<operating system> Windows, Icons, Menus and Pointers (or maybe Windows, Icons, Mouse, Pull-down menus).

The style of graphical user interface invented at Xerox PARC, popularised by the Apple Macintosh and now available in other varieties such as the X Window System, OSF/Motif, NeWS, RISC OS and Microsoft Windows.

See menuitis, user-obsequious, window system.

(2007-09-12)

The Jargon File

WIMP environment n.

[acronym: ‘Window, Icon, Menu, Pointing device (or Pull-down menu)’] A graphical-user-interface environment such as X or the Macintosh interface, esp. as described by a hacker who prefers command-line interfaces for their superior flexibility and extensibility. However, it is also used without negative connotations; one must pay attention to voice tone and other signals to interpret correctly. See menuitis, user-obsequious.