Function of Input controls:

An input control is any type of input mechanism on a form. A form may contain several different input controls classified as data or text input controls. Input Controls are an integral part to any form. They allow a user to perform a variety of functions, e.g., type in text, select items from a list, upload a file, etc. They help to provide a framework for the kind of data that will be submitted by users. Selecting the correct input control for a data field is critical. Input controls will ensure that data is accurately processed through the application and that no data is added, lost, or altered during processing (Shu, unk). A system analyst must focus on input control during every phrase of input design, starting with source documents that promote data accuracy and quality (Shelly & Rosenblatt, (2012)). Without input controls there can be data integrity errors that could occur and cause information to be incorrect in the database. There are many types of input control that can be implemented during the design process; all of which have a function necessary to maintain the integrity of the transaction.

Types of Input Controls:

Text:

A text control creates a text box that is used for a single line of input. This control has two attributes: size and maxlength. Size determines the number of characters that are displayed on the form. Maxlength determines the maximum length of the input field. The data integrity error that is possible from using a text box is almost always going to occur due to human error. If the text box is programmed to accept letters (i.e. Name) and the user inserts a number, this will result

in a data integrity error. Other errors can be that your text increases the maxlength or size increases. Combobox: Another type of input control is the combo box that displays the current selection from the list of choices. When a user clicks a down arrow; it displays the list of choices that users are entered in it. The drop- down list box displays the current selection; when the user clicks the arrow, a list of the available choices displays. (Shelly & Rosenblatt, 2012) This input control method is used when there are only a specific number of choices to be made. A common example for the dropdown list is when a user is being asked in which state they reside. There are fifty choices, and these are the only options that are acceptable answers to the inquiry. If this input control method was not in place, there could be a multitude of things entered in this block that have nothing to do with. The data might not be saved in the database. It can also be possible that blank value is retrieved from database. Radio button: Radio button creates a list item. It indicates only one item in the list can be chosen. Data integrity errors that are possible, radio buttons do not represent a fixed set of values or a blank value is retrieved from the database. Password: The password input control is identical to text box used for single-line data entry. It masks data by displaying the entered texts as bullet.

Advantages and disadvantages of Restricting User Interfaces:

Restricting user interfaces means restricting users to specific functions or controls based on their role in the system. This is common on devices such as an automated teller machine ATM. The advantage of restricting user that it limits the potential avenues of attacks and system failures by restricting the processing options that are available to the user. On an ATM machine , if a user does not have a checking account with a bank he will not be shown the Withdraw money from the checking option. An information system might have Add/remove users menu options for administrators but if a normal, non-administrative user logs in he will not even see that menu option. By not even identifying potential options, the system limits the potentially harmful execution of unauthorized system or application commands. Use of database views will restrict important information from public. While programming for security we supposed to disable certain user controls. For disabling the user controls in user forms we have to set the disabled property to true or give them data access rights to read only. Limitations or disadvantages of input controls and disabling text selection or right click are as follows: Users cannot open a link in new tab or window. This irritates them a lot. Doing this does not assure that your content is safe from copycats. Experts can copy content from your webpage source. If a user finds a useful link, they cant copy it and share it. Thus site loses potential visitors.

It creates problems with some browsers like Mozilla Firefox. Text selection blocking JavaScript code in Mozilla prevents click on the text boxes. Means users will not be able to click on the search box, contact form textbox etc.

References Shastri, Akash (January 2011). Disadvantages Of Disabling Text Selection And Right Click.

Brainasoft. Retreived from: http://jabroo.blogspot.com/2011/01/disadvantages-of-disablingtext.html Tipton . F. ,H.(2008).Offical (isc)2 Guide to the Cissp Cbk. Constrained User Interface.(p.191).Auerbach Publications

Shelly,B.,G., B. ,& Woods,M.,D. (2009).HTML: Complete Concepts and Techniques .Web page Forms(p.305 -p.306).GEX publishing services