Computer hardware топик кратко
Обновлено: 05.07.2024
What is a computer?
The term computer is used to describe a device made up of a combination of electronic and electromechanical (part electronic and part mechanical) components. Computer has no intelligence by itself and is referred to as hardware. A computer system is a combination of five elements:
• Hardware
• Software
• People
• Procedures
• Data/information
When one computer system is set up to communicate with another computer system, connectivity becomes the sixth system element. In other words, the manner in which the various individual systems are connected — for example, by phone lines, microwave transmission, or satellite — is an element of the total computer system.
Software is the term used to describe the instructions that tell the hardware how to perform a task. Without software instructions, the hardware doesn't know what to do. People, however, are the most important component of the computer system: they create the computer software instructions and respond to the procedures that those instructions present.
The basic job of the computer is the processing of information. Computers accept information in the form of instruction called a program and characters called data to perform mathematical and logical operations, and then give the results. The data is raw material while information is organized, processed, refined and useful for decision making. Computer is used to convert data into information. Computer is also used to store information in the digital form.
Have you got a computer at home, school or work? What kind is it?
How often do you use it? What do you use it for?
What are the main components and features of your computer system?
2. In pairs, label the elements of this computer system.
3. Read the text and label the diagram with the correct terms.
Computer Hardware
A computer is an electronic machine which can accept data in a certain form, process the data, and give the results of the processing in a specified format as information.
First, data is fed into the computer's memory. Then, when the program is run, the computer performs a set of instructions and processes the data. Finally, we can see the results (the output) on the screen or in printed form.
A computer system consists of two parts: hardware and software. Hardwareis any electronic or mechanical part you can see or touch. Softwareis a set of instructions, called a program, which tells the computer what to do. There are three basic hardware sections: the central processing unit (CPU), main memoryand peripherals.
Perhaps the most influential component is the central processing unit. Its function is to execute program instructions and coordinate the activities of all the other units. In a way, it is the 'brain' of the computer. The main memory (a collection of RAM chips) holds the instructions and data which are being processed by the CPU. Peripherals are the physical units attached to the computer. They include storage devices and input/ output devices.
Storage devices(hard drives, DVD drives or flash drives) provide a permanent storage of both data and programs.Disk drivesare used to read and write data on disks. Input devices enable data to go into the computer's memory. The most common input devices are the mouse and the keyboardOutput devicesenable us to extract the finished product from the system. For example, the computer shows the output on the monitor or prints the results onto paper by means of a printer.
On the rear panel of the computer there are several portsinto which we can plug a wide range of peripherals - a modem, a digital camera, a scanner, etc. They allow communication between the computer and the devices. Modern desktop PCs haveUSB portsandmemory card readerson the front panel.
1) What is a computer? Give a definition in your own words.
2) What are the main parts of a Personal Computer? Brainstorm as many parts as you can think of.
3) What does a Personal Computer do?
4) How do humans communicate with a computer?
II. Reading
1. Now read the text and highlight the ideas not mentioned in the discussion.
A. Computers are electronic machines which can accept data in a certain form, process the data and give the results of the processing in a specified format as information.
B.Three basic steps are involved in the process. First, data is fed into the computer’s memory. Then, when the program is run, the computer performs a set of instructions and processes the data. Finally, we can see the results (the output) on the screen or in printed form.
C. Information in the form of data and programs is known as software, and the electronic and mechanical parts that make up a computer system are called hardware. A standard computer system consists of three main sections: the central processing unit (CPU), the main memory and the peripherals.
D. Perhaps the most influential component is the central processing unit. Its function is to execute program instructions and coordinate the activities of all the other units. In a way, it is the ‘brain’ of the computer. The main memory holds the instructions and data which are currently being processed by the CPU. The peripherals are the physical units attached to the computer. They include storage devices and input/output devices.
E. Storage devices (floppy, hard or optical disks) provide a permanent storage of both data and programs. Disk drives are used to handle one or more floppy disks. Input devices enable data to go into the computer’s memory. The most common input devices are the mouse and the keyboard. Output devices enable us to extract the finished product from the system. For example, the computer shows the output on the monitor or prints the results onto the paper by means of a printer.
F.On the rear panel of the computer there are several ports into which we can plug a wide range of peripherals – modems, fax machines, optical drives and scanners.
G. These are the main physical units of a computer system, generally known as the configuration.
(taken from Infotech, Remacha Esteras, p. 8)
III. Post-Reading
1. Read the text again and make a list of all unfamiliar words. Compare them with your partner. In pairs try to guess the meaning of these words.
2. Divide the text into logical parts. Think of the subtitle to each part. Highlight the topic sentence of each part.
3. a) In the text, find definitions of ‘software’, ‘hardware’, ‘the CPU’, ‘main memory’, ‘peripherals’, ‘storage devices’, ‘disc drives’, ‘input devices’, ‘output devices’.
b) Ask your partner.
- what software is;
- what hardware is;
- what constituent parts the computer includes;
- what the function of the CPU is;
- where the computer stores information;
- where the computer records results;
- what typical recording devices are;
- what input and output devices your partner knows.
c) Match the terms on the left with the definitions and explanations on the right. Compare them with the given in the context.
| a) software b)peripheral devices c) monitor d) floppy disk e) hardware f) input g) port h) output i) CPU | 1. the brain of the computer. 2. physical parts that make up a computer system. 3. programs which can be used on a particular computer system. 4. the information which is presented to the computer. 5. results produced by a computer. 6. hardware equipment attached to the CPU. 7. visual display unit. 8. small device used to store information. Same as ‘diskette’. 9. any socket or channel in a computer system into which an input/output device may be connected. |
4. Read these slogans or quotations, and say what computer element they refer to. Highlight the key words.
1. a) ‘The plot thins.’
2. a) ‘As quick as possible.’
b) ‘The heart of the computer.’
3. a) ‘Displays your ideas with perfect brilliance.’
b) ‘See the difference – sharp images and a fantastic range of colours.’
4. a) ‘Watch your music.’
b) ‘10.000 songs in your pocket.’
5. a) ‘Point and click here for power.’
b) ‘Obeys every impulse as if it were an extension of your hand.’
6. a) ‘Use your fingers.’
7. a) ’15 pages every minute.’
b) ‘Quality, colour, speed.’
5. Fill in the diagram with the missing information from the text.
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What is hardware? Webster's dictionary gives us the following definition of the hardware — the mechanical, magnetic, electronic, and electrical devices composing a computer system.
Computer hardware can be divided into four categories:
input hardware
processing hardware
storage hardware
output hardware. Input hardware
The purpose of the input hardware is to collect data and convert it into a form suitable for computer processing. The most common input device is a keyboard. It looks very much like a typewriter. The mouse is a hand held device connected to the computer by small cable. As the mouse is rolled across the mouse pad, the cursor moves across the screen. When the cursor reaches the desired location, the user usually pushes a button on the mouse once or twice to signal a menu selection or a command to the computer.
The light pen uses a light sensitive photoelectric cell to signal screen position to the computer. Another type of input hardware is optic-electronic scanner that is used to input graphics as well as typeset characters. Microphone and video camera Can be also used to input data into the computer. Electronic cameras are becoming very popular among the consumers for their relatively low price and convenience.
The purpose of processing hardware is retrieve, interpret and direct the execution of software instructions provided to the computer. The most common components of processing hardware are the Central Processing Unit and main memory.
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the brain of the computer. It reads and interprets software instructions and coordinates the processing activities that must take place. The design of the CPU affects the processing power and the speed of the computer, as well as the amount of main memory it can use effectively. With a well-designed CPU in your computer, you can perform highly sophisticated tasks in a very short time.
Memory is the system of component of the computer in which information is stored. There are two types of computer memory: RAM and ROM.
RAM (random access memory) is the volatile computer memory, used for creating loading, and running programs and for manipulating and temporarily storing data;
ROM (read only memory) is nonvolatile, nonmodifiable computer memory, used to hold programmed instructions to the system.
The more memory you have in your computer, the more operations you can perform.
The purpose of storage hardware is to store computer instructions and data in a form that is relatively permanent and retrieve when needed for processing. Storage hardware serves the same basic functions as do office filing systems except that it stores data as electromagnetic signals. The most common ways of storing data are Hard disk, floppy disk and CD-ROM.
Hard disk is a rigid disk coated with magnetic material, for storing programs and relatively large amounts of data.
Floppy disk (diskette) — thin, usually flexible plastic disk coated with magnetic material, for storing computer data and programs. There are two formats for floppy disks: 5.25" and 3.5". 5,25" is not used in modern computer systems because of it relatively large size, flexibility and small capacity. 3.5" disks are formatted 1.4 megabytes and are widely used.
CD-ROM (compact disc read only memory) is a compact disc on which a large amount of digitized read-only data can be stored. CD-ROMs are very popular now because of the growing speed which CD-ROM drives can provide nowadays.
Output hardware
The purpose of output hardware is to provide the user with the means to view information produced by the computer system. Information is output in either hardcopy or softcopy form. Hardcopy output can be held in your hand, such as paper with text (word or numbers) or graphics printed on it. Softcopy output is displayed on a monitor.
Monitor is a component with a display screen for viewing computer data, television programs, etc.
Printer is a computer output device that produces a paper copy of data or graphics.
Modem is an example of communication hardware — an electronic device that makes possible the transmission of data to or from computer via telephone or other communication lines.
Hardware comes in many configurations, depending on what the computer system is designed to do. Hardware can fill several floors of a large office building or can fit on your lap.
amount — количество
capacity — вместительность
circuitry — эл . цепи
CPU, microprocessor — микропроцессор
input hardware — устройства ввода данных
keyboard — клавиатура
lap — колени
modem — модем
output hardware — выходные устройства отображения информации
processing hardware — устройства обработки данных
RAM — ОЗУ (оперативное запоминающее устройство)
ROM — ПЗУ (постоянное запоминающее устройство)
CD - ROM — накопитель на компакт-дисках ( CD )
sensitive — чувствительный
sophisticated — сложный
storage hardware — устройства хранения данных
temporarily — временно
temporary — временный
the purpose — цель
tier — ярус
to affect — влиять
to connect — соединять
to convert — преобразовывать
to direct — управлять
to execute — выполнять
to interpret — переводить
to provide — обеспечивать
to reach — достигать
to retrieve — извлекать
to roll — катать, перекатывать
volatile — летучий , нестойкий , временный
General understanding:
What is the Webster's dictionary definition of the hardware?
What groups of hardware could be defined?
What is input hardware? What are the examples of input hardware?
What is mouse designed for? What is a light pen?
What is processing hardware? What are the basic types of memory used in a PC?
Can a PC-user change the ROM? Who records the information in ROM?
What is storage hardware? What is CD-ROM used for? Can a user record his or her data on a CD? What kind of storage hardware can contain more information: CD-ROM, RAM or ROM?
What is modem used for? Can PC-user communicate with other people without a modem?
Exercise Which of the listed below statements are true/false.
Specify your answer using the text.
1) Computer is an electronic device therefore hardware is a system of electronic devices.
The purpose of the input hardware is to collect data and convert it into a form suitable for computer processing.
Scanner is used to input graphics only.
The purpose of processing hardware is to retrieve, interpret and direct the execution of software instructions provided to the computer.
CPU reads and interprets software and prints the results on paper.
User is unable to change the contents of ROM.
5.25" floppy disks are used more often because they are flexible and have more capacity than 3.5" disks.
8) Printer is a processing hardware because its purpose is to show the information produced by the system.
9) Modem is an electronic device that makes possible the transmission of data from one computer to another via telephone or other communication lines.
10) The purpose of storage hardware is to store computer instructions and data in a form that is relatively permanent and retrieve them when needed for processing.
Exercise Give definitions to the following using the vocabulary
Что такое hardware
Что такое hardware — мы разобрались , и тут все должно быть понятно. Но часто рядом с этим термином можно встретить другие слова, которые с ним образуют технические словосочетания и несут собственную смысловую нагрузку.
Graphics Hardware
проектор;
монитор;
VR-очки.
Appropriate Graphics Hardware
Hardware Acceleration
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