Topic: computer components

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I. Pre-Reading

1. Before you read the text answer the following questions.

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.’

b) ‘Less is more.’

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.’

b) ‘Text master.’

7. a) ’15 pages every minute.’

b) ‘Quality, colour, speed.’

5. Fill in the diagram with the missing information from the text.

SOFTWARE

PERIPHERALS

DATA INSTRUCTIONS

monitor

floppy disks optical disks

INPUT

DEVICES

IV. Vocabulary Work

1. a) Fill in the gaps in the sentences using the words from the box. Watch out! There’s an extra word.

the CPU, keyboard, floppy disks, hardware, keyboard (3), output devices, hard disks, software, input unit, mouse.

1. An ___________ is a section of the computer which accepts information from outside.

2. The constituent parts of a computer are called ___________.

3. ___________ can store much more information than ___________, their access is faster.

4. ___________ coordinates and controls the activities of other units and performs all the processes.

5. ___________ include printers, plotters etc.

6. Input devices include a ___________, a joystick, ___________, a light pen.

7. A computer ___________ looks like a typewriter ___________.

b) Use the words and expressions from the box in the sentences of your own.

2. Give the English equivalents to the words in brackets.

1. We shall discuss (аппаратное обеспечение) of this computer at the next seminar.

2. (световое перо) is one of the input devices.

3. Every computer (клавиатура) has a CONTROL key.

4. We have just discussed the types of (принтеры).

5. (мышка) is a palm-sized box with a wire that links it to the computer.

6. (монитор) is a device which displays the computer output.

3. Complete the sentences so that they make sense.

1. The mouse allows a user to ___________.

2. Today computers have enough___________.

3. There are various types of printers: ___________.

4. The input devices are ___________.

5. The output devices are ___________.

6. A standard computer system includes___________.

V. Speaking.

Read the beginning of the dialogue. Think of your own ending.

- Hallo, Nick! Where are you going?

- Hallo, Tommy! I’m going to the reading room to read up for the seminar.

- Oh, I’m going to the reading room, too. I want to finish my report on computer’s hardware.

- Really? Great! I’d like to ask you some questions about computers if you don’t mind.

- Sure. Go ahead.

- ………………..

The following expressions might be helpful: * I wonder … if ………………………...? * I’m not sure I’ll have to check ……... * That’s a very interesting question... * What else I’d like to ………………….. * Well, let me see ……………………….

VI. Writing

Your University has decided to buy new computers. You are asked for advice. You think that the computer you use at home would be ideal for this purpose. Write the description of the computer you use, point out its

name;