5. Other applications

A.  Choose one of the areas in the diagram below and write: what computers can do in this area.

a) Formula 1             b) Entertainment              c) Factories               d) Hospitals

	Computers are used to design and construct racing cars.
	People use computers to play all kinds of computer games: chees, adventure games, simulation games, etc.
	Database programs are used to keep records of patients and medical personnel.
	Computers, monitors and scanners help doctors diagnose cancer and other illnesses.
	Fortunately entertainment software means more than just computer game.
	Computers are used to control machinery, robots, production lines, lists of products, etc.
	Computers help engineers to design the car body and the mechanical parts.
	There are specialized programs for composing and plaing music.
	Electronic instruments and robots are used in surgery.
	PCs can combine sound, text and animated images.
	Multimedia applications allow users to produse slide shows, retouch photographs, etc.
	By using computer-aided manufacturing software, engineers can simulate and test designs before parts are actually produced.
	Optical disks make encyclopaedias and books avalilable on computer.
	During races a lot of microprocessors control the electronic components of the car and monitor the engine speed, temperature and other vital information.

B. Now write a short paragraph summarizing this information.

Examples In business, computers are used for financial planning, accounting and specific calculations. In the office, computers are used to write letters and keep records of clients, suppliers and employees.

Unit 2 Configuration

1. Reading

Read the text and study the diagram given below.

What is a computer?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 paper by means of a printer.

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.

These are the main physical units of a computer system generally known as the configuration.

Use the information in the text and the diagram to help you match the terms in the box with the appropriate explanation or definition below.

a) software	d) floppy disk	g) port
b) peripheral device	e) hardware	h) output
c) monitor	f) input	i) central processing unit

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 score information. Same as 'diskette'._____

9. Any socket or channel in a computer system into which an input/output device may be connected._____.

3. Read and guess

Read these slogans or quotations, and say what computer element they refer to.

printer / mouse / CPU /  hard disk / monitor

1) a. 'Point and click here for power.'

b. 'Obeys every impulse as if it were an extension of your hand.'

2) a. 'Displays your ideas with perfect brilliance.'

b. 'See the difference - sharp images and a fantastic range of colors.'

3) a. 'I love this drive. It's quiet and fast'

b. 'With this it's easy to back up your data before it's too late.'

4) a.' Power and speed on the inside.'

b.' Let your computer's brain do the work.'

5) a. '...a big impact on the production of text and graphics.'

b.' Your choice: a laser powerhouse.'

Before listening, answer these questions.

1. Have you got a computer at home, school or work? What kind is it?

2. How often do you use it? What do you use it for?

3. What are the main components and features (the configuration) of your computer system?

4. Listening (or reading)

   1. Listen to a short lecture given by an expert on computer systems. As you listen, label the pictures below with the words in the box.

Digital computers can be divided into three main types, depending on their size and power: mainframes, minicomputers and microcomputers.

’Mainframes’ are the largest and most powerful computers. The basic configuration of a mainframe consists of a central system which processes immense amounts of data very quickly. This central system provides data information and computing facilities for hundreds of terminals connected together in a network. Mainframes are used by large companies, factories and universities.

’Minicomputers’ are smaller and less powerful than mainframes. They can handle multitasking, that is, they can perform more than one task at the same time. Minicomputers are mainly used as file servers for terminals. Typical applications include academic computing, software engineering and other sophisticated applications in which many users share resources.

’Microcomputers’ are smaller than mainframes and minis, and carry out their processing on a single microchip. They are used as personal computers in the home or as workstations for group work. Examples of micros are the IBM PC or the Apple Macintosh. Broadly speaking, there are two classes of personal computers: (a) desktop PCs, which are designed to be placed on your desk, and (b) portable PCs, which can be as tiny as a notebook. This is why they are also called ’notebooks’ and ’laptops’. These are the smallest and least powerful computers, but the latest models can run as fast as similar desktop computers and can have similar configurations. They are ideal for business executives who travel a lot.

Microcomputer (portable) Microcomputer (desktop PC) mainframe minicomputer

2. Listen again and choose the correct answer.

1. According to the speaker:

a) a mainframe computer is less powerful than a minicomputer.

b) a mainframe is more powerful than a minicomputer.

c) a mainframe is not very powerful but can execute jobs very rapidly.

2. Mainframe computers are used by:

a) students and teachers in school.

b) executives and businessmen.

c) large organizations processing enormous amounts of data.

3. 'Multitasking' means:

a) access to a minicomputer through terminals.

b) doing a number of tasks at the same time.

c) connection to a 'host' computer network so that many users have access to data and programs.

4. The most suitable computers for home use are:

a) mainframes.

b) minicomputers.

c) microcomputers (PCs).

5. The smallest computers are known as:

a) minicomputers.

b) desktop PCs.

c) laptops and notebook computers.

1._______ 2._______ 3._______ 4.________ 5.________

5. Follow-up: Minis and micros

Complete the text below with the words.

Systems memory task   terminals desktop CAD applications

The first microcomputers, also known as(1)'____' PCs, were for single users only, and this clearly distinguished them from minicomputers. Another important difference was that 'minis' were much more powerful than 'micros': they could execute more than one(2)_____simultaneously and were used as file servers for(3)______ and workstations. However, modern microcomputers have operating(4)_____ and network facilities that can support many simultaneous users. Today, most personal computers have enough(5)_____ to be used for word processing and business(6)_______. Some PCs can even handle multitasking and(7)______ applications. As a result, the division between 'minis' and 'micros' is now disappearing.