Configuration

Computers are electronic machines which can accept data in a certain form, processed the data and give the results of 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 processed the data. Finally, we can see the results (the output) on the screen or in printed form.

Information in the form of data and program 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. It is to execute program functions 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 or hard disks) provide a permanent storage of both data and programs. 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.

(E.C.U.)

У пражнение 5. Прослушайте текст и скажите, верны ли данные утверждения. Измените предложения, содержащие неправильную информацию так, чтобы они тоже стали верными.

Characteristics

I nput Computer Output

Sec. Storage

Figure 1.

1. All information to be processed must be prepared in such a way that the computer will understand it.

2. Because of the complex electronic circuitry of a computer, data can be either stored or moved about at high speeds.

3. Not all computers can process data given to them and produce results.

4. The basic concepts of data processing are restricted to computer alone.

5. The processor is the central component of a computer system.

6. All other devices used in a computer system are attached to the CPU.

7. Memory devices are used for storing information.

8. Computers are very much restricted in what they can do.

9. Computers today cost less, are smaller, and need fewer people to operate them than in the past.

10. Computers haven’t changed our working conditions very much.

Упражнение 6. Приведенным ниже терминам подберите соответствующее объяснение:

software; b) floppy disk; c) output;

d) peripheral devices; e) hardware; f) Central Processing Unit

g) monitor; h) input; i) port.

1. The brain of the computer.

2. Physical parts that make up a computer system.

3. Programs which can be used on 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.

Упражнение 7.

а) Прочитайте словосочетания и переведите их:

to direct and control signals;

storage location;

to enter the information into the computer;

to display the results;

direct access.

b) Прочитайте текст, обращая внимание на терминологию. Приведите русские эквиваленты выделенным терминам, при необходимости воспользуйтесь специальным словарем.

A computer has four basic components: input, processor, memory and output. The processor has two parts: the control unit, which directs and controls the signals and commands inside the processor, and the arithmetic-logical unit which does the five arithmetic operations and the three decision-making operations.

In a computer, internal memory or primary memory refers to the storage locations inside the computer whereas secondary memory refers to the storage embodied in the peripherals. The types of internal memory: core, as in the mainframes; semiconductor or chip, as in microcomputers. Secondary memory, on the other hand, may be classified as either sequential (tape) or direct-access (disk).

The input devices enter the information into the computer. After the processor has operated on it, the output devices display the results of the computations on a printer or a terminal, or store them on disk.

Упражнение 8. Используя диаграмму, заполните пропуски в приведенном ниже тексте: