XIV. Points for discussion

1. Explain two benefits and two limitations of PDAs.

2. Explain how laptops can be beneficial to business people.

3. Give three examples how tablet PCs can be used in the classroom.

Text 3 hardware

I. Read and translate the text

Webster's dictionary gives us the following definition (визначення) of the hardware — the devices (пристрої) composing (які складають) a computer system.

Computer hardware can be divided (може ділитися) into four categories:

1. input hardware (апаратне забезпечення вводу)

2. processing hardware(апаратне забезпечення обробки)

3. storage hardware(апаратне забезпечення зберігання)

4. output hardware. (апаратне забезпечення виводу)

Input hardware

Input hardware collects data (збирає дані) and converts (перетворює) them into a form suitable (відповідний) for computer processing (комп'ютерної обробки). The most common (найбільш поширений) input device is a keyboard (клавіатура). It looks very much like a typewriter (Він дуже нагадує друкарську машинку). The mouse is a hand-held device connected (який з’єднаний) to the computer by a small cable. As the mouse is rolled across the desktop (робочий стіл), the cursor moves across (рухається) the screen(екран). When the cursor reaches (досягає) the desired location (бажане розташування), the user usually pushes a button (натискує кнопку) on the mouse once or twice to give a command to the computer. Another type of input hardware is optic-electronic scanner (оптично-електронний сканер). Microphone and video camera can be also used to input data into the computer.

Processing hardware

Processing hardware directs the execution of software instructions (направляє виконання команд програмного забезпечення) in the computer. The most common components (найбільш поширені компоненти) of processing hardware are the central processing unit (центральний процесор) and main memory (оперативна пам'ять).

The central processing unit (CPU) is the brain (мозок) of the computer. It reads and interprets (інтерпретує) software instructions and coordinates the processing (coordinates the processing).

Memory is the component of the computer in which information is stored (зберігається). There are two types of computer memory: RAM and ROM.

RAM (random access memory(оперативна пам'ять)) is the memory, used for creating, loading and running programs

ROM (read only memory(постійна пам’ять)) is computer memory used to hold programmed instructions(запрограмовані команди ) to the system.

The more memory you have in your computer, the more operations you can perform.

Storage hardware

The purpose (мета) of storage hardware is to store computer instructions and data and retrieve (отримати) when needed for processing (коли потрібно для обробки). Storage hardware stores data as electromagnetic signals. The most common ways (Найбільш поширені способи) of storing data are hard disk, floppy disk, CD-ROM and removable flash memory.

Hard disk is a rigid disk (жорсткий диск) coated (покритий) with magnetic material, for storing programs and relatively large amounts (відносно великі кількості) of data.

Floppy disk (diskette) — a thin, usually flexible (гнучкий) plastic disk coated with magnetic material, for storing temporary computer data (для зберігання тимчасових комп'ютерних даних) and programs.

CD-ROM (compact disc read only memory) is a compact disc on which a large amount of digitized data (оцифровані дані) can be stored. CD-ROMs are very popular now because of the growing speed which CD-ROM drives can provide nowadays (може забезпечити в даний час).

Removable flash memory (Знімна флеш-память).

Flash memory is solid-state, rewritable memory (твердотіла, перезаписувана пам'ять); it is non-volatile (довготривала), so it retains (зберігає) data when the power is turned off. This explains its popularity in small devices. Flash memory cards such as Compact Flash or Secure Digital are found in cameras, PDAs (кишенькові комп'ютери) and music players. Flash drives (Карти флеш-пам’яті), also known as thumb or pen drives (повзункові або пір'яні диски), are connected to a USB port of the computer. They let you save and transfer (зберігати і передавати) data easily.

Output hardware

The purpose (мета) of output hardware is to provide the user with the means to view information produced by the computer system (надати користувачеві можливість проглянути інформацію, продуковану комп'ютерною системою). Information is in either hardcopy or softcopy (паперова копія або електронна копія) 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 display screen for viewing (для перегляду) 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 (передача даних) to or from computer via (через) telephone or other communication lines.

Hardware comes in many configurations, depending on (залежно від) what you are going to do on your computer.