Extend your knowledge

What is a computer?

A dictionary might say computers are electronic things for storing and processing data. There are many kinds: mainframes, desktops, laptops, etc. so let's talk about Personal Computers - PCs for short.

Computer hardware is the physical part of a computer, including the digital circuitry, as distinguished from the computer software that executes within the hardware. The hardware of a computer is infrequently changed, in comparison with software and data, which are "soft" in the sense that they are readily created, modified or erased on the computer. Firmware is a special type of software that rarely, if ever, needs to be changed and so is stored on hardware devices such as read-only memory (ROM) where it is not readily changed (and is, therefore, "firm" rather than just "soft").

M ost computer hardware is not seen by normal users. It is in embedded systems in automobiles, microwave ovens, electrocardiograph machines, compact disc players, and other devices. Personal computers, the computer hardware familiar to most people, form only a small minority of computers (about 0.2% of all new computers produced in 2003).

What does a common PC have?

Most home or office computers will have a CPU (the Central Processing Unit), a keyboard that you type on, a mouse that you use to control the cursor on your screen, and a monitor that you read. Many PCs now have speakers for sound and printers.

Questions:

• What is a computer?

• Do you have a computer? What kind and make?

• What does your computer have?

• What kind of monitor do you have?

• What make is your mouse?

Read and Speak

Printer problems

Practice the conversation − I’ve finished my report, but the printer is broken. What can I do? − Save the file on a CD or a flash-disc and bring it to my house. We can use my printer. − That's a great idea. − Or email it to me − that might be faster. − Hmm, that won't work. The report has graphs and the file is too big for my old and slow modem connection.

DVD-ROMs and games

Define the words:	Practice the conversation. − Should I get a DVD-ROM with my new computer? − Of course. All the good game software now comes on so called “optical drives”. They can store from 4.7 to 17 Gb! And you would be able to watch video from DVDs. − I have a DVD-player for that. But I think games is a good idea. First I was planning to use it just for emails and surfing. − Yeah. Games are something. I love NFS. − What’s that? My brother says only quests are worth time spent on them. − Need For Speed is a racing game. You know, cars and all. Everything in 3D! − Doesn’t sound attractive to me. I bet I’ll prefer something more adventurous. − Then you need an action RPG, that’s what hooks you for weeks! − OK, I’ll try. What do you recommend for a start? − Take Morrowind or Warcraft. They are great. Now learn these talks and reproduce them in class! What games do you know? Which is your favourite?
DVD-ROM:
Gb:
racing game:
3D:
action RPG:
hooks:
graphs: