I. Read the conversation: buying a computer
Part 1. A: I’m thinking of buying a computer, and I need some advice.
B: OK. What do you want to use it for?
A: For writing, maybe for games. I want it for the Internet.
B: For the Internet and games… I recommend you a multimedia computer.
A: What do you mean a multimedia computer?
B: Well, it’s more powerful than a basic computer. It’s got sound and CD-ROM or DVD drive. You can use it for high-quality graphics, animation and video.
Part 2 A: What if I wanted… I travel a lot, if I wanted something smaller, what’s available?
B: There are portable computers. A multimedia notebook is probably best.
A: Is a notebook the smallest kind you can get?
B: No, you can get subnotebooks and even smaller handheld devices. They’re mostly used as organizers, as a diary, a «to do» list, and that kind of thing. But for writing and general use a notebook is better.
A: OK. I think I’ll go for a notebook. What other things do I need?
B: A printer… and for the Internet, make sure you have a modem.
A: A modem?
B: Yes, it’s a device for connecting your computer to a telephone line. You need it to connect to the Internet.
II. Read Part 1 of this conversation between a shop assistant and acustomer. Choose the correct answers to these questions.
1. The customer wants a computer for: writing graphics games Internet video
2. A multimedia computer provides :sound graphics animation telephone video
III. Read Part 2 of the conversation. In column a, tick the hardware items named. In column b , tick the items the assistant recommends. Devices
<multimedia computer <multimedia notebook <subnotebook <laptop <handheld <printer <monitor <modem
Portable computers
TESTS
1. Choose necessary words.
1. Information is given into the computer in the form of _______
a) ideas; b) characters; c) rules
2. The basic function of a computer is information.
a) to switch; b) to keep; c) to process
3. The data needed for solving problems are kept in the ________
a) memory; b) input device; c) output device
4. Inputting information into the computer is realized by means of .
a) a printer; b) letters; c) diskettes
5. A computer can carry out arithmetic-logical operations
a) quickly; b) instantaneously; c) during some minutes
6. Computers have become in homes, offices, research institutes.
a) commonwealth; b) commonplace; c) common room
7. Space uses computers widely.
a) information; b) production; c) exploration
8. Computers are used for image .
a) processing; b) operating; c) producing
9. Computers help in of economy.
a) invironment; b) management; c) government.
10. Air traffic control depends on computer- information.
a) generated; b) instructed; c) combined
2. Give to the terms in the left column the definitions presented on the right.
Computer Data Input device Memory Output device
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a) a machine by which information is received from the computer; b) a device capable of storing and manipulating numbers, letters and characters; c) an electronic machine that processesdata under the control of a stored program; d) a disk drive reading the informationinto the computer; e) information given in the form of characters. |