COMPUTER ESSENTIALS



COMPUTER ESSENTIALS

access, hold, extract, machine, program, enter, permanently, processes, read, plug, electronic

A computer is an electronic _________ that accepts, processes, stores and outputs information. A computer system consists of software (a set of instructions, called a___________) and hardware (mechanical and ____________ parts). Hardware further comprises CPU ( a microprocessor chip which ______________ data), the main memory, which ____________ the instructions and data which are being processes, and peripherals. The main memory has two main sections: RAM (random ________ memory) and ROM (________ only memory). Peripherals include: input devices, output devices and storage devices. Input devices let us ________ data and commands. Output devices let us ____________ the results (e.g. the monitor and the printer). Storage devices which are used to store information _____________ are hard disks and DVD-RW drives. At the back of a computer there are ports into which we can __________ external devices (a scanner, a modem, etc.)

|1 |A mainframe |a | is a tiny computer which can be held in one hand.|

| | | |For input, there is a small keyboard or you use a |

| | | |stylus with a touch screen. Some models |

| | | |incorporate handwriting recognition or voice |

| | | |recognition. |

|2 |A desktop PC |b |is the most powerful type of computer which |

| | | |supports multiple users at the same time. |

|3 |A laptop or notebook PC |c |runs on batteries and is worn on the user’s body. |

|4 |A tablet PC |d |is a lightweight computer which comes with a |

| | | |touchpad, battery packs, now with aTFT screen and |

| | | |USB ports for connecting peripherals. |

|5 |A PDA |e |has its own CPU, monitor and keyboard and is |

| | | |designed to be placed on your desk. Some models |

| | | |have a vertical case – a tower. |

|6 |A wearable computer |f |looks like a book with an LCD screen on which you |

| | | |can write. You can fold and rotate the screen 180 |

| | | |degrees. It’s mobile. |

INPUT DEVICES are: keyboard, mouse, joystick, digital camera, webcam, scanner, microphone, graphics tablet, touch screen, lightpen, barcode reader, touchpad, trackball.

Which would you use

a) to play computer games

b) to send live video images via the Internet

c) to copy images from paper into a computer

d) to read price labels in a shop

e) to select text and click on links on web pages

f) to enter drawings and sketches into a computer

g) to input voice commands and dictate text

h) to draw pictures or select menu options directly on the screen

i) to take and store pictures and then download them to a computer

ICT SYSTEMS

(from E. M. Fabré and Esteras S. R. (2007) Professional English in Use, ICT. Cambridge, CUP)

ICT systems are classified according to their aim. There are three types of systems:

- an information system

- a control system

- a communication system

An information system is used to manage data and information about something.

A control system is used to control the different devices (e.g. sensors that detect smoke and set off the alarms)

A communication system are designed for sending data between different devices. (e.g. the Internet, a mobile phone network, digital television).

Most of the devices used in ICT systems are multi-purpose. For example, the Internet enables users to exchange files, send emails and surf the Web to find information.

Define the following systems:

- the registration system of a university

- a robot at a car assembly line

- an unmanned spaceship

- a radio network

- a video conferencing system

- call centres

Find the word in the text which defines:

1. something (tool, building, system, etc) that can be used for many different purposes

2. something that can function without a person controlling it

3. the act of recording names and details on an official list

4. an office where people answer customers' questions, make sales etc by using the telephone

5. a system in a factory in which the products move past a line of workers who each make or check one part

Fill in the gaps using: smoke, crossing, devices, lights, lines, alarms

This system is very useful as it is used to control___________ which can, for example, turn __________ on and off in an empty home as a security measure, it can detect _________, set off the __________ or open and shut gates at an unmanned railway _________________. It can also control robotic arms used at assembly__________ in the automobile industry.

Which system is the text about?

What are the benefits and what are the drawbacks of replacing people with computers?

Think of: costs, efficiency, staff, communication, lesser-skilled people, jobs, technology dependence.

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Telephoning:

A: Hello. ____________ Mr Brown from The ME. I’d like to ________ to Mrs Janson.

B: I’ll ___________ you through _____ her.

A: Good morining. Is that Ms Brown?

B: Yes, __________

A: Oh, hello. I’m trying to ______ in touch with Mr Smith. Is he _______?

B: I’m sorry, but Mr Smith has just _____________

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