Introduction to computers

1. Computer system

Think about essential attributes of a system what does it take

for it to function properly?

A computer is a device that processes data according to a set of

instructions

known

as

program.

Whereas

the

physical

equipment is known as hardware, the programs and data are the

software. Hardware and software together constitute a computer
system. The success or failure of any computer system depends
on the skill with which its constituent parts, i.e., hardware and
software, are selected and integrated. Computer software can be
divided into two very broad categories systems software and
applications software. A special set of programs, called an
operating system (OS), provides an interface for the user and
allows applications programs to communicate with the hardware.
In addition to programs, the data used by the computer also
belongs to computer software.
Complete the following passage with the missing words:

strengths
speech

restrict
scope

interface
weaknesses

limited
evolved

As the _____________of computer applications has been broadened

and the number of computer users has also increased, a variety of
ways have been __________ for communication between the user
and the computer. This is referred to as the user _______________of
the user environment. All user interface designs are _____________
by the capabilities of machines and people. Each design seeks to
make the most of the _____________ and avoid the ________________ of
computer equipment of its users. Generally speaking, aspects of
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computer hardware, for example processing speed, memory

capacity, input and output devices, ____________what software can
achieve. This explains why ________________, the most common type
of communication between people, is not yet in everyday use for
communication between people and computers.
*A 'system' is a good mixture of integrated parts which work together to form a
useful whole.

2. Hardware
A typical digital computer assemblage has three basic functional
elements: (1) input-output (I/O) equipment, (2) main memory and
(3) the central processing unit (CPU). The CPU, which is built into
a single microprocessor chip, consists of the control unit and the
arithmetic logic unit. Another component of the CPU are the
registers, i.e., reserved memory units used to store and control
information. Whereas the central processing unit and the main
memory are considered essential components of most digital
computer systems, the input-output devices, communications
devices

and

secondary

(auxiliary)

storage

units

constitute

peripheral equipment (peripherals) attached to the CPU.

There are two main types of memory: RAM (random access
memory, working memory, primary memory) holds the program
instructions and the data that is used by the processor. ROM (read
only memory) holds the program instructions and settings needed
to start up the computer. Transferring data between the processor
and RAM can slow up the computer; therefore, some very
expensive, extremely fast memory is usually used as a cache to
hold the most frequently used data.
In a desktop computer, the CPU and storage devices are normally
built inside a system unit. Other peripherals are usually attached
to the system unit by cables. However, computer designers are

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constantly experimenting with other, more compact types of

computers.

Make wh-word questions about the text on the previous pages that match the
answers below.

1. Two very broad categories.

2. The skill with which its constituent parts, are selected and
integrated.
3. Capabilities of machines and people.
4. More compact types of computers.
5. Aspects of computer hardware.
6. A single microprocessor chip.
7. To hold the most frequently used data.
8. Peripheral equipment.
9. Program instructions and settings needed to start up the
computer.

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3. Types of computers
Complete the subheadings by inserting the words in A-E that denote common
types of computers:
There are different types of computer of varying size and power,
including the following:
A. ______________________
a very large computer which works very fast. It is likely to have many
processors working in parallel, so that tasks can be completed very
quickly.
B. ______________________
a large, very powerful computer; multi-user, i.e.*, can be accessed from
many (several thousand) terminals at the same time. It is capable of
multi-tasking, i.e., it can run many programs and process different sets
of data at the same time. Such computers are used in managing central
databases.
C. ______________________
They are now considered to be small mainframes usually accessed
from several terminals (multi-user). Minicomputers are more powerful
than microcomputers (PCs), but they are still inexpensive enough to be
bought by small and medium-sized organizations.
D. _____________________ (or _______________________ )
A computer small enough and cheap enough

to

be

bought

by

individuals, i.e., a single-user computer. A personal computer is a type

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of microcomputer a small digital computer that uses only one

microprocessor. (A microprocessor is a semiconductor chip that contains
all the arithmetic, logic, and control circuitry needed to perform the
functions of a computer's central processing unit.). Personal computers
generally are low-cost machines that can perform most of the functions
of larger computers but use software oriented toward easy, single-user
applications.
Note that the term PC usually refers to an IBM compatible personal
computer i.e., an Apple Mac personal computer is not referred to as a
PC. In term of principal design, two basic personal computer types can
be differentiated: desktop computers and portable computers (such as
laptops, netbooks and tablets) that pocket PCs (handheld computers
and PDAs) also belong to.
E. ________________ computers
A computer that provides a service on a network, e.g., storing files,
sharing a printer, is known as a server computer. Server computers
usually have a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) attached to them.
This is a battery that automatically provides an electricity supply to
allow the server to shut itself down properly if the main supply fails.
* i.e. = that is, in other words
3. Find words/phrases on pages 39-41 that match the descriptions (A) in the table.

A
changeable

simultaneously
a piece of equipment joining the user to the
central
computer system
performing several operations at the same
time
opposite of single-user
small and firmly packed together
finish working in the way it should be done
various parts forming an integrated whole
used to assist or support
that cannot be interrupted
to link / connect
electricity supply
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where most frequently used data is held on a

computer
electric circuits considered as a group

4. Some definitions of hardware-related terms

Which of the following elements of hardware (1-6) do the sentences below

refer to:
1. the main memory
3. the ALU
5. output devices

___

2. the control unit

4. input devices
6. secondary memory

any device used to enter data and program instructions into a

computer
___

any device which enables access to the results of processing

___

here information for future use can be stored

___

here data and programs for immediate use are held

___

this unit selects and controls signals and commands inside the

processor and
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directs all the operations of the ALU.

___

this unit processes data by performing arithmetic and logic

algorithms; the arithmetic operations include addition (+),
subtraction (-), multiplication (x), division (/) and exponentiation
(xn).

Put the following elements in the right order. No extra elements need to be
added.
__________________________________________________________________________________
1. constitute / computer / Software / alone / doesn't / a / system
2. needs / A computer / hardware / system / software / complete /
both / and / to be
3. arithmetic logic / unit / and / unit / are / control/ the / parts of
the / processor / The
4. processor / CPU / The / is / referred / as / the / usually / to
__________________________________________________________________________________

5. Verb + noun collocations

Collocations or word partnerships can be one of the features of a specific
jargon. The way words are combined in a phrase does not have to be the same in
the language of medicine, law or computing. In learning the terminology of a
particular field it is therefore useful to pay attention to combinations of words,
not just the meaning of specific technical terms. Some of the examples of
phrases commonly found in texts about computers are given below.
1. Complete the collocations in the table below. Most of them are used in Units 23.

verb

+ noun

Handout 3a, Engleski jezik 1 PITUP (NP)

verb

+ noun
33

solve

p___________

select
i____________

parts

process

information / data
s____ of data

divide into

c____________

o___________

on data

h___________

instructions / data
/
settings (in
memory)

d___________

operations

attach

e___________
to the CPU /
peripherals

control

the f_______

store
use

p__________ and
data

perform

tasks /
al___________

s________ up

the computer

o___________

business data

en__________ /
provide

access

simulate

b__________ of
complex systems

r___________ /
ex_____________

a program

access

a computer /
a d____ b____

provide

power s_________ /
inter________ /
services

m__________

a data base

e____________

data / instructions

r___________

commands to

s___________

the speed of to

con__________
_e

a system

re___________

instructions

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