UNIT 2: INTRODUCTION TO THE COMPUTER

2.1. Definition of computer

Expenses
(e.g payroll,
services
publicity)

Balance

Income
(e.g sales,
stock,
interest)

Fig 1

A. Read the text and then explain Fig.1 in your own words
 What is a computer?
A computer is an electronic machine which can accept data in a certain form,
process the data, and give the results of the processing in a specified format as
information.
First, data is fed into the computer's memory. Then, when the program is run, the
computer performs a set of instructions and processes the data. Finally, we can see the
results (the output) on the screen or in printed form (see Fig.1 above).
A computer system consists of two parts: hardware and software. Hardware is any
electronic or mechanical part you can see or touch. Software is a set of instructions,
called a program, which tells the computer what to do. There are three basic hardware
sections: the central processing unit (CPU), main memory and peripherals. Perhaps
the most influential component is the central processing unit. Its function is to execute
program instructions and coordinate the activities of all the other units. In a way, it is the
'brain' of the computer. The main memory (a collection of RAM chips) holds the
instructions and data which are being processed by the CPU. Peripherals are the physical
units attached to the computer. They include storage devices and input/ output devices.
Storage devices (hard drives, DVD drives or flash drives) provide a permanent
storage of both data and programs. Disk drives are used to read and write data on disks.
Input devices enable data to go into the computer's memory. The most common input
devices are the mouse and the keyboard. Output devices enable us to extract the
finished product from the system. For example, the computer shows the output on the
monitor or prints the results onto paper by means of a printer. On the rear panel of the
computer there are several ports into which we can plug a wide range of peripherals - a
modem, a digital camera, a scanner, etc. They allow communication between the
computer and the devices. Modern desktop PCs have USB ports and memory card
readers on the front panel.

A USB port A USB connector

 (Source: Infotech – English for computer users -Forth edition).
B. Match these words from the text (1-9) with the correct meanings (a-i).
1 Software a the brain of the computer
2 peripherals b physical parts that make up a computer system
3 main memory c programs which can be used on a particular computer
4 hard drive (also system
known as hard disk) d the information which is presented to the computer
5 hardware e results produced by a computer
6 input f input devices attached to the CPU
7 ports g section that holds programs and data while they are
8 output executed or processed
9 central processing h magnetic device used to store information
unit (CPU) i sockets into which an external device may be connected

2.2. Computer Types.

In this unit you will learn about different types of computers and what makes them
unique.

Computers were not always things you could carry around with you, or even have in
your bedroom. Sixty years ago, computers (such as ENIAC) were as big as entire
apartments. They were difficult to use and not very powerful by today’s standards. They
also cost a lot of money to build and operate. So computers were only used by large
organizations such as governments, international corporations, and universities.
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, computers captured the public's imagination in
literature, films, and TV. More and more companies wanted computers, even if they
didn't always have a good reason to own one. As a result, computers gradually became
smaller, cheaper, and more practical to own. This was thanks in part to companies like
IBM, which mass-produced computers for the first time and promoted them to medium
and large businesses to do things like payroll, accounting, and other number-crunching
tasks.

In the 1970s and 1980s a new type of computer started to gain in popularity. It was
called the PC or personal computer. For the first time in history, computers were now for
everyone. The PC started a revolution which affects nearly everything we do today. The
ways we work, play, communicate, and access information have all been radically
reshaped due to the invention and evolution of the PC.

PCs are everywhere you look today: at home, at the office, and everywhere in
between. Many people still mistakenly believe the term PC is synonymous with a desktop
computer running Windows. This is not really true. Really, any computer you use by
yourself for general purposes could be called a PC. You probably already own at least
one of these types of PCs:
 laptop
 desktop computer
 PDA or personal digital assistant
 workstation
Besides PCs, there are other types of computers you probably see at work or school.
These include:
 file servers
 web servers

But not all types of computers are as obvious as the ones above. There are still other
kinds of computers that fit inside of other devices and control them. These computers are
known as embedded systems.

Embedded systems can be found in traffic lights, TV sets, refrigerators, coffee

machines and many more devices. Embedded systems are typically controlled by
inexpensive, specialized processors which can only handle very specific tasks.
Types of computers go in and out of fashion as time changes. Older kinds of
computers which were very popular in the 20th century (1900's) are now referred to as
legacy systems. These include:
 mainframes
 minicomputers
  IBM clones

Fig.1.1 Mainframe Fig.1.2. Minicomputer Fig.1.3. IBM clone

New types of computers are always coming out and replacing or augmenting
existing computer types. Examples of new types of computers emerging would be net
books, tablet PCs, and even wearable computers. As you complete this unit, you will
learn to differentiate between different computer types. Keep in mind that the lines
between computer types are constantly being blurred. This phenomenon is known as
convergence.

(Source: Oxford English for Information Technology)

2.3. Reading: Read the extract from an ICT class below and do the tasks
As I'll explain to you now, computers can be divided into five main types,
depending on their size and power. These are: mainframes, desktop PCs, laptops, tablet
PCs and personal digital assistants, or PDAs.
 Mainframes are the largest and most powerful computer. The basic configuration
of a mainframe consists of a central system which processes immense amounts of data
very quickly. This central system provides information and computing facilities for
hundreds of terminals connected together in a network. Mainframes are used for large-
scale computing purposes in banks, universities and big companies.
 PCs, or personal computers, carry out their processing on a single microchip.
They are usually classified by size and portability. A desktop PC is designed to be placed
on your desk. It is used as a home computer or as a workstation for group work. Typical
examples are the IBM PC and the Apple Macintosh.
 A laptop is a portable computer that has a flat LCD screen and uses batteries for
mobile use. Small laptops are also called notebooks. The latest models can run as fast as
similar desktop computers and have similar configurations. They are ideal for business
executives who travel a lot.
 A tablet PC is a type of notebook computer that has an LCD screen on which you
can write with a stylus or digital pen. Your handwriting is recognized and converted into
editable text. You can also input text by using speech recognition or a small keyboard.
You can fold and rotate the screen easily.
Finally, A PDA is a lightweight, handheld computer. The letters stand for
personal digital assistant. The term refers to a wide variety of handheld devices,
including palmtops and pocket PCs. For input, you type using a small keyboard or you
use a stylus - a special pen to select items on the screen. PDAs can be used as mobile
phones, personal organizers or media players. They also let you access the Internet via
Wi-Fi network and some include a GPS navigation system.

(Source: Infotech – English for computer users -Forth edition)

A. Read the above extracts from an ICT class. Label the pictures (a-e) with words
from the box
laptop desktop PC PDA mainframe tablet PC

B. Read the extract again and decide these sentences are true (T) or false (F).
 1. A mainframe computer is less powerful than a PC________
2. A mainframe is used by large organizations that need to process enormous
amounts of data_______
3. The most suitable computers for home use are desktop PCs______
4. A laptop is not portable_____
5. Laptops are not as powerful as desktop PCs. ______
6. Using a stylus, you can write directly onto the screen of a tablet PC_____
7. A PDA is small enough to fit into the palm of your hand_______
8. A PDA does not allow you to surf the Web_______
2.4 Language work: Classifying

HELP BOX

Classifying

Classifying means putting things into groups or classes. We can classify

types of computers, parts of a PC, etc. Some typical expressions for classifying
are:

…are classified into X types/categories

…are classified by…………………….
…can be divided into X types/categories

Digital computers can be divided into five main types: mainframes, desktop
PCs, laptops, tablet PCs and handheld PDAs.

…include(s) ……………….
…consist(s) of………………

The basic configuration of the mainframe consists of a central system

which processes immense amounts of data very quickly.

There are X types/classes of………….

X is a type of…………………………...
 A tablet PC is a type of notebook computer.

Look at the HELP box above and then use suitable classifying expressions to complete
these sentences
1. A computer _________________________________hardware and software.
2. Peripherals__________________ three types: input, output and storage devices.
3. A word processing program ________software which lets the user create and edit
text.
4._______________ of network architecture: peer-to-peer, where all computers
have the same capabilities, and client-server (e.g. the Internet). where servers store and
distribute data, and clients access this data.

2.5 Consolidation
2.5.1 Choose the best answer:
1.What is the best definition of 'router'?
A. a portable computer shaped in the form of a notebook and capable of advanced
handwriting recognition via use of a stylus or on-screen keyboard.
B. a specialized computer which connects two networks
C. a computer using a relatively slow and specialized processor and ROM chip,
normally used to control a particular device such as a washing machine or an MP3
player
2. What is the best definition of 'embedded system'?
A. a computer using a relatively slow and specialized processor and ROM chip,
normally used to control a particular device such as a washing machine or an MP3 player
B. a computer designed for use by one person at a time
C. refers to only the most powerful class of computer, typically designed to perform
specialized tasks such as weather prediction, governmental financial calculations, or
space research.
3. What is the best definition of 'convergence'?
A. The evolution of devices towards common functionality
B. a physical or software device connecting and facilitating a network with a printer
C. a computer using a relatively slow and specialized processor and ROM chip,
normally used to control a particular device such as a washing machine or an MP3 player
4. What is the best definition of 'supercomputer'?
A. a physical or software device connecting and facilitating a network with a printer
B. a small laptop with less powerful components meant for surfing the web, reading
email, and other basic tasks
C. refers to only the most powerful class of computer, typically designed to perform
specialized tasks such as weather prediction, governmental financial calculations, or
space research.
5. What is the best definition of 'PC' or 'personal computer'?
A. a physical or software device connecting and facilitating a network with a printer
B. a computer designed for use by one person at a time
C. a computer using a relatively slow and specialized processor and ROM chip,
normally used to control a particular device such as a washing machine or an MP3
player
6. What is the best definition of 'workstation'?
A. a computer designed for use by one person at a time
B. a high quality computer, typically with lots of RAM, plenty of CPU power, and a
high quality video card
C. a portable computer with a built-in screen, integrated keyboard, and battery
power; also called a 'notebook'
7. What is the best definition of 'tablet PC'?
A. a portable computer shaped in the form of a notebook and capable of advanced
handwriting recognition via use of a stylus or on-screen keyboard.
B. a type of computer intended primarily for central distribution of data to other
computers on the same network
C. refers to only the most powerful class of computer, typically designed to perform
specialized tasks such as weather prediction, governmental financial calculations, or
space research.
8. What is the best definition of 'print server'?
A. a computer designed for use by one person at a time
B. the evolution of devices towards common functionality
C. a physical or software device connecting and facilitating a network with a printer
9. What is the best definition of 'server'?
A. a computer designed for use by one person at a time
B. a type of computer intended primarily for central distribution of data to other
computers on the same network
C. the evolution of devices towards common functionality
10. What is the best definition of 'PDA' or 'personal digital assistant'?
A. a handheld computer about the size of wallet used as an organizer, web browser,
game machine, mobile phone, or message recorder; also known as a hand-held computer
 B. a type of computer intended primarily for central distribution of data to other
computers on the same network
C. refers to only the most powerful class of computer, typically designed to
perform specialized tasks such as weather prediction, governmental financial
calculations, or space research.
11. What is the best definition of 'netbook'?
A. a high quality computer, typically with lots of RAM, plenty of CPU power, and a
high quality video card
B. a small laptop with less powerful components meant for surfing the web, reading
email, and other basic tasks.
C. a computer using a relatively slow and specialized processor and ROM chip,
normally used to control a particular device such as a washing machine or an MP3
player
12. What is the best definition of 'legacy system'?
A. an older computer system that continues to be used because an organization does
not wish to redesign it with a more modern device.
B. a physical or software device connecting and facilitating a network with a printer
C. a computer designed for use by one person at a time
13. What is the main difference between a mainframe and a super computer?
A. Super computer is much larger than mainframe computers
B. Supercomputers are focused to execute few programs as fast as possible while
mainframe uses its power to execute as many programs concurrently.
C. Supercomputers are focused to execute as many programs as possible while
mainframe uses its power to execute few programs as fast as possible.
14. UNIVAC stands for……………………..
A. Universal Automatic Computer
B. Universal Array Computer
C. Unique Automatic Computer
15. What is the best definition of 'serial port'?
A. an input device a COM port where only 1 bit of data is transferred at a time
B. the main printed circuit board in a computer that carries the system buses. It is
equipped with sockets to which all processors, memory modules, plug-in cards,
daughterboard, or peripheral devices are connected; also known as a 'mainboard'
C. a collection of integrated circuits designed to help the motherboard perform
certain tasks such as control components
D. An input device used to transfer images into the computer
2.5.2 Fill in the gaps with a suitable word below
Computers and microchips have become(1)……….. of our everyday lives, we visit
shops and offices which have been designed with the help of computers, we read
magazines which have been produced(2)…………….. computers, we pay bills prepared
by computers . Just picking up a telephone and dialing a(3)………. involves the use of a
sophisticated computer system, as does making a flight reservation or bank transaction.
We encounter daily many computers that spring to life the instant they(4)…………
switched on (e.g.; calculators, the car’s electronic ignition, the timer in the microwave, or
the programmer inside the TV set) , all of which(5)……………. the chip technology.
What make your computer such a miraculous device ? each time you turn it on, it is
tabula rasa that, with appropriate hardware and software , is capable(6)………….. doing
anything you ask. It is a calculating machine (7)……….. speeds up financial
calculations . It is filling cabinet(8)…………… manages large collections of data such as
customers ‘lists, accounts, or inventories. It is magical typewriter that allows us to type
and print any kind of documents; letters, memos or legal documents. It (9)………… a
personal communicator that enables you to interact (10)………… other computers and
with people around the world . If you like gadgets and electronic entertainment, you can
even use PC to relax with computer games.
(Source: English for IT & Computer Learners)

2.5.3. Translate the following passage into Vietnamese

Large computer systems, or mainframes, as they are referred to in the field of
computer science, are those computer systems found in computer installations processing
immense amounts of data. These powerful computers make use of very high-speed main
memories into which data and programs to be dealt with are transferred for rapid access.
These powerful machines have a larger repertoire of more complex instructions which
can be executed more quickly. Whereas smaller computers may take several steps to
perform a particular operation, a larger machine may accomplish the same thing with one
instruction.
These computers can be of two types: digital or analog. The digital computer or
general purpose computer as it is often known, makes up about 90 percent of the large
computers now in use. It gets its name because the data that are presented to it are made
up of code consisting of digits single character numbers. The digital computer is like a
gigantic cash register in that it can do calculations in steps, one after another at
tremendous speed and with great accuracy. Digital computer programming is by far the
most commonly used in electronic data processing for business or statistical purposes.
The analog computer works something like a car speedometer, in that it
continuously works out calculations. It is used essentially for problems involving
measurements. It can simulate, or imitate different measurements by electronic means.
Both of these computer types the digital and the analog are made up of electronic
components that may require a large room to accommodate them. At present, the digital
computer is capable of doing anything the analog once did. Moreover, it is easier to
program and cheaper to operate. A new type of scientific computer systems called the
hybrid computer has now been produced that combines the two types into one.
Really powerful computers continue to be bulky and require special provision of
their housing, refrigeration systems, air filtration and power suppliers. This is because
much more space is taken up by the input output devices the magnetic tape and disk unit
and other peripheral equipment than by the electronic components that do not make up
the bulk of the machine in powerful installation. The power consumption of these
machines is also quite high, not to mention the price that runs into hundreds of thousands
of dollars. The future will bring great developments in the mechanical devices associated
with computer systems. For a long time these have been the weak link, from the point of
view of both efficiency and reliability.
(Source: Computing studies, G. Powers, Heinemann Education )

UNIT 3: THE CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT (CPU)

3.1 Technical specifications

A. Read the advertisement and translate the technical specifications into your own
language.
 Dell Inspiron 9200
Intel Core 2 Duo processor at 2.4GHz

2048MB RAM, expandable to 4GB

500GB hard drive

B. In pairs, answer these questions. If necessary, look at the Glossary.

1. What is the main function or a computer's processor?
2. What unit of frequency is used to measure processor speed?
3. What does RAM stand for?

3.2 What is inside a PC system?

A. Read the extract “What is inside a PC” below and then answer these questions.
1 . What are the three main parts of the CPU?
2 . What does ALU stand for? What does it do?
3 . What is the function of the system clock?
4 . How much is one gigahertz?
5 . What type of memory is temporary?
6 . What type of memory is permanent and includes instructions needed by the
CPU?
7 . How can RAM be increased?
8 . What technical term is used to refer to the main printed circuit board?
9 . What is a bus?
10 . What is the benefit of having expansion slots?

B . Look at the extract again . What do the words in bold refer to?
1 This is built into a single chip (line 2)
2... which executes program instructions and coordinates ... (line 2)
3... that is being executed.(line 15)
4…performance of a computer is partly determined by the speed of its processor.
(line17)
5.... the CPU looks for it on the hard disk ( line 24)
 6.... inside the computer to communicate with each other. (line 34)
What is inside a PC?

Fig 1: Organization of a simple computer, the CPU is built into a single

microprocessor chip

 Processing
The nerve centre of a PC is the processor, also called the CPU, or central
processing unit. This is built into a single chip which executes program instructions and
coordinates the activities that take place within the computer system. The chip itself is a
small piece of silicon with a complex electrical circuit called an integrated circuit.
The processor consists of three main parts:
 The control unit examines the instructions in the user's program, interprets each
instruction and causes the circuits and the rest of the components - monitor, disk drives,
etc. - to execute the functions specified.
 The arithmetic logic unit (ALU) performs mathematical calculations (+, -, x, :
etc.) and logical operations (AND, OR, NOT).
 The registers are high-speed units of memory used to store and control data. One
of the registers (the program counter, or PC) keeps track of the next instruction to be
performed in the main memory. The other (the instruction register, or IR) holds the
instruction that is being executed .
 The power and performance of a computer is partly determined by the speed of its
processor. A system clock sends out signals at fixed intervals to measure and
synchronize the flow of data. Clock speed is measured in gigahertz(GHz). For example,
a CPU running at 4GHz (four thousand million hertz, or 30 cycles per second) will enable
your PC to handle the most demanding applications.
 The Intel Core 2 Duo processor; Other chip manufactures are ADM & Motorola
RAM and ROM
The programs and data which pass through the processor must be loaded into the
main memory in order to be processed. Therefore, when the user runs a program, the
CPU looks for it on the hard disk and transfers a copy into the RAM chips. RAM
(random access memory) is volatile - that is, its information is lost when the computer is
turned off. However, ROM (read only memory) is non-volatile, containing instructions
and routines for the basic operations of the CPU. The BIOS (basic input/output system)
uses ROM to control communication with peripherals.
RAM capacity can be expanded by adding extra chips, usually contained in small
circuit boards called dual in-line memory modules (DIMMs).

A RAM chip
Buses and cards
The main circuit board inside your system is called the motherboard and contains
the processor, the memory chips, expansions slots, and controllers so for peripherals,
connected by buses - electrical channels which allow devices inside the computer to
communicate with each other. For example, the front side bus carries all data that passes
from the CPU to other devices.
The size of a bus, called bus width, determines how much data can be transmitted.
It can be compared to the number of lanes on a motorway - the larger the width, the more
data can travel along the bus. For example, a 64-bit bus can transmit 64 bits of data.
Expansion slots allow users to install expansion cards, adding features like sound,
memory and network capabilities.
 A data bus
(Source: Infotech – English for computer users -Forth edition).
3.3 Language work
A. Look at the HELP box below and then complete the following sentences with
suitable relative pronouns. Give alternative options if possible. Put brackets round the
relative pronouns you can leave out.
1 That's the computer_________I'd like to buy
2 .Core 2 Duo is a new Intel processor _____contains about 291 million transistors.
3 .A webmaster is a person__________ designs, develops and maintains a website.
4 A bus is an electronic pathway_______carries signals between computer devices.
5 Here's the DVD_________ you lent me!
6 Last night I met someone__________ works for GM as a software engineer.

HELP BOX
 Defining relative clauses
 We can define people or things with a defining (restrictive) relative clause.
We use the relative pronoun who to refer to a person; we can also use that.
A blogger is a person who/that keeps a web log (blog) or publishes an online
diary.
 We use the relative pronoun which (or that) to refer to a thing, not a
person.
This is built into a single chip which/that executes program instructions and
coordinates the activities that take place within the computer system.
 Relative pronouns can be left out when they are the object of the relative
clause.
The main circuit board (which/that) you have inside your system is called the
motherboard...

3.4 How memory is measured?

A Read the text below and then answer the following questions.
1 .How many digits does a binary system use?
2 .What is a bit?
3 .What is a collection of eights bits called?
4 .What does ASCII stand for?
5 .What is the purpose of ASCII?
Bits and bytes
Computers do all calculations using a code made of just two numbers - 0 and 1.
This system is called binary code. The electronic circuits in a digital computer detect the
difference between two states: ON (the current passes through) or OFF (the current
doesn't pass through) and represent these states as 1 or 0. Each 1 or 0 is called a binary
digit, or bit. Bits are grouped into eight-digit codes that typically represent characters
(letters, numbers and symbols). Eight bits together are called a byte. Thus, each character
on a keyboard has its own arrangement of eight bits. For example, 01000001 for the letter
A, 01000010 for B. and 01000011 for C.
Computers use a standard code for the binary representation of characters. This is
the American Standard Code for Information Interchange, or ASCII - pronounced /’æski/.
In order to avoid complex calculations of bytes, we use bigger units such as kilobytes,
megabytes and gigabytes. We use these units to describe the RAM memory, the storage
capacity of disks and the size of a program or document.
Note: bit is pronounced /bit/, byte is pronounced /bait/
 Unit of memory Abbreviation

Binary digit Bit, b 1 or 0

Byte B 8 bits
Kilobyte KB or K 1,024 bytes (210)
Megabyte MB 1,024 KB, or 1,048,576 bytes (220)
Gigabyte GB 1,024 MB, of 1,073,741,824 bytes (230)
Terabyte TB 1,024 GB, or 1,099.511,627,776 bytes (240)

(Source: Infotech – English for computer users -Forth edition).

B Complete these descriptions with the correct unit of memory.
1 A _________is about one trillion bytes - about as much text as the books and
magazines in a huge library.
2 A _______is about one million bytes - about as much text as a 300-page novel.
3 A _____________is about one thousand bytes - equivalent to one sheet of A4.
4 A ___________is about one billion bytes - about as much text as 1,000 books.
5 A ____________can store a single character, such as the letter h or number 7.
3.5 .Consolidation
3.5.1. Complete this diagram of a PC system. Look at Unit 1, Unit 2 to help you.
A PC system
 3.5.2. Choose the best answer to complete the following sentences.
1. Everything computer does is controlled by its………..?
A. RAM
B. ROM
C. CPU
D. Storage devices
2. Processors of all computers, whether micro, mini or mainframe must have…..
A .ALU
B. Primary storage
C. Control Unit
D. All of the above
3. The CPU clock speed is normally expressed in…………
A. Ticks per second
B. Megahertz
C. 500 MHz
D. Bits per clock tick
4. The brain of any computer system is………………
A. ALU
B. Memory
C. CPU
D. Control unit
5. Which kind of hardware is used the most in the input phase of a computer based
information system?
A. Keyboard
B. Printer
C. Monitor
D. Hard disk
6. A tablet PC looks like a book with an LCD screen ……….. you can write using a
special digital pen.
A. for which
B. at which
C. by which
D. on which
7. The computer stores its program and data in its…………
A. ALU
 B. Control unit
C. Memory
D. Cache memory
8. Which can read data and convert them to a form that a computer can use?
A. Output device
B. Storage
C. Control
D. Logic
9. To turn on the computer, ………..the “Start” button.
A. switch
B. touch
C. press
D. turn
10. Control Unit of a digital computer is often called the………..
A. Lock
B. Nerve centre
C. ICs
D. All of the above
11. The control unit of a processor................ the flow of information between the
arithmetic unit and the memory.
A. Coordination
B. Coordinator
C. Coordinating
D. Coordinates
12. Which of the following is responsible for coordinating various operations using
timing signals?
A. Arithmetic-logic Unit
B. Control unit
C. Memory unit
D. Input/output unit
13. Computer memory consists of…………….
A. RAM
B. ROM
C. PROM
D. All of the above
14. ……….. is volatile, so it doesn’t retain data when the power is off.
 A. RAM(Random Access Memory)
B. Flash memory
C. Memory
D. Temporary
15. ……………..consists of instruction executed by a computer, as opposed to the
physical device on which they run.
A. Software
B. Hardware
C. Hard drive
D. Ports
3.5.3 Fill in each blank with ONE suitable word or phrase from the table

physical properly expansion ALU connected

any some peripherals microprocessor gates
ports peripheral driver drive portable

Hardware includes any(1)……….device that is connected to your computer and is

controlled by your computer’s(2)………..This includes equipment that was(3)…..…..to
your computer when it was manufactured, as well as(4)…..….equipment that you added
later. Modems, disk drives, CD-ROM drives, printers, network adapters, keyboards and
display adapter cards are all examples of devices.
Devices can be connected to your computer in several ways. Some devices, like
network adapters and sound cards are connected to(5)……….. inside your computers.
Other devices, like printers and scanners, are connected to(6)……….. on the outside your
computers. Some devices, known as PC Cards, connect only to PC Card slots on a(7)
……….computer.
For a device to work (8)………….with Windows 2000, software known as a
device(9)…… must be loaded onto the computer. Each device has its own unique device
driver, which is typical supplied by the device manufacturer. However(10)………..
device drivers are included with Windows 2000.
(Source: Oxford English for Information Technology)
3.5.4. Translate the following passage into Vietnamese.
Let us take a look at the history of the computer that we know today. The very first
calculating device used was the ten fingers of a man's hands. This, in fact, is why today
we still count in tens and multiples of tens. Then the abacus was invented, a bead frame
in which the beads are moved from left to right. People went on using some form of
abacus well into the 16th century, and it is still being used in some parts of the world
because it can be understood without knowing how to read.
During the 17th and 18th centuries many people tried to find easy ways of
calculating. J.Napier, a Scotsman, devised a mechanical way of multiplying and dividing,
which is how the modem slide rule works. Henry Briggs used Napier's ideas to produce
logarithm tables which all mathematicians use today. Calculus, another branch of
mathematics, was independently invented by both Sir Isaac Newton, an Englishman, and
Leibnitz, a German mathematician.
The first real calculating machine appeared in 1820 as the result of several people's
experiments. This type of machine, which saves a great deal of time and reduces the
possibility of making mistakes, depends on a series of ten-toothed gear wheels. In 1830
Charles Babbage, an Englishman, designed a machine that was called "The Analytical
Engine". This machine, which Babbage showed at the Paris Exhibition in 1855, was an
attempt to cut out the human being altogether, except for providing the machine with the
necessary facts about the problem to be solved. He never finished this work, but many of
his ideas were the basis for building today's computers.
In 1930, the first analog computer was built by an American named Vannevar Bush.
This device was used in world war II to help aim guns. Mark I, the name given to the
first digital computer, was completed in 1944. The men responsible for this invention
were Professor Howard Aiken and some people from IBM. This was the first machine
that could figure out long lists of mathematical problems, all at a very fast rate. In 1946
two engineers at the University of Pennsylvania, J. Eckert and J. Mauchly, built the first
digital computer using parts called vacuum tubes. They named their new invention
ENIAC. Another important advancement in computers came in 1947, when John Yon
Newmann developed the idea of keeping instructions for the computer inside the
computer's memory.
The first generation of computers, which used vacuum tubes, came out in 1950.
Univac I is an example of these computers which could perform thousands of
calculations per second. In 1960, the second generation of computers was developed and
these could perform work ten times faster than their predecessors. The reason for this
extra speed was the use of transistors instead of vacuum tubes. Second-generation
computers were smaller, faster and more dependable than first-generation computers. The
third-generation computers appeared on the market in 1965. These computers could do a
million calculations a second, which is 1000 times as many as first generation computers.
Unlike second-generation computers, these are controlled by tiny integrated circuits
and are consequently smaller and more dependable. Fourth-generation computers have
now arrived, and the integrated circuits that are being developed have been greatly
reduced in size. This is due to microminiaturization, which means that the circuits are
much smaller than before; as many as 1000 tiny circuits now fit onto a single chip.
A chip is a square or rectangular piece of silicon, usually from 1/10 to 1/4 inch,
upon which several layers of an integrated circuit are imprinted after which the circuit is
encapsulated in plastic, ceramic or metal. Fourth-generation computers are 50 times faster
than third - generation computers and can complete approximately 1,000,000 instructions
per second. At the rate computer technology is growing, today's computers might be
obsolete by 1985 and most certainly by 1990. It has been said that if transport technology
had developed as rapidly as computer technology, a trip across the Atlantic Ocean today
would take a few seconds.
(Source: English for computer science, Nhà xuất bản thống kê)