UNIT 3 Types of Computer Hardware

Just a few decades ago computers were considered exotic curiosities, used only by scientists and the military. Today, they have become indispensable not only to businesses but to households as well. Who can imagine daily life without sending e-mails to friends, booking airline tickets over the Internet, preparing reports with word processing program, or balancing a checkbook using a personal money management program?

Hardware Every computer is made up of a basic set of hardware components. Of course, the hardware in a supercomputer differs greatly from the hardware in a hand-held unit, but the concepts are similar. Hardware consists of all tangible elements of a computer system – the input devices, the components that store and process data and perform required calculations, and the output devices that present the results to information users. Input devices allow users to enter data and commands for processing, storage, and output. Hardware can be divided into four basic groups: input devices, the central processing unit, output devices, and storage.

Common input devices include the keyboard, mouse, scanner, modem, microphone, and touch screen. With the growth of the Internet and multimedia computer applications, video cameras and digital cameras have also become increasingly important input devices. Storage and processing components consist of the hard drive, diskette drive, Zip drive, and CD-ROM drive.

Central Processing UnitA computer’s calculations are made in the central processing unit (CPU), which interprets and executes program instructions. The CPU performs the three basic functions of arithmetic, logic, and control/communication. Actually, computer arithmetic is nothing more than addition; subtraction is performed through negative addition, multiplication is repeated addition, and division is repeated negative addition. Computer logic is also a simple operation, nothing more than comparing two numbers. For example, a computerized ordering system at an office supply company might be programmed to offer a 10 percent discount on orders greater than $200. After the order has been placed, the computer will compare it to $200 and determine whether a discount is applicable. The control/communication function of the CPU keeps the computer working in a rational fashion. This function includes deciding when to accept data from the keyboard, when to perform arithmetic and logic operations, and when to display characters or graphics on the screen. In minicomputers the CPU consists of a single integrated circuit, known as microprocessor, and some associated support circuitry. In workstations, mainframes, and supercomputers, the CPU can be either a single processing unit made of multiple integrated processing units operating in parallel, a scheme known as parallel processing. In such a setup, each processor takes one part of the problem – rather like ten students working on ten parts of an assignment at the same time.

Output devices are the hardware elements that transmit or display documents and other results of a computer system’s work. Examples include the monitor, printer, fax machine, modem, and audio system. Notice that some devices, such as the monitor and modem, can perform both input and output functions. The monitor, once reserved for text and graphics display, now commonly displays video. In addition, as with input devices, specialized equipment can provide output for particular applications. For example, a projection panel is a special display device that connects to your computer and sits on top of a regular overhead projector. These panels can display everything from regular computer screens to videotape from a VCR. When combined with presentation multimedia

 

software that use graphics, projection panels enable computer users to develop unique and impressive presentations.

Storage Input, processing, and output complete the basic computing cycle, but this cycle can’t happen without some form of storage for the data being processed and for the software that is in charge of the operation. A primary storage devicestores data and programs while they are being used in the computer. This device usually involves a set of semiconductor components known as random-access memory (RAM),so called becausethe computer can access any piece of data in such memory at random. Computers use RAM for temporary storage of programs and data during input, processing and output operations. Unless it is provided with special backup circuitry, RAM is erased when electrical power is removed from the computer. RAM’s counterpart is called read-only memory (ROM),which uses special circuits for permanent storage. ROM keeps its contents even when power is cut off; and it cannot be accessed by the user for everyday data storage.

Secondary storageprovides a permanent record of data and programs that aren’t needed immediately, such as a report that you will modify in a month. The most common mechanism for secondary storage is the disk drive,which can be of four types: a hard disk drive, a floppy disk drive, a Zip drive, or a CD-ROM drive. Hard disk drives are usually enclosed inside the computer and store data internally on rigid magnetic disks. Floppy disks (also called diskettes) have very limited storage capacity. Zip drives store data on magnetic Zip disks. Zip disksare considered the good portable storage medium for multimedia computing (standard data combined with audio, computer animation, photography, and full-motion video). CD-ROMs, which are run on CD-ROM drives, are storage devices that use the same technology as music CDs. The newer CD-RW and DVD-RW drives can write disks as well as read them. Another relatively new storage device is the USB bus drive. These small portable devices can store up to 128 MB of data and plug into a computer’s USB port.

A USB flash drive is a data storage device that includes flash memory with an integrated Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface. USB flash drives are typically removable and rewritable, and physically much smaller than a floppy disk. Most weigh less than 30 g. As of September 2011 drives of 256 gigabytes (GB) are available. Storage capacities as large as 2 terabytes are planned, with steady improvements in size and price per capacity expected. Some allow up to 100,000 write/erase cycles, depending on the exact type of memory chip used, and a 10 year shelf storage time. USB flash drives are often used for the same purposes for which floppy disks or CD-ROMs were used. They are smaller, faster, have thousands of times more capacity, and are more durable and reliable because they have no moving parts. A flash drive consists of a small printed circuit board carrying the circuit elements and a USB connector, insulated electrically and protected inside a plastic, metal, or rubberized case which can be carried in a pocket or on a key chain, for example. The USB connector may be protected by a removable cap or by retracting into the body of the drive, although it is not likely to be damaged if unprotected. Most flash drives use a standard type-A USB connection allowing plugging into a port on a personal computer, but drives for other interfaces also exist

Vocabulary Notes

hardware - аппаратное обеспечение; аппаратура

indispensable - незаменимый

word processing - обработка текстов

to balance a checkbook - сбалансировать чековую книжку

a personal money management program - персональная программа управления капиталом

tangible - материальный

input devices - устройства ввода

output devices - выходные устройства

to enter data - вводить данные

output - результат; выходные данные; выход из программы

the central processing unit - центральный процессор

storage - память; запоминающее устройство

keyboard - клавиатура

touch screen - сенсорный экран

multimedia computer applications - мультимедийные компьютерные приложения

hard drive - жёсткий диск

diskette drive - дисковод для гибких дисков; флоппи-дисковод

Zip drive - Zip дисковод

CD-ROM drive - дисковод для компакт-дисков, компакт-дисковод

to execute - выполнять

addition - сложение

subtraction - вычитание

division - деление

multiplication - умножение

applicable discount - соответствующая скидка

to work in rational fashion - работать рационально

single integrated circuit - единая интегрированная цепь; одна интегральная схема

associated support circuitry - связанные схемы поддержки электроцепи;

вспомогательные электронные детали

workstation - рабочая станция сети

mainframe - большая ЭВМ; мэйнфрейм

unit - блок, узел, модуль, элемент

regular - обычный

parallel processing - параллельная обработка

setup - установка; положение; ситуация

assignment - задание

projection panel - проекционная панель

sits on top of regular overhead projector - находится в верхней части обычного проектора

videotape from a VCR - видеоплёнка с видеомагнитофона

a primary storage device - устройство первичной памяти; основная память

semiconductor - полупроводник

random-access memory (RAM) - оперативное запоминающее устройство

at random - случайно; наугад, наобум

temporary - временный

backup circuitry - резервная (дублирующая) схема

to erase - стирать

counterpart - аналог

read-only memory (ROM) - постоянное запоминающее устройство

secondary storage - внешняя (вторичная) память

permanent record - постоянная запись

disk drive - дисковод

rigid - 1) жёсткий 2) строгий

multimedia - мультимедиа; синтетические технологии; комплексное представление информации

CD-RW drive - перезаписываемый компакт-диск

DVD-RW drive - цифровой перезаписываемый видеодиск

USB bus drive - USB - универсальная последовательная шина

USB flash drive - флэш-накопитель; флэш-дисковод

Integrated Universal Serial Bus interface - встроенный USB - привод

removable - съёмный

rewritable - перезаписываемый

floppy disk - гибкий диск; флоппи-диск

terabyte - терабайт, Т-байт

write/erase cycles - циклы записи/стирания

10 year shelf storage time - 10-летний срок хранения

durable - прочный

reliable - надёжный

printed circuit board - печатная плата

circuit - электро схема, цепь, контур

connector - соединитель; разъём

to insulate - изолировать

rubberized case - прорезиненный корпус

removable cap - съёмная крышка

to retract - втягивать

to plug into a port on PC - подключаться к порту на ПК

 

Exercises 1. Read the following groups of words and translate them into Russian:

 

1) hardware components 2) to be indispensable 3) to be made up of 4) tangible components 5) common input devices 6) to perform calculations 7) the output devices 8) multimedia computer

applications 9) storage and processing components 10) the central processing unit 11) to interpret and execute program instructions 12) to be nothing more than...13) to offer a 10 percent discount on something 14) to determine whether a discount is applicable 15) to keep a computer working in a rational fashion 16) the control / communication function of CPU 17) a single integrated circuit 18) a scheme known as parallel processing 19) to operate in parallel 20) in such a setup 21) to work on 10 parts of an assignment at the same time 22) to perform both input and output functions23) a projection panel 24) when combined with something 25) multiple integrated processing units 26) to complete the basic computer cycle 27) some form of storage for the data being processed 28) to be in charge of the operation 29) a primary storage device 30) while they are being used in the computer 31) temporary 32) special backup circuitry 33) counterpart 34) secondary storage 35) to need immediately 36) hard disk drives 37) to be enclosed inside the computer 38) rigid magnetic disk 39) to have a very limited storage capacity 40) a portable storage medium 41) to be run on CD-ROM drives 42) as well as 43) relatively new 44) the USB bus drive 45) to plug into a computer’s port 46) a USB Flash drive 47) a data storage device 48) flash memory 49) to be removable and rewritable 50) a floppy disk 51) to weigh less (more) than 30 grams 52) to be available 53) steady improvements in size and price per capacity expected 54) to allow up to 100,000 write / erase cycles 55) to depend on the type of memory chip used 56) a 10 year shelf storage time 57) to use for the same purposes 58) to have thousands of times more capacity 59) to be durable and reliable 60) a small printed circuit board 61) to be insulated electrically 62) a plastic, metal or rubberized case 63) by retracting into the body of the drive 64) to be damaged 65) to exist

 

2.Match the terms in the box with the definitions

 

computer system to maintain connectivity capacity monitor touch screen printer scanner disc drive multimedia decoder

mouse hardware keyboard chip Blue-ray disk interface circuit board circuitry processor protocol

byte modem microphone converter detection USB flash drive input device server backup motherboard control/communication unit

1. The tangible parts of a computer system, including the electrical / electronic components (e.g. devices and circuits), and mechanical (e.g. cabinet) components are called -------- .

2. -------- is the amount of information that can be held in a storage device.

3. -------- is a small piece of silicon with a complex electrical circuit, called an integrated circuit, which is used in computers.

4. -------- is the process of finding or identifying something. For example, error -------- is an important part of transmission protocols

5. -------- is a device that is used to choose one of several possible signals for transmission; also, a device or program that changes coded data into its uncoded form.

6. ------- is a set of keys that represent the letters of the alphabet, numbers and symbols, which are arranged on a flat board and are connected to a computer.

7. ------- is the hardware or software that connects two systems and allows them to communicate with each other.

8. -------- is an input device used for sound

9. -------- is a piece of equipment, such as a mouse or keyboard, used for inputting data into a computer.

10. -------- is an output device that converts the coded information from the processor into a readable or pictorial form on paper.

11. --------a small electronic device that is moved by hand around a flat surface to control the position of the cursor on screen; it has two or three button switches on top and a ball underneath that is rolled on a flat surface.

12. -------- is the main output device used to display the output from a computer on a screen.

13. ------- is an electronic device (short for modulator / demodulator) that converts signals to enable a computer to be connected to an ordinary telephone line.

14. -------- is the ability of different systems or pieces of equipment to be linked together.

15. -------- is a system of electric or electronic circuits; there is a lot of complex ------- in modern computers.

16. ------- is a device with read / write heads and associated electronics that can store and retrieve data from one or more rapidly rotating magnetic disks. The disks may be hard disks or floppy disks. The term can also be applied to devices operating with optical disks.

17. -------- is a computer screen responds to someone touching it with their finger or a stylus (= a device shaped like a pen).

18. -------- is an electronic memory storage device that plugs into a computer through a USB port and acts like a disk drive. It is typically small, removable and rewritable, with storage capacities as large as over 250 gigabytes.

19. ------- is an optical input device that uses the reflection of light to copy text or graphics into a computer.

20. ------- a central processor and peripherals such as disk drives, keyboards and monitors that work together.

21. ------- is hardware that changes signals or data from one standard or format to another; e.g. an analog-to-digital ------- .

22. ------- is an optical disk storage medium designed to supersede the DVD format.

23. ------- is a device that controls the transmission of data in a network by choosing the correct protocol and routes through the network, etc.

24. ------- is a flat card used as a base on which electronic components are placed and then connected together by wires

25. ------- is the main electronic circuit board inside a computer that holds and connects together all the main electronic components.

26. ------- is the combination of sound, graphics, and video to present information on a computer.

27. ------ is copy of a disk, file, program, etc. for use in case the original is damaged; also the process of making such a copy.

28. ------- is the part of a computer that processes the data

29. ------- is a system on a network that provides a service to other systems connected to the network.

30. ------- means to keep a computer or system working well by checking it regularly and repairing anything that does not work properly.

31. The agreed signals and rules that control data format, control signals and the timing of data transmissions, etc. between computers, either directly or over a network are called -------

32. ------- is a unit of storage capacity. It is made up of eight bits and stores one character, i.e. a letter, a number, a space or a punctuation mark.

 

3. The Comparison of PrintersFill in the gaps using the words in the box.

 

slow most better expensive cheapest high fastest noisiest quality good more least quiet

(The word expensive is to be used two times)

 

There are many different types of printers. These include inkjet (струйные), mono laser, and dye sublimation printers (сублимационные; – принтеры с термической возгонкой красителя, тип высококачественного цветного принтера). Basically, you get what you pay for Inkjet printers are the -------- , but they print -------- is not as -------- as the other two types of printer. They are -------- to run compared to mono laser printers, but are able to print in color. Inkjets are the -------- of the tree types of printer.

Mono laser printers are -------- expensive than inkjet printers, but give you a -------- quality of black and white output. They cannot print in color, but are the -------- type of printer and cost the -------- to run.

Dye sublimation printers are the -------- expensive type of printer, but their print quality is extremely -------- . They are -------- in operation, but are relatively -------- and very -------- to run.

 

4.Give the comparative and the superlative degree of the following adjectives and adverbs:

 

1) large, old, small, short, deep, few, new, high, low, poor, early, free, rich, wealthy, clever, simple;

2) good, bad, little, many;

3) important, useful, valuable, effective, developed, difficult, reliable, popular;

4) wide-spread, well-known, kind-hearted, strong-willed;

5) soon, often, effectively, successfully, far, much, well;