HARDWARE

Notebook computers are actually laptop computers and are more popular than laptops. They weigh just around seven pounds and can travel with you wherever you go. Smaller types of the notebook computers are sub-notebooks and some are palmtops. These computers can perform almost all the tasks as a normal computer though some of them are not as efficient as the ordinary ones.

The notebook computers have the same internal setups with almost the same mechanisms. Therefore, there are hardly any differences in their functioning. Being smaller, obviously the inner parts are smaller but are capable of utilizing enough power to give out the maximum efficiency. They consist of a keyboard within the unit and use a touch pad in place of a mouse. Of course, you can connect it with the external input devices of an ordinary computer.

These notebook computers have a general screen size of around fourteen inches and have active matrix displays, which give out clear images. The hard disks are an inch smaller than those of the desktops are. These have the provision for connecting onto the 'ports' which are in general terms the input and the output devices. Some utilize docking stations for connecting the different accessories to the main unit.

The notebook computers work with the help of rechargeable batteries, which can normally run efficiently from two to four hours. Regular replacement of the batteries is necessary for the best results.

Though these computers do not function according to the levels of the normal ones, yet you are in for a surprise as the newer versions are as efficient, if not more, as the ordinary desktop computers are.

TASKS

1. Give Russian equivalents of the following words and transcribe them:

1. laptop (n.)

2. weigh (v.)

3. sub-notebook (n.)

4. palmtop (n.)

5. efficient (adj.)

6. ordinary(adj.)

7. obviously (adv.)

8. utilize (v.)

9. maximum (adj.)

10. provision (n.)

11. accessories (n.)

12. rechargeable (adj.)

13. surprise (n.)

3. Find sentences from the text which correspond the following patterns and translate them.

HARDWARE

Hardware is defined as mechanical, magnetic, electronic, and electrical devices composing a computer system.

Computer hardware can be divided into five categories: 1) input hardware, 2) processing hardware, 3) storage hardware, 4) output hardware, 5) communication hardware.

The purpose of the input hardware is to collect data and convert them into a form suitable for computer processing. The most common input device is a keyboard. It looks very much like a typewriter. A most important device for putting information into a computer and for working with this information on a screen is a mouse. The mouse is a hand held device connected to the computer by a small cable. As the mouse is rolled across the mouse pad, the cursor moves across the screen. When the cursor reaches the desired location, the user usually pushes a button on the mouse once or twice to signal a menu selection or a command to the computer. Another type of input hardware is a scanner that is used to input graphics as well as typeset characters. Microphone and video camera can be also used to input data into the computer.

The purpose of processing hardware is to retrieve, interpret and direct the execution of software instructions provided to the computer. The most common components of processing hardware are the Central Processing Unit and main memory. The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the brain of the computer. It reads and interprets software instructions and coordinates the processing activities that must take place. The design of the CPU affects the processing power and the speed of the computer, as well as the amount of main memory it can use effectively.

The purpose of storage hardware is to store computer instructions and data and to retrieve instructions or data when needed for processing. The most common ways of storing data are hard disk, flesh card and CD-ROM.

The purpose of output hardware is to provide the user with the means to view information produced by the computer system. Information is output in either hardcopy or softcopy form. Hardcopy output can be held in your hand, such as paper with text (words or numbers) or graphics printed on it. Softcopy output is displayed on a monitor. The monitor is a component with a display screen for viewing computer data, television programs, etc. A printer is a computer output device that produces a paper copy of data or graphics.

A modem is an example of communication hardware. It is an electronic device that makes possible the transmission of data to or from computer via telephone or other communication lines.

Hardware comes in many configurations, depending on what the computer system is designed to do.

TASKS

1. Give Russian equivalents of the following words and word combinations. Transcribe them.

1. hardware (n.)

2. input hardware

3. processing hardware

4. storage hardware

5. output hardware

6. communication hardware

7. purpose (n.)

8. convert (v.)

7. suitable (adj.)

8. keyboard (n.)

9. screen (n.)

10. typewriter (n.)

11. cable (n.)

12. mouse pad

13. cursor (n.)

14. user (n.)

15. button (n.)

16. command (n.)

17. scanner (n.)

18. graphics (n.)

19. microphone (n.)

20. video camera

21. design (n.)

22. affect (v.)

23. power (n.)

24. view (v.)

24. display (v.)

25. monitor (n.)

26. modem (n.)

27. configuration (n.)

3. Fill in the table. Translate and transcribe the words.

4. Fill in the table. Translate and transcribe the words.

5. Replace the underlined words by synonyms.

1. The aim of the input hardware is to collect data and convert them into a form available for computer processing.

2. A most important device for putting information into a computer and for working with this information on a screen is a mouse.

3. Information is moved out of a computer in either hardcopy or softcopy form.

6. a) Fill in the table with the terms defined.

Terms: the Central Processing Unit (CPU), a mouse, a hard disk, a monitor, a modem, hardware, a scanner, a keyboard, CD-ROM (compact disc read only memory).

b) Learn the definitions of the terms.

7. Read and translate the text.

TEXT 2

Date: 2015-01-02; view: 1428