UNIT 2.

Computer essentials
1 READING
1.1 Read the text and translate the words in italics into Ukrainian.
Computers are electronic machines which can accept data in a certain form, process the data and
give the results of the processing in a specified format as information.
Three basic steps are involved in the process. 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.
Information in the form of data and programs is known as software, and the electronic and
mechanical parts that make up a computer system are called hardware. A standard computer
system consists of three main sections: the central processing unit (CPU), the main memory and the
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 holds the instructions and data which are currently being
processed by the CPU. The peripherals are the physical units attached to the computer. They
include storage devices and input/output devices.
Storage devices (floppy, hard or optical disks) provide a permanent storage of both data and
programs. Disk drives are used to handle one or more floppy 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 - modems, fax machines, optical drives and scanners. They allow communication
between the computer and the devices. Modern desktop PCs have USB ports on the front panel.
These are the main physical units of a computer system, generally known as the configuration.

1.2 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 system
4 hard drive (also 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 unit (CPU) h magnetic device used to store information
i sockets into which an external device may be connected

1.3 Find the equivalents of the words and word combinations.

Отримувати данні, пристрій вводу, програму запущено, набір інструкцій, на екрані,
впливовий, виконати програму, координувати роботу, забезпечувати зберігання, отримувати
кінцевий продукт, друкувати, за допомогою, задня панель, підключати.

1.4 State whether these statements are true or false.

1. Data can be accepted in a certain form, processed and the results of the processing are
given in a specific format known as information.
2. Software means mechanical parts that make up a computer system.
3. A standard computer system consists of five main sections.
4. The CPU is the “brain” of the computer.
5. Instructions and data are held in the central processing unit.
6. Output devices enable data to go into the computer's memory.
 1.5 Make up questions to the words in italics.
2. Three basic steps are involved in the process.
3. The computer performs a set of instructions and processes the data.
4. Its function is to execute program instructions and coordinate the activities of all the other
units.
5. The main memory holds the instructions and data.
6. They include storage devices and input/output devices.
7. Disk drives are used to handle one or more floppy disks.
8. The most common input devices are the mouse and the keyboard.

1.6 Use the information in the text to help you match the terms in the box with the appropriate
explanation or definition below.

a) software b) peripheral devices с) monitor d) floppy disk e)hardware

f) input g) port h) output i) central processing unit

1 The brain of the computer.

2 Physical parts that make up a computer system.
3 Programs which can be used on a particular computer system.
4 The information which is presented to the computer.
5 Results produced by a computer.
6 Hardware equipment attached to the CPU.
7 Visual display unit.
8 Small device used to store information. Same as 'diskette'.
9 Any socket or channel in a computer system into which an input/output device may be
connected.

1.7 Read these slogans or quotations, and say what computer element they refer to.

1) a ‘Point and click here for power.’

B ‘Obeys every impulse as if it were an extension of your hand.’

2) a ‘Displays your ideas with perfect brilliance.’

B ‘See the difference – sharp images and a fantastic range of colours.’

3) a ‘It’s quiet and fast.’

B ‘… it’s easy to back up your data before it’s too late.’

4) a ‘Power and speed on the inside.’

B ‘Let your computer’s brain do the work.’

5) a ‘… a big impact on the production of text and graphics’

b ‘ Just what you need: a laser power house’

1.8 Find words in the slogans with the following meanings.

1. to press the mouse button ___________________________________
2. clear; easy to use_______________________________
3. to make an extra copy of something___________________________
4. selection_______________________
5. shows_________________________
1.9 Translate the sentences into English.
1. Яка конфігурація в твоєму комп’ютері?
2. Пристрої для збереження інформації та вводу/виводу мають назву периферійні пристрої.
3. Існують два класи персональних комп’ютерів: комп’ютери-десктопи та портативні
комп’ютери.
4. Комп’ютерна система складається з двох частин: апаратна частина та програмне
забезпечення.
5. Виконувати інструкції програми та координувати роботу всіх інших юнітів – завдання
процесору.

2 VOCABULARY
 Study the information below and then do the exercises.
A. Computer essentials

B. Parts of a computer
A computer is an electronic machine that accepts, processes, stores and outputs information. A
typical computer consists of two parts: hardware and software.
Hardware is any electronic or mechanical part of the computer system that you can see or touch.
Software is a set of instructions, called a program, which tells a computer what to do.
There are three basic hardware sections.
The CPU is the heart of the computer, a microprocessor chip which processes data and
coordinates the activities of all the other units.
The main memory holds the instructions and data which are being processed by the CPU. It has
two main sections: RAM (random access memory) and ROM (read only memory).
Peripherals are the physical units attached to the computer. They include:
Input devices, which let us enter data and commands (e.g. the keyboard and the mouse).
Output devices, which let us extract the results (e.g. the monitor and the printer).
Storage devices, which are used to store information permanently (e.g. hard disks and DVD-RW
drives).
Disk drives are used to read and write data on disks. At the back of a computer there are ports
into which we can plug external devices (e.g. a scanner, a modem, etc.). They allow communication
between the computer and the devices.
C. Functions of a PC: input, processing, output, storage.
Input: we enter data with a keyboard, a webcam, etc.
Processing: the data is manipulated according to program instructions.
Storage: we keep data and programs in memory systems where they are available for processing.
Output: we can see the result on the screen or in printed form

2.1 Look at A. Read these quotations and say which computer essential they refer to.
1. “Accelerate your digital lifestyle by choosing a Pentium at 4.3 GHz.”
2. “Right-click to display a context-sensitive menu.”
3. “You will see vivid, detailed images on a 17" display.”
4. “This will produce high-quality output, with sharp text and impressive graphics.”
5. “Use it when you wane to let the grandparents watch the new baby sleeping.”
6. “Press any key to continue.”
2.2 Match the terms with their definitions.
RAM controls the cursor
Processor inputs data through keys like a typewriter
Mouse displays the output from a computer on a screen
Clock any socket into which a peripheral device may connected
Monitor Device used to produce voice output and play back music
Keyboard Converts data so that it can travel over the Internet
DVD-ROM drive holds instructions which are needed to start up the computer
ROM reads DVD-ROMs
Modem controls all operations in a computer
Port controls the timing of signals in the computer
Speaker holds data read or written to it by the processor

We can describe the function of an item in a number of ways. Study these examples
Using the Present Simple
1. ROM holds instructions which are needed to start up the computer.
Used to-infinitive, Used for + -ing form
2. ROM is used to hold instructions which are needed to start up the computer.
3. ROM is used for holding instructions which are needed to start up the computer.
Emphasizing the function
4. The function of ROM is to hold instructions which are needed to start up the computer.

2.3 Look at В opposite and label this diagram with the correct terms.
2.4 Complete the sentences below with words from C.
1. Computer................................is the visible or audible result of data processing – information that
can be read, printed or heard by the user.
2. The CPU will process data as instructed by the programs you're
running.................................includes functions like calculating, sorting, editing, drawing and
searching.
3. DVDs are expected to replace CDs as................................devices.
4. As a scanner, the Sigma-100 can be used to................................photographs as well as documents
into the computer.

3 LANGUAGE WORK
Compound adjectives

HELP box
A compound adjective is made up of two parts and usually describes appearance. The
second part is frequently a past participle.
e.g. blue-eyed girl = a girl who has got blue eyes
sugar-free product = a product that uses no sugar

3.1 Find some these noun phrases in the text and explain their meaning as in the HELP box.
Science-based, battery-powered systems, summer-born, program-controlled, hands-free operations,
waist-mounted computer, man-created, plastic-coated, virus-damaged, head-mounted display,
battery-driven, voice-activated device, man-made, error-protected.

Wearable computers, aren’t they chic?

Can you imagine wearing a PC on your belt and getting e-mail on your eyeglasses? Wearable
computers are battery-powered systems worn on the user's body - on a belt, backpack or vest and are
designed for mobile or hands-free operation, often incorporating a microphone and a head-mounted
display
Some devices are waist-mounted, equipped with a wireless modem, a keypad and a small
screen. Others are voice-activated, worn like a scarf and can access e-mail or voice mail.
Users of wearable technology consider themselves 'cyborgs'. This term comes from ‘cybernetic
organism’, referring to a being that is part robot, part human.

Present Progressive (Continuous)

We form the present progressive with the present tense of the verb be + -ing.
We use the present continuous:
• for something that's in progress now, at this moment.
Look! It's raining.
• for a temporary activity or situation (which may not be in progress at the moment).
He's studying engineering at college.
• for arrangements we've made for the future.
I'm having a party next Saturday.
• with always to complain or express surprise/irritation about something that happens
frequently.
She doesn't get on well with her parents. They're always criticising her.
• Certain verbs generally use only simple form, and are not used with the continuous. These
are verbs which do not describe activities. They include:
 a) verbs of thinking and understanding (agree, be, believe, understand, remember,
forget know, mean, mind, notice):
I believe you.
I don’t understand.
What do you think?
b) verbs of seeing, hearing, feeling, etc. (hear, like, love, wish want, hate):
I don’t like him.
How do you feel?
I want to go.
• These verbs can use the present continuous when they become activity verbs:
Be quiet, please: I’m thinking. (Here thinking is an activity, like working.)
I’m seeing the president tomorrow. (seeing = meeting)

3.2 Use the present progressive in the sentences below.

1. Don't rush me. .......................................................... as fast as I can. (I/work)
2. ................................................................................. to see the boss. (She/still wait)
3. .................................................................................... to catch his train. (He/hurry)
4. ..............................................................., aren't you? Calm down! (You/constantly/panic)
5. ................................. more and more politically aware these days. (Young people/become)
6. What..........................nowadays? (John/do) -.................for the British cycle team. (He/ride)
7. ............................................................................ our holiday here very much. (We/enjoy)
8. ..................................................... people by asking personal questions. (He/always/upset)
9. What time............................................................................. tomorrow? (he/arrive)
10. ................................................................. the 1,500 metres in the next Olympics. (She/run)

3.3 Change the text below so that it is true about developments in your country. Use verbs in
the present progressive and underline the word in italics that you want. Use the verbs in the
box if you want to. You can use the verbs more than once.

change earn fall get go up / down increase leave rise

In my country, many things are changing. The population .................., and the number of
unemployed people ............................Young people ..........................home earlier/ later,
and...........................married earlier/later than before. People...........................more /less money
these days, while the cost of living ......................... .
Our capital city .......................bigger/smaller, the number of people with
cars.......................and traffic problems ........................... better/worse. Overall, I think life
in my country ...........................better / worse for most people.

3.4 Headlines for newspaper articles often use the present simple, but the articles sometimes
use the present continuous to describe activities that are still going on. Rewrite these headlines
as full sentences to start the articles.
Example: CHESTER POLICE LOOK FOR STOLEN DINOSAUR EGG. MUSEUM OFFERS BIG
REWARD TO RETURN OF EGG - Police in Chester, are looking for a stolen dinosaur egg, The
Museum is offering a big reward for the return of the egg.

1. US scientists examine Mars rocks and try to find signs of life.

2. Grandmother still works in supermarket at 75 but thinks of retiring.
3. Alan who lives in tree house tries to set new one-year record.
4. New York man builds own rocket and plans to reach moon.
5. Tokyo woman celebrates 120th birthday and looks forward to 121st.

3.5 Translate the sentences into English.

 1. Я зараз працюю на комп’ютері. В мене завтра контрольна робота і я повторюю
матеріал.
2. Я не можу зараз написати листа. Я відповідаю на телефонний дзвінок.
3. Дивіться, він грає у комп’ютерну гру замість того, щоб виконувати свою роботу.
4. Будь ласка, не вимикайте комп’ютер. Майкл ще працює.
5. Чому Ви не відповідаєте? - Я не розумію питання.
6. МР3 плеєри дешевшають. Я думаю придбати собі на день народження.
7. Що ти робиш після лекції? Я зустрічаюсь з друзями і ми йдемо до кав’ярні.

Present Simple and Present Continuous: Contrast

 The present simple is used to express permanent facts.
 The present continuous is sometimes used as a contrast to the present simple, to show
temporary events:
I live in Mexico, though I’m staying in Texas at the moment.
I’m living in Paris just now, but I come from Belgium.

3.6 Put the verb in the sentences in the correct tense, Present Simple or Present Continuous.
1. Ms Davis_________ (teach) Maths.
2. Classes_________ (start) at nine o'clock.
3. Alec_________ (take) an HND course.
4. He_________ (study) at Telford College this year.
5. On Tuesdays, he_________ (study) in the library.
6. He_________ (want) to be a Civil Engineer.
7. He_________ (work) on a project about a new bridge.

3.7 Circle the correct form of the verb in these sentences.

1 You're very quiet. What (do you think / are you thinking) about?
2 What (are you thinking /do yon think) about the new sports centre?
3 I'm sorry (I'm not agreeing / I don't agree) with you.
4 (Are you looking / Do you look) for me?
5 (Do you prefer / Are you preferring) texting to phoning?
6 (I don't like / I'm not liking) him at the moment.
7 (I hear / I'm hearing) you're leaving us.
8 I'm afraid (I'm not remembering / I don't remember) where we met.
9 (Do yon listen / Are you listening) to the radio at the moment?
10 (I'm hating / I hate) cold evenings.
11 (I'm not looking forward / I don't look forward) to my holiday.
12 (They're looking / They look) at clothes at the moment.
13 Why (aren't yon agreeing / don't yon agree) with the idea?
14 What (is this meaning? / does this mean?)
15 (I'm not understanding / I don't understand) the lessons.
16 (I never agree / I'm never agreeing) with what he says.
17 (He knows / He's knowing) you're wrong.
18 (They watch / They're watching) us.
3.8 Complete these sentences, putting the verbs into the correct tense, Present Simple or
Present Continuous.
1. I live in Washington, though I’m staying in London at the moment.
2. The car isn't here today because Sheila (use) ...........................................................it.
She generally (use) ...............................................................the bus, but the drivers are
on strike.
3. We usually (stay) ...........................................................at home on Fridays, but we
came out tonight because we (celebrate) ...............................................................our
anniversary.
4. I (come) …………………................................ from Scotland, though I (live)
…………………………. in London just now.
5. I (stay) ………………………………….with my parents at the moment, though I (have)
……………………………………. my own flat.
6. They usually (work) ...........................................................at the weekends, though
they (not work) ................................................................at the moment.
7. He (teach) …........................................................in a language school, though he
(work) ................................................................in a factory at the moment because the
school's on holiday.
8. The business usually (make) ...........................................................money, though it
(do) ................................rather badly just now.
9. I usually (work) …………………………. at night, though I (have)
…………………………….. a holiday at the moment.
10. I (study) ………………...................................French at the moment, but I (not
speak) ................................................................it very well yet.

3.9 Answer these questions about yourself with соmplete sentences.

a. What are you studying?
b. Where are you studying?
c. How long is your course?
d. Is it part-time оr full-time?
e. What qualification do you get when you complete the course?
f. What are the main subjects?
g. Which subject do you find most difficult?
h. Why do you find it difficult?
i. Which subject do you enjoy most?
j. How many classes do you have each week?
k. When do your classes start each day?
l. When do they finish?
m. Do you have any self-study time?
n. What do you hope to do when you finish your course?