Английский язык. Основы компьютерной грамотности 142

is made up of random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). Because RAM is only temporary storage, all microcomputers require some instructions to get started after they are turned on, and these are contained in ROM. A micro­computer includes both an MPU and internal memory.

The portion of the system software that is in ROM brings into RAM the additional instructions required to operate the micro­computer. Typically these instructions are stored on a magnetic disk; hence, they are called a disk operating system, or DOS. This start-up process is called bootstrapping*. ROM also con­tains other programs that help to make personal computers easy to use, such as a programming language. Computer games are also stored in ROM cartridges.

In addition to the MPU, RAM, ROM, and associated con­trol circuits, other components, called peripheral devices, are needed to make a complete microcomputer system. The prin­cipal peripheral units are: input devices, output devices, mass storage units, and communication components. Like a DOS, the programs that control the flow of data between a microcom­puter and its peripheral devices are a part of systems software.

The most common input device used with personal comput­ers is the keyboard. Most personal computer keyboards have extra keys that perform special functions and that can be used to control the movement of a cursor on a screen. A leverlike** device, called a joystick, is also used as an input device, com­monly for playing video games.

2. The CRT (cathode-ray tube) screen used with personal computers is called a monitor. Keyboards and monitors may be part of a single unit that also contains the microcomputer and the disc drives, or they may be separate units. Besides the mon­itor, the most common input units are dot-matrix and letter-quality printers. Dot-matrix printers are suitable for most mi­crocomputer applications. Letter-quality printers are usually used for high-quality office correspondence. Both types of print­ers are considered to be low-speed character printers.

Mass storage units are available over a range of capacities and access times. Floppy disks, or diskettes, are the most common mass storage media. They store patterns of bits on magnetically coated, flexible plastic platters. A floppy disk platter is sealed permanently in a paper jacket with a small window for reading

143 Unit 19. Personal Computers

and writing. Hard disk storage systems are also available. They may be fixed or removable. Some mass storage units contain both floppy and hard disk devices.

Low-cost modulator-demodulator devices, called modems, that allow microcomputer systems to communicate over tele­phone lines have become increasingly popular. Modems permit networks of personal computer owners to exchange information or to access large data banks. These data banks may be dedi­cated to special applications, such as law or medicine, or they may provide a variety of consumer services.

Notes

* bootstrapping — начальная загрузка; ** leverlike — рычажковый

TESTS

1. Вставьте необходимые слова вместо пропусков.

1. A personal computer is a small relatively inexpensive de-

vice designed for an individual .

a) person; b) producer; c) user

2. One of the first and most popular personal computer was

in 1977.

a) interpreted; b) introduced; c) integrated

3. All personal computers are based on technology,

its CPU being called MPU.

a) microscopy; b) microprocessor; c) microelement

4. Very soon a microcomputer was from a calcula-

tor into a PC for everyone.

a) transformed; b) transferred; c) transported

5. Input in PC is usually performed by means of a .

a) mouse; b) scanner; c) keyboard

6. A personal computer uses disks as input and out-

put media.

a) hard; b) fixed; c) floppy

7. Personal computers have a lot of , scientific, en­ gineering, educational being among them.

a) multiplication; b) application; c) investigation

Английский язык. Основы компьютерной грамотности 144

8. Personal computers have a great upon pupils,

educators, accountants, stock brokers and who not.

a) influence; b) information; c) environment

9. A word processing program called application

enables you to modify any document in a manner you wish.

a) hardware; b) software; c) firmware

10. Using a display you can mistakes, words

and replace sentences.

a) delete; b) dial; c) correct

2. Найдите в предложениях неличные формы глагола и назовите их:

A. a) Gerund; b) Present Participle Active; с) Present Participle Passive; d) Past Participle Passive; e) Perfect Participle Active; f) Perfect Participle Passive.

1. When keyed the data are held in a small memory called buffer. 2. Data keyed into the memory of a computer by typing on a keyboard are readable by humans. 3. Keyboard enables inputting numerical and text data. 4. The mouse provides the cursor control simplifying user's orientation on the display. 5. Having been constructed recently a new electronic device has important applications in space exploration. 6. Being supplied with a special appliance a television set may have a remote con­trol. 7. The control unit operates by reading one instruction at a time. 8. Improved methods of obtaining three-dimensional television pictures have been worked on the basis of holography.

B. a) Indefinite Infinitive Active; b) Indefinite Infinitive Ibssive; c) Continuous Infinitive Active; d) Perfect Infinitive Active; e) Perfect Infinitive Passive.

1. Input devices are used to enter data into primary storage.

These data appeared to have been investigated long ago.

\№ are glad to have obtained such valuable results. 4. You should have known wonderful features of computers long ago. 5. The problem to be solved is of great importance to the de­ velopment of this branch of industry. 6. The first amplifying semiconductor devices (transistors) are known to have been developed in the USA in 1948. 7. He ordered these devices to be repaired as soon as possible.

145 Unit 10. Personal Computers

3. Прочтите текст. Выберите основную мысль для каждо­го абзаца из предложенных ниже.

PERSONAL COMPUTERS

The personal computer can serve as a work station for the individual today. Moreover, as it has become financially feasi­ble to provide a computer for the individual worker, so also tech­nical developments have made the interface between man and machine increasingly "friendly", so that a wide array of com­puter functions are now accessible to people with no technical background.

A personal computer is a small computer based on a micro­processor; it is a microcomputer. Not all computers, however, are personal computers. A microcomputer can be dedicated to a single task such as controlling a machine tool or metering the injection of fuel into an automobile engine; it can be a word processor, a video game or a "pocket computer" that is not quite a computer. A personal computer is something different: a stand­alone computer that puts a wide array of capabilities at the dis­posal of an individual.

The first generation of true personal computers, which came on the market between 1977 and 1981, had eight-bit micropro­cessors; later introduced systems had 16-bits ones. Now 32-bit microprocessor chips are available, and soon they will be includ­ed in complete computer systems.

1. a) Performance of a wide array of computer functions;

Accessibility of PC for not professionals.

Friendly interface of a personal computer.

2. a) A microprocessor-based PC;

PC — a pocket computer;

Comparison of a microcomputer and a PC.

3. a) Microprocessor's capacity;

The growth of MPC's capacity;

The first generation of personal computers.