Four main classes of computers

Computer can perform many functions: they can do mathematical and logical operations. Mathematical operations include arithmetic and algebraic operations: such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, rising to a power, differentiating and integrating. Logical operations include comparing, selecting, sorting and matching.

Computers are divided into four main classes: microcomputers, minicomputers, mainframes and supercomputers.

A microcomputer is a computer manufactured on a single printed board which contains one or more chips. Most microcomputers are personal computers. At present personal computers have become so powerful that they are used as CAD/CAM systems.

A microprocessor is a very small device used in microcomputers, which deals with memories by reading and writing process. Microprocessors can obtain from memory and execute a limited set of instructions in order to perform addition or subtraction on a binary word and to input or output binary data.

Memory is a device for storing digital information. Memory should be small in size and large in capacity. It should take little power and work at the same speed as computer logic. There are many types of memories. AH microcomputers use Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read Only Memory (ROM).

RAM is called so because information can be put into or out of any single byte of memory. ROM is permanent memory for program storage.

People know many types of memory units, hard disks and floppy disks being widely used. Floppy disks (flexible plastic disks) are used in personal computers.

Exercise 2. Ағылшын баламаларын табыңыз.

Математические и логические операции, включать, умножение, вычитание, деление, сложение, возведение в степень, делятся на, печатная плата, очень маленькое устройство, выполнять ограниченный набор инструкции, хранить цифровую информацию, жёсткий диск, гибкий диск, широко.

Exercise 3. Сұрақтарға жауап беріңіз.

1. What functions can computer perform?

2. What operations do mathematical operations?

3. What operations do logical operations include?

4. What kind of classes are computers divide?

5. Are most computers personal computers?

6. What is memory?

7. What types of memory do you know?

8. What is RAM?

9. What is ROM?

10. What types of memory units are widely used?

Exercise 4. Дұрыс нұсқаны тауып, сөйлемді аяқтаңыз.

1 . A microcomputer is ... .

a) a computer which can perform addition or subtraction on a binary word;

b) a computer manufactured on a single printed board which contains one or more chips;

c) a very small device that can obtain from memory and execute a limited set of instructions.

2. A microprocessor is ....

a) a device which can perform logical operations;

b) a computer manufactured on a single printed board which contains one or more chips;

c) a device which can obtain from memory a limited set of instructions in order to perform addition or subtraction;

3. RAM is... .

a) memory for a limited set of instructions;

b) permanent memory for program storage;

c) memory when information can be put into or out of any single byte of memory.

4. ROM is ....

a) memory for limited set of instructions;

b) permanent memory for program storage;

c) random access memory.

Exercise 5. Мәтінді сөздіксіз аударыңыз.