Reading. Computers are electronic machines which can accept data in a certain form, process the data and give the results of processing in a specified format as

a) Read the text:

What is a Computer?

Computers are electronic machines which can accept data in a certain form, process the data and give the results of 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 program 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. It is to execute program functions and to 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 or hard disks) provide a permanent storage of both data and programs. 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.

These are the main physical units of a computer system, generally known as the configuration.

b) Use the information in the text to help you match the terms hi the box with the appropriate explanation or definition below:

1. The brain of the computer.

2. Physical parts that make up a computer system.

3. Programs which can be used on 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.

c) Complete the sentences with the words from the box:

1) Computers are electronic machines that … information.

2) Computers … quickly and accurately in solving problems.

3) After processing the information, they … the results.

4) You can … and print any kind of document – letters, memos, or legal documents.

5) … is a set of devices and … is a set of programs.