Task 4.

Read the extracts from sales assistants in computer shops describing the features and functions of various input devices. Complete the sentences with the words from the box and then choose which device they’re talking about.

1. This model …… a backlight, so you can see what you’re typing in the dark.
2. We have a Bluetooth version which …… without wires, but the surface you use it on needs to be dark.
3. Why don’t you try this? It’s …… drawing, as if you were using a pen and paper.
4. You’ll need one of these – it’s …… to control your movements while you play.
5. For more precision, I’d recommend this. It’s like an upside-down mouse, and it …… running your hand over the plastic ball here.
6. This is our most popular model. It …… you to reproduce exact copies of your documents in digital format.
7. This works just like a mouse, except you …… write directly onto the screen with it.
8. This is a model which …… particularly well with Skype.

Task 5.

In groups, decide which input device is best for:

1. moving the cursor rapidly
2. selecting from a menu
3. controlling fast-moving objects in a game
4. reading the price of things in a shop
5. making copies of a page of text and graphics
6. recording sounds
7. producing pictures of people and places for storing in a computer
8. controlling a computer using speech
9. drawing pictures onto a computer screen
10. typing text into a computer
11. emailing a copy of a letter that you received by post
12. making a video of a friend’s wedding
13. taking some photos while on holiday

Keyboard

Task 6.

Look at the keyboard. What are the main groups of keys? What are their functions?

Task 7.

Match these descriptions with the names of keys on the keyboard.

1. A long key at the bottom of the keyboard. Each time it is pressed, it produces a blank space.

2. It moves the cursor to the beginning of a new line. It is also used to confirm commands.

3. It stops a program without losing the information from the main memory. Sometimes its use depends on the applications.

4. It works in combination with other keys to produce special characters or specific actions.

5. It removes the character on the left of the cursor or any selected text.

6. It produces UPPER-CASE characters (or the upper-case character of the key).

7. It produces upper-case letters, but it does not affect numbers and symbols.

8. It moves the cursor horizontally to the right for a fixed number of spaces.

9. They are used to move the cursor, as an alternative to the mouse.

10. It pastes text or changes the symbols.

11. It switches the mode of the numeric keypad.

12. It copies the screen display.

Task 8.

Complete these FAQs by choosing the correct key.

1. Question: How do I start a new line in my document?

Answer: Just hit …….

2. Question: How can I delete a letter or word that I’ve typed?

Answer: Position the cursor after the letter or word and hit …… once per letter.

3. Question: Do I have to use the mouse to navigate around my document?

Answer: No, you can also use the …… keys.

4. Question: How can I type in UPPER CASE characters?

Answer: If you want to type one or two letters in upper case, then simply hold down …… and type the letters at the same time. If you want to type a whole sentence in upper case, you should use ….

Task 9.

How dangerous are computers? What can cause dangers? Share your ideas.

Task 10.

Can bacteria be a danger? Rank the things in the list for their danger to hygiene levels:

10 = lots of bacteria hiding here; 0 = totally bacteria free.

Change partners and share your rankings.

Task 11.

Match the following synonyms from the article:

Task 12.

Match the following phrases from the article (sometimes more than one combination is possible):

Task 13.

Listen to the text and mark the following sentences as true (T) or false (F):

Task 14.

Summarise the main point of the text. Do you agree with the author’s point of view. Give your reasons.

Camcorder / Camera / Scanner

Task 15.

Read about three different input devices and answer the questions.

1. How does scanner input text and graphic images from a printed page?

2. How does scanner send information to the computer?

3. What are the types of scanners? What is the difference between them?

4. How do digital cameras store photographs? How do they differ from traditional cameras?

5. Which feature allows mobile phone users to take pictures?

6. Which device would you use to take digital video?

7. What kind of software is used to manipulate video clips on the computer?

8. What do you think are the benefits of using scanners and cameras at home and in business?

Scanner

A scanner 'sees' images and converts the printed text or pictures into electronic codes that can be understood by the computer. With a flatbed scanner, the paper with the image is placed face down on a glass screen similar to a photocopier. Beneath the glass are the lighting and measurement devices. Once the scanner is activated, it reads the image as a series of dots and then generates the digitized image that is sent to the computer and stored as a file.

Scanner operates by using three rotating lamps, each of which has a different coloured filter: red, green and blue. The resulting three separate images are combined into one by appropriate software.

Common examples found in offices are variations of the desktop (or flatbed) scanner where the document is placed on a glass window for scanning. Hand-held scanners, where the device is moved by hand, have evolved from text scanning " magic wands" to 3D scanners used for industrial design, engineering, gaming and other applications.

Digital camera

A digital camera takes photos electronically and converts them into digital data (binary codes made up of 1s and 0s). It doesn't use the film found in a traditional camera; instead it has a special light-sensitive silicon chip.

Photographs are stored in the camera's memory card before being sent to the computer. Some cameras can also be connected to a printer or a TV set to make viewing images easier. This is usually the case with camera phones – mobile phones with a built-in camera.

Camcorder

A camcorder, or digital video camera, records moving pictures and converts them into digital data that can be stored and edited by a computer with special video editing software.

Digital video cameras are used by home users to create their own movies, or by professionals in computer art and video conferencing.

They are also used to send live video images via the Internet. In this case they are called Web cameras or webcams.

Task 16.

Advertisements of devices often contain facts and opinions. What is the difference between facts and opinions? Read the given advertisements. Find examples of facts and opinions.

Task 17.

These extracts come from a product description of a scanner. Decide if each extract is expressing a fact or an opinion.

1. We think that you’ll agree that the extraordinarily thin Scantech ODB25 is the obvious choice for you.
2. A single USB cable connected to your computer is the only lead you need.
3. Despite its diminutive size, you’ll find that the ODB25 is big on resolution.
4. The 1200 x 2400 dpi and 48 bit colour depth specification reproduces fine details.
5. A ‘Scan to PDF’ function scans documents straight to PDF.

Task 18.

Complete the advertisement of the digital camera with the words from the box. List the features and technical characteristics of the camera. Find facts and opinions in this advertisement. Would you like to buy this camera? Why?

Kodak has introduced the EasyShare M753 digital camera with 7.0 mega pixels (1)……, a huge 2.5-inch LCD screen, and a professional 3x optical zoom lens. It is the first camera to incorporate proprietary Kodak Perfect Touch (2)……. At the touch of a button, this innovative feature creates better, brighter pictures by bringing out detail in shadows without affecting lighter areas. It’s ideal for underexposed pictures caused by shooting beyond the flash range or in adverse lighting conditions.

The M753 uses the exclusive Kodak Colour Science chip for phenomenal image quality with rich (3)…… and accurate skin tones. 17 programmed scene modes (e.g. party, fireworks, children) and five colour modes (high, low, natural, black and white) help capture the best (4)…… with the least effort.

Other features include cropping, auto picture rotation, digital red-eye (5)……, and blurry picture alert. For capturing more than just still pictures, the camera also features high quality (6)…… capture and playback.

Task 19.

Make an advertisement of a given device. Remember to include facts and opinions.

Use the following plan:

1. Name of the product.
2. Its applications.
3. Its advantages.
4. The slogan for your product.

Barcode reader

Task 20.

Read the text and answer the questions:

1. What is a barcode reader?

2. How does it work?

3. What information does a barcode represent?

4. What are the advantages of using barcode readers at shops?

Different computerized systems make shopping easier for us. For example, supermarkets use barcode readers/scanners to read price labels. Customers use smart cards to pay for goods; and shops use multimedia systems to give information to their clients.

A barcode reader is an input device that scans barcodes on the products sold in shops. Each package has a Universal Product Code or UPC, which consists of a series of dark bars and light spaces used to represent specific information about the product.

The barcodes are made or modules that represent binary digits, or bits. The first modules identify the general category of the product and the manufacturer. The next modules specify the product for the computer, including the brand name and the price. The last modules check that the information is read correctly.

When the barcode scanner reads the barcodes at the checkout counter, it sends the price to the computer in the cash register, where it is displayed on a screen and printed on a paper receipt. The data is also recorded on disk. Thus, computers can keep a record of what articles are in stock and can instantly give orders for new supplies.

Task 21.

Find in the text the words with the following meaning.

1. request to supply goods

2. pattern of bars and spaces that contains information about the product

3. a short term for binary digit

4. small plastic card which contains a chip inside

5. a device for decoding UPC

6. a document which states that a specified sum of money has been received as an exchange for goods or services

Speech recognition technologies