Do the task then check with the key.

Parts of a Computer.

Objectives

By the end of this unit, students should be better at:

- matching pictures of components to their English names and functions

- listening for specific detail.

They should be able to:

- make simple instructions

- use sequence words.

They should know and be able to use these words and abbreviations:

byte, kilobyte, megabyte, gigabyte, megahertz, motherboard, port, RAM, ROM, cache memory, expansion card.

Tuning-in

Most computers consist of an electronic central processing unit (CPU) to which are attached different input devices, output devices, and storage devices. The main parts of a desktop computer are enclosed in a box known as the system unit. This contains an electronic board called the motherboard that holds and connects together the main electronic components. These are shown in the table below.

Processorcontrols the system and processes the data (microprocessor) ROM(Read stores the program instructions the computer needs to start up Only Memory) RAM(Random stores the data being processed Access Memory) Cache memory speeds up the processing

The motherboard usually has empty electronic connectors, called expansion slots, into which additional electronic boards (sometimes called expansion cards) can be plugged. This allows extra electronic components to be added. Fоr example, more memory can be added by plugging memory boards (called SIMMS) into the memory slots. Sound facilities can be added by plugging a sound card into an expansion slot. This is one way of upgrading a computer. Another way is to replace the motherboard with a newer and better one. The system unit usually also contains a small speaker (or loudspeaker), the power supply, and some storage devices. These often include: a hard disk drive with a fixed disk that can store a very large amount of data; a floppy disk drive that uses removable floppy disks (diskettes); a CD-ROM drive that is used for reading CD-ROM disks (particularly in multimedia computers). Some other devices may be included in the system unit but most input and output devices are plugged into the back of the system unit using connectors known as ports.

Power is a function of both speed and capacity. The power of a computer depends on the combination of all the components. When buying a computer, you can often choose between different components. In particular, you can choose between different processor speeds, amounts of memory and hard disk sizes. Units of measurement commonly used in computing are shown below.

Unit Symbol Meaning Measurement Hertz Hzcycles per second frequency   Byte bspace for one character, capacity (pronounced like bite) i.e. one letter, number, punctuation mark, symbol, or even a space

Hertz are measured using the decimal (of tens or one-tenth) system but bytes are measured using the binary (of or involving a pair or pairs) system. The values of the unit prefixes vary in these two systems as shown in the table below.

Unit	Symbol	Decimal System	Binary System
kilo	К	10^3 = 1000	2^10=1024
mega	M	10^6= 1000000	2^20= 1048576
giga	G	10^9 = 1000000000	2зо = 1073741824

(MHz = megahertz, Kb = kilobytes, Mb = megabytes, Gb = gigabytes)

Do the task then check with the key...

Task 1 Look at the diagram to cover the vocabulary below.

Work in pairs. Study this diagram of the inside of a computer. Can you label these components? Compare your answers with other students in your class.

2 motherboard

3 memory chips

4 power supply

5 processor

6 speaker

7 expansion cards

8 floppy drive

Listening: Buying a computer 2

Task2 Use the Glossary to find out what these terms mean.

I 1 byte 2 Gb 3 Kb 4 Mb 5 MHz

Variant 1. Try and write your own definitions of the terms given before you look at the Glossary.

Variant 2. Work in pairs or small groups to do this, so as to pool your technical knowledge. (Use the Glossary for answers.)

Task3

Check you understand what you are listening for. In order to complete the table

Component	Capacity/speed measured in
processor
cache memory
RAM
video memory
hard disk

you have to identify the components as they are mentioned, and write in the associated term of measurement for each one. Before attempting the exercise, revise the pronunciation of the terms of measurement from Task 2.

Listen to this conversation about buying a computer and complete the units in the table.

Reading: The motherboard

Task 4 This could be done in pairs or individually. You should complete as much as you can before referring to the Glossary for help.

Study this diagram of a PC motherboard. Match the components to their descriptions. If you need help, use the Glossary.

1. These are memory chips. The more you have, the more work you can do at a time. Empty memory slots mean you can add more memory.
2. This is the 'brain' of the computer.
3. It's part of the memory store. It has extremely fast access. It's faster than normal RAM. It can speed up the computer.
4. These let you add features such as sound or a modem to your computer.
5. This kind of memory contains all the instructions your computer needs to activate itself when you switch on. Unlike RAM, its contents are retained when you switch off.

Task 5

Task 5 Before to attempt this exercise say, what the verbs add, remove mean?

Jit (abr. `job instruction training`) Work in pairs to try and match the instructions with the pictures.

Study these instructions for replacing the motherboard in a PC.

a Add the processor.

b Fit the new motherboard.

с Remove the old motherboard.

d Put it back together.

e Add the memory. Don't touch the contacts.

Match the instructions to each picture. The pictures are in the correct order.

Language work: Making instructions

Note how we make simple instructions in English.

Add the memory. Don't touch the contacts. Making instructions in English involves the use of the imperative or command form of verbs. The imperative has the same form of the verb as the infinitive (without to) and has no subject. Negative imperatives are made by adding do not (don't) in front of the verb. As instructions usually follow a specific sequence, sequence markers first, then, next, after that, finally, etc. are often used to indicate the correct order.

Task 6 When learning these, which you can do with reference to the instruction sequence in Task 5 above, mind that after cannot be used on its own, as it can in many other languages. The construction you should use is after that.

Work in pairs to select the appropriate verb for each instruction and put it in the correct form. To get more practice with the negative form, try to elicit more don'ts, such as

Don't use a disk without virus checking it.

Don't bring food and drink into the computer lab.

Don't tell anyone your password.

Study these instructions for virus-checking a disk. Fill in the gaps with verbs from this list. Use Don't where appropriate.

click exit put select start

1 _______ the disk into the drive.

2 _______ the virus checking program.

3________the drive to be checked.

4________the'Find'button.

5_________the program until the check is complete.

6________'Yes' or 'No' for checking another disk.

Task 7 When you have established the correct order of the instructions, read out the sequenced list, using the appropriate sequencing expressions. Mind pronunciation problems!

Study these instructions for formatting a disk in Microsoft Windows. Write the instructions in the correct order (1-6), using sequence words. You will have to use one of the words more than once.

a Select 'OK' to start formatting the disk.

b Choose 'Format' from the drop-down menu.

с Click the 'Start' button.

d Put the disk into the drive.

e Choose the formatting options you require.

f Click the 'OK' button when formatting is complete.

Use a few minutes to study the text closely, then close the books, and give the instructions in the right order from memory. If you get stuck, start putting up individual words from each sentence to help.

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