Theme Hardware Input Output Devices
Theme Hardware Input Output Devices
Read the text and label the diagram with the correct terms.
Computer Hardware
A computer is an electronic machine which can accept data in a certain form, process the data,
and give the results of the processing in a specified format as information.
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.
A computer system consists of two parts: hardware and software. Hardware is any electronic or
mechanical part you can see or touch. Software is a set of instructions, called a program, which tells
the computer what to do. There are three basic hardware sections: the central processing unit (CPU),
main memory and peripherals.
Perhaps the most influential component is the central processing unit. Its function is to execute
program instructions and coordinate the activities of all the other units. In a way, it is the 'brain' of the
computer. The main memory (a collection of RAM chips) holds the instructions and data which are
being processed by the CPU. Peripherals are the physical units attached to the computer. They include
storage devices and input/ output devices.
Storage devices (hard drives, DVD drives or flash drives) provide a permanent storage of both
data and programs. Disk drives are used to read and write data on disks. 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 - a modem, a digital camera, a scanner, etc. They allow communication between the
computer and the devices. Modern desktop PCs have USB ports and memory card readers on the
front panel.
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4. Match these words from the text (1-9) with the correct meanings (a-i).
1. software a the brain of the computer
2. peripherals b physical parts that make up a computer system
3. main memory c programs which can be used on a particular
4. hard drive (also known as hard disk) computer system
5. hardware d the information which is presented to the computer
6. input e results produced by a computer
7. ports f input devices attached to the CPU
8. output g section that holds programs and data while they are
9. central processing unit (CPU) executed or processed
h magnetic device used to store information
i sockets into which an external device may be
connected
5. Using the diagram in Ex. 3 speak about computer hardware.
6. In pairs, answer these questions and then report to the class.
1) What is the main function of a computer's processor?
2) What unit of frequency is used to measure processor speed?
3) What does RAM stand for?
7. Read the text below and then answer these questions.
1) What are the main parts of the CPU?
2) What does ALU stand for? What does it do?
3) What is the function of the system clock?
4) How much is one gigahertz?
5) What type of memory is temporary?
6) What type of memory is permanent and includes instructions needed by the CPU?
7) How can RAM be increased?
8) What term is used to refer to the main printed circuit board?
9) What is a bus?
10) What is the benefit of having expansion slots?
What is inside a PC system?
Processing
The centre of a PC is the processor, also called the CPU, or central processing unit. This is
built into a single chip which executes program instructions and coordinates the activities that take
place within the computer system. The chip itself is a small piece of silicon with a complex electrical
circuit called an integrated circuit.
The processor consists of three main parts:
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The control unit examines the instructions in the user's program, interprets each
instruction and causes the circuits and the rest of the components - monitor, disk drives, etc. - to
execute the functions specified.
The arithmetic logic unit (ALU) performs mathematical calculations (+, etc.) and
logical operations (AND, OR, NOT).
The registers are high-speed units of memory used to store and control data. One of
the registers (the program counter, or PC) keeps track of the next instruction to be performed in the
main memory. The other (the instruction register, or IR) holds the instruction that is being executed
(see Fig. 1 on page 13).
The power and performance of a computer is partly determined by the speed of its processor. A
system clock sends out signals at fixed intervals to measure and synchronize the flow of data. Clock
speed is measured in gigahertz (GHz). For example, a CPU running at 4GHz (four thousand million
hertz, or cycles, per second) will enable your PC to handle the most demanding applications.
RAM and ROM
The programs and data which pass through the processor must be loaded into the main memory
in order to be processed. Therefore, when the user runs a program, the CPU looks for it on the hard
disk and transfers a copy into the RAM chips. RAM (random access memory) is volatile - that is, its
information is lost when the computer is turned off. However, ROM (read only memory) is non-
volatile, containing instructions and routines for the basic operations of the CPU. The BIOS (basic
input/output system) uses ROM to control communication with peripherals.
RAM capacity can be expanded by adding extra chips, usually contained in small circuit boards
called dual in-line memory modules (DIMMs).
BUSES and CARDS
The main circuit board inside your system is called the motherboard and contains the
processor, the memory chips, expansions slots, and controllers for peripherals, connected by buses -
electrical channels which allow devices inside the computer to communicate with each other. For
example, the front side bus carries all data that passes from the CPU to other devices.
The size of a bus, called bus width, determines how much data can be transmitted. It can be
compared to the number of lanes on a motorway - the larger the width, the more data can travel along
the bus. For example, a 64-bit bus can transmit 64 bits of data.
Expansion slots allow users to install expansion cards, adding features like sound, memory
and network capabilities.
8. Make notes about the features of the computer that you would most like to have. Think about
the features in the box.
CPU Speed Optical disc drives Wireless connectivity Minimum/maximum RAM
Monitor Ports and card memory slots Hard disk Software
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Standard input device
keyboard Main input device controlling the computer and inputting text
and numerical data.
Cursor control input devices
mouse Common input device for use with a
graphical user interface. The mouse has a ball underneath that is
rolled on a mousemat.
tracker ball It is like a mouse turned upside down. The trackerball remains
in one position while the user rotates a small ball on top. Often
used instead of a mouse on portable computers.
joystick A vertical lever allows the user to
control the cursor precisely and at high speed. Particularly good
for playing fast action games.
touch screen The user interacts with the
computer by lightly pressing their finger on a touch-sensitive
area of the monitor screen.
Optical input devices
light pen It detects differences in reflected
light. It can be used for drawing directly on the monitor screen
or for reading printed optical characters or barcodes.
graphics tablet Used with a lightpen for drawing. The user draws on the tablet
with a lightpen as if they were drawing on a sheet of paper.
barcode reader A special kind of lightpen for reading barcodes. Barcodes are
used to identify items for stock control and pricing.
scanner Used to input text and graphics from a printed page.
digital camera Used to take pictures of an object. The picture is stored
electronically and can be edited using a computer.
Voice input device
microphone Used to input sound.
2. Label the pictures of input devices (a-l) with their names (1-12).
1. joystick 4. barcode reader 7. graphics tablet 10. digital camera
2. trackball 5. scanner 8. touchscreen 11. microphone
3. keyboard 6. mouse 9. lightpen 12. game controller
a) d)
e)
f)
l) h)
g)
c)
b)
i) j)
k)
3. Each text describes one of these devices: trackball, joystick, light pen, scanner. Identify the
device each text describes. Write your answers in the gaps.
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1) A ______ is another input device you can connect to a computer system. The ______ is able to
move in eight directions. ______ s are mostly used in computer games to control the way a picture on
the screen moves. Sometimes two ______ s are connected to a computer so two people can play the
game at the same time.
2) A ______ works in exactly the same way as a mouse, except that the ball is on top. The user rolls
the ball around with her hand to operate it. If you use a ______, you don’t need any extra space on
your desk to move it around (like you do with a mouse). ______ s are often used on small portable
computers and on some video game machines.
3) A ______ can be used to draw pictures directly on to a computer screen or to read the pattern on a
barcode. A ______ that can read barcodes detects the difference between the light reflected from a
black barcode line and its lighter background.
4) Using a ______, you can input printed drawings, photographs, or text directly into a computer. A
______ works like a photocopier – a light is shone on the material and the ______ detects the
reflected light. You can use a ______ with optical character recognition (OCR) software to input the
scanned text into a word processing package.
4. Listen to a computer technician describing three input devices. Write which input devices he
is talking about.
1) __________________ 2) _____________________ 3) ______________________
5. a) Study how to describe functions and features of devices.
HELP BOX: Describing functions
• for + gerund: This is a device for controlling the cursor and selecting items on the screen.
• used + to + infinitive: It's used to control
• relative pronoun + verb: This is a device which controls ...
• relative pronoun + used + to + infinitive: This is a device which/that is used to control .
• work by + gerund: It works by detecting light from the computer screen.
Describing features
We can describe features like this:
An optical mouse has an optical sensor instead of a ball underneath.
It usually features two buttons and a wheel.
You can connect it to a USB port.
A wireless mouse works/operates without cables.
It allows the user to answer multiple-choice questions and...
b) Look at the HELP BOX and then use the notes below to write a description of the Sony
PlayStation 3 controller.
Sony PlayStation 3 controller
Functions
• control video games
• hold it with both hands, use thumbs to handle directional
sticks and face buttons
Features
• six-axis sensing system (capable of sensing motion in six
directions: up, down, left, right, forwards and backwards)
• wireless controller (Bluetooth)
• USB mini port and cable for wired play and automatic battery charging
6. In pairs, choose one of these input devices and describe its functions and features. Try to
guess which device your partner is describing.
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7. THE KEYBOARD: Label the picture of a standard keyboard with the groups of keys (1-5).
1) Cursor control keys include arrow keys that move the insertion point up, down, right and left,
and keys such as End, Home, Page Up and Page Down, which are used in word processing to move
around a long document.
2) Alphanumeric keys represent letters and numbers, as arranged on a typewriter.
3) Function keys appear at the top of the keyboard and can be programmed to do special tasks.
4) Dedicated keys are used to issue commands or to produce alternative characters, e.g. the Ctrl
key or the Alt key.
5) A numeric keypad appears to the right of the main keyboard. The Num Lock key is used to
switch from numbers to editing keys.
8. Match the descriptions (1-8) with the names of the keys (a-h).Then find them on the
keyboard.
1) A long key at the bottom of the keyboard. Each time it is pressed, it produces a arrrow keys
a blank space. b return/enter
2) It moves the cursor to the beginning of a new line. It is also used to confirm c Caps Lock
commands. d shift
3) It works in combination with other keys. For example, you press this key and e tab
C to copy the selected text. f space bar
4) It removes the character to the left of the cursor or any selected text. g backspace
5) It produces UPPER CASE characters. h Ctrl
6) It produces UPPER CASE letters, but it does not affect numbers and symbols.
7) It moves the cursor horizontally to the right for a fixed number of spaces (in
tabulations and data fields).
8) They are used to move the cursor, as an alternative to the mouse.
9. Read this passage about a computer mouse. Fill in the gaps with the verbs from the list.
click double-click drag grab select move control
MOUSE ACTIONS
A mouse allows you to (1) ______ the cursor and move around the screen very quickly. Making
the same movements with the arrow keys on the keyboard would take much longer. As you (2)
______ the mouse on your desk, the pointer on the screen moves in the same direction. The pointer
usually looks like an I-bar, an arrow or a pointing hand, depending on what you are doing.
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A mouse has one or more buttons to communicate with the computer. For example, if you want
to place the insertion point or choose a menu option, you just (3) ______ on the mouse button, and the
option is chosen.
The mouse is used to (4) ______ text and items on the screen. You can highlight text to be
deleted, or you can select an item from a check-box or questionnaire.
The mouse is widely used in graphics and design. When you want to move an image, you
position the pointer on the object you want to move, press the mouse button, and (5) ______ the
image to a new location on the screen. Similarly, the mouse is used to change the shape of a graphic
object. For example, if you want to convert a square into a rectangle, you (6) ______ one corner of the
square and stretch it into a rectangle.
The mouse is also used to start a program or open a document: you put the pointer on the file
name and (7) ______ on the file name – that is, you rapidly press and release the mouse button twice.
10. Ask your partner 5 questions about a computer mouse.
Speech recognition systems
11. a) Listen to an interview with Anne Simpson, an expert in voice input technologies and tick
(✓) the features she mentions.
Speech recognition systems:
___ need a sound card and a microphone.
___can take dictation with accuracy.
___ allow you to create and compile a computer program.
___ allow you to execute programs and navigate around menus using voice commands.
___ allow you to surf the Web by speaking.
___ allow you to design graphics.
b) Listen again and answer these questions.
1) What do people usually use to communicate with a computer?
2) How do you get the best results from speech recognition software?
3) What rate of accuracy is possible with the software?
4) How can you train the software to be more accurate?
5) What kinds of words aren't in the software's dictionary?
12. In groups, discuss these questions.
1) What are the benefits of speech recognition software?
2) What kind of tasks would you find speech recognition useful for?
3) Who would benefit most from advances in speech recognition technology?
4) What is the future of this kind of technology? Do you think it will ever be possible to control
your computer using only your thoughts?
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b) Read the text again and answer these questions.
1) What do CRT and LCD stand for?
2) How is the screen size measured?
3) What technology is used by active-matrix LCDs?
4) Which unit of frequency is used to measure the brightness of a display?
5) What substance produces light and colour when hit by electrons in a CRT monitor?
6) What are the three advantages of OLED displays?
How screen displays work
Displays, often called monitors or screens, are the most-used output device on a computer.
They provide instant feedback by showing you text and graphic images as you work or play.
Most desktop displays use Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) or Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)
technology, while nearly all portable computing devices, such as laptops, incorporate LCDs. Because
of their slimmer design and lower energy consumption, LCD monitors (also called flat panel or flat
screen displays) are replacing CRTs.
Basic features
Resolution refers to the number of dots of colour, known as pixels (picture elements), contained
in a display. It is expressed by identifying the number of pixels on the horizontal and vertical axes. A
typical resolution is 1024x768.
Two measurements describe the size of your display: the aspect ratio and the screen size.
Historically, computer displays, like most televisions, have had an aspect ratio of 4:3 - the width of
the screen to the height is four to three. For widescreen LCD displays, the aspect ratio is 16:9, very
useful for viewing DVD movies, playing games and displaying multiple windows side by side. High-
definition TV also uses this format. The viewable screen size is measured diagonally, so a 19" screen
measures 19" from the top left to the bottom right.
Inside the computer there is a video adapter, or graphics card, which processes images and
sends signals to the monitor. CRT monitors use a VGA (video graphics adapter) cable, which
converts digital signals into analogue signals. LCD monitors use a DVI (digital video interface)
connection.
Colour depth refers to the number of colours a monitor can display. This depends on the
number of bits used to describe the colour of a single pixel. For example, an old VGA monitor with an
8-bit depth can generate 256 colours and a SuperVGA with a 24-bit depth can generate 16.7 million
colours. Monitors with a 32-bit depth are used in digital video, animation and video games to get
certain effects.
The cathode ray tube of the monitor is very similar to that of a TV set. Inside the tube there is
an electron beam which scans the screen and turns on or off the pixels that make up the image. The
beam begins in the top left corner, and scans the screen from left to right in a continuous sequence,
similar to the movement of our eyes when we read, but much faster. This sequence is repeated 50, 70
or 85 times per second, depending on the system. If the rate of this repetition is low, we can perceive
a flickering , unsteady screen, which can cause eye fatigue. However, a fast-moving 75 Hz ‘refresh
rate’ eliminates this annoying flicker.
Display technologies
An LCD is made of two glass plates with a liquid crystal material between them. The crystals
block the light in different quantities to create the image. Active-matrix LCDs use TFT (thin film
transistor) technology, in which each pixel has its own switch. The amount of light the LCD monitor
produces is called brightness or luminance, measured in cd/m2 (candela per square metre).
A CRT monitor is similar to a traditional TV set. It contains millions of tiny red. green and blue
phosphor dots that glow when struck by an electron beam that travels across the screen and create a
visible image.
PCs can be connected to video projectors, which project the image onto a large screen. They
are used for presentations and home theatre applications.
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In a plasma screen, images are created by a plasma discharge which contains noble (non
harmful) gases. Plasma TVs allow for larger screens and wide viewing angles, making them ideal for
movies.
Organic Light-Emitting Diodes (OLEDs) are thin-film LED displays that don't require a
backlight to function. The material emits light when stimulated by an electrical current, which is
known as electroluminescence. They consume less energy, produce brighter colours and are flexible -
i.e. they can be bent and rolled up when they're not being used.
Pioneer 50"
Cambridge- Plasma TV
Hitachi interactive Resolution:
whiteboard 1280x768 (XGA)
Allows interaction Blu-ray Disc recorder
with a projected 5.1 surround sound
computer image system (Five audio
Board size: 78" channels plus one
Connected to the PC subwoofer)
via USB
Pointing device:
cordless pen
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Portable projector
DIP (Digital Light Processing) technology
Resolution: 1024x768
Projection screen
8. Read and translate the article below. Fill in the table below:
Type of printer Main features Usage
Here is a guide to help you decide which printer is most suitable for your needs.
To begin with, you should take into account that printers vary in cost, speed, print quality, and
other factors such as, noise or printing method. Technology is evolving so quickly that there is
always a printer for every application or need.
Dot-matrix printers use pins to print the dots. They can print text and graphics; however,
they produce relatively low resolution output - 72 to 180 dots per inch (dpi). They are used to print
multi-part forms, self-copying paper and continuous-form labels. They are slower than laser printers
(see below) but much cheaper.
Inkjet printers operate by projecting small ink droplets onto paper to form the required
image. Colour and hues are created by the precise mixing of cyan, magenta, yellow and black inks.
Inkjets are fairly fast, quiet, and not as expensive as laser printers. Nevertheless, you can still expect
high quality results because there are some inkjet printers on the market with a resolution of 2,400
dpi.
Laser printers produce output at great speed and with a very high resolution of 1,200-2,400
dpi. They scan the image with a laser beam and transfer it to paper with a special ink powder called
toner. They are constantly being improved. In terms of speed and image quality, laser printers are
preferred by experts for various reasons; for instance, they have a wider range of scalable fonts than
inkjets, can emulate different language systems, and can produce high quality graphics: however,
they are still expensive for home users.
Thermal transfer printers are used to produce colour images by transferring a wax-based
ink onto the paper. They are popular for printing bar codes, labels and medium-resolution graphics.
Imagesetters (фотонаборное устройство) produce very high-resolution output (up to 3,540
dpi) on paper or on the actual film for making the printing plates. In addition, they are extremely
fast. Imagesetters are most often used in desktop publishing (DTP). Although they produce the
highest quality output, they have one important disadvantage: they are too expensive for homes or
small offices.
In modern lithographic printing, images are created on a DTP computer and then output
directly to the printing plates (печатная форма), without requiring film as an intermediate step.
This technology is called computer to plate, or CTP and the machine used is called a platesetter.
Finally, we have plotters. Plotters use ink and fine pens held in a carriage to draw very
detailed designs on paper. They are used for construction plans, engineering drawings and other
technical illustrations. Nowadays, traditional plotters are being replaced with wide-format inkjets.
9. Find words in the article with the following meanings:
1) designs and images used in magazines, books, etc.
2) output quality, measured in dots per inch.
3) a particular colour within the colour spectrum.
4) an ink powder used in laser printers and copiers
5) set of characters that can be resized (enlarged or reduced) without introducing distortion.
6) a rectangular pattern of black lines of magnetic ink printed on an object so that its details
can be read by a computer system.
7) surface that carries a reproduction of the image, from which the pages are printed.
8) in-between; middle.
10. Write a paragraph describing the printer(s) you use at home or at work. Try to use some
connectors. Think about these aspects: type, speed, resolution, print quality, memory, cost,
print consumables (ink cartridges etc.).
Ex. 1. Test your knowledge of the prepositions in / at / to / – - showing place and movement.
1. He lives _____ Zielona Gora.
2. She went _____ home.
3. Piotrek works _____ Steel Mill.
4. He went _____ his friend's house.
5. She arrived _____ Manchester for the celebrations.
6. I'm going to stay _____ home this weekend.
7. Joanna works _____ the hospital.
8. Why don't we go _____ the movies tonight?
9. I'm going to see Hania _____ France this summer.
10. I arrived _____ work early this morning.
11. She came home _____ early.
12. We stayed _____ the Mieszko Hotel.
13. They visited _____ England last summer.
14. She's going to travel _____ Finland this summer.
15. I'll be _____ school later today.
Ex. 9. Write the description of the steps in the operation of an EPOS till in the passive voice.
1. The checkout operator scans the item.
2. The scanner reads the barcode.
3. The scanner converts the barcode into electrical pulses.
4. The scanner sends the pulses to the branch computer.
5. The branch computer searches the stock file for a product matching the barcode EAN.
6. The branch computer records the sale of the product.
7. The branch computer sends the price and description of the product to the EPOS till.
8. The till shows the item and price.
9. The till prints the item and price on the paper receipt.