Map of the book iv

Thanks and acknowledgments v!l!

Module 1 Computers today 1 Module 6 creative software 99

Unit 1 Living in a digital age 2 Unit 20 Graphics and design 100
,]05
Unit 2 Computer essentials 7 Unit 2'| Desktop publishing

Unit 3 |nside the system

,l1
UniI22 Multimedia l10
Unit4 Buyingacomputer 16 Unit 23 Web design 114

Module 2 lnput/Output devices 21 Module 7 Programming / Jobs in lCT 1 t 9

'l20
Unit 5 Type, click and taIkl 22 Unit 24 Program design and computer languages
Unit 6 Capture your favourite image 27 Unit 25 Java'" 125

Unit 7 Display screens and ergonomics 32 Unit 26 Jobs in lCT 129

Unit8 Choosing a printer 37

unit 9 Devices for the disabled 42 Module 8 Computers tomorrow 134

Unit 27 Communication systems 135

Module 3 Storage devices 47 Unit 28 Networks 140

Unit'l0 Magnetic storage 48 Unit 29 Video games 145

Unit '] Optica| storage

,l50
']
52 Unit 30 New techno|ogies
Unit 12 F|ash memory 57

Appendix: a modelCV 155

Module 4 Basic software 62 Glossary 156
Unlt 13 The operating system (OS) 6ą lrregularVerbs 166
Unit 14 Word processing (WP) 68 Acronyms a nd a bbreviations 168
Unit 15 Spreadsheets and databases 73

Module 5 Faces of the lnternet 78

Unit 16 The lnternet and email 79

Unit 17 TheWeb B4

Unit 'lB Chat and conferencing 89

Unit 19 |nternet security 94
 The digital age
Match the captions (1-4) with the pictures (a-d).
,|
ln educatlon, computers can make all the difference,,,,,,,,,,,.,,,,,
2 Using a cashpoint, or ATM
3 The l nter n et n you r poc ket
i .,,...,,..,,...,,..,,...,,...

4 Contro||ing air traffic,,,, ,,, ,,,,,,,,, ,,,,,,

o
.J| now are computers used in the situations above? ln pairs,
discuss your ideas.
Read the text and check your answers to B.

We are now living in what some peop|e ca|l the communicate with other studer^:: a, - -,, ) _-:,,,cr:c,
digital age, meaning that computers have become lo Teachers use projectors and inter.:: .: .,, - .=:]3,3s
an essential part of our Iives. Young peop|e who to give presentations and teacr s: :, _a: - ) ],_, 3,
have grown up with PCs and mobile phones are language CoUrses. PCs are also use: ':, .:." - : ,.: , a
often called the digitalgeneration. Computers help pUrposes - schooIs use word proca;:_,. __ write
students to perform mathematicaI operations letters, and databases to keep records _',,, ]=- _.
and improve their maths skills.They are used to ls and teachers. A school website a ,c.,.: _=::-
access the lnternet, to do basic research and to publish exercises for students to complete
students can also enro| for courses via the website card to pay for goods and services, lnstead of using a
and parents can download official reports. 35 signature to Verif,/ payments, customers are asked to
Mobi|es let you make voice calls, send texts, enter a four-digit personal identification number
(PlN), the same number used at cashpoints;this
email people and download Iogos, ringtones or
system makes transactions more secure. With online
9ames, With a bui|t-in camera you can send pictures
and make video calIs in face-to-face mode, New banking, clients can easi|y pay bills and transfer
smartphones combine a telephone with web access, 40 money from the comfort of their homes.
video, a games conso|e, an MP3 playe1 a personal Airline pilots use computers to help them contro|
digital assistant (PDA) and a GPS navigation system, the p|ane. For examp|e, monitors display data
all in one. about fuel consumption and weather conditions.
In airport control towers, computers are used to
ln banks, computers store information about the
money he|d by each customer and enab|e staffto 45 manage radar systems and regu|ate alr traffic. On
access |arge databases and to carry out financial the ground, airlines are connected to trave| agencies
transactions at high speed.They also control the by computer. TraveI agents Use computers to find
cashpoints, or ATMs (automatic teIler machines), out about the avallablIity of fl19hts, prices, tlmes,
which dispense money to customers by the use stopovers and many other detai|s.
of a P|N-protected card. Peop|e use a Chip and PlN

When you read a text, you will often see a new word that you don't recognize. If
you Gan identify what type of word it is (noun, verb, adjective, etc.) it can help you
9uess the meaning.
Find the words (1-10) in the text above. Can you guess the meaning from Gontext?
Are they nouns, verbs, adjectives or adverbs? Write n, v, adj or adv nextto each
word.
'l perform (line 6) 5 digital (line 25) . *-*"
2 word processor (line 13),. .. 7 store (l i ne 27) .............................

3 onIine (line 16) 8 financia| (|ine 29)

4 download (|ine 18) 9 monitor (line 42)
6 buiIt-in (line 21) 10 data (line 42)...., **

Match the words in D (1-10) with the correct meanings (a-j).

a keep, 5ave.,,...,...,,.,,..,,,,,..,.., g coIlection of facts or figures.,,,..,,...,..,,..,,,.,,,..,,

b execute, do h descrlbes lnformation that is recorded or

c monetary b road ca st u sln g com pute rs ..,..._. _,.., ..,...,..,,

d screen i program used for text manipuIation,,.,,,,,,,,, ,...,

e integrated j copy files from a server to your PC or mobile

f connected to the lnternet,, ,, ,,_,, _, _,,

f, pairs, discuss these questions.

1 'n
How arelwere computers used in your schoo|?
2 How do you think computers will be used in schoo| in the future?
 Language work: collocations
collocations 1
1

Verbs and nouns often go together

Look at the HELP box and then match the in EngIish to make set phrases, for
verbs (1-5) with the nouns (a-e) to make examp|e access the Internet.T hese word
collocations from the text on pages 2-3. combinations are cal Ied col locations,
and they are very common, Learnin9
1 give a money
colIocations instead of individual words
2 keep b aPlN can help you remember which verb to
3 access c databases use with which noun. Here are some
4 enter d presentations examp|es from the text on pages 2-3:
perform operations, do research, make
5 transfer e records
calls, send texts, display data, write
letters, store i nfor m ati o n, co m pl ete
Use collocations from A and the HELP exe rcises, car ry out tr a n sa ct i o n s.
box to complete these sentences.

other public pIaces.

in order to make their talks more visually attractive.

Google and Wikipedia, you can find the information you need in seconds.

when you visit the website again, it remembers your preferences,

attachments - pictures, audio, even video.

Computers at work
T.z @ aira"n to four people talking about how they use computers at work.
Write each speaker's job in the table.

electrical engineer secretary librarian composer

Speaker Job What they use computers for

l

€ a,ra"n again and write what each speaker uses their computer for.
 The magic of computers
You are going to read a text about some of the other things that computers are
used for. Five sentences have been removed from the text. choose which sentence
(1-5) fits which gap in the text (a-e).
1 lt is a calcu|ating machine that speeds up financial ca|culations
2 we visit shops and offices which have been designed with the help of computers
3 you can even use your PC to relax with computer games
4 for examp|e calcu|ators, the car's e|ectronic ignition, the timer in the microwave, or the
pro9rammer inside the VCR
5 as does makinq a fliqht reservation or bank transaction

Computers and microchlps have become part ot our of dolng anything you ask. (d) ; lt is an e|ectronic
everyday |ives: (a) ;we pay bills prepared by fi|ing cabinet which manages large collections of
computers;just picking up a telephone and dialling a data, such as customers'Ilsts, accounts, or inventories;
number invo|ves the use of a sophisticated computer it is a magical typewriter that allows you to type and
system, (b)..,......... . .. . print any kind of document - |etters, memos or legal

Every day we encounter computers that spring to iife the

documents; it is a personal communicator that enables
you to interact With other computers and with people
.
instant they are switched on, (c) ,. . . ,,, a|| of which use
chip technology. around the wor|d;if you like gadgets and e|ectronic
entertainment, (e) .

What makes your computer such a miraculous device?

Nowadays, it i5 almosi impossib|e to imagine life Without
Each time you turn it on, it is a blank s|ate (tabula rasa)
that, with appropriate hardware and software, is capable
the magic of computers.

Read the text again and answer these questions.

1 Apart from computers, what other devices use microchips?
2 Which two components a||ow computer Systems to operate?
3 What types of document are prepared on computers?
4 Why ls a computer called a personal communicator?

Computers have
changed the way
we live, work, play
and communicate
Other applications
)l small groups, choose one of the areas in the diagram below and discuss
'n can do with computers in that area. Look at the Useful language box
what you
below to help you.

Formula ] cars Entertainment

Factories and
industrial processes
i schools / universities

Formula 1 cars: design and build the car, test virtual models, control electronic components,
monitor engine speed, store (vital) information, display data, analyse and communicate data

Entertainmenlz download music, burn CDs, play games, take photos, edit photos, make video
clips, watch movies on a DVD player, watch TV on the computer, listen to MP 3ls, listen to the radio
via theweb

Factories and industria! processes: design products, do calculations, control industrial robots,
control assembly lines, keep record of stocks (materials and equipment)

School/University: access the lnternet, enrol online, search the Web, prepare exoms, write
documents, complete exercises online, do research, prepare presentations

Computers are used to ...

A PC can also be used for .. .

People use computers to ..,

ffi *.ia" a short presentation summarizing your discussion. Then ask one
person from your group to give a summary of the groupt ideas to the rest
of the class.
 Computer hardwdre
.-'l ln pairs, discuss these questions.
1 Have you got a computer at home, schoo| or work? What kind is it?
2 How often do you use it7 What do you use lt for?
3 What are the main components and features of your computer system?

ln pairs, labe! the elements of this Gomputer system.

8-
3-

ffiJ/ffi
Read these advertising slogans and saywhich computer element each pair
refers to.

point and click Displays your ideas Power and speed

lt's quiet and fast
hene for power with perfect brilliance on the inside

Obeys every impulse .,. it's easg to

See the difference - sharp Let your computer's
as if it were an extension
images and a fantastic back up gour data
brain do the work
ofyour hand before it's too late
ran§e of colours

... a big impact on the Just what you need:

production of text and graphics a laser powerhouse

Find words in the slogans with the following meanings.

1 to press the mouse button
2 clear; easy to See .,,,,,, ,,,,,,,,,

3 to make an extra copy of something ....... .. ...,,

4 seIection
5 shows .,,...,,,...,,...,...,.
 What is a computer?
Read the text and then expIain Fig. 1 in your own words.

A computer is an e|ectronic machine which can accept Storage devices (hard drives, DVD drives or flash drives)
data in a certain form, process the data, and give provide a permanent storage of both data and programs.
the results of the processing in a specified format as Disk drives are used to read and write data on disks.
information. tnput devices enab|e data to 90 into the computer's
memory.The most common input devices are the
First, data is fed lnto the computer's memory.Then,
mouse and the keyboard. Output devices enable
when the program is run, the computer performs a set of
us to extract the finished product from the System.
instructions and processes the data. Final|y, we can see
For example, the computer shows the output on the
the resu|ts (the output) on the screen or in printed form
monitor or prints the results onto paper by means of a
(see Flq. 1 be|ow).
printer.
A computer system consists of two parts: hardware and
On the rear panel of the computer there are several
software. Hardware is any electronic or mechanical part
ports into which we can plug a wide range of
you can see or touch. Software is a set of instructions,
periphera|s - a modem, a digitaI camera, a scanner, etc.
called a program, which tells the computer what to do.
They allow communication between the computer and
There are three basic hardware sections: the central
the devices. Modern desktop PCs have USB ports and
processing unit (CPU), main memory and peripherals.
memory card readers on the front panel.
Perhaps the most influentiaI component is the central
processing unit. lts function is to execute program
instructions and coordinate the activities of aIl the \
other units. ln a way, it is the'brain'of the computer. ,§.
The main memory (a co|lection of RAM chips) ho|ds the
''\
instructions and data which are being processed by
the CPU. Periphera|s are the physical units attached to
the computer.They include storage devices and inpuV A USB port A USB connector
oUtpUt devices.

lnput Processsing output

Data is collected and entered Data iS manipulated The results are shown on the monitor or
l^ in print form

łl
storage
Files and programs are held on disk
Balance
Expenses
(e.9. payroll,
services,
publicity)

lncome
(e.9. sales,
StockS,
intere5t)

Fig.1
 Unit 2

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 informatlon which is presented to the computer
6 input e resu|ts produced by a computer

7 ports f input and output devices connected to the CPU

8 output 9 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
con nected

Different types of computer

re
T.9 |§tisten to an extract from an lCT class. As you listen, labelthe pictures (a-e)
with words from the box.
laptop desktop PC PDA mainframe tab|et PC

bc

d e ,,,,,, ,,,,,

,Ę
l& Listen again and decide whether these sentęnces are true or false.
correct the false ones.
'l A mainframe computer is less powerfu| than a PC.
2 A mainframe is used by large organizations that need to process enormous amounts of data.
3 The most suitable computers for home use are desktop PCs.
4 A |aptop is not portab|e.
5 Laptops are not as powerfu| as desktop PCs.
6 Using a stylus, you can write directly onto the screen of a tablet PC.
7 A Personal DigitaI Assistant is small enough to fit into the palm of your hand.
8 A PDA does not allow you to surf the Web.
Language work: Classifying

cIassifying Classifuing mean5 puttin9 things into 9roups

or classes. We can cIasslfu types of computers,
parts of a PC, etc. Some typical expressions for
Look at the HELP box and then use
suitable classifying expressions to cIassiĄling are:
comp!ete these sentences. . ... are classified into x types/categories
1 Acomputer,,,,, ,,, o ... are classified by ...
hardware and software.
2 Peripherals .. . .. three
.,,,,,,..,,,...,,,..,,,.,,,,.,,,,,,..,
. ... can be divided into x types/categories
types: input, output and storage devices. Digital computers can be divided into five
3 A word processing program main types: mainframes, desktop PCt laptops,
software which |ets tablet PCs and handheld PDAs.
the user create and edit text. o ... include(s)...
of network
a ... consist(s) of...
architecture: peerto-peer, where aIl
computers have the same capabilities, The basic configuration of a mainframe
and cIient-server (e.9. the lnternet), where consists of a central system which processes
servers store and distribute data, and immense amounts of data very quickly.
clients access this data.
There are X types/classes of...

)l pairs, describe this diagram, o X is a tYPe of ",

using classifying
'n expressions from the A tablet PC is a type of notebook computer.
HELP box. Make reference to your own
devices.

Peripherals

Input devices Output devices Storage media

. mouse . mon|tor . ma9netic,
. keyboard . printer e.9. hard drive
. Camera . optiCal, e.9.
DVD
. Flash
memory, e.9.
pen drive

Benefits of laptops and tablet PCs

1-
] . Your school is considering buying tablet PCs to use in the classroom. Write an
email to your teacher explaining the benefits for the students and the school.
or
Your company is considering replacing al! of the office PCs with laptops.Write an
email to your boss explaining the benefits for the employees and the company.
 Tech n i ca l specifi cati o n s
Read the advertisement and translate the technical specifications into your
own language.

O at2.4GHz
Intel Core 2 Duo processor
O 204BMB RAM, expandable to 4GB
O 500GB hard drive
o comes with windows vista Home premium

ln pairs, answer these questions. lf necessary, |ook at the Glossary.

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?

I
What is inside a PC system?
Read the text on page 1 2 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?

Look at these extracts from the text. what do the words in bold refer to?
1 This is built into a single chip, (|ine 2)

2 ... which executes program instructions and coordinates .,. (|lne 3)

3 ... that ls being executed. (line 22)

4 .. . performance of a computer ls partly determined by the speed of its processor. (|ine 25)
5 ... the CPU |ooks for it on the hard disk ... (line 35)
6 ... inside the computer to communicate with each other. (line 52)
 Processing ROM (read only memory) is non-volatiIe, containing
instructions and routines for the basic operations
The nerve centre of a PC is the processor, also caIled
of the CPU.The B|OS (basic input/output
the CPU, or central processing unit. This is built into
system) uses ROM to control communication with
a sing|e chip which executes program instructions
peripherals.
and coordinates the activities that take place within
the computer system. The chip itse|f is a smaIl piece RAM capacity can be expanded by adding extra
of siIicon with a complex electrical circuit called an 45 chips, usually contained in small circuit boards called
integrated circuit. dual in-line memory modules (DlMMs).

The processorconsists of three main parts: ARAM

r The control unit examines the instructions in chip
10 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.
r The arithmetic Iogic unit (ALU) performs
]5 mathematical ca|culations (+, -, etc.) and logical
operations (AND, oR, NoT).
r 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 Buses and cards
main memory. The other (the i nstruction'register, The main circuit board inside your system is called
or lR) holds the instruction that is being executed the motherboard and contains the processor, the
(see Fig. 1 on page 13). memory chips, expansions slots, and controIlers
The power and performance of a computer is partly so for peripherals, connected by buses - eIectricaI
25 determined by the speed of its processor. A system channels which allow devices inside the computer to
clock sends out signals at fixed intervals to measure communicate with each other. For example, the front
and synchronize the flow of data. Clock speed is side bus carries aIl data that passes from the CPU to
measured in gigahertz (GHz). For example, a CPU other devices.
run n i ng at 4Gdz (fou r thousand mi ion hertz, or
| |
ss The size of a bus, called bus width, determines how
cyc|es, per second) wilI enable your PC to handle the much data can be transmitted. lt can be compared to
most demanding applications. the number of lanes on a motorway - the larger the
The lntelCore 2 width, the more data can travel along the bus. For
Duo processor; example, a 64-bit bus can transmit 64 bits of data.
other chip
60 Expansion sIots a||ow users to install expansion
manufacturers
cards, adding features like sound, memory and
areAMD and
network capabilities.
Motorola

A data bus

RAM and ROM

The programs and data which pass through the
processor must be loaded into the maln 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,
 CentraI processing unit (CPU)

controI unit

Arithmetic Iogic unit (ALU)

Main memory
0 0 0 ] 0 0 0
Reo iste rs
PL
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

lR
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0l0 ] 0 0 0

bus
0 0 0l0 0 0 l 1

0l1l0l1l]l0l1l0

Fig. l: Organization of a simple computer; the CPU is built into a single microprocessor chip

Language work:
defr n i ng rel ative clauses Defi ning relative clauses

We can define peop|e or things with a

Look at the HELP box and then complete defining (restrictive) relative cIause. We
the sentences below with suitable re!ative use the re|ative pronoun who to refer
pronouns. Give alternative options if to a person; we can also use that.
possib!e. Put brackets round the relative
pronouns you can leave out. A blogger is a person who/that keeps
a web log (blog) or publishes an online
1 That's the computer....,.....,....,,,....,,...,,,...,,,,..,,,....,....,,,,,.. ,... .... ... ,,.. |'d Iike
diary.
to buy.
2 Core 2 Duo ls a new lntel processor We use the relative pronoun which (or
contains about 29l miIlion that) to refer to a thin9, not a person.
tra n slsto rs. This is built into a single chip which/that
A webmaster is a person execute5 program instructions and
designs, deve|ops and maintains a website. coordinates the activities that rake place
A bus is an e|ectronic pathway within the computer system.
carries signaIs between Re|ative pronouns can be |eft out
computer devices. when they are the object of the
5 Here's the DVD.,.. .. ,. ,, you |ent me! relative clause.
6 La st n g ht l met someo n e
i .,,,.,..,,,....,,,..,,,..,,,,...,,.,,,, The main circuit board (which/that)
works for GM as a software engineer, you have inside your system is called the
motherboard ...
 How memory is measured
Read the text and then answer these questions.
How many digits does a binary system use?
,|

2 what is a bit?

3 What is a collection of eight bits caIled?

4 What does ASC|| stand for?

5 What is the purpose of ASC||?

Computers do all calculations using a code made of Computers use a standard code for the binary
1ust two numbers - 0 and 1. This system is cal|ed binary
representation of characters. This is the American
code. The electronic circuits in a digital computer Standard Code for lnformation lnterchan9e, or ASCIl
detect the difference between two states: ON (the - pronounced /'rski/. ln order to avoid complex
cUrrent passes through) or oFF (the current doesn't paSs calcu|ations of bytes, we use blgger units such as
through) and represent these states as ] or 0. Each ] or 0 kilobytes, megabytes and gigabytes.
is ca||ed a binary digit, or bit. We use these units to describe the RAM memory, the
Bits are grouped into eightdigit codes that typically storage capaclty of disks and the size of a program or
represent characters (letters, numbers and symbols). document.
Eight bits together are called a byte. Thus, each character Note: bit is pronounced hlt/; byte is pronounced Ąartl
on a keyboard has its own arrangement of eight bits, For
example, 0] O00O0'] for the letter A, 0']0000] 0 for B, and
0'l0000] 1 for C.

One bit
Unit of memory Abbreviation Exact memory amount
010000 ] 1 '1
or0
Binary digit bit, b

Example of a byte Byte B 8 bits

Kilobyte KBorK 1,024 bytes (2l0)

Megabyte MB 1 ,024 KB, or 1 ,04B,576 bytes (2'0)

Gigabyte GB 1,024 MB, or 1,07 3,7 41,824 bytes (230)

Terabyte TB 1 ,O24 GB, or 1 ,099,511,627,776 bytes (2o0)

Complete these descriptions with the correct unit of memory.

A..,... . .. ,... ... ..,,, is about one trillion bytes - about as much text as the books
,,,, _
and
magazines in a huge library,
2 A .... .. .... . .... ....,,,,...,,.. is about one million bytes - about as much text as a 3O0-pa9e novel,
3 A. ,... ,... ..., .... .... ,,..,,,,..,,,,..., is about one thousand bytes - equlvalent to one sheet of A4.
4 A .,.. .,.. .... . .... .,..,.,,,...,,,. is about one billion bytes - about as much text as 1,000 books.
5 A.,....... ........,,,,..,,,...,canstoreasinglecharacter,suchastheletterhornumberZ.
 Unit 3

A PC system
Complete this diagram of a PC system. Look at Units 1, 2 and 3 to help you.

PC system

(1),,, ,,, (2) ,,, , ,,

Programs, Mechanical and

e.9, graphics package, electronic equipment
web browser

Physical units
(3)---. .. Main memory \lA\ attached to the
|/
", "
-_-_"_-________"_"___,
| computer
The'brain'of the
compUter
(6) Output devices (7)
(5) .......,...,.. ,.. ...,...,,..,,.. ROM

Keyboard (9),...,..,,..,...,..,,..,,..,...,,.... (10)

(8). Printer DVD drive
F|ash drive

ln pairs, compare your answers.

T 1 § to a teacher explaining the diagram to her class and

'ira"n
check your answers.

Your idedl computer system

Make notes about the features of the Gomputer 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

)l pairs, describe your ideal computer system. Give reasons

for your'nchoices.

lt's got ...

lt's very fast. lt runs at ..,

The standard RAM memory is ... and it's expandable .,.

The hard disk can hold ..,
l need a large, flat LCD screen because ...

As for the lnternet, ...

 ln a computer shop
/J lmagine you are in a
computer shop. Choose five things
that would improve your di9ital life.
ln pairs, compare your choices.

,.j_|
-l You wantto buy a computer.
Think of three basic features that
will make a big difference to your
choice.ln pairs, compare your
choices.

Y ' q'
U
§
U.a"n to two people maklng enquiries in a computer shop.
Do they buy anything?

§ aira"n again and complete the product descriptions.

iMac
Processor speed 2.33GHz
RAM .............,...,,.. .,..,...,...

t
Hard drive capacity
DVD drive included? Yes ć'
operating system
I ncludes internet software
P ri ce ...........,.....,.....,.....,.....,.....,,

MacBook
Processor speed,,.,,,,,,,,,,,.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,",.,

RAM .,....,,,... .

Ha rd drive ca pacity .,,....,...,,.,,....,.,...,,....i...

DVD drive incIuded?

Operating system
I ncludes internet software
Price Ł1,029
 Unit 4

rs
|g1 tisten again and comp|ete the extract from the conversation.
Assistant: Do you need any (1)

Paul: Um, yes, we're looking for a Mac computer. Have you got any fairly basic ones?

Assistant: Yes, sure. lf youd Iike to come over here.

Paul: What different (2) .. ...... .....,...,..,,,..,..,,, are there?

Assistant: At the moment we've got these two mode|s: the iMac, which is a desktop computer
I with an lntel Core 2 Duo processor (3),,.... . at 2.33 9igahertz, and the ..
portab|e MacBook, which has a processor (4) .. ... ... ... .. . ,,,,,,,,,.,, at 2,0 9igahertz. Core Duo
techno|ogy actually means two cores, or processors, bui|t into a sing|e chip, offering up
ia to twice the speed of a traditionaI chip.

t Sue: So they're both very (5).., ... .... .. ,,, ,,,,...,,,., then. And which one has more memory? l mean,
which has more RAM?
t Assistant: Wel|,the iMac has two gigabytes of RAM, which can be (6). up to three .
gigabytes, and the MacBook has one gigabyte, expandab|e to two gigabytes. lt all
depends on your needs. The iMac is (7) ....,................ .... .. .... for home users and smaII offices,
The MacBook is more (8) .. ... ... ..
if you travel a lot, ..,

Language functions
in a computer shop Language functions usefulto a sales assistant
. Greeting and offering help
Look at the !anguage functions in Good morning. Doyou need any help?
the HELP box and then correct one
mistake in each of these sentences. o Giving technical specifications (specs)
Decide which functions are being The MacBook has a processor running at 2.0
expressed in each sentence. gigahertz.
The iMac has two gigabytes of RAM.
1 The Ulysses SD ls a power, expandable
They feature a camera built into the display.
computer that offers high-end graphics
at a |ow price. o Describing
2 A |aptop is like|y to be more expensive Both computers are very fast and reliable.
than the equivalent desktop, but a o Comparing
Iaptop is less practical if you travel a Iot. The MacBook is more practical if you travel a
3 Where's the storage capacity of the lot.
hard drive? PDAs are cheaper than laptops but laptops
4 l'm looking a desktop PC that has good are more powerful,
graphics for games. Language functions usefulto a customer
5 Do you need the help?
o Exp|aining what you are looking for
6 And how many does the PDA cost? We're looking for a personal computer. Have
7 This workstation is a Pentium processor you got any fairly basic ones?
with dua|-core technoIogy, 1,024
gigabytes of RAM, and 1 terabyte of
o Asking for technical specs
What's the storage capacity of the hard drive?
disk space.
Do they have a DVD drive?
o Asking the price
How much dothey cost?
How much is it?
 RoIe play - buying d computer
ll work in pairs. one of you wants to buy a computer,the other is the shop
assistant. Use the prompti and product descriptions below to role play the
conversation.

Shop assistant Customer

Greet the customer and offer help.
Explain what you are lookin9 for.

Show the customer two possible models.

Ask for some technical specs.

Give technical specs (describe the processor, RAM and

storage capacity). Compare the two different modeIs.
Ask about any further technlcal specs (DVD drive, monitor,
communications, etc.).
Give the information required. Compare the two models.
Ask the price.

Answer, and mention any final detaiIs that might

persuade the customer to buy the computer.
Decide which computer to buy or leave the shop.

Toshiba satellite patm Tx handhetd

Dell desktop PC
2.0GHz Core 2 Duo processor Intel 312MHz ARM-based processor
AMD Athlon at2.4GHz
2GB RAM expandaole to 4GB 1GB RAM expandable to 4GB
128 MB Flash memory (non-votatite)
l60GB hard drive Support for memory cards
320GB hard drive
Super Multi drive (double layer) 320x480 TFT touch screen
DVD+/-RW drive
--laPtop
l5,4" wide XGA display
17" LCD monitor
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Wireless LAN,Wi-Fi compliancy Lithium-ion battery f2t6
t l,099 f680

Choosing the right computer

T. 6 G ,ira"n to four people talking about their computer_needs and.take notes.
ln Óiiis, read the descriptions fromlhe computer shop,website and choose the
most suitable computer for each person. Give reasons for your choices.
Speaker 3

Speaker 4

sun workstation
Two AMD Opteron processors at 3,0GHz
4GB RAM;32GB maximum
] terabyte hard drive and dual DVD drive
19" Sun TFT flat-panel LCD
Supports several graphics formats
Allows you to handle your toughest technical,
scientific, and business-critical applications
Supports Solaris, Windows and Linux
E3,249
 Unit ł

Gateway C.l 20 convertible notebook

lntel Core 2 Duo ULV processor at 1.06GHz
] 2 1 ' WXGA TFT touch screen
Gateway Executive styIus pen
1024MB DDR2 SDRAM
80GB serial ATA hard drive
DVD-ROM drive (optical DVD burner)
lntegrated modem and Bluetooth
windows vista Home premium
Thin and lightweight (1 .17" , 2.4 kg)
f,8o5

Sony Vaio AR laptop (VGN.ARSIEl

lntel Core 2 Duo Processor at 2GHz
2GB DDR2 SDRAM
200GB hard drive
DVD+lRW optical drive
,l7'
WXGA high-def inition LCD screen
Memory Stick slot
Three USB 2.0 ports
lntegrated wireless LAN
Built-in'Motion Eye digital camera
Lithium-ion battery
windows vista ultimate
§899

DeII Inspiton 531 desktop PC

AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core Processor
3072MB DDR2 SDRAM
Dell22" Wide Flat Panel
256MB NVlDlA GeForce 8600GT video card
1,0TB Hard Drive
16x DVD+/- RW Drive
lntegrated 7,1 Channel High Definition Audio
windows vista Home premium
Optional features: Wiridows Media Center,
integrated TV Tuner, and a BIu-ray disc drive for
high-definiton content
Frcm 8849
^
w

.-,;I look at the notes you made about your ideal Gomputer system in
Unit 3 task 6 (page 15). What did you want? Look again at the descriptions
of the computers above and choose the one that is closest to your ideal. ln
pairs, discuss your Ghoices.
Vocabulary tree
Designing word trees and spidergrams can help you build up your own mentaI
'maps'of vocabulary areas. Look at the list of terms in the box and put each one in
an appropriate place on the word tree below. The first one has been done for you.

proeess'or ROM expandable memory ALU DlMMs hard drive

RAM computer brain byte DVD system clock keyboard
mouse gigahertz printer megabyte webcam registers

Recom mending a computer

friend has asked you to recommend a computer that suits his needs. He
L-_., n
needs to be able to access the lnternet, play games and work with graphics, music
and video fiIes. Write an emai! describing its technical features and saying why
you recommend it.

F visit www.cambridge.orglelt/ict for an online task.

'o*