TYPES OF COMPUTER SYSTEMS PROFESSIONAL ENGLISH IN USE FOR COMPUTER

 

PROFESSIONAL ENGLISH IN USE FOR COMPUTER 3. TYPES OF COMPUTER SYSTEMS

 

A From mainframes to wearable computers A mainframe is the most powerful type of computer. It can process and store large amounts of data. It supports multiple users at the same time and can support more simultaneous processes than a PC. The central system is a large server connected to hundreds of terminals over a network. Mainframes are used for large-scale computing purposes in banks, big companies and universities. A desktop PC has its own processing unit (or CPU), monitor and keyboard. It is used as a personal computer in the home as a workstation for group work. Typical examples are the IBM PC and the Apple Macintosh. It’s designed to be placed on your desk. Some models have a vertical case called a tower.   EXERCISES 3.1 Look at A opposite. Which type of computer do these descriptions refer to? 1 a hand-held computer which can be used as a telephone, a web explorer and a personal organizer 2 a typical computer found in many businesses and popular for home use 3 a large computer used for intensive data processing and often linked to many terminals 3.2 Look at the computer advertisement and find this information. 1 What type of computer is advertised? 2 What kind of screen does it have? 3 Which pointing device replaces the mouse? 4 What type of ports does it have for connecting cameras and music players? 5 What sort of power supply does it use? 3.4 Read the interview with Adam Hawkins, an IT manager, and complete it with words from the PDA section opposite. Interviewer: What are the basic features of a PDA? Adam: Well, a typical PDA is a (1)___________ device that runs on batteries and combines computing, phone and Net capabilities. Interviewer: And how do you enter information?

ANSWER KEY