Unit 1: What is a computer?
A computer is a machine with an intricate network of electronic circuits that
operate switches or magnetize tiny metal cores. The switches, like the cores, are
capable of being in one of two possible states, that is, on or off; magnetized or
demagnetized. The machine is capable of storing and manipulating numbers,
letters and characters. The basic idea of a computer is that we can make the
machine do what we want by inputting signals that turn certain switches on and
turn others off, or that magnetizes or does not magnetize the cores. The basic job
of computers is the processing of information. For this reason, computers can be
defined as devices which accept information in the form of instructions called a
program and characters called data, perform mathematical and/or logical
operations on the information, and then supply results of these operations. The
program, or part of it, which tells the computers what to do and the data, which
provide the information needed to solve the problem, are kept inside the
computer in a place called memory.
Unit 1: What is a computer?
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Computers are thought to have many remarkable powers. However, most
computers, whether large or small have three basic capabilities. First, computers
have circuits for performing arithmetic operations, such as: addition, subtraction,
division, multiplication and exponentiation. Second, computers have a means of
communicating with the user .After all ,if we couldn’t feed information in and get
results back, these machines wouldn’t be of much use. However, certain
computers (commonly minicomputers and microcomputers) are used to control
directly things such as robots, aircraft navigation systems, medical instruments,
etc . Some of the most common methods of inputting information are to use
punched cards, magnetic tape, disks, and terminals. The computer's input device
(which might be a card reader, a tape drive or disk drive, depending on the
medium used in inputting information) reads the information into the computer.
Computer circuits can make are not of the type:“Who would win a war between
two countries?” or “Who is the richest person in the world?” Unfortunately, the
computer can only decide three things, namely: Is one number less than another?
Are two numbers equal? And, is one number greater than another?
Unit: 1 What is a computer?
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For outputting information, two common devices used are a printer which prints
the new information on paper, or a CRT display screen which shows the results on
a TV-like screen. Third, computers have circuits which can make decisions. The
kinds of decisions which computer circuits can make are not of the type: “Who
would win a war between two countries?” or “Who is the richest person in the
world?” Unfortunately, the computer can only decide three things, namely: Is one
number less than another? Are two numbers equal? And, Is one number greater
than another?
Unit 1: What is a computer?
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A computer can solve a series of problems and make hundreds, even thousands,
of logical decisions without becoming tired or bored. It can find the solution to a
problem in a fraction of the time it takes a human being to do the job. A
computer can replace people in dull ,routine tasks, but it has no originality; it
works according to the instructions given to it and cannot exercise any value
judgments. There are times when a computer seems to operate like a mechanical
'brain', but its achievements are limited by the minds of human beings. A
computer cannot do anything unless a person tells it what to do and gives it the
appropriate information; but because electric pulses can move at the speed of
light, a computer can carry out vast numbers of arithmetic logical operations
almost instantaneously. A person can do everything a computer can do, but in
many cases that person would be dead long before the job was finished.
Unit 1 :What is a computer?
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Decide whether the following statements are true or false:
1. A computer can store or handle any data even if it hasn't received information
to do so.
2. All computers accept and process information in the form of instructions and
characters.
3. The information necessary for solving problems is found in the memory of the
computer.
4. Not all computers can perform arithmetic operations, make decisions, and
communicate in some way with the user.
5. Computers can still be useful machines even if they can't communicate with
the user.
6. There are many different devices used for feeding information into acomputer.
7. There aren't as many different types of devices used for giving result as there
are for accepting information.
8. Computers can make any type of decision they are asked to.
9. Computers can work endlessly without having to stop to rest unless there is a
breakdown.
6
Refer back to the text and find the synonyms .
1. Complex = intricate…………
2. Fundamental …………………
3. A way …………………
4. Uninterested …………………
5. Accomplishments …………………
Refer back to the text and find the antonyms.
1. Large …………………
2. Receiving …………………
3. Reject …………………
4. Unusual …………………
5. Small …………………
7
Complete the following statements with the appropriate words.
1. Every computer has ………………… for performing arithmetic operations,
operating ………………… or magnetized ………………….
2. A …………………with a screen is normally referred to as a …………………unit.
3. A computer is a ………………… that processes information in the form of
………………… and …………………and can store this information in a………………….
4. Card readers, tape drives, or disk drives are different …………………for inputting
information.