Unit B. Graphics User Interface
This is a picture of a computer screen with one window open. The window contains a dialog box. This one is the Find dialog box. You can see the name on the title bar at the top of the screen. You use this dialog box to find files or folders. (pause)
Near the top of the window there are three tabs. The first tab is for searching by name and location. There are two other tabs: one for searching by date and the other for advanced searches. (pause)
To search for a file by name and location, you type the name of the file in the drop-down list box called Named. In this example, the user wants to find all the document files. Then you choose the folder to search in using another drop-down list box labelled Look in. Here the user wants to look in the folder called Personal on the C drive. So the first drop-down list box is for the name, and the second drop-down list box is for the location.(pause)
Between the Named and Look in drop-down boxes is a text box. In the text box you type any words which you want to look for. In this example, the user only wants documents with the word 'sport'. (pause)
You start the search by clicking on the Find Now command button. Other buttons stop the search, start a new search, or browse the drives.
The Very First Contacts with your Computer
Unit A Keys and Buttons
Keyboard
The keys on a computer keyboard can be arranged in many different ways. The most common way on a desktop PC is called the extended keyboard. The diagram shows an extended keyboard. The keys are in four main sections. (pause)
The section known as the main keyboard has a key for each letter of the alphabet. It also has keys for the digits 0 to 9, punctuation marks like commas and full stops, and other common symbols. (pause)
Above the main keyboard is a row of keys known as the function keys. This section includes the Escape key to the left and the Print Screen, Scroll Lock, and Break keys to the right. The function keys labelled F1 to F12 don't have fixed functions. You can program them to perform different functions such as saving and printing. (pause)
To the right of the main keyboard is a section known as the editing keys. This group includes keys which insert and delete data. It also includes the cursor keys, also called the arrow keys. These keys move the cursor around the screen. (pause)
To the far right of the main keyboard is the numeric keypad. This section has keys for the digits 0 to 9 and for common mathematical symbols like plus and minus. The keys are arranged like the keys on an electronic calculator. You use these keys to input numerical data.
Computer Types and Uses
Unit A. Kinds of Computers
Listening
Digital computers can be divided into five main types, depending on their size and power: they are mainframes, minicomputers, desktop PCs, laptops and handheld computers.
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Mainframes are the largest and most powerful computers. The basic configuration of a mainframe consists of a central system which processes immense amounts of data very quickly. This central system provides data information and computing facilities for hundreds of terminals connected together in a network. Mainframes are used by large companies, factories and universities.
Minicomputers are smaller and less powerful than mainframes. They can handle multi-tasking, that is, they can perform more than one task at the same time. Minicomputers are mainly used as file servers for terminals. Typical applications include academic computing, software engineering and other sophisticated applications in which many users share resources.
PCs carry out their processing on a single microchip. They are used as personal computers in the home or as workstations for a group. Typical examples are the IBM PC, or the Apple Macintosh. Broadly speaking, there are two classes of personal computer: (a) desktop PCs, which are designed to be placed on your desk, and (b) portable PCs, which can be used as a tiny notebook. This is why they are called notebooks or laptops. The latest models can run as fast as similar desktops and have similar configurations. They are ideal for business executives who travel a lot.
The smallest computers can be held in one hand. They are called handheld computers or palmtops. They are used as PC companions or as electronic organizers for storing notes, reminders and addresses.
Listening
Part 1
A: I'm thinking of buying a computer, and I need some advice.
B: OK. What do you want to use it for?
A: For writing, maybe for games. I want it for the Internet.
B: For the Internet and games... I recommend a multimedia computer.
A: What do you mean by a multimedia computer?
B: Well, it's more powerful than a basic computer. It's got sound and a CD-ROM or DVD drive. You can use it for high-quality graphics, animation, and video.
Part 2
A: What if I wanted... I travel a lot, if I wanted something smaller, what's available?
B: There are portable computers. A multimedia notebook is probably best.
A: Is a notebook the smallest kind you can get?
B: No, you can get subnotebooks and even smaller handheld devices. They're mostly used as organizers, as a diary, a 'to do' list, and that kind of thing. But for writing and general use a notebook is better.
A: OK, I think I'll go for a notebook. What other things do I need?
B: A printer... and for the Internet, make sure you have a modem.
A: A modem?
B: Yes, it's a device for connecting your computer to a telephone line. You need it to connect to the Internet.
Portable Computers
Listening
Interviewer: Some portable computers are referred to as laptops and others as palmtops. Can you explain the difference?
Tom: Sure. Laptops are simply smaller versions of desktop PCs, but they can run similar applications. However, palmtops are handheld computers and weigh less than 2 pounds; they are used as PC companions or as personal digital assistants.
Interviewer: And what are the basic features of palmtops?
Tom: Well, these handheld devices run on rechargeable alkaline batteries and have small keyboard and high-contrast LCD screens. Sometimes they have buttons for launching applications and a stylus or pen, which is used for interacting with a touch-sensitive screen.
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Interviewer: Do they need special operating systems?
Tom: Yes. They usually run Palm OS, from Palm Computing or Pocket PC OS, the system developed by Microsoft for mobile-computing devices. Some pen-based systems can also recognize hand-written characters and convert them into editable text.
Interviewer: Right. What sort of things can you do with handheld computers?
Tom: They are usually designed to store personal information, for example, a calendar, an address book, a note pad, a calculator and a voice recorder. They can also come with built-in modem and Internet software, which lets you send and receive e-mail from a payphone, a hotel or even a plane.
Interviewer: Really? They are compatible with traditional PCs?
Tom: Yes, of course. They can transfer information to printers and PCs via cables or infrared link. The software lets you synchronize documents with your desktop PC.
Interviewer: and how do you see the future of palmtops? How will they develop, do you think?
Tom: Well, I think theyll become more and more popular with business executives wholl use them as a portable supplement to their desktop systems.
Unit B. Computer Uses (1)
Listening
