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Atividade Aula 2 - 101050
Atividade Aula 2 - 101050
SKIMMING
TEXTO I
The word computer is derived from the word compute. Computers are
perhaps the most important invention of the last 100 years.
English for Specific Purposes - Exercise
Definition of Computer
A computer is a device that can carry out arithmetic and logical
instructions very fast. It takes input and processes the output using
software and hardware.
But this definition is out-of-date and the computer has come a long way
since its invention. Let us now see the system has evolved in the next
section.
CU (Control Unit)
This part of the computer’s processor handles the flow of data through
the processor. It also controls the timing of instructions and operations.
After receiving instructions from a program, it sends them to the ALU.
Categorization of Computer
Based on technology, computers are divided into 3 broad
categories:
1) Digital Computer
These are the computers you come across every day. The IBM PC and
Apple Macintosh were the first digital computers to be used. These
systems can perform various computational tasks based on the
instructions given.
English for Specific Purposes - Exercise
Typically, digital computers use the binary system, which has 2 digits
– 0 and 1. These digits are called bits and they are used for
representing information.
2) Analog Computer
An analog computer handles and processes analog data. These systems
store data in physical quantities and execute calculations using
measures. The results of these calculations are represented using
symbolic numbers.
3) Hybrid Computer
These systems can be considered a combination of both digital and
analog computers. The digital part handles logical and numerical
operations. On the other hand, the analog component tackles complex
mathematical operations.
Generation of Computers
First Generation (1940 - 1956)
The period between 1940 and 1956 was considered the first generation
of computers. The computers were developed using vacuum tubes.
They worked on binary code and accepted input using punched cards.
The period between 1972 and 2010 is considered the 4th generation of
computers. Microprocessors were used for developing these computers.
The systems were faster than the other generations. It was this
generation when computers were made commonly available for people.
Motherboard
This is the main circuit board that connects the CPU, RAM, video card,
and hard drive. It has ports for all the other peripherals to connect. It is
placed inside the CPU casket and has ports for optical drives, memory,
and power supply. A peripheral slot is available for inserting video and
sound cards.
CPU/Processor
Central Processing Unit can be considered the brain of a computer. This
processes all the data fed into it and delivers the appropriate results.
These results may be displayed on the monitor or stored in an
application. It contains a processor that is a chip that performs all
calculations.
RAM
Random Access Memory (RAM) is used for storing information such
as machine code and working data. It is like the short-term memory of
English for Specific Purposes - Exercise
a computer, where the information gets erased when you shut down
the computer. As data is accessed randomly instead of sequentially,
RAM is very fast.
Hard Drive
This is the part of a computer that stores and retrieves data and is non-
volatile. It is attached to the disk controller of a computer’s
motherboard. The hard drive is essential for installing programs or
software on the system. The operating system is installed on the hard
drive along with other applications.
Software
Softwares are the various applications that are intended for executing
specific tasks. This application is a set of instructions that process the
input and produce an output. Popular software includes word
processors, security applications, image editors, web browsers,
database programs, software development tools, and cloud storage
services.
You can install any software of your choice, as long as it supports your
system’s hardware. Even PC games are high-end software used for
entertainment purposes. Perhaps the most important software on a
computer is the Operating System. This acts as a bridge between the
user and the system’s hardware. For example, Windows 10 and Mac
OS.
Abbreviation Full-Form
UPS Uninterruptible Power Supply
SATA Serial Advanced Technology Attachment
RAM Random Access Memory
SMPS Switched-Mode Power Supply
CD Compact Disc
DVD Digital Versatile Disc
CRT Cathode Ray Tube
DEC Digital Equipment Corporation
SAP System Application and Products
PNG Portable Network Graphics
IP Internet Protocol
GIS Geographical Information system
DDS Digital Data Storage
CAD Computer-Aided Design
ACPI Advanced Configuration and Power Interface
AGP Accelerated Graphics Port
APM Advanced Power Management
APIPA Automatic Private Internet Protocol Addressing
HTTP HyperText Transfer Protocol
HTTPS HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure
HDMI High Definition Multimedia Interface
Conclusion
Computers have changed the way manual tasks are seen and
perceived. Nowadays, you are likely to find an application to perform
any task that you can think of. Computers have helped small
companies speed up their development and manufacturing processes.
This has helped them grow their businesses and turn into large
corporates.
All this had paved the way for many job opportunities. Thanks to
computers, many people can earn a living even from the comfort of
their home, by doing freelance jobs.
FONTE: https://www.stechies.com/full-form-computer/