Eric H. Glendinning and John McEwanO2006. Oxford English for Information Technology. 2nd ed. OUP.
12   UNIT 2 Computer Architecture
LANGUAGE WORK
We can describe the function of an item in a number of ways. Study these examples.
Using the Present simple
1 ROM holds instructions which are needed to
start up the computer.
Used to-infinitive, Used for + -ing form
2 ROM is used ro hold instructions which are
needed to start up the computer.
3 ROM is used for holding instructions which
are needed to start up the computer
Emphasising the function
4 The function of ROM is to hold instructions
which are needed to start up the computer.
—I
Match each item in Column A with its Function in Column B. Then describe its function in two ways.
A Item	B Function
RAM	controls the cursor
processor	inputs data through keys like a typewriter
mouse	displays the output from a computer on a
clock	screen
flash memory key	reads DVD-ROMs
monitor	reads and writes to electronic chips on
	a card
keyboard	
	holds instructions which are needed to
DVD-ROM drive	start up the computer
cache	holds data read or written to it by the
ROM	processor
	provides extremely fast access for
	sections of a program and its data
	controls the timing of signals in the
	computer
	controls all the operations in a computer
UNIT 2 Computer Architecture 13
With the help of the Glossary if necessary, describe the functions of these items.
1	scanner	6	supercomputer
2	printer	7	mainframe computer
3	ATM	8	barcodes
k	PDA	9	swipe cards
5	hard disk drive	10	memory
LANGUAGE WORK
Prepositions of place
and l
idy these examples of prepositions of place.
	
Bus 1 interface	
unit	
ALU	
	
Timing	1
& Control	
	
Fig 4
Hard disk
Disks Video, etc.
1 Data moves between the CPU
RAM.
2 Data flows from ROM ro the CPU.
3 A program is read from disk into
memory.
4 Data is transferred along the data
bus.
5 The address number is put onto
the address bus.
Fig 3
Computer buses
yjlj   6 The hard disk drive is inside a sealed case.
7 Heads move across the disk.
8 Tracks are divided into sectors.
| Complete each sentence using the correct preposition.
1 The CPU is a large chip....................the computer.
2 Data always flows....................the CPU....................the address bus.
3 The CPU can be divided....................three parts.
4 Data flows....................the CPU and memory.
5 Peripherals are devices....................the computer but linked
....................it.
6 The signal moves....................the VDU screen.................... one side
....................the other.
7 The CPU puts the address....................the address bus.
8 The CPU can fetch data....................memory.....„.............the data bus.
unit 7
Graphical User Interfaces
starter
J Study this diagram of a graphical user interface (GUI). Identify these features:
1 window
2 icon
3 menu
A system tray
taskbar submenu desktop button
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Fig 1
Windows XP screen display
45
Mtmibar -
Kill »out all programs display * menu bar across t»topof the screen, including the 'Finder' The menu bar will change, depending on the program you re running at the time.
Study this second example of a GU
1 How does it differ from Fig 1?
2 In what ways is it the same?
Document--■—■--
This is a text file which tells us something about the contents of this CD-ROM. You can read it by simply double clicking on it - your Mac will then automatically find the program needed to open it.
Application----
This is an application, or program icon. Double-clicking on it will start the program. It's not always obvious whether an icon is for a document or a program, but you soon get In be able to spot these things.
m
Mac GUI
Utvitw —
Thn s another loldei wndow but this time we're tooting it the contents in litf m Otherwise, it s the same as the window next to R-a'wndow on a folder, basic arty You tan nest totaers many layers deep, m cast you re wondering, and you're likely to get confused loncj before your Mac does by to keep your filing system as simple as posubie
Menu/menu option
To open a menu, click on its name in the menu bar. This displays a drop-down list like the one you see here. To choose one of the menu options, just click on it (the options are highlighted as the mouse pointer moves over them to help you get the nght one). Don't forget to always shut down your Mac via this menu, NOT by simply switching the power off.
Dock
Found at the bottom of your screen, the Dock gives you instant access to the things you use most. Use the Dock to organise everything from documents and applications to websites and QuickTime movies To put items within easy reach, simply drag and drop them into the Dock.
Scrollbar
You'll see these gadgets whenever the contents of a folder won't fit in the window. You click on either the horizontal or vertical scroll arrows to display more of the contents - either that, cm drag on the little blue scrollbox'.
Desktop pattern -
This background image can be swapped for many more via the Appearance control panel You can use a repeating pattern' like t his, or a single image - a scanned photograph for example.
This is a folder icon, and these all tend to look the same   Wee a kind of 3D view of a suspension file Sometimes they're adorned with other graphics, but they're usually pretty easy to spot. Double-clicking on a folder icon displays that folder's contents in another window, which is what we've done here
Hard Disk icon
Folders, files, documents and other items are displayed as little icons like this. This one, in fact represents your Mac's internal hard disk
CD-ROM icon
Your hard disk icon (and Wastebasket icon) may be the only ones you see on your desktop. If you nisei t a CD-ROM. though. It will appear as an icon on your desktop too. We've double clicked on it to display its contents. To eject a CD, by the way. you have to drag its icon onto the Wastebasket you can't just press the CD ROM drive button If you do. you'll be waiting an awful long time
Folder window
When you double click on a folder or a disk drive, its contents are displayed in a window like this one These contents can be documents, programs or other foldprs
Wastebasket icon
The Wastebasket is where you throw things you no longer need. It doesn't empty straight away, (though as you can see. ours is so full the lid's fallen off), so you can change your mind if you have to. When you want to eject a disk, be it a CD-ROM or a floppy disk (if you've got a floppy disk drive attached), you drag its icon on to the Wastebasket and the Mac will spit it out automatically.
UNIT 7 Graphical User Interfaces 47
LANGUAGE WORK
Verbs + object + infinitive; Verbs + object + ro-infinitive
New developments in computing are often designed to make something easier.These verbs are often used to describe such developments:
allow let enable permit help
Study these examples:
1 A GUI lets you point to icons and click a mouse button to execute a task.
2 A GUI allows you to use a computer without knowing any operating system commands.
3 The X Window System enables Unix-based computers to have a graphical look and feel.
4 Voice recognition software helps disabled users (to) access computers.
Allow, enable and permit are used with this structure:
verb + object + to-infinitive
Let is used with this structure:
verb + object + infinitive
Help can be used with either structure.
Complete the gap in each sentence with the correct form of the
verb in brackets.
1 The Help facility enables users....................(get) advice on most
problems.
2 Adding more memory lets your computer....................(work) faster.
3 Windows allows you....................(display) two different folders at
the same time.
4 The Shift key allows you....................(type) in upper case.
5 The MouseKeys feature enables you....................(use) the numeric
keypad to move the mouse pointer.
6 ALT + TAB allows you....................(switch) between programs.
7 The StickyKeys feature helps disabled people....................
(operate) two keys simultaneously.
8 ALT + PRINT SCREEN lets you....................(copy) an image of an
active window to the Clipboard.
48   UNIT 7 Graphical User Interfaces
Describe the function of these features using 'enabling' verbs.
1 In a window, the vertical scroll bar
2 The Find command
3 The Undo command
4 Cut and paste
5 The Print Screen key
6 Menus
7 Recycle bin
8 Tooltips
PROBLEM SOLVING
Study this version of a GUI. Which part of the screen would you touch if you want to:
1 make a phone call?
2 send an email?
3 access a keyboard?
4 record an appointment?
5 get help?
6 write new mail?
What do you think happens if you touch these areas of the screen? g, h, i, j, k, I
i        c e
Fig A Magic Cap GUI
UNIT 7 Graphical User Interfaces 49
SPEAKING
| Work in groups. Complete this questionnaire for yourself. Then take turns in your group to explain how to perform each of these actions. You may need these verbs:
choose
right/left/double-click on hover
drag and drop select
Do you know how to:	Yes	No
1 create a folder?		
2 start a program?		
3 shut down the system?		
4 adjust the speaker volume?		
5 arrange the icons?		
6 display the date?		
7 in Windows, show Tooltips?		
| Study these instructions for moving a file from one folder to another using Windows Explorer. Then write your own instructions for one of the actions in Task 7. Compare your instructions with those given in the Help facility on your computer.
TO MOVK \ 1 ILL
1 II \<m win11 to move a Tile that was
Mved in a different Inkier, locate mil open the folder.
2 Ki^lit-click the lilt*you want to move; then click Cut on the shortcut inciiii.
;i Locate and open tin- folder where
you want lo put the file.
4 Itiirht-click the Colder: then click I'iLsle on the shortcut menu.
unit 8 Applications Programs 55
LANGUAGE WORK
nstructions/complex instruction;
Study this extract from an instruction manual for software for doctors in a health centre.
PATIENT BROWSER
Patient Browser allows you to find specific patients and open their records. It also allows you to identify different categories of patients.
Mnifmise, minimi and doso button
Cllch httv to tfiepMy or
• Purin«    tr:r cnte'u
To find patients, first click on the appropriate tab (Personal, Address or Registration).
Enler the search criteria. A combination of tabs may be used I e.g. enter a surname under the Personal tab and select a doctor in the Registration tah).
Select the Defaults button it you wish lo clear the criteria boxes of any existing entries, or to search lor all patients, hut the list may be a long one.
Start the search by clicking on the Hind button.
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We make simple instructions using the infinitive:
Click on the appropriate tab. Enter the search criteria.
We can add an explanation using the to-infinitive or by + -ing:
To find patients, click on the appropriate tab. Click on the Find button to start the search. Start the search by clicking on the Find button.
We can put the instructions in order using sequence words:
First click on the appropriate tab. Then enter the selection criteria. Finally click on the Find button.
We can link two instructions and emphasise their order like this:
Having entered the selection criteria, click on the Find button.
Once the selection criteria have been entered, click on the Find button.
6
Write simple instructions for identifying all male patients called Smith in the 16 to 50 age group registered with Doctors Warner and Roberts.
56   UNIT8 Applications Programs
Complete the gaps in these instructions for finding the records of all members of the Green family living in postcode WX1A 3PH and registered with any doctor in the practice.
1 First enter the search criteria by.....................
2 To....................j enter Green in the Surname box.
3 Ensure both male and female members of the family are found by
4 ....................select the Address tab.
5 Having...................., enter the postcode.
6 ....................choose the Registration tab.
7 Once...................., select All doctors.
8 ...................., click on Find to.....................
PROBLEM-SOLVING 8
Study these versions of OfficeSuite and decide which version provides the best value for the following users. The versions are listed from cheapest to most expensive.
OfficeSuite	OfficeSuite	OfficeSuite
Standard	Small Business Edition	Professional
• wordprocessor	• wordprocessor	• wordprocessor
• spreadsheet	• spreadsheet	• spreadsheet
• presentation program	• DTP	• database
• email	• email	• DTP
• PIM	• PIM	• presentation program
	• small business tools	• email
		• small business tools
OfficeSuite Premium
• wordprocessor
• spreadsheet
• database
• DTP
• presentation program
• email
• PIM
• small business tools
• website editor
• image editor
OfficeSuite Developer
• wordprocessor
• spreadsheet
• database
• DTP
• presentation program
• email
• PIM
• small business tools
• website editor
• image editor
• developer tools
unit 10   interview ^^^^^^^^^^hh
Computing Support Officer
starter
Study this screen display of Windows Explorer. Add these titles to the texts:
1 Toggle-box
2 Explorer pane
3 Selected icon A Divider
5 Guidelines
6 Navigation pane
Desktop
Window* Explorer is just a different view of the structure, with the desktop at the top and filleting down through My Computer to your h.ird drive.
Indicates that the drive or folder carries sub folders. Use these
to open or close branches in the folder h.erarchy.
These handy
....................help you
lo see which folders live at the same level II also makes M easier lo *ppii-tMti> rhf lrp*»
like structure you are dealing with
You can tell which folder is currently being displayed by the icon. Drives will have their tent highlighted, whereas folders are open' - click on one and try tt
This shows only drives and folders m other words, items that contain something else.To view the full contents of a folder, dick on its icon in the--
View menu
lust like desktop windows, your view of the files and folders can be changed here.The default (standard) view is List, but use the one you find comfortable
d
The___
works in the same way as the desktop windows you've been using. Double clicking on a folder opens the branches leading to it in the navigation pane.
You can adjust the space allocated to each pane by clicking on and dragging the
______— - handy
when the folder tree starts to sprawl
Fig i
Windows Explorer for XP
9    ^   Barbara is a Computing Support Officer in a large company. She's advising Give, the Sales Director. Listen to Part 1 of the recording to find the answers to these questions:
1 What is Give's problem?
2 What does he want to do?
70   unit 10 Computing Support Officer
LANGUAGE WORK
Study these uses of //-sentences. Action and effect
We can use an //-sentence to link an action and its effect. For example:
1 If you click on that; eh - -   , that'll just compact your C drive fk
2 If you click on that »cti«   , that opens it up and shows you all your folders
The action is in the Present simple and the effect is in the Present simple or described using will, can, or may depending how certain it is to follow.
Polite instructions
We use the action part of //-sentences, especially in spoken English, to give instructions in a polite way.The effect part is assumed.
3 If you bring your cursor down to the very bottom [you'll find the Start button].
4 If you just hit Enter [that will activate the program].
Imagined action and effect
We can use an //-sentence to describe the possible effect of an imagined action. For example:
5 If you spilled coffee on your keyboard
, you could damage it
6 If there were no other folders there
, you wouldn't have a little box in there I possible effect'.
To show this describes imagined, not real, events, the action is in the Past simple and the effect is described using would, could, and might depending how certain it is to follow.
Match the actions in Column A with appropriate effects from Column B. Then join each action and effect using an //-sentence.
Column A		Column B	
	you press Print Screen	a	you can drag it across the screen
2	you press Ctrl + Alt + Del in Windows	b	it would speed up the computer
	XP	c	you may lose data
3	you added more memory	d	you would have more space at your desk
4	you installed a modem	e	you would be able to connect to a
5	you used a better search engine		telephone line
6	you forget to save regularly	f	you can make a copy of the screen
7	you hold down the mouse button over	g	you would find more relevant results
	an icon	h	it displays the Windows security
8	you used an LCD display		dialog box
UNIT 10 Computing Support Officer 71
«	Describe the effects of these actions using an //-sentence.
1	you don't virus-check floppies
2	there was a power cut while you were using your computer
3	you install a faster processor
A	you forgot your password
5	you press the delete key
6	you use a search engine
7	you double-click on an icon
8	you use power-saving options
[J| Noun + Noun compounds Match each word from Column A with its partner from Column B to make a computing term.
Column A ___i	Column B
1 barcode	a tray
2 mainframe	b program
3 laser	c bus
4 expansion	d pane
5 search	e computer
6 control	f reader
7 supervisor	g bar
8 task	h card
9 system	i engine
10 explorer	j printer
5peaking
Work in pairs, A and B. Instruct each other how to perform these computer operations in Windows or Mac OS. Take notes from your partner's instructions.
Student A Student B
Copying a file. Saving a file.
UNIT 17 Computing Support 119
Diagnose these faults and provide advice on each problem.
1 My laser printer produces very faint copies.
2 When I print, three or four sheets come through the printer at the same time.
3 My spreadsheet does not seem to add up correctly. A   Everything I type appears in capitals.
5 My PC is switched on but the monitor screen is blank.
6 I tried to print a document but nothing came out of the printer.
7 My monitor picture is too narrow.
8 My monitor screen flickers.
9 My mouse responds erratically.
10 The time display on my computer is one hour slow.
11 When I print out a page, the first two lines are missing.
12 My computer sometimes stops and reboots itself. The lights dim at the same time.
PROBLEM-SOLVING
| As a class, find out how many had problems with any of these items of hardware in the last twelve months. Calculate the percentages and compare results with these findings from a national survey.
% of users reporting problems in the
Your class
last 12 months Other users
Hard disk CD-ROM drive	
Modem	
Mouse	
Monitor Motherboard	
Sound card Cooling fan	
Battery Keyboard Power supply Memory Graphics/Video CPU	
17 15 15 13 12 11 7 7 7 6 6 5 5 3