关于计算机英语素材,计算机专业英语相关素材.doc

计算机专业英语相关素材

PAGE

PAGE 45

“计算机专业英语”课程教学相关素材阅读材料1Computer and MicrocomputerA computer is a machine with an intricate network of electronic circuits that operate switches or magnetized tiny metal cores. A total computer system includes both hardware and software. Hardware consists of the physical components and all associated equipment. Software refers to the programs that are written for the computers.It is possible to be familiar with various aspects of computer software without being concerned with details of how the computer hardware operates. It is also possible to design parts of the hardware without a knowledge of its software capabilities. However those concerned with computer architecture should have a knowledge of both hardware and software because the two branches influence each other.A program written by a user may be either dependent or independent of the physical computer that runs his program. For example, a program written in standard FORTRAN is machine independent.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 judgements. But a computer can carry out vast numbers of arithmetic logical operations almost instantaneously.Microcomputers, or micro for short, is a kind of computers. It was born in the early 1970s. The central processor of the micro, called the microprocessor, is built as a single semiconductor device; that is, the thousands of individual circuit elements necessary to perform all the logical and arithmetic functions of a computer are manufactured as a single chip. A complete microcomputer system is composed of a microprocessor, a memory and some peripheral equipment. The processor, memory and elec