UNIT 2 - Computer architecture

1. Starter

Name these different types of devices. Then match the possible users below to each type. Justify your choice.

student using a computer for entertainment while travelling
large company processing payroll data
travelling salesperson giving marketing presentations
large scientific organisation processing work on nuclear research
businessperson keeping in touch with clients while travelling
graphic designer
secretary doing general office work

2. Devices

1a. Supercomputer

A supercomputer is the most powerful type of computer.
It can perform millions of calculations per second and is used for scientific research, weather forecasting, nuclear simulations, or space exploration.
Example: NASA or CERN use supercomputers.

b. Mainframe

A mainframe is a very large and expensive computer used by big companies or governments to process huge amounts of data — like payroll, banking transactions, or flight reservations.
Example: Banks use mainframes to manage accounts.

c. Workstation

A workstation is a high-performance computer for professionals who need more power than a normal PC — for example, graphic designers, architects, or engineers.
Example: A designer using AutoCAD or Photoshop.

d. Desktop

A desktop computer is the typical home or office PC, placed on a desk, with separate monitor, keyboard, and CPU.
Example: The computer you use at school or in an office.

e. Portable

A portable computer is designed to be moved easily. It usually refers to a laptop or notebook — smaller, lighter, and battery-powered.
Example: You take it to meetings or work remotely.

f. Pen-based computer

A pen-based computer uses a stylus (digital pen) instead of a keyboard. You can write or draw directly on the screen.
Example: A tablet or a device for surveys or signatures.

g. PDA (Personal Digital Assistant)

A PDA is a small handheld computer, popular before smartphones, used to manage contacts, calendars, and notes.
Example: PalmPilot or early HP iPAQ devices.

3. Match each item in Column A with its function in Column B.

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 screen
clock	reads DVD-ROMs
flash memory key	reads and writes to electronic chips on a card
monitor	holds instructions which are needed to start up the computer
keyboard	holds data read or written to it by the processor
DVD-ROM drive	provides extremely fast access for sections of a program and its data
cache	controls the timing of signals in the computer
ROM	controls all the operations in a computer

Show answers

Item (A)	Correct Function (B)
RAM	holds data read or written to it by the processor
processor	controls all the operations in a computer
mouse	controls the cursor
clock	controls the timing of signals in the computer
flash memory key	reads and writes to electronic chips on a card
monitor	displays the output from a computer on a screen
keyboard	inputs data through keys like a typewriter
DVD-ROM drive	reads DVD-ROMs
cache	provides extremely fast access for sections of a program and its data
ROM	holds instructions which are needed to start up the computer

4. How to read a computer AD

Intel Pentium 4 processor (3GHz, 800MHz FSB)
Mini-tower chassis
1GB dual channel DDR2 SDRAM
200GB Serial ATA hard drive (7200 r.p.m.)
128MB PCI-Express video card
Integrated audio
48X CD-RW drive
19" TFT flat panel XGA (1024 × 768) monitor
Microsoft Windows XP Professional

Processor: The main processing chip called a “Pentium 4”, designed and manufactured by Intel. It runs at 3 gigahertz and uses a front-side bus at 800 megahertz.
Chassis: A small, tall and narrow style of case containing the computer system.
Memory (RAM): Synchronous dynamic random access memory with a capacity of one gigabyte; high-bandwidth, double-data-rate memory.
Hard drive: Capacity of two hundred gigabytes using Serial ATA (serial data connection rather than the original parallel connection); rotates at 7,200 revolutions per minute.
Video card: Electronics for driving the graphics output, with 128 megabytes of memory, using the PCI-Express interface.
Audio: Electronics for controlling the sound output that are built into the main electronics of the computer.
Optical drive: Compact disc read/write drive operating at forty-eight times the speed of the original CD drives.
Monitor: Nineteen-inch flat display screen made from thin-film transistors with a resolution of 1024 by 768.
Operating system: The software used to control the system: Microsoft Windows XP Professional.

5. Categories, units of measure and examples

Category	What it measures	Typical Unit(s)	Example	Explanation (simple English)
Processor (CPU)	Speed / frequency	GHz (gigahertz)	3.0 GHz	The number of billions of cycles per second. The higher, the faster the processor.
Memory (RAM)	Temporary working memory	GB (gigabytes)	8 GB	How much data the computer can handle at the same time. More RAM → better multitasking.
Storage	Permanent data capacity	GB or TB (gigabytes / terabytes)	512 GB SSD or 1 TB HDD	Where programs and files are saved. SSD = faster, HDD = larger but slower.
Graphics (GPU)	Video memory (VRAM)	GB (gigabytes)	6 GB VRAM	Amount of memory for images, video, or 3D games.
Display / Monitor	Screen size and resolution	Inches (″) + pixels (e.g., 1920 × 1080)	15.6″ Full HD	The size of the screen and how clear the image is.
Optical Drive	Reading/writing speed	x (speed multiplier)	48× CD-RW	“×” means times faster than the original CD speed.
Battery (laptops)	Battery life	Hours (h)	10 h	How long the computer can run without charging.
Weight (laptops)	Portability	kg / lb	1.8 kg	How heavy the computer is.
Ports / Connectivity	Transfer speed	Gbps (gigabits per second)	USB 3.0 = 5 Gbps	How fast data moves between devices.
Price	Cost	€ / $	€899	How much it costs (currency).

Sitio:	AULA VIRTUAL do IES Ricardo Mella
Curso:	English_STI
Libro:	UNIT 2 - Computer architecture

Imprimido por:	Usuario convidado
Día:	viernes, 16 de enero de 2026, 18:59