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Unit 12

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19 views3 pages

Unit 12

ingles

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Osana Multimedia
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© © All Rights Reserved
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UNIT 12 – Qualifying and comparing

A. Choosing a computer

How to make the right decision


What to look for in a computer? How much do I need
to spend? Where should I start?
Top Personal Computer hopes to help you make the
right decision.
The first question you have to ask yourself is what
you’ll use the computer for. Then you can decide You need expert advice when
what system will fit your needs by considering the buying a new computer.
following factors:
• The quality you need and the price you are willing to pay: you can buy a low-end,
mid-range or high-end computer.
• Three basic features make a big difference: the CPU speed, the amount of RAM and
the size of the hard drive. To run highly demanding applications, you’ll need a fast
processor, plentiful RAM and a spacious disk.
• If you already have peripherals and software, you’ll need to ensure they are
compatible and can be used with the new computer.
• If you want to use the system for some time, it should be expandable, i.e. it should
allow you to add on new peripherals.
• Most standard computers offer integrated, built-in, sound cards. If you’re keen on
music you should also buy separate, external, speakers.
• Finally, make sure the system you buy is reliable, i.e. it’s not likely to go wrong.
Check that you will receive a warranty and good technical support.

B. Comparing qualities
Comparing and finding differences or similarities are common functions in ICT. When you
want to buy a new device, or you read articles about the latest computer or mobile phone,
or need to make a decision about the most suitable ICT system for you, you may have to
use and understand expressions like the ones in these examples:

Comparision

A flat-panel monitor is slimmer than a CRT.


A PDA is more manageable than a laptop.
Laser printers offer higher quality than ink-jet models but
ink-jet printers cost less money.
You can type more easily with a separate keyboard.
Free programs are as good as proprietary ones.
A broadband line is the best option to download multimedia.
The more memory you have, the faster you’ll be able to load your files.

1
Contrast

While a dial-up connection is usually cheap, it is very slow.


A scanner can be useful but it isn’t an essential peripheral.
Unlike CRT monitors, TFT ones are light.

Similarity

Both brand name and clone computers have similar features.


Online shops as well as local retailers offer good value hardware. While consoles are a better
option if you just want to play
games, PCs support more
applications and are easier to
upgrade.

1. Complete the extracts with adjectives from A.

I wanted a powerful computer to


work with (1) ___ ___ multimedia
applications; so, I decided to buy a I didn’t know whether to buy a new or a
(2) ___ computer with a (3) ___ used desktop. I just need it to write
microprocessor, good graphics and documents, but I was advised to buy as
sound cards and (4) ___ RAM. much as I could afford. Finally, I bought
a (5) ___, but new desktop with 25%
megabytes of memory, enough for my
needs.

I didn’t want my new computer to become outdated too quickly. That’s why I
made sure it would be easily (6) ___ with enough space for add-in cards.

2. Fill in the gaps to complete the sentences with adjectives from A.

a. Although many computers on the market have hard drives with a capacity of 250
to 500 Gb, many home users want more (1) ___ drives because of their need for
additional storage.

b. This “Wireless Enterprise Communicator” is the first realistic alternative to


carrying around (2) ___ devices. It offers an (3) ___ mobile phone, GPS, barcode
reader and hand-held computer.

c. Before you subscribe to a music online service, make sure you have a (4) ___
player that supports the music format available.

d. Systems and devices are becoming more and more (5) ___ because reliability
means manufacturers save money by having fewer tech support calls.

2
3. Complete the text about the advantages and disadvantages of laptops and
desktops with words from B.

(1) _________ desktops and laptops have (2) _________ components but they are built in a
different way.

(3) _________ desktops have (4) _________ space to expand the system, they are less
manageable (5) _________ laptops. On the other hand, laptops are fully portable: they are
lighter and (6) _________ and so more practical if you travel a lot and need to take your
computer with you.

(7) _________ desktops, the screen, keyboard and mouse of a laptop are integrated.
However, most laptop owners prefer to have a separate mouse (8) _________ the
touchpad. Similarly, as the keyboard is miniaturized, some people buy an external one
for use at home. You can type (9) _________ easily if you use a full-size keyboard.

A laptop’s CPU is slower (10) _________ access to data may be quicker, so its performance
can be (11) _________ good as a desktop’s.

It’s hard to say what the (12) _________ option is. But remember: in the computer world,
(13) _________ smaller the device, the more money it costs.

Professional English in Use ICT

Abridged and adapted from Professional English in Use - ICT, Cambridge University Press

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