LEVEL 1 UNIT 3

COMPUTERS
READING 1

TYPES OF COMPUTERS
There are a lot of terms used to describe computers. Most of SKILLS
these words imply the size, expected use or capability of the

computer. While the term computer can apply to virtually

any device that has a microprocessor in it, most people

- Details

think of a computer as a device that receives input from the

user through a mouse or keyboard, then processes it, and

displays the result on a screen.

1. PC GETTING STARTED
PC is a general term. The personal computer (PC) defines a
computer designed for all-purpose use by a single person.
While a Mac is a PC, most people relate the term with Do you use a computer every

day? What do you use a computer

systems that run the Windows operating system. PCs were

for mostly?
first known as microcomputers because they were a complete
computer but built on a smaller scale than the huge systems
in use by most businesses.

READING 1
2. Desktop
A PC that is not designed for portability is a
desktop computer. The expectation with desktop
systems is that you will set the computer up in a
permanent location. Most desktops offer more
power, storage, and versatility for less cost than
their portable version.

3. Laptop
Also called notebooks, laptops are portable
computers that integrate the screen, keyboard, a
pointing device or touchpad (incorporated mouse),
processor, memory and hard drive. All this comes
in a battery-operated package a little bit larger
than an average book.
FACTS
4. Tablet

A tablet computer is a mobile device, typically with A computer as powerful

a mobile operating system and touchscreen display. a s t h e h u m a n b r a i n w o u l d

It has a rechargeable battery in a single, thin, and b e a b l e t o p e r f o r m 3 8 , 0 0 0

t r i l l i o n o p e r a t i o n s p e r

flat package. Tablets do what other personal

second.
computers do, but they lack some input/output
T h i s m a c h i n e w o u l d b e

abilities that others have. Modern tablets largely a b l e t o h o l d m o r e t h a n

resemble modern smartphones, the only 3 5 8 0 t e r a b y t e s o f

differences being that tablets are relatively larger memory.

than smartphones, with screens 7 inches (18 cm)

or larger.

5. Workstation
The fifth type of computer is a workstation. A
workstation is simply a desktop computer that has
a more powerful processor, additional memory,
and improved capabilities for performing a special
group of tasks, such as 3D Graphics or game
development.

*Adapted from https://computer.howstuffworks.com/10-types-of-computers.

htm#pt10

READING 1
 Glossary:

- Microprocessor: A microprocessor is a
component that performs the instructions
and tasks involved in computer
processing.
- Input: the act of putting information
into a computer.

- Operating system: An operating system

(OS) is system software that manages
computer hardware, software resources,
and provides common services for
FACTS computer programs.

T h e f i r s t h a r d d r i v e c o u l d
- Touchpad: The touchpad on a laptop
only hold 5MB of data.

does the same job as the mouse on a

desktop PC. It is sometimes also called a
trackpad. The touchpad is used to control
the mouse pointer, also known as the
cursor.

- Touchscreen: A touch screen is a

display device that allows the user to
interact with a computer by using their
fingers.

READING 1
 Match the descriptions with the type
of computers:

1. PC a. It’s a light computer you can take with you. It includes a mouse. ____
2. Desktop b. It’s more sophisticated and has better components than a desktop. ____
3. Laptop c. It’s bigger than a cellphone and you can control it with your fingers. ____
4. Tablet d. It’s a standard name to refer to computers. ____
5. Workstation e. Bigger than a laptop and more efficient. You keep it at home. ____

What do you think?

Computers are used in different types

of fields and activities nowadays.

What is something that we still do

manually or that has not incorporated

computers yet? Will this change any

time soon?

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