Computer Hardware

Para 1

Computer hardware can be divides into four categories: input hardware, storage-hardware, processing hardware, and output hardware.

生词：

hardware 硬件

category 种类，类别

process 处理

计算机硬件能被分为四类：输入硬件，存储硬件，处理硬件和输出硬件。

Para 2 Input Hardware

The purpose of input hardware is to collect data and convert it into a form suitable for computer processing. The most common input device is a keyboard. It looks very much like a typewriter keyboard. Its key are arranged in the typical typewriter layout. There are also a number of additional keys. They can be used to enter special computer-related codes. Although it isn't the only type of input device available, the computer keyboard is the one which is most generally used by the business community.

生词：

form 格式；形式；形状；样子

suitable 合适的

additional 额外的

输入硬件的目的是收集信息并将其转化为能被计算机处理的合适的格式。最常见的输入设备是键盘。它看起来和打字机键盘很像。它的按键采用打字机的布局，但也有许多额外的按键。它们能被用来输入特殊的与计算机相关的编码。尽管它不是唯一的输入设备，但它是被商业街界使用的最广泛的。

para 3 Storage Hardware

The purpose of storage hardware is to provide a means of storing computer instructions and data in a form that is relatively permanent, that is, the data is not lost when the power is turned off and easy to retrieve when needed for processing. Storage hardware serves the same basic function as do office filing systems except that it stores data as electromagnetic signals or laser-etched spots, commonly on disk or tape, rather than on paper.

生词：

relatively adv. 相当地；相对地，比较地

permanent adj. 永久的，永恒的；不变的

retrieve vt. [计] 检索；恢复；重新得到 vi. 找回猎物 n. [计] 检索；恢复，取回

electromagnetic adj. 电磁的

存储硬件是用来提供一种相对长久的形式存储计算机指令和数据的手段，就是当断电时，数据不会丢失，并且在需要处理时轻松地检索出来。存储硬件和办公文档系统发挥的作用几乎一样，差别在于存储硬件将数据以电磁信号或激光蚀刻点的形式存放在磁盘或者磁带上，而不是印在纸上。

Para 4 Processing Hardware

The purpose of processing hardware is to retrieve, interpret, and direct the execution of software instructions which are provided to the computer. The most common components of processing hardware are the central processing unit and main memory.

生词：

interpret vt. 说明；口译 vi. 解释；翻译

direct adj. 直接的；直系的；亲身的；恰好的 vt. 管理；指挥；导演；指向 vi. 指导；指挥 adv. 直接地；正好；按直系关系

execution n. 执行，实行；完成；死刑

central adj. 中心的；主要的；中枢的 n. 电话总机

处理硬件的目的是检索，解释提供给计算机的软件指令并指导这些指令的执行。处理硬件的常见部件是中央处理器和主存储器。

Para 5

The central processing unit(CPU) is the brain of the computer. It reads and interprets software instructions and coordinates the processing activities that must take place. The design of the CPU affects the processing power and the speed of the computer, as well as the amount of main memory it can use effectively. With a well-designed CPU in your computer, you can perform highly sophisticated tasks in a very short time.

生词：

coordinate vt. 调整；整合 vi. 协调

sophisticated adj. 复杂的；精致的；久经世故的；富有经验的

中央处理器（CPU）是计算机的大脑。它读取和解释软件指令，并且协调必须执行的运算命令。CPU的设计影响了计算机的处理能力和处理速度，也会影响主存储器的处理效率。假如有一个设计良好的CPU在你的计算机中，你可以在短时间内高效地完成复杂的任务。

Para 6

Main memory (also called internal memory, primary storage, or just memory) can be thought of as an electronic desktop. The more desk surface you have in front of you, the more you can place on it. Similarly, if your computer has a lot of memory, you can place more software instructions in it. The amount of memory available determines whether you can simple or sophisticated software; a computer with a large memory is more capable of holding the thousands of instructions that are contained in the more sophisticated software programs. A large memory also allows you to work with and manipulate great amounts of data and information at one time. Quite simply, the more main memory you have in your computer, the more you can accomplish.

生词：

electronic adj. 电子的 n. 电子电路；电子器件

surface n. 表面；表层；外观 adj. 表面的，肤浅的 vi. 浮出水面 vt. 使浮出水面；使成平面

determine v. （使）下决心，（使）做出决定 vt. 决定，确定；判定，判决；限定 vi. 确定；决定；判决，终止；[主用于法律]了结，终止，结束

manipulate vt. 操纵；操作；巧妙地处理；篡改

主存储器（也叫做内部存储器，主存或者就是内存）能被认作是一个电子桌面。你前面的桌面越大，你能放置的东西就越多。类似的，假如你的计算机有很大的内存，你就能放置更多的软件指令在里边。可供使用的内存总量决定你是否能使用简单的或者复杂的软件；内存大的计算机能容纳复杂软件程序中的数千条指令。大内存也允许你在同一时间使用和操纵大量的数据和信息。简单地说，你的计算机的主存储器越大，你能做的事越多。

Para 7 Output Hardware

The purpose o output hardware is to provide the user with the means to view information produced by the computer system. Information is output in either hardcopy or softcopy form. Hardcopy output can be held in your hand——examples are paper with text(words or numbers) or graphics printed on it. Softcopy output is displayed on a monitor, a television-like screen on which you can read text and graphics.

生词：

hardcopy n.硬拷贝

softcopy n.软拷贝

graphics adj. 形象的；图表的；绘画似的

输出硬件的目的是为了提供给用户看见计算机系统处理过的信息的方法。信息输出不是通过硬拷贝就是通过软拷贝的形式。硬拷贝能被你亲手拿着，如印有文本（文字或数字）或者图像的纸张。软拷贝仅在显示器上显示出来，显示器就像电视机屏幕一样，你可以在这上面看到文本和图像。