Chapiter 5 : Reading Software and Hardware Listening: video (inside the computer)

               Hardware refers to the physical elements of a computer. This is also sometime called the machinery or the equipment of the computer. Examples of hardware in a computer are the keyboard, the monitor, the mouse and the processing unit. However, most of a computer's hardware cannot be seen; in other words, it is not an external element of the computer, but rather an internal one, surrounded by the computer's casing (tower). A computer's hardware is comprised of many different parts, but perhaps the most important of these is the motherboard. The motherboard is made up of even more parts that power and control the computer.

               In contrast to software, hardware is a physical entity. Software implements algorithms (problem solutions) that allow the computer to complete much more complex tasks.  Software, commonly known as programs, consists of all the electronic instructions that tell the hardware how to perform a task.    Software is the electronic instructions that tell the computer to perform a task. Practical computer systems divide software systems into two major classes:

               System software: Helps run computer hardware and computer system itself. System software includes operating systems, device drivers, diagnostic tools and more. System software is almost always pre-installed on your computer.

             Application software: Allows users to accomplish one or more tasks. Includes word processing, web browsing and almost any other task for which you might install software. (Some application software is pre-installed on most computer systems.)

                Hardware and software are interconnected, without software; the hardware of a computer would have no function. However, without the creation of hardware to perform tasks directed by software via the central processing unit, software would be useless.

Exercice 5.1 : According to the text what is the main difference between software and hardware?

Exercice 5.2  :  Find in the indicated paragraphs synonyms  of:

1.       Executes (carries out): …………………….  (paragraph 2)

2.       A piece of equipment used for a particular purpose: ………………………………..(paragraph 2)

3.       “Carte mére”: ……………………………………. (paragraph 1)

Exercice 5.4 :  Are the following application or system software?

Exercice 5.2  :  Find in the indicated paragraphs synonyms  of:

1.       Executes (carries out): …………………….  (paragraph 2)

2.       A piece of equipment used for a particular purpose: ………………………………..(paragraph 2)

3.       “Carte mére”: ……………………………………. (paragraph 1)

Exercice 5.4 :  Are the following application or system software?