Topic: Some basic facts about computers
1. lesson: History of computers
2. lesson: Use of computers
3. lesson: Revision (questions)
Some basic facts about computers
HISTORY OF COMPUTERS
In 1952, a major computing company took a decision to get out of the business of making
mainframe computers. They believed that there was only a market for four mainframes in the
whole world. That company was IBM. The following year they reversed their decision.
In 1980, IBM decided that there was a market for 250,000 PCs, so they set up a special team
to develop the first IBM PC. It went on sale in 1981 and set a world-wide standard for IBMcompatibility which, over the next ten years, was only seriously challenged by one other
company, Apple Computers. Since then, over seventy million PCs made by IBM and other
manufacturers have been sold.
When IBM were looking for an operating system, they went initially to Digital Research, who
were market leaders in command-based operating systems (these are operating systems in
which the users type in commands to perform a function). When the collaboration between
IBM and Digital Research failed, IBM turned to Bill Gates, then 25 years old, to write their
operating system. Bill Gates founded Microsoft on the basis of the development so of
MS/DOS, the initial operating system for the IBM PC. Digital Research have continued to
develop their operating system, DR/DOS [digital research disk operating system], and it is
considered by many people to be a better product than Microsoft's.
The widespread availability of computers has changed the world for ever. The microchip
technology which made the PC possible has put chips not only into computers, but also into
washing-machines and cars. Some books may never be published in paper form, but may only
be made available as part of public databases.
USE OF COMPUTERS
Most machines are designed to do one job. Computers are different: they are general purpose
machines. By changing the program instructions, computers can be used to process
information in very different ways. For example
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a word processor program allows the computer to process text
a spreadsheet program enables the computer to perform calculations
a database program is used for searching and sorting records
a browser program is used for looking at pages on the Internet (the Internet is the
connection of computers from different parts of the world).
A variety of devices can be attached to a computer. Input devices are used to enter data into
the computer for processing.
An input device called a magnetic ink character reader (MICR) is used to read characters
printed using magnetic ink. Magnetic ink characters are commonly found on bank cheques.
An optical input device called a barcode reader uses the reflection of a light beam to read a
sequence of printed parallel bars called a barcode. The bars are of different thickness, and
each sequence of bars represents a different number according to a standard code. Each item
can be identified by a computer, using a barcode reader to scan the labels. Barcodes are used
in industry, shops, and supermarkets for stock control and to allow a computer to look up the
price of items being purchased.
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We use computers in many different places. They are part of our everyday lives. They have
effect on almost everything we do.
SUPERMARKET
When we buy groceries at a supermarket, a computer is used with laser and barcode
technology to scan the price of each item and present a total. They read a special barcode on
almost everything we sell. They calculate the bill for the customer.
TELEVISION ADVERTISEMENTS AND FILMS
Most television advertisements and many films use graphics produced by a computer.
BANKS
Banks use computers to look after their customers’ money.
LIBRARIES AND BOOKSHOPS
In libraries and bookshops, computers can help you to find the book you want as quickly as
possible.
HOME
We use a PC for writing letters, emails, projects, for playing computer games, to connect to
the Internet, to provide entertainment and information – multimedia computers.
FACTORY
The machines used for the production are controlled by computers. Computers are also used
to calculate wages, to keep the accounts, and to look after all materials and parts.
TRAVEL AGENT
If you want to fly anywhere in the world, computer can inform you at once if there’s a seat on
the flight you want. Travel agent can supply you with the tickets and reserve your hotel - all
by computer.
HOSPITALS
In hospitals computers are used to look after patient records and medicines.
ENGINEERING
In engineering computers are used to design new products or components.
Useful constructions:
Computers are used to play games x
A PC is used for playing games !!!
Computers can help... make... control... store... keep... provide.... manage... give.... perform....
measure.... test.... provide access to...
Answer these questions
1. What do people use computers for? (librarian, engineer, accountant, doctor, secretary)
2. What do you use computer for?
3. What does DR/DOS stand for?
4. What do you know about the history of computers?
5. In what ways are computers used at home?
6. Can you imagine your life without computers?
7. What kinds of computer games do you play? :chess, adventure games, simulation games ..
8. What game do you like most?
9. Do you consider working with computers difficult?
10. What kind of computer do you have?
11. Do you use computer every day?
12. Where can you find computers and what are they used for?
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