Lição 13: English for Computers

A computer is an information processing machine. Information goes in and results come out. The basic tasks of control and calculation are carried out by a microprocessor, but when you look at a computer you only see the peripheral devices, such as the screen, keyboard, mouse and printer which are connected to the CPU. The equipment or hardware, however, cannot perform any tasks without instructions in the form of a program. This is called software. The computer also needs to store data and software, so the hardware also includes memory chips and other devices such as a hard disk.

Instructions and data for the software are fed into the computer from an input device. The most widely used input device is the keyboard, although there are other systems such as scanners and voice recognition devices. The keyboard is usually divided into three sections. The main section has all the keys for input of letters, numbers and other characters, while on the right there is a separate numeric keypad. Between them there is a set of keys which include arrow keys for moving the cursor around the screen, and along the top there are other special function keys. There are different keyboards depending on the user's language.

Advances in assistive or adaptive technology make it possible for blind or partially sighted people to be fully independent at work, in school, and at home. On the market today are devices and software that work with standard personal computers to create large print, synthetic voice or Braille output. Most individuals who are blind use standard keyboards. Braille key labels can help, though Braille input devices are also available. Speech output systems can be used to read screen text to blind computer users. Special software programs called screen readers "read" computer screens, and speech synthesizers "speak" the text. Refreshable Braille displays allow line-by-line translation of screen text into Braille. Braille displays can be read quickly by those with advanced Braille skills. Braille printers provide "hard copy" output for blind users.

Computers have found their way into every part of our lives. They are on our desks in the office, at school and at home, they run the robots on production lines, and they are part of all kinds of things like cars, watches, or even microwaves. Computer know-how will be essential for your working life. Traditional jobs are disappearing, in banking for example, but new jobs are being created to develop and run computer hardware, software and computer networks.

Computers are also creating new technologies which are, in turn, creating new types of work that never existed before. What does this mean for you? You must expect to be able to work on a computer or run a computerised machine. You will find increasing work opportunities in fields such as computer repair and information technology. You will have to be constantly learning. Technology is changing so quickly that you'll have to continually upgrade your skills and be adaptable because as technology advances, your work will constantly change. Possibly you will be offered work that involves teleworking and you will work by computer at home or in a satellite office.

Computers have found their way into every part of our lives. They are on our desks in the office, at school and at home, they run the robots on production lines, and they are part of all kinds of things like cars, watches, or even microwaves. Computer know-how will be essential for your working life. Traditional jobs are disappearing, in banking for example, but new jobs are being created to develop and run computer hardware, software and computer networks.

Computers are also creating new technologies which are, in turn, creating new types of work that never existed before. What does this mean for you? You must expect to be able to work on a computer or run a computerised machine. You will find increasing work opportunities in fields such as computer repair and information technology. You will have to be constantly learning. Technology is changing so quickly that you'll have to continually upgrade your skills and be adaptable because as technology advances, your work will constantly change. Possibly you will be offered work that involves teleworking and you will work by computer at home or in a satellite office.