PC is a term IBM used to describe its first desk-sized computer. PC stands for personal computer. The IBM PC is the model for some 100 million similar units sold since its introduction. The IBM PC is like the Model-T Ford; it’s the first one of its kind.

The first IBM PC was like the first car ever made, and all computers produced since its introduction look and behave similarly.

The word computer is a general term applied to the entire “family” of computing devices. Basically, a computer is like a super calculator with a really big display. In addition to adding and subtracting numbers, the calculator also displays and manipulates text. This is what makes the computer useful to us non-math types.

Computers range in variety and size, from the simple game-playing computers to advanced hand-held computers, larger portable computers, desk-sized models, and free-standing units that pull down more power than the Hoover Dam puts out during any given hour. Any of these things can be called a computer.

 

1.       PC in the passage stands for -----------

A.  people’s computer          B.  postcard

C.  per cent                  D.  personal computer

 

2.  Who first used the term PC- ------------

A. IBM         B. Microsoft

C. Macintosh     D. Intel (英特尔)

 

3.  The IBM PC is the model for some-----------.

A. 10 million     B. 100 million

C. 20 million     D. 50 million

 

4.  A computer is like -----------

A. a library       B. a small TV

C. a super calculator  D. human brain

 

5. Computers range in variety and size. Which type is not mentioned（提到）in the passage?

A. desk-sized models

B. Auto Teller Machine (ATM)

C. hand-held computers

D. larger portable computers

 

 

 

Computers vary considerably in size, capability and type of application. Each type of a computer operation requires a different type of operating system. " What is an operating system?" It can be answered at several levels.

Firstly, an operating system is a program, or set of programs. Operating systems vary in size from very small to very large, but all are pieces of software.

Secondly, an operating system is, by virtue of its name, a system.

  Thirdly, a computer may be regarded as a set of devices, or resources, which provide a number of services, such as input, processing, storage and output. The operating system of the computer may be regarded as the manager of these resources. It controls the way in which these resources are put to work..

Finally, an operating system is the lowest layer of software on a computer. It acts directly on the hardware of the computer. It supports other layers of software such as compilers and applications programs.

 

1.  Computers vary considerably except in --------------

A. size   B. capability   C. type of application  D.appearance

 

2.  An operating system is -------------

A. a hardware    B. a software    C. an input    D. an output

 

3.  An operating system is a system because -----------

A. it is a collection of parts

B. it is made up of many small computers

C. it can' t work alone

D. it is a set of devices

 

4.   The operating system of  the computer may be regarded as -------------.

A. the student        B. the teacher

C. .the manager       D. the doctor

 

5.   An operating system is -------------.

A. the highest layer of software

B. the lowest layer of software

C. the highest layer of hardware

D. the lowest layer of hardware