Desktop personal computers usually have the following hardware: monitor, keyboard, mouse, computer case, motherboard, fixed or removable storage drives, and power supply. ADDITIONALLY, they may contain modems or network interfaces. As all elements are separated, the user can create his own «ideal computer» by disassembling and changing inconvenient elements. The only disadvantage of a desktop computer is that it is quite big and heavy for transporting.
IN COMPARISON WITH PCs laptops are portable and have smaller components. Typical laptops have keyboard, display, and processor in one package. The monitor can be closed for screen and keyboard protection and safe transportation. Instead of a mouse, laptops have a touchpad which is located near a keyboard.
One more portable computer is a tablet. Tablets UNLIKE laptops use a touch screen or foldable keyboard and weigh even less than laptops. Some tablets especially graphic ones have a stylus – special pen to write or draw right on the screen.
2) Each electronic device consists of hardware and software which work together for greater performance. Computer hardware represents physical and tangible components of a computer or its analogue which can be seen and touched while software consists of programs and written instructions (code) that give commands to physical components.
3) Hardware is divided into two major groups: internal and external (peripheral) components. Internal components operate inside a computer, for example motherboard and RAM. External components can be categorized into output devices (for getting results) such as monitor and printer, and input devices (to provide instructions) for including information to the computer (mouse, keyboard) and external memory storage devices (CD, hard disk etc.). TO SUM UP WITH, computers need internal hardware components for the proper functioning ALTHOUGH external ones are attached to the computer to add functions.
4. Read the text once again and mark sentences True or False:
1. You can change any elements you want to in a desktop computer.
2. The only difference between PCs, laptops and tablets is their size.
3. Software perform better tasks with hardware.
4. Software consists of internal and peripheral components.
5. Output devices allow users to send data to the computer while input devices take information from the computer and present it on a screen.