The specific part of maturita topic 7 (Shopping, clothes and fashion), at B2 level. A useful link to the general topic: buying a new computer or phone is a typical shopping decision – which parameters you compare and where you buy it.
Hardware and software
A computer consists of hardware – the physical parts you can touch – and software – the programs. The most important piece of software is the operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS), which controls the hardware and runs the applications (apps).
A computer works in four steps: input → processing → storage → output.
Inside the computer
| Part | What it does |
|---|---|
| motherboard | the main circuit board that connects all the parts; it contains the chipset, slots and connectors |
| processor (CPU) | the “brain” of the computer – it carries out instructions; its speed is measured in gigahertz (GHz) and modern CPUs have several cores |
| memory (RAM) | fast temporary memory for the programs and data currently in use; it is volatile – its content is lost when the computer is switched off |
| ROM / firmware (BIOS, UEFI) | permanent memory with the program that starts the computer |
| storage | keeps data permanently: a hard disk drive (HDD) with spinning platters, or a faster, quieter solid-state drive (SSD) with flash memory |
| graphics card (GPU) | processes images and video; important for games, video editing and AI |
| power supply unit (PSU) | converts electricity from the socket for the components |
| cooling | fans or liquid cooling which stop the parts from overheating |
| network card, sound card | connect the computer to a network / process sound (often built into the motherboard) |
All these parts are inside the case (tower). Capacity of memory and storage is measured in bytes – kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes (GB) and terabytes (TB).
Peripherals
Peripherals are devices connected to the computer from outside, usually through USB, HDMI or wirelessly by Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
- Input devices: keyboard, mouse, touchpad, touchscreen, microphone, webcam, scanner, game controller.
- Output devices: monitor, printer (inkjet or laser), speakers, headphones, projector.
- Storage devices: external hard drive, USB flash drive, memory card; more and more data is stored in the cloud.
Types of computers
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| desktop computer | a powerful computer for one place; easy to upgrade |
| laptop / notebook | a portable computer with a built-in screen, keyboard and battery |
| tablet | a flat device controlled by a touchscreen |
| smartphone | a mobile phone with the functions of a small computer |
| wearables | smartwatches and fitness bands |
| server | a powerful computer that provides services (websites, email, files) to other computers in a network |
| workstation | a very powerful computer for professionals – 3D design, video editing |
| mainframe / supercomputer | huge computers used by banks, scientists or for weather forecasts |
| embedded systems | small computers built into other devices – cars, washing machines, routers; with internet connection they form the Internet of Things (IoT) |
Buying a computer
When you buy a computer, think about what you will use it for. For office work and school a cheaper laptop with an SSD and 16 GB of RAM is enough; for gaming or video editing you need a powerful processor and graphics card. You should also compare the price, battery life, weight, screen size and resolution, the warranty and reviews. You can buy it in a shop, where you can try it and get advice, or online, which is often cheaper – but you can return goods bought online within 14 days in the EU.
Key vocabulary
| English | Česky |
|---|---|
| hardware / software | technické / programové vybavení |
| operating system | operační systém |
| input / output | vstup / výstup |
| motherboard | základní deska |
| circuit board | deska plošných spojů |
| processor (CPU) / core | procesor / jádro |
| to carry out instructions | vykonávat instrukce |
| memory (RAM) | operační paměť |
| volatile | nestálý (ztrácí data bez napájení) |
| storage | úložiště |
| hard disk drive / solid-state drive | pevný disk / SSD disk |
| graphics card | grafická karta |
| power supply unit | zdroj |
| to overheat | přehřát se |
| case / tower | skříň počítače |
| peripheral | periferie |
| input device / output device | vstupní / výstupní zařízení |
| touchscreen | dotyková obrazovka |
| inkjet / laser printer | inkoustová / laserová tiskárna |
| USB flash drive | flash disk |
| portable | přenosný |
| to upgrade | vylepšit, rozšířit |
| embedded system | vestavěný systém |
| resolution | rozlišení |
| warranty | záruka |
| battery life | výdrž baterie |
Useful phrases
- The main function of the… is to…
- It is used for… / It allows you to…
- The more RAM you have, the more programs you can run at the same time.
- An SSD is much faster than an HDD, but it is also more expensive.
- If I were buying a new computer, I would choose…, because…
Questions the examiner may ask
Try to answer each question in two or three sentences, then click on the hint to compare.
| Question | Hint |
|---|---|
| What is the difference between hardware and software? | physical parts vs. programs; OS controls the hardware |
| What does the processor do? What about RAM? | CPU carries out instructions (GHz, cores); RAM – fast temporary memory, volatile |
| Compare an HDD and an SSD. | HDD – spinning platters, cheaper, bigger, slower; SSD – flash memory, faster, quieter, more expensive |
| What are peripherals? Give examples of input and output devices. | keyboard, mouse, microphone, webcam / monitor, printer, speakers |
| What types of computers do you know? | desktop, laptop, tablet, smartphone, server, workstation, supercomputer, embedded systems |
| What would you consider when buying a new laptop? | purpose, CPU, RAM, SSD, screen, battery, weight, price, warranty, reviews |
| Do you prefer buying electronics online or in a shop? | own opinion – price and choice vs. advice and trying it out (link to topic 7) |