ComputerEnglishUnit2ComputerArchitecture计算机英语第二单元计算机体系结构.doc

Unit 2 Computer Architecture第二单元： 计算机体系结构 Section A Computer HardwareA节 计算机硬件 I．Introduction一、引言 Computer hardware is the equipment involved in the function of a computer and consists of the components that can be physically handled.计算机硬件是计算机运行所需要的设备，由可被物理操纵的部件组成。 The function of these components is typically divided into three main categories:这些部件的功能一般分为3个主要类别： input, output, and storage.输入、输出和存储。 Components in these categories connect to microprocessors, specifically, the computer’s central processing unit (CPU), the electronic circuitry that provides the computational ability and control of computer, via wires or circuitry called bus.这些类别的部件与微处理器相连接，特别是与计算机的中央处理器相连接。中央处理器系电子线路，它通过称为总线的线路或电路来提供计算能力和对计算机进行控制。 Software, on the other hand, is the set of instruction a computer uses to manipulate data, such as a word-processing program or a video game.另一方面，软件是计算机用来处理数据的一套指令，如文字处理程序或电子游戏。 These programs are usually stored and transferred via the computer’s hardware to and from the CPU.这些程序通常被存储起来，并由计算机硬件调入和调出中央处理器。 Software also governs how the hardware is utilized; for example, how information is retrieved from a storage device.软件也控制着硬件如何利用：例如，如何从存储设备中检索信息。 The interaction between the input and output hardware is controlled by software called the Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) software.输入与输出硬件的交互是由基本输入/输出系统（BIOS）软件控制的。 Although microprocessors are still technically considered to be hardware, portions of their function are also associated with computer software.尽管微处理器在技术上仍被认为是硬件，但其部分功能也与计算机软件有关系。 Since microprocessors have both hardware and software aspects, they are therefore often referred to as firmware.既然微处理器同时具有硬件与软件的特征，它们因此经常被称作固件。 II. Input Hardware二、输入硬件 Input hardware consists of external devices - that is, components outside of the computer’s CPU– that provide information and instructions to the computer.输入硬件由给计算机提供信息和指令的外部设备——亦即计算机中央处理器以外的部件——组成。 A light pen is a stylus with a light sensitive tip that is used to draw directl