TOPIC 5.
PERIPHERALS
I. IT’s specific vocabularies
Vocablary Type Pronunciation Meaning Vietnamese
1 daisy chain Verb /ˈdeɪ.zi/ /tʃeɪn/ to connect Kết nối nối
several devices tiếp
one in back of
another
2 DIP (dual in-line Noun /ˈdjuː.əl/ /ɪn/ a set of electric Hàng chuyển
package) switch /laɪn/ switches using a mạch hai
/ˈpæk.ɪdʒ/ dual in-line trang thái
package design
/swɪtʃ/
3 display Noun /dɪˈspleɪ/ an electronic Màn hình
device for the hiển thị
visual
presentation of
data
4 modem Noun /ˈməʊ.dem/ a device which Bộ điều chế -
converts digital giải điều chế
signals into
analog signals,
and back again
when needed
5 monitor /ˈmɒn.ɪ.tər/ a visual interface Màn hình
Noun display between
the computer and
the operator;
normally a large
rectangular
LCD, LED, or
CRT device
6 plug and play Noun /plʌɡ/ /ænd/ a term used to Cắm và dùng
/pleɪ/ describe the
technology
where a
peripheral device
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Vocablary Type Pronunciation Meaning Vietnamese
is automatically
recognized and
configured when
it is detected
7 printer Noun /ˈprɪn.tər/ a peripheral Máy in
device that
produces a hard
copy, normally
paper, from data
stored in a
computer
8 scanner Noun /ˈskæn.ər/ a device for Máy quét
capturing a
binary digital
image from a
hard copy
9 speaker Noun /ˈspiː.kər/ An internal or Loa
external device
which converts
electrical
impulses into
audible sound.
10 webcam Noun /ˈweb.kæm/ any specialized Máy quay
video camera video nối với
designed to máy tính
transmit video
over the internet
11 dongle Noun /ˈdɒŋ.ɡəl̩/ a hardware Khóa điện tử
device that plugs
into a parallel or
a USB port,
acting as copy
protection for a
particular
software
application
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II. Reading
2.1 Primary reading
Computer Hardware Peripherals
Peripherals are a generic name for any device external to a computer, but still normally
associated with it's extended functionality. The purpose of peripherals is to extend and
enhance what a computer is capable of doing without modifying the core components of
the system. A printer is a good example of a peripheral. It is connected to a computer,
extends its functionality, but is not actually part of the core machine.
Do not confuse computer peripherals with computer accessories. An accessory can be any
device associated with a computer, such as a printer or a mousepad. A printer is a
peripheral, but a mousepad is definitely not one. A mousepad does not extend the
functionality of a computer, it only enhances the user experience.
Peripherals are often sold apart from computers and are normally not essential to its
functionality. You might think the display and a few vital input devices such as the mouse
and keyboard would be necessary, but certain computers such as servers or embedded
systems do not require mice, keyboards, or even displays to be functional.
Peripherals are meant to be easily interchangeable, although you may need to install new
drivers to get all the functionality you expect out of a new peripheral device. The
technology which allows peripherals to work automatically when they are plugged in is
called plug and play. A plug and play device is meant to function properly without
configuration as soon as it is connected. This isn't always the case however. For this reason
some people sarcastically refer to the technology as 'plug and pray'.
Still, plug and play was a big deal when it was introduced in the 1990's. Before then,
installing a new peripheral could take hours, and could even require changing some jumper
settings, DIP switches, or even hacking away at drivers or config files. It was not a fun
time except for real hardware geeks. With plug and play technology, all the nasty jumpers
and DIP switches moved inside the peripheral and were virtualized into firmware. This was
a clear victory for the common, nontechnical person!
Peripherals normally have no function when not connected to a computer. They connect
over a wide array of interfaces. Some common ones from the past include: PS2 ports, serial
ports, parallel ports, and VGA ports. These are all being replaced by some new standards
including USB, Bluetooth, wifi, DVI, and HDMI ports.
The most common peripheral linking device is probably USB technology. Why? USB is
good because you can daisy chain a lot of peripherals together quickly, it is quite fast and
growing ever faster in recent editions, and it even provides enough power to supply some
smaller peripheral devices like webcams and flash drives.
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Some peripherals are even used for security. A good example of this is the dongle. The
dongle is often used to protect very expensive applications from software piracy.
Here is a list of common peripherals you should be familiar with as an IT professional.
Keep in mind the list is always changing due to changing technologies:
- monitors or displays
- scanners
- printers
- external modems
- dongles
- speakers
- webcams
- external microphones
- external storage devices such as USB-based flash drives and portable hard disk drives
- input devices such as keyboards, mice, etc are normally considered peripherals as well
Now you know a little more about peripherals and what makes them different from
components and accessories. I hope you enjoyed the reading!
(http://www.english4it.com)
2.1.1 Find the answers to these questions in the text.
a. What is the purpose of peripherals?
b. What is the difference between computer peripherals and computer accessories?
c. Could you state some computer peripherals?
d. What is the character of a plug and play device?
e. What does "plug and pray" mean?
f. What did people have to do to install a new peripheral before the appearance of
plug and play technology?
g. State some interfaces to connect peripherals to a computer?
h. What is the advantage of the USB technology?
2.1.2 Match the terms in Section A with the statements in Section B.
Section A
a. Computer peripherals
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b. flash drive
c. Plug and play technology
d. USB technology
e. Bluetooth
Section B
i. a small electronic device containing flash memory that is used for storing data or
transferring it to or from a computer, digital camera, etc.
ii. It is a standard for the short-range wireless interconnection of cellular phones,
computers, and other electronic devices.
iii. A technology gives users the ability to plug a device into a computer and have the
computer recognize that the device is there.
iv. Devices connect to a computer system to add functionality.
v. An industry standard that defines the cables, connectors and communications protocols
used in a bus for connection, communication, and power supply between computers and
electronic devices.
2.1.3 Mark the following statements as True or False:
a. A printer is a part of a core computer.
b. A mousepad is not a peripheral.
c. Plug and play technology allows peripherals to work automatically when they are
plugged in a computer.
d. A dongle is used for security.
e. A light pen is a peripheral.
2.2 Further reading
Plug and Play
Plug and Play (PnP) means that you can connect a device or insert a card into your
computer and it is automatically recognized and configured to work in your system. PnP is
a simple concept, but it took a concerted effort on the part of the computer industry to
make it happen. Intel created the PnP standard and incorporated it into the design for PCI.
But it wasn't until several years later that a mainstream operating system, Windows 95,
provided system-level support for PnP. The introduction of PnP accelerated the demand for
computers with PCI, very quickly supplanting ISA as the bus of choice.
To be fully implemented, PnP requires three things:
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PnP BIOS - The core utility that enables PnP and detects PnP devices. The BIOS also
reads the ESCD for configuration information on existing PnP devices.
Extended System Configuration Data (ESCD) - A file that contains information about
installed PnP devices.
PnP operating system - Any operating system, such as Windows XP, that supports PnP.
PnP handlers in the operating system complete the configuration process started by the
BIOS for each PnP device. PnP automates several key tasks that were typically done either
manually or with an installation utility provided by the hardware manufacturer. These tasks
include the setting of:
Interrupt requests (IRQ) - An IRQ, also known as a hardware interrupt, is used by the
various parts of a computer to get the attention of the CPU. For example, the mouse sends
an IRQ every time it is moved to let the CPU know that it's doing something. Before PCI,
every hardware component needed a separate IRQ setting. But PCI manages hardware
interrupts at the bus bridge, allowing it to use a single system IRQ for multiple PCI
devices.
Direct memory access (DMA) - This simply means that the device is configured to access
system memory without consulting the CPU first.
Memory addresses - Many devices are assigned a section of system memory for exclusive
use by that device. This ensures that the hardware will have the needed resources to
operate properly.
Input/Output (I/O) configuration - This setting defines the ports used by the device for
receiving and sending information.
While PnP makes it much easier to add devices to your computer, it is not infallible.
Variations in the software routines used by PnP BIOS developers, PCI device
manufacturers and Microsoft have led many to refer to PnP as "Plug and Pray." But the
overall effect of PnP has been to greatly simplify the process of upgrading your computer
to add new devices or replace existing ones.
(http://computer.howstuffworks.com/pci5.htm)
2.2.1 Find the answers to these questions in the text.
1. What is Plug and Play?
2. What is the requirement to fully implement Plug and Play?
3. How does the IRQ work with PCI?
4. What is DMA?
5. Why do people use Plug and Play?
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6. Could you name some operating systems supporting Plug and Play?
7. What is the advantage of PCI over ISA?
2.2.2 Match the terms in Section A with the statements in Section B.
Section A
a. PnP BIOS
b. Extended System Configuration Data
c. Interrupt requests
d. Direct memory access
e. I/O configuration
Section B
i. the set of hardware resources that are available to the operating system, and the
connections between these resources.
ii. PC BIOSes that can handle Plug-and-Play (PnP) devices
iii. a hardware signal sent to the processor that temporarily stops a running program and
allows a special program, an interrupt handler, to run instead.
iv. data that provides a computer's BIOS and the operating system with information for
communicating with plug and play (PnP) devices
v. a feature of computer systems that allows certain hardware subsystems to access main
system memory (RAM) independently of the central processing unit (CPU)
2.2.3 Mark the following statements as True or False:
1. Windows 3.1 supports PnP.
2. PnP technology needs PnP BIOS.
3. Many devices can share single IRQ system in ISA.
4. PnP simplifies the process of upgrading your computer.
5. In PnP technology, many devices share a section of system memory.
III. Grammar and Writing
3.1 Grammar revision - Relative clauses with a participle
Relative clauses with a participle are often used in technical descriptions. They allow you
to provide a lot of information about a noun using as few words as possible. We can use
participle clauses after a noun in the same way as relative clauses. This gives more
information about the noun. We sometimes call this a 'reduced relative clause'.
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1: A present participle (verb + ing) can be used in the same way as an active relative
clause:
The man driving the car is a friend of mine.
(= The man who is driving the car is a friend of mine).
The present participle can replace any active tense, not just the present continuous tense:
Lorries coming over the bridge have to be careful of the wind.
(= Lorries that come over the bridge have to be careful of the wind).
Who was the girl wearing the red dress?
(= Who was the girl who was wearing the red dress?).
Students handing in their essays late will lose ten marks.
(= Students who hand in their essays late will lose ten marks).
The technology needed to set up a home network.
= technology which is needed
2 PCs equipped with Ethernet adapters
= PCs which are equipped
2: A past participle can be used in the same way as a simple passive relative clause:
We read the email sent by the manager.
(= We read the email that had been sent by the manager).
This vase, made in China in the 14th century, is very valuable.
(= This vase, which was made in China in the 14th century, is very valuable).
She only eats cakes made by her mother.
(= She only eats cakes that are made by her mother).
Network modem allowing clients to access the Internet simultaneously
= modem which allows clients to access the Internet simultaneously
Data line linking client to server
= data line which links client to server
3: 'Being + past participle' can be used in the same way as a continuous passive relative
clause:
The poem being read by the actor was written by my brother.
(= The poem that is being read by the actor was written by my brother).
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The strawberries being eaten at the wedding were grown in Scotland.
(= The strawberries that are being eaten at the wedding…).
3.2. Writing
3.2.1 Participle Clauses 1
Make a reduced relative clause. These sentences all need an active clause.
1) They called a lawyer (the lawyer lived nearby)
2) We broke the computer (the computer belongs to my father).
3) The man is in the garden (the man is wearing a blue jumper)
4) We found a doctor (the doctor works at a hospital in Madrid)
5) People will not be allowed to enter (people have arrived late)
6) Don't wake the baby (the baby is sleeping in the next room)
7) Who is that boy (that boy is walking in the forest)?
8) The man is over there (the man wants coffee)
9) Those books were mine (those books had been lying on the table)
10) Julia is on the train (the train is arriving at Platform 3)
3.2.2 Participle Clauses 2
Make a reduced relative clause. These sentences all need a passive clause.
1) The television was stolen (the televison was bought twenty years ago)
2) I often buy cheese (the cheese in imported from Paris)
3) The bread is in the kitchen (the bread was brought by John)
4) We live in a house (the house was built by my grandfather)
5) The money has been given to charity (the money was found in the street)
6) We all praised the cake (the cake was baked by my mother)
7) The robber ran away (the robber was seen by David)
8) I really loved the flowers (the flowers were grown in London)
9) The coffee is very strong (the coffee is drunk in Turkey)
10) I don't know much about the games (the games are played by children nowadays)
3.2.3 Complete these definitions with the correct participle of the verb given in brackets.
1 A gateway is an interface (enable) dissimilar networks tocommunicate.
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2 A bridge is a hardware and software combination (use) toconnect the same type of
networks.
3 A backbone is a network transmission path (handle) major datatraffic.
4 A router is a special computer (direct) messages when severalnetworks are linked.
5 A network is a number of computers and peripherals (link)together.
6 A LAN is a network (connect) computers over a small distancesuch as within a company.
7 A server is a powerful computer (store) many programs (share)by all the clients in the
network.
8 A client is a network computer (use) for accessing a service on aserver.
9 A thin client is a simple computer (comprise) a processor andmemory, display, keyboard,
mouse and hard drives only.
10 A hub is an electronic device (connect) all the data cabling in anetwork.
3.2.4 Link these statements using a relative clause with a participle.
1a The technology is here today.
1b It is needed to set up a home network.
2a You only need one network printer.
2b It is connected to the server.
3a Her house has a network.
3b It allows basic file-sharing and multi-player gaming.
4a There is a line receiver in the living room.
4b It delivers home entertainment audio to speakers.
5a Eve has designed a site.
5b It is dedicated to dance.
6a She has built in links.
6b They connect her site to other dance sites.
7a She created the site using a program called Netscape Composer.
7b It is contained in Netscape Communicator.
8a At the centre of France Telecom's home of tomorrow is a network.
8b It is accessed through a Palm Pilot-style control pad.
9a The network can simulate the owner's presence.
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9b This makes sure vital tasks are carried out in her absence.
10a The house has an electronic door-keeper.
10b It is programmed to recognise you.
10c This gives access to family only.
IV. Speaking
Ask and answer about peripheral devices of your computer.
V. Listening
INTERFACES
An interface is a ................... between two parts of a system. It is like a ................. that
allows data to be exchanged between two devices which work in a different at way or at
different ......................... In a computer-controlled system an ................ is required to link
the
sensor devices and the output devices to the controller or computer. In a microcomputer
system ...................... devices are linked using interface cards and ports.
STORAGE DEVICES
Storage devices are required to ................. both the software which ................. the entire
system and the data from sensor devices. Some systems use only the computer’s internal
data ................, called.................... storage, while other systems also use ..............storage
devices such as disk drives.
VI. Summary
In this lesson, we studied the following contents:
- The working mechanism of peripheral technology.
- The functionality of many peripheral devices.
- The usage of grammar structure - Relative clauseswith a participle.
VII. Exercises
Translate into Vietnamese
The monitor
The characters and pictures that we see on the screen are made up of dots, also
calledpicture elements (pixels). The total number of pixels in which the display is divided
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both horizontally and vertically is known as the resolution. If the number of pixels is very
large, we obtain a high resolution display and therefore a sharp image. If the number of
pixels is small, a low' resolution is produced.
Typical resolutions are 640 x 480 or 1,024 X 768 pixels. The diagrams show how
pixeldensity affects the image: a larger number of pixels gives a much clearer image.
The cathode ray tube of the monitor is very similar to that of a TV set. Inside the tube
thereis an electron beam which scans the screen and turns on or off the pixels that make up
the image.
The beam begins in the top left corner, and scans the screen from left to right in a
continuous
sequence, similar to the movement of our eyes when we read, but much faster. This
sequence isrepeated. 50,60 or 75 times per second, depending on the system. If the rate of
this repetition islow we can perceive a flickering, unsteady screen, which can cause eye
fatigue. However, a fastmoving 75 Hz 'refresh rate' eliminates this annoying flicker.
What we see on the screen is created and stored in an area of RAM, so that there is
amemory cell allocated to each pixel. This type of display is called bit-mapped. On
monochrome monitors, bits 0 are visualized as white dots, and bits 1 as black dots. On
colour displays, there are three electron guns at the back of the monitor's tube. Each
electron gun shoots out a beam of electrons; there is one beam for each ofthe three primary
colours: red, green and blue. These electrons strike the inside of the screen which is coated
with substances called phosphors that glow when struck by electrons. Three different
phosphor materials are used - one each for red, green and blue. To create different colours,
the intensity of each of the three electron beams is varied.
The monitor is controlled by a separate circuit board, known as the display adaptor,
whichplugs into the motherboard of the computer. Different boards drive different types of
displays. For example, the VGA (video graphics array) card has become a standard for
colour monitors.
Portable computers use a flat liquid-crystal display (LCD) instead of a picture tube.
AnCD uses a grid of crystals and polarizing filters to show the image. The crystals block
the light in different amounts to generate the dots in the image.
VIII. Chapter’s references
[1] Eric H. Glendinning, John McEwan, Oxford English for Information Technology,
Student Book, Teacher Book, Publisher Oxford University Press, 2006, Unit 11, pp
72-79.
[2] http://www.english4it.com, unit 12
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