English Vocabulary in Use Pre-intermediate and Intermediate » Unit 54: Computers

Word List
  • anti-virus software
  • application (computer)
  • back up sth
  • backup
  • copy
  • crash [computer]
  • create
  • cut [computer] v
  • document
  • double-click
  • enter (a password)
  • existing
  • exit (stop using an application) v
  • FAQs
  • file (computer)
  • file menu
  • hard drive/disk
  • icon
  • install
  • keyboard
  • laptop
  • log in/on
  • log off/out
  • mouse (computer)
  • mouse mat
  • operating system
  • password
  • paste
  • PC
  • print
  • print sth out
  • printer
  • run [use applications]
  • save [keep]
  • software
  • spacebar
  • store
  • username
  • virus [computer]
Exercises

54.1 ‣ Match the words on the left with the words on the right.

  1. CD-
  2. memory _____
  3. operating _____
  4. hard _____
  5. log _____
  6. anti-virus _____
  7. mouse _____
  8. escape _____
  1. a) system
  2. b) on
  3. c) key
  4. d) software
  5. e) ROM
  6. f) mat
  7. g) copy
  8. h) stick

54.2 ‣ Complete these words.

  1. soft
  2. lap_____
  3. key_____
  4. space_____
  5. user_____
  6. pass_____

54.3 ‣ Complete the definitions.

  1. Computer software that controls how different parts work together is the .
  2. The part inside the computer that stores large amounts of information is the _____.
  3. A program secretly put on a computer to destroy the information on it is a _____.
  4. A small computer that you can carry round with you is a _____.
  5. The special word you type into your computer that only you know is your _____.

54.4 ‣ Complete the dialogues.

  1. A: What do I do when I finish?
    B: You can press the escape key to .
  2. A: How often do you _____ your files?
    B: At the end of every day if I can remember.
  3. A: Is the data _____ on the hard disk?
    B: Yes, but I always make a _____.
  4. A: Did you _____ the software yourself?
    B: No, I don’t understand anything about computers. My wife did it for me.
  5. A: How do I _____ a new document?
    B: Just select new from the File _____.
  6. A: There was a warning on the news this morning about a new computer _____.
    B: Well, I should be OK. I’ve got _____ software.

54.5 ‣

Over to you

Do you have a computer? If so, can you answer all the questions in section C on the opposite page?

_____

Answer Key
A ‣ The computer

B ‣ Using a computer

After you have switched on [turned on] your computer, you may need to log in/on (opp log out/off) with your username and enter your password [put a special word into the computer that only you know]. If you then double-click on an icon [a small picture on the screen], you can open an application [email, Internet browser, etc.].

Computers can store [keep] large amounts of information, but when you’re working it is important to back up the files you are working on [make an extra copy of the files; syn make a backup], so you don’t lose the files if something goes wrong.

To create [make or start] a new document, select new from the File menu.

You can copy and paste information from one file into another.

If you save the document, you can print it out later (OR you can get a hard copy/a print out later). It is also important to save the document in case the computer crashes [suddenly stops working]. Press the Escape key to exit [stop using an application].

C ‣ FAQs* about computers

example questionexplanation
Do you have a PC or a laptop?PC is short for personal computer; a laptop is a small computer that you can carry around.
What hard drive do you have?the part inside the computer that stores large amounts of information (also hard disk)
What operating system are you using?computer software, e.g. Windows or Mac OS, that controls how the computer works
Have you installed any new software?put new programs onto your computer
What software applications are you running?What software applications are you using?
Do you have anti-virus software?A virus is a program put on a computer to destroy or steal the information on it. Anti-virus software is a program to stop a virus entering your computer.

*frequently asked questions

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