Giáo trình tiếng anh chuyên ngành

TABLE OF CONTENTS
UNIT 1: LIVING IN A DIGITAL AGE .............................................................................................................................................. 2
UNIT 2: COMPUTER ESSENTIALS ................................................................................................................................................. 8
UNIT 3: INSIDE THE SYSTEM....................................................................................................................................................... 14
UNIT 5: OUTPUT DEVICES: DISPLAY SCREENS ...................................................................................................................... 21
UNIT 6: OPTICAL STORAGE ......................................................................................................................................................... 28
UNIT 7: FLASH MEMORY .............................................................................................................................................................. 35
UNIT 8: THE OPERATING SYSTEM (OS) .................................................................................................................................... 43
UNIT 9: USING A WORD PROCESSOR ........................................................................................................................................ 50
UNIT 10: DATABASE ...................................................................................................................................................................... 58
UNIT 11: THE INTERNET AND EMAIL ....................................................................................................................................... 62
UNIT 12 THE WEB........................................................................................................................................................................... 73
UNIT 13 CHAT AND CONFERENCING ........................................................................................................................................ 82
UNIT 14: INTERNET SECURITY .................................................................................................................................................. 90
UNIT 15: GRAPHICS AND DESIGN ............................................................................................................................................. 97
UNIT 16: MULTIMEDIA ............................................................................................................................................................... 103
UNIT 17: WEB DESIGN ................................................................................................................................................................. 110
UNIT 18: PROGRAM DESIGN AND COMPUTER LANGUAGES ............................................................................................ 116
UNIT 19: JAVA ............................................................................................................................................................................... 122
UNIT 20: COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS.................................................................................................................................... 129
UNIT 21: NETWORKS ................................................................................................................................................................... 135
UNIT 22: NEW TECHNOLOGIES ................................................................................................................................................. 142
APPENDIX: GLOSSARY ............................................................................................................................................................... 153

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UNIT 1: LIVING IN A DIGITAL AGE
VOCABULARY
1. Access the Internet: truy cập mạng
2. Built-in: được gắn liền vào (máy tính)

3. Carry out: tiến hành
4. Database: cơ sở dữ liệu
5. Digit: chữ số, hàng số
6. Display data: hiển thị dữ liệu
7. Do research: nghiên cứu
8. Global Positioning System (GPS): hệ thống định vị toàn cầu
9. Keep/ store/ save records/information: ghi chép, lưu trữ hồ sơ/ thông tin
10. Monitor: màn hình máy tính
11. Perform mathematical operation: thực hiện lệnh tính, toán
12. Personal Identification Number (PIN): số nhận dạng cá nhân
13. Personal Digital Assistant (PDA): máy kỹ thuật số trợ lý cá nhân
14. Secure: bảo đảm, an toàn
15. Store: lưu trữ
16. The digital age/ the information age/ the computer age: thời đại kĩ thuật số/ thời đại thông tin/
thời đại của máy tính
17. Word processor: bộ xử lý văn bản

I.

READING COMPREHENSION

The digital age
We are now living in what some people call the digital age, meaning that computers have become an
essential part of our lives. Young people who have grown up with PCs and mobile phones are often
called the digital generation. Computers help students to perform mathematical operations and
improve their Maths skills. They are used to access the Internet, to do basic research and to
communicate with other students around the world.
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Teachers use projectors and interactive whiteboards to give presentations and teach sciences, history
or language courses. PCs are also used for administrative purposes – schools use word processors to
write letters, and databases to keep records of students and teachers. A school website allows
teachers to publish exercises for students to complete online. Students can also enroll for courses via
the website and parents can download official reports.

Mobiles let you make voice calls, send texts, email people and download logos, ringtones or games.
With a built – in camera you can send pictures and make video calls in face-to-face mode. New
smartphones combine a telephone with web access, video, a games console, an MP3 player, a
personal digital assistant (PDA) and a GPS navigation system, all in one.
In banks, computers store information about the money held by each customer and enable staff to
access large databases and to carry out financial transactions at high speed. They also control the
cashpoints, or ATMs ( automatic teller machines), which dispense money to customers by the use of
a PIN-protected card. People use a Chip and PIN card to pay for goods and services, instead of using
a signature to verify payments, customers are asked to enter a four-digit personal identification
number (PIN), the same number used at cashpoints, this system makes transactions more secure.
With online banking, clients can easily pay bills and transfer money from the comfort of their
homes.
Airline pilots use computers to help the control the plane. For example, monitors display data about
fuel consumption and weather conditions. In airport control towers, computers are used to manage
radar systems and regulate air traffic. On the ground, airlines are connected to travel agencies by
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computer. Travel agents use computers to find out about the availability of flights, prices, times,
stopovers and many other details.
1. Comprehension check
Find the answers to these questions in the text
1. What does the term ― the digital generation‖ refer to?
2. How are modern technologies used at school?

 Students:
 Teachers:
3. What can a person do with a smart phone?
4. Why should computers be used in banks?
5. Where are computers used to display data about fuel consumption, weather condition and
traffic?
2. Translation
Translate the text into Vietnamese.

II.

LANGUAGE FOCUS: COLLOCATION

Verbs and nouns often go together in English to make set phrases, for example access the
Internet. These word combinations are called collocations, and they are very common.
On the other way, Collocation refers to how words go together or form fixed
relationships. Learning collocations instead of individual words can help you remember
which verb to use with which noun. Here are some examples from the text:
Perform operations, do research, make calls, send texts, display data, write
letters; store information, complete exercises, carry out transactions

Practice 1: Match the verbs (1 - 5) with the nouns ( a - e) to make collocations.
1. give

a. money

2. keep

b. a PIN

3. access

c. databases

4. enter

d. presentations

5. transfer

e. records

Practice 2: Use collocations from exercises 1 to complete theses sentences.
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1. Thanks to Wi-Fi, it‘s now easy to ………………………..from cafes, hotels, parks and other
public places.
2. Online banking lets you ………………………..between your accounts easily and securely.
3. Skype is a technology that enables users to ………………………..over the Internet for free.
4. In many universities, students are encouraged to ………………………..using PowerPoint in
order to make their talks more visually attractive.
5. The Web has revolutionized the way people ………………………..-with sites such as Google
and Wikipedia, you can find the information you need in seconds.
6. Cookies allow a website to ………………………..on a user‘s machine and later retrieve it;
when you visit the website again, it remembers your preferences.
7. With the latest mobile phones, you can …………….with multimedia attachments – pictures,
audio, even video.

III.

FURTHER STUDY

Exercise 1: Complete this customer review from a website by putting the correct words from the box
perform

word processor

built-in

store

personal

online
monitor

download

digital

data

I bought a new MacBook Pro last month, and I‘ve been very happy with it so far. The Intel Core 2
Duoprocessor is a real bonus, allowing the computer to (1)…………… tasks faster than earlier
MacBook models; the 160GB hard drive is large enough to

(2)…………… all of music, photos

and video; and I didn‘t even need to by an external (3)…………… -the widescreen 17‖ display is

easy to look at, even for long periods of time.
Another great feature is the (4)…………… iSight camera; it can be used for webchats, to make
video podcast, or even just to take (5)…………… photos. Software updates are easy, too: if you‘re
(6)…………… - just surfing the Web or appears asking if you want to (7)…………… the update.
You just click OK, and it‘s done. I don‘t even have to worry about security either. Every time I
transmit (8)…………… from my computer on the Internet, Apple‘s Safari web browser protects my
(9)…………… information, such as bank details and credit card numbers, using a firewall.

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The only criticism I have is the lack of good (5)…………… such as Microsoft Word. I had to buy a
copy of Microsoft Office 2008 in the end, which cost an extra E99,95 – and that‘s with a student
discount!
Exercise 2: Reorder the following words to make meaningful sentences
1. We/ records/ online activities/ of/ will/ keep/ not/your/.
2. The Toyota Prius/ built-in monitor/ which/ a/ has/ your/ display/ about/ fuel/ speed/ location/
consumption/.
3. You/ make/ over/ call/for/ lets/ Skype/ the Internet/ free/.
4. You/ send/ to/ can/ friends/ texts/ free/ for/ with/ online/ latest/ our/ tariff/.
5. Our/ server/ allows/ secure/to/ carry/ you/ out/ transaction/ with/ absolute/ confidence.
Exercise 3: Underline mistakes in the following sentences and correct them.
1. Mobiles enable users to make a phone, send text or email people.
2. Instead of using a signature to verify payments, you are asked to transfer a PIN.
3. Word processor is a type of program used for text manipulate.
4. Users use computers to enter the net for many personal purposes.
5. In order make their presentation more interesting, teachers often use projectors.
Exercise 4: Translate the following paragraph into Vietnamese
In the last ten years, police have installed speed trap units on many busy roads. These contain a radar
set, a microprocessor and a camera equipped with a flash. The radar sends out a beam of radio waves

at a frequency of 24 gigahertz. This is equivalent to a wavelength of 1.25 cms. If a car is moving
towards the radar, the reflected signals will bounce back with a slightly smaller wavelength. If away
from the radar, the waves will reflect with a slightly longer wavelength. The micro processor within
the unit measures the difference in wavelength between outgoing and returning signals and
calculates the speed of each vehicle. If it is above the speed pre-set by the police, the camera takes a
picture of the vehicle. The information is stored on a smart card for transfer to the police computer.
The owner of the vehicle can then be traced using the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Centre database.

6


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UNIT 2: COMPUTER ESSENTIALS
VOCABULARY
1. Back up:lưu trữ dự phòng
2. Disk drive: ổ đĩa
3. Execute program: chạy chương trình
4. Hardware: phần cứng
5. Panel: bảng điện
6. Peripheral: thiết bị ngoại vi
7. Permanent: tạm thời
8. Physical unit: đơn vị vật lý
9. Plug (n): phích cắm, phích hai đầu
10. Process the data: xử lý dữ liệu
11. Port: cổng chuyển
12. Software: phần mềm
13. Storage device: thiết bị lưu trữ
14. To be fed into: được dẫn vào, được đưa vào

I. READING COMPREHENSION
What is a computer?
A computer is an electronic machine which can accept data in a certain form, process the data, and
give the results of the processing in a specified format as information.
First, data is fed into the computer‘s memory. Then, when the program is run, the computer
performs a set of instructions and processes the data. Finally, we can see the results (the output) on
the screen or in printed form.
A computer system consists of two parts: hardware and software. Hardware is any electronic or
mechanical part you can see or touch. Software is a set of instructions, called a program, which tells
the computer what to do. There are three basic hardware sections: the central processing unit (CPU),
main memory and peripherals.

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Perhaps the most influential component is the central processing unit. Its function is to execute
program instructions and coordinate the activities of all the other units. In a way, it is the ―brain‖ of
the computer. The main memory (a
collection of RAM chips) holds the
instructions and data which are being
processed by the CPU. Peripherals
are the physical units attached to the
computer.

They

include

storage

devices and input/ output devices.
Storage devices (hard drives, DVD
drivers or flash drives) provide a permanent storage of both data and programs. Disk drives enable
data to go into the computer‘s memory. The most common input devices are the mouse and the
keyboard. Output devices enable us to extract the finished product from the system. For example,
the computer shows the output on the monitor or prints the results onto paper by means of a printer.
On the rear panel of the computer there are several ports into which we can plug a wide range of
peripherals – a modem, a digital camera, a scanner, etc. They allow communication between the
computer and the devices. Modern desktop PCs have USB ports and memory card readers on the
front panel.
1. Comprehension check
1.1.

Find the answers to these questions in the text.

1. What are two main parts of a computer system? How do they work?
2. What is the function of the central processing unit?
3. What does the main memory use to hold the instructions and data?
4. What are peripherals?
5. Name some types of input/ output devices.
1.2.

Decide the following statements are True or False

1. A computer is an electronic device that manipulates information, or data. It has the ability to
store, retrieve, and process data.
2. Computer hardware refers to objects that you can actually touch.
3. The central processing unit (CPU) of a computer is a piece of software that carries out the
instructions of a computer program.

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4. A computer peripheral is a part of the core computer architecture and it is connected to other
parts.
5. A storage device is any computing hardware that is used for storing, porting and extracting
data files and objects.
2. Translation
Translate the text into Vietnamese

II. LANGUAGE FOCUS: CLASIFYING
Classifying means putting things into groups or classes. We can classify types of
computers, parts of a PC, etc. Some typical expressions for classifying are:
 …are classified into X types/ categories
 …are classified by ….
 …can be divided into X types/ categories
 …include(s) …
 …consist(s) of …
 There are X types/ classes of …
 X is a type of …
For example:
-

Digital computers can be divided into five main types: mainframes, desktop
PCs, laptops, tablet PCs and hand held PDAs.

-

The basic configuration of a mainframe consists of a central system which
processes immense amounts of data very quickly

-

A tablet PC is a type of notebook computer.

Practice: Use suitable classifying expressions to complete these sentences.
1. A computer …………………………….hardware and software.
2. Peripherals …………………………….three types: input, output and storage devices.
3. A word processing program …………………………….software which lets the user create
and edit text.

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4. …………………………….of network architecture: peer-to-peer, where all computer have
the same capabilities, and client-server, where servers store and distribute data, and clients
access this data.

III.

FURTHER STUDY

Exercise 1: Match the words (1-9) with the correct meanings (a-i)
1. Software

a. the brain of the computer

2. Peripherals

b. physical parts that make up a computer system

3. Main memory

c. programs which can be used on a particular computer
system

4. Hard drive

d. the information which is presented to the computer

5. Hard ware

e. results produced by a computer

6. Input

f. input devices attached to the CPU

7. Ports

g. section that holds programs and data while they are
executed or processed

8. Output
9. Central

h. magnetic device used to store information
processing

unit (CPU)

i. sockets into which an external device may be
connected.

Exercise 2: Choose the best answer to complete the sentences below
1. ………………. is a type of software which focuses on particular user tasks, such as word
processing, games, or e-mail.
A. Operating system

B. Application

C. Programming

2. ………………. allows the user to see, hear or touch the results of processed data.
A. Peripherals

B. Input

C. Output

3. ……………….captures live audio and video for transmission from one computer to another.
A. A monitor

B. A webcam

C. A camera

4. ……………….displays text, graphics, and video
A. A printer

B. a scanner

C. a screen

5. ………………. is permanent memory that can't be easily erased or destroyed unless the user
deletes it
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A. ROM

B. RAM

C. a USB

6. ………………. is a place to plug in devices.
A. A port

B. a drive

C. a panel

7. ………………. is a program that locks out others from your computer.
A. Firewall

B. Malware

C. Virus security

8. ………………. is a program meant to harm other computers.

A. Firewall

B. Malware

C. Virus security

Exercise 3: Describe the following diagram, using classifying expressions. Make reference to your
own devices.

Peripherals
Input devices
 Mouse
 Keyboard
 Camera

Output devices
 Monitor
 Printer

Storage media
 Magnetic, e.g.
hard drive
 Optical, e.g.
DVD
 Flash memory,
e.g. pen drive

Exercise 4: Translate the following paragraph into Vietnamese
The central processing unit (CPU) is a component of a computer system that carries out the
instructions of a computer program, and is the primary element carrying out the computer‘s

functions. The central processing unit carries series of program instructions, executes both logical
and arithmetical functions, and handles input/ output operations of the system. The demand of
activities to be performed by the CPU piqued the authors‘ interest on how CPU handles different
tasks given by the user?
In order for a computer to be able to handle multiple applications simultaneously there must be an
effective way of using the CPU. Several processes may be running at the same time, so there has to
be some kind of order to allow each process to get its share of CPU time. One of the most important
12


components of the operating system is the kemel, which controls low-level processes which is
typically unknown to the average user. It controls how memory is read and written, the order in
which processes are executed, how information is received and sent by devices like the monitor,
keyboard and mouse, and decides how to interpret information received from networks. Kemel is
also the central component of most computer operating systems that bridges applications and
computer peripherals.

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UNIT 3: INSIDE THE SYSTEM
VOCABULARY
1. Arithmatic logicunit (ALU): bộ số học và logic
2. Bus width: độ rộng của bus
3. Chip:

chip điện tử

4. Circuit: vi mạch
5. Clock speed:

tốc độ đồng hồ

6. Control unit: bộ điều khiển
7. Dual in-line memory modules (DIMMs): các vùng bộ nhớ song song
8. Expansion slot: khe cắm mở rộng
9. Feature: đặc tính
10. Integrated circuit: vi mạch tích hợp
11. Motherboard: bảng mạch chính
12. Random access memory (RAM): bộ nhớ truy cập ngẫu nhiên
13. Read Only Memory (ROM): bộ nhớ chỉ đọc
14. Register: thanh ghi
15. Synchronize: đồng bộ hóa
16. Volatile: khả biến (Non-volatile: bất khả biến)

I.

READING COMPREHENSION
What is inside a PC system?
Processing
The nerve centre of a microcomputer is the Central Processing Unit, or CPU. This unit is built
into a single microprocessor chip — an integrated circuit — which executes program instructions
and supervises the computer's overall operation.
The unit consists of three main parts:

 the Control Unit, which examines .the instructions in the user's program, interprets each
instruction and causes the circuits and the rest of the components - disk drives, monitor, etc. - to
be activated to execute the functions specified;
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 the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), which performs mathematical calculations (+, - , etc) and
logical operations (AND OR NOT)
 the registers, which are high-speed units of memory used to store and control information. One
of these registers is the Program Counter (PC) which keeps track of the next instruction to be
performed in the main memory. Another is the Instruction Register (IR) that is being executed.
The power and performance of a computer is partly determined by the speed of its processor. A
system clock sends out signals at fixed intervals to measure and synchronize the flow of data.
Clock speed is measured in gigahertz (GHz). For example, a CPU running at 4 GHz (four
thousand million hertz, or cycles, per second) will able your PC to handle the most demanding
applications.

RAM and ROM
The programs and data which pass through the processor must be loaded into the main memory in
order to be processed. Therefore, when the user runs a program, the CPU looks for it on the hard
disk and transfers a copy into the RAM chips. RAM (random access memory) is volatile – that is,
its information is lost when the computer is turned
off. However, ROM (read only memory) is nonvolatile, containing instructions and routines for the
basic operations of the CPU. The BIOS (basic
input/output

system)

uses

ROM

to

control

communication with peripherals.
a RAM chip

RAM capacity can be expanded by adding extra

chips, usually contained in small circuit
boards called dual in-line memory
modules (DIMMs)
Buses and cards
The main circuit board inside your system
is called the motherboard and contains the
processor, the memory chips, expansions
slots and controllers for peripherals,
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Factors affecting processor speed


connected by buses – electrical channels which allow devices inside the computer to communicate
with each other. For example, the front side bus carries all data that passes from the CPU to other
devices.
The size of a bus, called bus width, determines how much data can be transmitted. It can be
compared to the number of lanes on a motorway – the larger the width, the more data can travel
along the bus. For example, a 64-bit bus can transmit 64 bits of data.
Expansion slots allow users to install expansion cards, adding features like sound, memory and
network capabilities.
1. Comprehension check
1.1.

Read the text and then answer these questions

1. What are the main parts of the CPU
2. What does ALU stand for? What does it do?
3. What is the function of the system clock?
4. How much is one gigahertz?
5. What type of memory is temporary?
6. What type of memory is permanent and includes instructions need by the CPU?
7. How can RAM be increased?
8. What term is used to refer to the main printed circuit board?
9. What is a bus?
10. What is the benefit of having expansion slots?

1.2.

Basing on the text, complete this diagram of a PC system

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2. Translation:
Translate the text into Vietnamese:
II.

LANGUAGE FOCUS: DEFINING RELATIVE CLAUSE

- We can define people or things with defining relative clauses. We use the relative
pronoun who to refer to a person; we can also use that.

ce

E.g. A logger is a person who/that keeps a web log (blog) or publishes online
diary.

1:

Compl
ete the

- We use the relative pronoun which/that to refer to a thing, not a person.
E.g. This is built into a single chip which executes program

Practi

sentenc
instructions and

coordinate the activities that take place within the computer system.

es
below

- Relative pronouns can be left out when they are object of the relative clause.
E.g. The main circuit board (which/that) you have inside your system is called the

with
suitabl

mother board.

e

relative pronouns.
1. That‘s the computer …………………..I‘d like to buy.
2. A webmaster is a person …………………..designs, develop and maintains a website.
3. A bus is an electronic pathway …………………..carries signals between computer devices.
4. Here‘s the DVD …………………..you lent me!
5. Last night I met someone ………………….. works for GM as a software engineer.
Practice 2: Make complete sentences basing on the cue words
1. CPU/ built/ single chip/ which/ execute/ program instructions.
2. Programs/ data/ which/ pass/ processor/ must/ loaded/ into/ main memory.
3. Buses/ electrical channels/ that/ allow/ devices/ inside/ computer/ communicate/ each other.
4. Expansion slots/ allow/ install/ expansion cards.
5. The registers/ high-speed units/ memory/ which/ use/ store/ control/ data.
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III.

FURTHER STUDY

Exercise 1: Are these sentences True of False
1. RAM stands for Random Access Memory
a. True

b. False

2. If memory is volatile, it means that information is lost when the computer is turned off.
a. True

b. False

3. RAM is non-volatile.
a. True

b. False

4. ROM is volatile.
a. True

b. False

5. DIMMs can be used to expand RAM capacity.
a. True

b. False

Exercise 2: Choose the correct words from the box to complete the sentences below.
Chip

buses

central processing unit

clock speed

control unit

1. The ………………….., or CPU, is like a brain which performs tasks for your computer.
2. The CPU is built into as single …………………..that executes program instructions and
coordinate activities within the system.

3. The ………………….. is the part of the processor which is responsible for loading and
interpreting the individual instructions that make up a computer program.
4. …………………..is measured in gigahertz; for example, a processor running at 4Gz would give
you all the performance you need to run most applications.
5. ………………….. are electrical channels which allow devices inside the computer to
communicate.
Exercise 3: Choose the best phrase for each description below
1. It is the storing or keeping of information into the storage media for future use.
A. Input

B. Output

C. Storage

2. They are special keywords of response actions that you give to a computer to make it perform

the uncertain task.
A. Commands

B. Data

C. Instructions

3. It is a set of instruction that tell the computer what to do
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A. Commands

B. Programs

C. Operating system

4. It is to refer to the raw facts fed to a computer.
A. Data

B. Hard copy

C. Soft copy

5. It is used to transfer data to and from the CPU.
A. Control bus

B. Data bus

C. Address bus

6. It holds all temporarily data.

A. ROM

B. RAM

C. CDs

7. It is a form of data storage in computers and other electronic devices that can not be easily

altered or reprogrammed
A. ROM

B. RAM

C. CDs

8. It mentions to the size of a bus which determines how much data can be transmitted.

A. Clock speed

B. Bus depth

C. Bus width

Exercise 4: Translate the following paragraph into Vietnamese
Computers do all calculations using a code made of just two numbers – 0 and 1. This system is
called binary code. The electronic circuits in a digital computer detect the differences between two
states: ON (the current passes through) or OFF (the current doesn‘t pass through) and represent these
states as 1 and 0. Each 1 and 0 is called a binary digit, or bit.
Bits are grouped into eight-digit codes that typically represent characters ( letters, numbers and
symbols). Eight bits together are called a byte. Thus, each character on a keyboard has its own
arrangement of eight bits. For example, 01000001 the letter A, 01000001 for B and 01000001 for C.
Computers use a standard code for the binary representation of characters. This is the American
Standard Code for Information Interchange, or ASCII. In order to avoid complex calculations of
bytes, we use bigger units such as kilobytes, megabytes and gigabytes.
We use these units to describe the RAM memory, the storae capacity of disks and the size of a
program or document.

19


20

UNIT 5: OUTPUT DEVICES: DISPLAY SCREENS
VOCABULARY
1. Analogue signals: những tín hiệu tương tự
2. Aspect ratio:

tỷ lệ co

3. Cathode Ray Tube (CRT): đèn thu hình (đèn tia âm cực)
4. Convert: làm biến đổi
5. Digital Video -Interface (DVI): video số tương tác
6. Display: màn hình
7. Emit: tỏa ra, phát ra
8. Energy consumption: sự tiêu hao năng lượng
9. Generate: tạo ra, sinh ra
10. Organic Light-Emitting Diodes (OLEDs): điốt hữu cơ phát quang .
11. Plasma screen: màn hình plasma
12. Resolution: độ phân giải
13. Liquid Crystal - Display (LCD): màn hình tinh thể lỏng
14. Luminance: độ sáng
15. Thin film transistor (TFT): bóng bán dẫn dạng phim mỏng
16. Video adapter: bộ điều hợp video
17. Video projector: máy chiếu video

I.

READING COMPREHENSION

How screen displays work

Displays, often called monitors or screens, are the most-used output device on a computer. They
provide instant feedback by showing your text and graphic images as you work or play.
Most desktops displays use Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) or Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) technology,
while nearly all portable computing devices, such as laptops, incorporate LCDs. Because of their
slimmer design and lower energy consumption, LCD monitors (also called flat panel or flat screen
displays) are replacing CRTs.
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Basic features
Resolution refers to the number of dots of color, known as pixels (picture elements), contained in a
display. It is expressed by identifying the number of pixels on the horizontal and vertical axes. A
typical resolution is 1024x768.
Two measurements describe the size of your display:
the aspect ratio and the screen size. Historically,
computer displays, like most televisions, have had an
aspect ratio of 4:3 – the width of the screen to the
height is four to three. For widescreen LCD displays,
the aspect ratio is 16:9, very useful for viewing DVD movies, playing games and displaying multiple
windows side by side. High-definition TV also uses this format. The viewable screen size is
measured diagonally, so a 19th screen measures 19‖ from the top left to the bottom right.
Inside the computer there is a video adapter, or graphic card, which processes images and sends
signals to the monitor. CRT monitors use a VGA (video graphics adapter) cable, which converts
digital signals into analogue signals. LCD monitors use a DVI (digital video interface) connection.
Color depth refers to the number of colors a monitor can display. This depends on the number of bits
used to describe the color of a single pixel. For example, an old VDA monitor with an 8-bit depth
can generate 256 colors and a SuperVGA with a 24-bit depth can generate 16.7 million colors.
Monitors with a 32-bit depth are used in digital video, animation and video games to get certain
effects.
Display technologies

An LCD is made of two glass plates with a liquid crystal
material between them. The crystals block the light in
different quantities to create the image. Active-matrix LCDs
use TFT (thin film transistor) technology, in which each pixel
has its own switch. The amount of light the LCD monitor
produces is called brightness or luminance, measured in
cd/m2 (candela per square metre).
A

CRT monitor is similar to a traditional TV set. It contains millions

of

tiny read, green and blue phosphor dots that glow when struck by an
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electron beam that travels across the screen and create a visible image. PCs can be connected to
video projectors, which project the image onto a large screen. They are used for presentations and
home theatre applications. In a plasma screen, images are created by a plasma discharge which
contains noble (non-harmful) gases. Plasma TVs allow for larger screens and wide viewing angles,
making them ideal for movies.
Organic Light-Emitting Diodes (OLEDs)

are thin-film

LED displays that don‘t require a backlight

to function.

The material emits light when stimulated

by

an

electrical current, which is known as
electroluminescence. They consume less

energy,

produce brighter colors and are flexible –

i.e. they can

be bent and rolled up when they‘re not

being used.

1. Comprehension check
1.1. Read the text and complete these definitions with words from the box.

Resolution

pixel

aspect ratio colour depth

video adapter plasma screen

1. ……- the smallest unit on a display screen or bitmapped image.
2. ……- an expansion card that generates the video signal sent to a computer display.
3. ……- the width of the screen in proportion to its height.
4. ……- also called gas discharge display.
5. ……- the number of pixels contained in a display, horizontally and vertically.
6. ……- the number of bits used to hold a color pixel.
1.2. Answer these questions.
1. What do CRT and LCD stand for?
2. How is the screen size measured?
3. What technology is used by active-matrix LCDs?
4. What substance produces light and color when hit by electrons in a CRT monitor?
5. What are the three advantages of OLED displays?
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2. Translation
Translate the text into Vietnamese
II.

LANGUAGE FOCUS: INSTRUCTIONS AND ADVICE

 We use the imperative to give instructions.
Get an adjustable chair.
Don‘t put your monitor in front of a window.
 We use should and shouldn’t + V-inf (had better/ had better not + V-inf) to give
advice or to talk about what we think is a good or bad idea.
You should look down at the monitor, not up.
You shouldn‘t use a monitor that‘s fuzzy or distorts the image.
 We can also give advice by using set phrases like It’s a good idea to or It’s a bad
idea to + V-inf.

It‘s a good idea to have a monitor with a tilt and swivel stand.

Practice 1: Practice giving advice about how to use a monitor safely using should/ shouldn’t/ had
better/ had better not or set phrases.
1. Don‘t open the monitor. It‘s dangerous.
2. Don‘t stare at the screen for long periods of time.
3. Position the monitor at eye level or just below.
4. Leave enough space behind the monitor for unobstructed movement.
5. Keep the screen clean to prevent distorting shadows.
Practice 2: Make complete sentences basing on the cue words.
1. You/ should/ ergonomic keyboard/ because/ it/ reduce/ the risk/ repetitive strain injury.
2. You/ had better/ place/ mouse/ within/ easy reach/ support/ forearm/.
3. If/ decide/ build/ your/ own/ PC/,/ protect/ yourself/ electric shocks.
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4. It/ good/ idea/ take/ regular breaks/ order to/ rest/ eyes/.
5. Remember/ clean/ screen/ regularly.

III.

FURTHER STUDY

Exercise 1: Decide which words are being defined in these extracts.
1. One of the small units that make up an image on a computer or television screen
a. Pixel

b. Cathode ray tube (CRT)

2. Flat-screen technology using noble gases popular with movie fans.

a. Video projector

b. Plasma screen

3. The most common computer display technology, made of two glass plates with …
a. LCD

b. CRT

4. Card that plugs into a computer to give it display capabilities.
a. Video projector

b. Video adapter

5. Device used to show images on a wall or large screen.
a. Video projector

b. Video adapter

Exercise 2: Decide the following statements are True or False
1. Plasma screen is also called gas discharge display.

………...

2. Aspect ratio is the width of the screen in proportion to its height.

………...

3. LCD is the type of monitor that is similar to a traditional TV set.

………...

4. Energy consumption is energy as by use, decay, or destruction.

………...

5. Flat panel screen is also called gas discharge display.

………...

6. Resolution is the number of bits used to hold a color pixel.

………...

7. Flat panel screen is horizontally level screen.

………...

8. Luminance is the state or quality of being luminous.

………...

Exercise 3: Match the terms (1-8) with their right descriptions (a-h)
1. video
adapter
2. luminance

a. the smallest unit on a display screen or bitmapped image
(usually a colored dot).
b. a computer image that is held in memory as a series of colored

dots in a grid, each dot represented by one or more bits.

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