关于计算机的英语文章

关于计算机的英语文章

Software refers to computer programs. Programs are the instructions that tell the computer how to process data into the form you want. There are two kinds of software: system software and application software.

软件指的是计算机程序。程序是告诉计算机如何将数据处理成你想要的形式的指令。有两种软件：系统软件和应用软件。

System software is a collection of programs that enables application software to run on a computer systems hardware devices, it is background software and includes programs that help the computer manage its own internal resources.

系统软件是指能让应用软件在计算机系统硬件设备上运行的程序的集合，它是后台软件并且包括帮助计算机管理自己内部资源的程序。

Application software is a specialized programs that enables the user to accomplish specific tasks.

应用软件是让用户能够完成特定任务的专门程序。

In this text, we mainly discuss system software.System software consists of four kinds of programs: bootstrap loader, diagnostic routines, basic input-output system, and operating system. Among these four parts, the operating system is we most concerned with, whith helps manage computer resources. Most important

operating systems are: Windows, Windows NT, OS/2, Macintosh, and Unix.

在这一节中，我们主要讨论系统软件。系统软件由四种程序组成：引导装入程序、诊断例程、基本输入输出系统和操作系统。在这四种当中，操作系统是我们最为关心的，它帮助管理计算机资源。最重要的操作系统有Windows、Windows NT、OS/2、Macintosh和Unix。

Windows Windows gets its name because of its ability to run multiple applications at the same time, each in its own window. Windows offers graphical user interface (GUI), presents the user with graphic images of computer functions and data. It provides a standard mechanism for copying or moving information from one program to another. This mechanism, called the Clipboard, means that information created in one context is instantly reusable in another, you dont need to reenter information or work with clumsy data-transfer utilities. Windows also has DDE (dynamic data exchange) and OLE (object linking and embedding) functions. In DDE two or more applications can be linked. This way, data created in one application is automatically entered into the others. OLE, like DDE, links data between applications. Additionally, OLE allows the application receiving the data to directly access the application that created the data.

Windows之所以称为窗口是因为它具有能同时运行多个应用程序的能力，并且每一个程序有其自己的窗口。Windows提供图形用户界面，给用户提供计算机的功能和数据的图像。它提供标准的机制用于将信息从一个程序拷贝或移动到另一个程序。这个机制被称为剪贴板，意味着在一个文本中产生的信息可以被另外一个文本立即重新使用，而用户不需要重新输入信息或使用繁琐的数据传送实用程序。Windows还具有DDE(动态数据交换)

和OLE (对象链接和嵌入)功能。在DEE中两个或更多的应用程序可以被链接。使用这种方法，在一个应用程序中产生的数据可以自动地进入其他的程序。OLE类似于DEE在应用程序之间链接数据。另外，OLE允许接收数据应用程序可以直接访问建立这个数据的 应用程序。

Windows NTWindows NT is an operating system designed to run on a wide range of powerful computers and microcomputers. It is a very sophisticated and powerful operation system. Developed by Microsoft, Windows NT is not considered a replacement for Window. Rather, it is an advanced alternative designed for very powerful microcomputers and networks. Windows NT has two major advantages when compare to Windows:

Windows NT它是一种可以在很大泛围内的功能强大的计算机和微型计算机上运行的操作系统。它是非常复杂和功能强大的操作系统。Windows NT由微软公司开发，并不是为了替代确切地说，它是设计给功能非常强大的微型计算机和网络的另外一个可供选择的高级(操作系统)。Windows NT和Windows相比较具有两个主要的优点：

Multiprocessing It is similar to multitasking except that the applications are run independently at the same time. For instance, you could be printing a word processing document and using a database management program at the same time. With multitasking, the speed at which the document is printed is affected by the demands of the database management program. With multiprocessing, the demands of the database management program do not affect the printing of the document.

多道处理除了应用程序是同时独立运行之外，它类似于多任务。比如，你可能正在打印字处理文档并且同时在使用数据库管理程序。在这种多任务操作情况下，文件打印的速度会受到使用数据库管理程序这一要求的影响。使用多道处理要求数据库管理程序并不影响打印文档。

Networking In many business environments, workers often use computer to communicate with one another and to share software using a network. This is made possible and controlled by special system software. Windows NT has network capabilities and security checks built into the operating system. This makes network installation and use relatively easy.

网络在许多商业环境中，工作人员经常使用计算机相互进行交流，并且通过网络共享软件。这是可以通过专门的系统软件来实现和控制的。Windows NT具有网络功能和嵌入到操作系统内的安全检测功，这使得网络安装和使用相对容易。

OS/2 OS/2 stands for Operating System/2. It was developed jointly by IBM and Microsoft Corporation. OS/2 has many similarities with Windows NT. It is designed for very powerful microcomputers and has several advanced features. Some of its advantages over Windows NT include:

OS/2代表操作系统/2。它是由IBM和微软公司联合开发的。OS/2和Windows NT具有许多相似之处。它是设计给功能强大的微型计算机的，并且具有几个先进特点。它优于Windows NT的一些优点包括：

Minimum system configuration Like Windows NT, OS/2 requires significant

memory and hard disk space. However, OS/2 requires slightly less.

最小的系统配置 像Windows NT一样, OS/2要大的内存和硬盘空间。然而，OS/2需要的较少。

Windows application Like Windows NT, OS/2 does not have a large number of application programs written especially for it. OS/2 can also run Windows programs, but it runs these programs slightly faster than Windows NT.

窗口应用 OS/2和Windows NT一样，没有很多专门为它编写的应用程序。OS/2同样可以运行程序，但它运行这些程序的速度比Windows NT更 快一些 。

Common user interface Microcomputer application programs written specifically for Windows NT, as well as for OS/2, have consistent graphics interfaces. Across applications, the user is provided with similar screen displays, menus, and operations. Additionally, OS/2 offers a consistent interface with mainframes, minicomputers, and microcomputers.

共同的用户界面专门为Windows NT以及OS/2编写的微型计算机应用程序，具有一致的图形界面。在应用程序里，提供给用户类似的显示、菜单和操作。此外，OS/2为大型机、小型机和微型机提供一致的界面。

Macintosh Operation System The Macintosh Software, which runs only on Macintosh computers, offers a high-quality graphical user interface and is very easy to use. Apple Macintosh System 7.5 designed for Apple computers using

Motorolas PowerPC microprocessor, is a significant milestone for Apple. It is a very powerful operating system like Windows NT and OS/2. System 7.5 has network capabilities and can read Windows and OS/2 files. It has several advantages:

Macintosh操作系统它仅运行在Macintosh计算机上，提供高质量的图形用户界面，并且很容易使用。Apple Macintosh System 7.5是为使用Motorolas公司的PowerPC的微处理器的Apple计算机设计的，对于Apple机来说是一个重要的里程碑。它像Windows NT和OS/2―样是功能强大的操作系统。System 7.5具有网络功能并能读出Windows NT和OS/2的文件。它具有几个优点：

Ease of use The graphical user interface has made the Macintosh popular with many newcomers to computing. This because it is easy to learn.

容易使用图形用户界面使得Macintosh在许多计算机新手用户中普及，这是因为它容易。

Quality graphics Macintosh has established a high standard for graphics processing. This is a principal reason why the Macintosh is popular for desktop publishing. Users are easily able to merge pictorial and text materials to produce nearly professional-looking newsletters, advertisements, and the like.

高质量的图像Macintosh已经建立了髙标准的图像处理，这就是为什么Macintosh在桌面印刷系统流行的主要原因，用户可以很容易地将图片和文字材料组织成比较专业的通信稿、广告等。

Consistent interfaces Macintosh applications have a consistent graphics interface. Across all applications, the user is provided with similar screen displays, menus, and operations.

一致的界面Macintosh应用程序具有一致的图形界面。在所有的应用程序中，提供给用户相似的屏幕显示、菜单和操作。

Multitasking Like Windows, Windows NT, and OS/2, the Macintosh System enables you to do multitasking. That is, several programs can run at the same time.

多任务像Windows, Windows NT和OS/2 样，Macintosh系统使得你实现多任务，即几个程序可同时运行。

Communications between programs.The Macintosh system allows

applications programs to share data and commands with other applications programs.

程序之间的通信Macintosh系统允许应用程序之间共享数据和命令。

UnixUnix was originally developed by ATT for minicomputers and is very good for multitasking. It is also good for networking between computers. Unix initially became popular in industry because for many years ATT licensed the system to universities for a nominal fee. It is popular among engineers and technical people, with the arrival of very powerful microcomputers, Unix is becoming a larger player in the microcomputer world. Unix can be used with different types of computer

systems, that is, it is a portable operating system. It is used with microcomputers, minicomputers, mainframes, and supercomputers. The other operating systems are designed for microcomputers and are not nearly as portable. It also has the advantages of multitasking, multiprocessing, multiuser, and networking.

Unix它起初是由ATT为微型机开发的，非常适于执行多任务处理。它也适合于计算机之间的网络链接。由于多年来ATT一直将系统以象征性的费用提供给大学使用。因此，Unix起初就在工业领域很普及。它在工程师和技术人员中很普及，随着功能强大的微型计算机的到来，Unix正成为微机世界的大玩家。Unix可被用于不同类型的计算机系统，也就是说它是便携式的操作系统。它可用于微型机、小型机、大型机和巨型机上。其他的操作系统被设计用于微型机上且几乎不可移植。Unix也具有多任务、多道处理、多用户和网络功能的优点。

篇二

四类计算机

Computers are electronic devices that can follow instructions to accept input, process thatinput, and produce information. There are four types of computers: microcomputers,minicomputers, mainframe computers, and supercomputers.

计算机是根据指令接收输入，处理输入数据并产生信息的电子设备。有四种类型的计算机：微型机、小型机、大型机和巨型机。

Microcomputers, also known as personal computers, are small computers that

can fit on adesktop.Portable microcomputers can fit in a briefcase or even in the palm of your hand.Microcomputers are used in homes, schools, and industry. Today nearly every field usesmicrocomputers.

微型计算机，亦被称为个人计算机，是可以放在桌面上的小的计算机。便携式微型机可以放入手提箱，甚至手掌中。微型机被用于家庭、学校及工业当中。如今几乎每一领域都在使用微型机。

One type of microcomputer that is rapidly growing in popularity is the portable computer,which can be easily carried around. There are four categories of portable computers.

正在迅速普及的一种微型机是便携式计算机，很易于四处携带。有四种类型的便携式计算机。

Laptops: laptops, which weigh between 10 and 16 pounds, may be AC-powered, battery-powered,or both.The AC-powered laptop weighs 12 to 16 pounds. The battery-powered laptopweighs 10 to 15pounds, batteries included, and can be carried on a shoulder strap.

膝上电脑：其重量在10~16磅之间，可以是交流供电，电池供电或两者均可。交流供电的膝上电脑重量在12~16磅之间。电池供电的膝上电脑的重量包括电池在内是10~15磅之间，可以用肩带背起来携带。

Notebook PCs: notebook personal computers weigh between 5 and 10 pounds

and can fit intomost briefcases.It is especially valuable in locations where electrical connections are notavailable.Notebook computers are the most popular portable computers today.

笔记本个人电脑：其重量在5~10磅之间，并且可放入大多数公文包中，它主要是用于连接电源不方便的地方。笔记本电脑是如今最流行的便携式电脑。

Subnotebooks: subnotebooks are for frequent flyers and life-on-the-roadtypes.Subnotebooks users give up a full-size display screen and keyboard in exchange forless weight.Weighting between 2 and 6 pounds, these computer fit easily into a briefcase.

超轻薄笔记本电脑：用于经常出差在路上的一类人。超轻薄笔记本电脑用户为了较轻的重量放弃了完整的显示屏幕和键盘的标准尺寸，但换来的是重量较轻。其重量在2~ 6磅之间，可以很容易地放入公文包中。

Personal Digital Assistants: much smaller than even the subnotebooks.Personal DigitalAssistants (PDAs) weigh from 1 to 4 pounds.The typical PDA combines pen input, writingrecognition, personal organizational tools, and communication capabilities in a very smallpackage.

个人数字助手：比超轻薄笔记本电脑还要小得多，其重量在1~ 4磅之间。典型的个人数字助手将钢笔输入、书写识别、个人编排工具和通信功能结合起来放入小包中。

Minicomputers, also knows as midrange computers, are desk-sized

machines.They fall intobetween microcomputers and mainframes in their processing speeds and data-storingcapacities. Medium-size companies or departments of large companies typically use them forspecific purposes.For example, they might use them to do research or to monitor a particularmanufacturing

process.Smaller-size

companies

typically

use

microcomputers for their generaldata processing needs, such as accounting.

小型计算机，也被称为中型机，是像书桌大小的机器。它们的处理速度和数据存储能力介于微型机和大型机之间。中型公司或大型公司的部门一般使用它们用于特殊用途。例如，可以使用它们作研究或监视某一个生产过程。小型公司一股使用小型机进行总的数据处理，比如说统计。

Mainframe computers are larger computers occupying specially wired, air-conditioned rooms andcapable of great processing speeds and data storage. They are used by large organizationsbusiness, banks, universities, government agenciesto handle millions of transactions. Forexample, insurance companies use mainframes to process information about millions ofpolicyholders.

大型机是较大的计算机，放置在具有专线、空调的房间中，能够具有很快的处理速度和很大的数据存储量。它们通常是由一些大的组织机构使用商业部门、银行、大学、政府机构以处理数以百万计的事务。例如，保险公司使用大型机以处理数以百万计的保险客户的信息。

Supercomputers are special, high-capacity computers used by very large organizationsprincipally for research purposes. Among their uses are oil

exploration and worldwide weatherforecasting.

巨型机是由非常大的机构用于研究的大容盘专用计算机。在这些应用当中包括石油勘探和世界范围的天气预报。

In general, a computers type is determined by the following seven factors:

一般说来，计算机的类型是由下列7个因素决定的：

The type of CPU. Microcomputers use microprocessors. The larger computers tend to use CPUsmade up of separate, high-speed, sophisticated components.

CPU的类型。微型计算机使用微处理器。较大计算机趋向于使用由分开的髙速复杂的零部件构成的CPU。

The amount of main memory the CPU can use. A computer equipped with a large amount ofmain memory can support more sophisticated programs and can even hold several differentprograms in memory at the same time.

CPU能够使用的内存的总量。配备有大容量内存的计算机可以支持更复杂的程序，并且能同时容纳几个不同的程序。

The capacity of the storage devices. The larger computers systems tend to be equipped withhigher capacity storage devices. The speed of the output devices.

存储设备的容量，较大计算机系统趋向于配置较大容盘的存储设备。

The speed of microcomputer output devices tends to be rated in terms of the number ofcharacters per second (cps) that can be printed usually in tens and hundreds of cps. Largercomputers output devices are faster and are usually rated at speeds of hundreds or thousandsof lines that can be printed per minute.

输出设备的速度。微机输出设备的速度趋向于用每秒钟能打印的字符数(cps)予以度量。通常每秒为几十个、几百个字符。较大计算机的输出设备的速度也较快，通常每分钟可打印几百或几千行。

The processing speed in millions of instructions per second (mips). The term instruction isused here to describe a basic task the software asks the computer to perform while alsoidentifying the data to be affected. The processing speed of the smaller computers rangesfrom 7 to 40 mips. The speed of large computers can be 30 to 150 mips or more, andsupercomputers can process more than 200 mips. In other words, a mainframe computer canprocess your data a great deal faster than a microcomputer can.

用mips (每秒钟百万条指令)度量处理速度。在这里用术语指令来描述软件要求计算机完成的基本任务，并且标识受到影响的数据。较小计算机的处理速度为7~ 40mips或更多。大型计算机的处理速度能达到30~500mips或更多。巨型计算机能处理200多mips。换句话说，大型计算机处理数据的能力要比微机快得多。

The number of users that can access the computer at one time. Most small computers cansupport only a single user, some can support as many as two or three at a time. Largecomputers can support hundreds of users simultaneously.

一次可以访问计算机的用户数量。大多数小型计算机只能支持单个用户，有些计算机次可以支持两个或三个用户，大型计算机则同时可由几百个用户使用。

The cost of the computer system. Business systems can cost as little as $500 (for amicrocomputer) or as much as $10 million (for a mainframe)?and much more for supercomputer.

计算机系统的价格，商用计算机系统的价格从只值500美元(一台微机〉到要开支1，000 万美元(一台大型机)，巨型计算机则花费更多。

篇三

计算机硬件

Computer hardware has four parts: the central processing unit (CPU) and memory, storagehardware, input hardware, and output hardware.

计算机硬件具有四部分：中央处理器和内存、存储硬件、输入硬件和输出硬件。

The part of the computer that runs the program is known as the processor or centralprocessing unit (CPU). In a microcomputer, the CPU is on a single electronic component, themicroprocessor chip, within the system unit or system cabinet. The CPU itself has two parts:the control unit and the arithmetic-logic unit. In a microcomputer, these are both on themicrocomputer chip.

计算机运行程序的部分被称为处理器或中央处理单元。在微型计算机中，是在一个单

独的电子元件上，即微处理器芯片上，它在系统单元内或系统机箱内。本身具有两个部分：控制单元和算术一逻辑单元。在微型计算机中，这两个部分都在微型机芯片上。

The Control Unit The control unit tells the rest of the computer system how to carry out aprograms instructions. It directs the movement of electronic signals between memory and thearithmetic-logic unit. It also directs these control signals between the CPU and input andoutput devices.

控制单元控制单元告诉计算机系统的其他部分如何完成程序指令。它指导着内存和算术一逻辑单元之间的电子信号的移动。它也指挥着CPU和输入输出设备之间的控制信号。

The Arithmetic-Logic UnitThe arithmetic-logic unit, usually called the ALU, performs twotypes of operationsarithmetic and logical. Arithmetic operations are, as you might expect, thefundamental math operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Logicaloperations consist of comparisons. That is , two pieces of data are compared to see whetherone is equal to, less than, or greater than the other.

算术-逻辑单元算术-逻辑单元,通常被称为ALU，完成两类运箅一算术和逻辑。 算术运算,如你所期望的，是基本的数学运算：加、减、乘、除。逻辑运算是由比较(运 算)构成的。也就是说，用数据的两部分进行比较，以看其中一个是否是等于、小于或大于另外一个。

Memory Memory is also known as primary storage, internal storage, it temporarilyholds data, program instructions, and information. One of the most

important facts to knowabout memory is that part of its content is held only temporarily. In other words, it is storedonly as long as the computer is turned on. When you turn the machine off, the contentimmediately vanish. The stored contents in memory are volatile and can vanish very quickly.

内存内存也被称为主存储器、内部存储器,它临时地存储数据、程序指令和信息。对于内存需要了解的一个最重要的事实是它所保存的内容只是临时的。换句话说，它只在计算机开着时才保存(数据)当机器被关闭时，其内容会立即消失。在内存中所存储的信息是易失性的并能很快消失。

Storage HardwareThe purpose of storage hardware is to provide a means of storingcomputer instructions and data in a form that is relatively permanent, that is, the data is notlost when the power is turned offand easy to retrieve when needed for processing.There arefour kinds of storage hardware: floppy disks, hard disks, optical disk, and magnetic tape.

Floppy DisksFloppy disks are also called diskettes, flexible disks, floppies, or simply disks.The plastic disk inside the diskette cover is flexible, not rigid. They are flat, circular pieces ofmylar plastic that rotate within a jacket. Data and programs are stored as electromagneticcharges on a metal oxide film coating the mylar plastic.

软盘又被称为软磁盘、可弯曲磁盘、软盘、或简单地称为磁盘。在磁盘表面内部的塑料盘是柔软的，不是坚硬的。这些塑料盘是平的、在一个套子内部旋转的圆的聚脂塑料片。程序和数据是以电磁荷的形式存储在聚脂塑料外面包着的金属氧化胶片上。

Hard DisksHard disks consist of metallic rather than plastic platters. They are tightly sealedto prevent any foreign matter from getting inside. Hard disks are extremely sensitiveinstruments. The read-write head rides on a cushion of air about 0.000001 inch thick. It is sothin that a smoke particle, fingerprint, dust, or human hair could cause what is known as ahead crash. A head crash happens when the surface of the read-write head or particles on itssurface contact the magnetic disk surface. A head crash is a disaster for a hard disk. It meansthat some or all of the data on the disk is destroyed. Hard disks are assembled under sterileconditions and sealed from impurities within their permanent containers.

硬盘硬盘是由金属盘片而不是塑料盘片组成的。它们被紧紧地密封起来，以防止外界东西进入。硬盘是非常灵敏的设备。读写头浮在大约0.000001英寸厚的空气气垫上。它是如此的薄，以至于烟粒、指印、灰尘或者头发都可能引起磁头划伤。当读写头的表面或表面上的微粒与磁盘表而接触时就会发生磁头划伤。磁头划伤对于硬盘来讲是灾难，它意味着磁盘上的数据部分或全部丢失。硬盘是在无菌条件下安装并且密封在远离杂质的永久的容器内。

Optical DisksOptical disks are used for storing great quantities of data. An optical disk canhold 650 megabytes of datathe equivalent of hundreds of floppy disks. Moreover, an opticaldiskmakes an immense amount of information available on a microcomputer. In optical-disktechnology, a laser beam alters the surface of a plastic or metallic disk to represent data. Toread the data, a laser scans these areas and sends the data to a computer chip forconversion.

光盘光盘用于存储大量的数据。一个光盘可能容纳650兆字节的数据一相当于数 以

百计的软盘。并且光盘使得大量的信息用于微机上。在光盘技术中，激光束改变塑料 或金属盘的表而来代表数据。为了记取数据，激光扫描这些区域并且将这些数据送给计算机芯片以转换。

Magnetic TapeMagnetic tape is an effective way of making a backup, or duplicate, copy ofyour programs and data. We mentioned the alarming consequences that can happen if a harddisk suffers a head crash. You will lose some or all of your data or programs. Of course, youcan always make copies of your hard-disk files on floppy disks. However, this can be time-consuming and may require many floppy disks. Magnetic tape is sequential access storage andcan solve the problem mentioned above.

磁带磁带是备份，即复制、拷贝程序和数据的有效方法。我们曾提到如果硬盘遭遇磁头划伤就会产生令人担忧的结果，你将会丢失部分或全部的程序或数据。当然，你可以将硬盘上的文件拷贝到软盘上。然而这很耗时，并且需要很多软盘。磁带是顺序访问存储，能够解决上面所提问题。

Input HardwareInput devices take data and programs people can read or understand andconvert them to a form the computer can process. This is the machine-readable electronicsignals of 0s and 1s. Input hardware is of two kinds: keyboard entry and direct entry.

输入硬件输入硬件接收人们能读懂的程序和数据并将其转换为计算机能处理的形 式-这就是机器可读的电子信号0和1。有两种输入硬件：键盘输入和直接输入。

Keyboard EntryData is input to the computer through a keyboard that looks like atypewriter keyboard but has additional keys. In this method, the user typically reads from anoriginal document called the source document. The user enters that document by typingon the keyboard.

键盘输入数据通过形似打字机键盘但有附加键的键盘输入到计算机。用这种方式，用户一般读取被称为是源文件的初始文件。用户通过在键盘上打字而输入那个文件。

Direct EntryData is made into machine-readable form as it is entered into the computer, nokeyboard is used. Direct entry devices may be categorized into three areas: pointing devices(for example, mouse, touch screen, light pen, digitizer are all pointing devices), scanningdevices (for example, image scanner, fax machine, bar-code reader are all scanning devices),and voice-input devices.

直接输入当数据输入到计算机时，是以机器可读懂的形式输入的，不需要键盘。直接输入设备可以被分成三类：指针设备(如：鼠标、触摸屏、光笔、数字化仪都是指针设备)、扫描设备(如图像扫描仪、传真机、条形码读器都是扫描设备)和声音输入设备。

Output HardwareOutput devices convert machine-readable information into people-readable form. Common output devices are monitors, printers, plotters, and voice output.

输出硬件输出设备将机器可读的信息转换为人类可读的形式。一般的输出设备有监视器、打印机、绘图仪和声音输出设备。

MonitorsMonitors are also called display screen or video display terminals. Most monitorsthat sit on desks are built in the same way as television sets, these are called cathode-raytubes. Another type of monitor is flat-panel display, including liquid-crystal display (LCD),electroluminescent (EL) display Chapter 1 Computer Fundamentals and gas-plasma display.AnLCD does not emit light of its own. Rather, it consists of crystal molecules. An electric fieldcauses the molecules to line up in a way that alters their optical properties. Unfortunately,many LCDs are difficult to read in sunlight or other strong light. A gas-plasma display is thebest type of flat screen. Like a neon light bulb, the plasma display uses a gas that emits lightin the presence of an electric current.

监视器监视器也被称为屏幕显示或视频显示终端。大多数放在桌面上的监视器的制作方法同电视一样，被称为是阴极射线管。另一类监视器是平板显示器，包括液晶显示、光电发光显示和等离子显示。液晶显示自己不发射光，相反，是由晶体分子组成，电场使得这些分子排成一行，在某种程度上改变着它们的光学特性。不幸的是，许多液晶显示器在太阳光或其他强光下很难读到。等离子显示器是平板显示器中最好的一种，像霓光灯泡，等离子显示器在电流存在的情况下使用一种发光的气体。

PrintersThere are four popular kinds of printers: dot-matrix, laser, ink-jet, and thermal.

打印机有四种流行的打印机：点阵式、激光式、喷墨式和热敏式。

Dot-Matrix PrinteDot-matrix printers can produce a page of text in less than 10 secondsand are highly reliable. They form characters or images using a series

of small pins on a printhead. The pins strike an inked ribbon and create an image on paper. Printers are available withprint heads of 9, 18, or 24 pins. One disadvantage of this type of printer is noise.

点阵式打印机能在不到几秒的时间内打印一页文本并且非常可靠。点阵式打印机利用在打印头上的一系列小针来形成字符或图像。这些针击打喷墨的色带并在纸上产生图像。有9针、18针和24针的打印机，这种打印机的一个缺点是它的噪音。

Laser PrinterThe laser printer creates dotlike images on a drum, using a laser beam lightsource. The characters are treated with a magnetically charged inklike toner and then aretransferred from drum to paper. A heat process is used to make the characters adhere. Thelaser printer produces images with excellent letter and graphics quality.

激光打印机使用激光束光源在磁鼓上产生小点一样的图像，用磁化的带电的像墨一样的碳粉处理这些字符，然后从磁鼓传送到纸上，再使用热处理过程使这些字符粘贴。激光打印机打印的图像字符淸晰，图像质盘高。

Ink-Jet PrinterAn ink-jet printer sprays small droplets of ink at high speed onto the surfaceof the paper. This process not only produces a letter-quality image but also permits printing tobe done in a variety of colors.

喷墨式打印机能以很高速度将小点状墨汁喷到纸面上。这一过程不仅印刷高质量的图像，并且能打印彩色图像。

Thermal PrinterA thermal printer uses heat elements to produce images on heat-sensitivepaper. Color thermal printers are not as popular because of their cost and the requirement ofspecifically treated paper. They are a more special use printer that produces near photographicoutput. They are widely used in professional art and design work where very high quality coloris essential.

热敏式打印机使用热元素在热感应纸上产生图像。由于价格以及需要特殊处理的纸张，彩色热敏打印机不是很普及。热敏式打印机是打印逼真输出的特殊打印机。它们被广泛应用在要求高质盘彩色输出的专业艺术设计工作中。

PlottersPlotters are special-purpose output devices for producing bar charts, maps,architectural drawings, and even three-dimensional illustrations. Plotters can produce high-quality multicolor documents and also documents that are larger in size than most printers canhandle. There are four types of plotters: pen, ink-jet, electrostatic, and direct imaging.

绘图仪是特殊用途的输出设备，用于产生条形图、地图、建筑绘图、甚至三维图表。绘图仪可以输出高质量的多种色彩的文档，并且文档的尺寸比大多数打印机能处理的要大。有四种类型的绘图仪：钢笔、喷墨、静电和直接图像。

Voice-Output DevicesVoice-output devices make sounds that resemble human speech butactually are pre-recorded vocalized sounds. Voice output is used as a reinforcement tool forlearning, such as to help students study a foreign language. It is used in many supermarkets atthe checkout counter to confirm purchases. Of course, one of the most powerful capabilities isto assist the physically challenged.

声音输出设备声音输出设备可以发出类似于人类说话的声音，但实际上是事先录制的声音。声音输出被用作的加强工具，例如帮助学生学习外语。它被用于许多超市的检验柜台来确认购买。当然，它最强大的功能是用来帮助残障者。