How does a computer work?

计算机是如何工作的？

professional terms

专业术语

diskette n.

磁盘

memory n.

存储器，记忆

processor n.

处理机，处理程序

keyboard n.

键盘

manipulate v.

操作，操纵，处理

A computer is controlled by a stored program

计算机是受存储程序控制的。

thus ,the first step in using the machine is copying the program from diskette into memory.

因此使用计算机的第一步是把程序从软盘上拷贝到内存中，

Now ,the processor can begin executing instructions.

处理器就能开始执行指令了。

Input data from the keyboard are stored memory.

从键盘输入的数据也被存在了主存中。

The processor manipulates the data.

处理器加工数据。

Storing the results back into memory.

把结果送回主存。

Finally ,the results are output.

最后输出结果。

Notes

注意事项

A computer is controlled by a stored program: thus the first step in using the machine is copying the the program from diskette into memory.

计算机是存储程序控制的，因此使用计算机的第一步是把程序从软盘上拷贝到内存中。

Professional Terms

专业术语

content n.

内容，目录

invoice n.

发票，发货票

collection n.

收集物，收藏品

chart n.

图（表）

joystick n.

操纵杆

imaginary a.

想象中的；假想的

Memory's contents are easy to change.

主存中的内容很容易改变。

Thus, when one set of data has been processed, the program can be repeated.

因此，当一组数据被处理完后，程序还可以重复使用，

reading and processing new data, and generating new output.

再读入和处理新的数据，并得到新的结果。

If the data can be changed , why not the program?

如果数据能改变，程序为什么不能被改变？

When a program is finished, a new one can take its place in memory, allowing the computer to process completely different data.

当一个程序运行完后，另一个新程序就占据了它在主存中的位置，让计算机去处理完全不同的数据。

One minute it can generate paychecks from labor data under control of a payroll program.

某一时刻计算机能在工资管理程序的控制下，根据员工的数据产生工资单。

The next minute, it can prepare bills from invoices under control of a billing program.

接着计算机又能在帐目管理程序的控制下，从各种数据中产生所需帐单。

Later, this same colletion of components ,controlled by yet another program, can read statistical data and produce a bar chart.

以后，仍是这台计算机，还可以其它程序的控制下，读入统计数据，产生一个柱状图表，

or sense the movements of a joystick and manipulate the position of an imaginary spaceship on a display screen.

或者指示操纵杆的运动方向，操控一个假想的宇宙飞船在屏幕上的位置。

Professional Terms

专业术语

input device

输入设备

output device

输出设备

pulse n.

脉冲

The physical components of a computer-the processor, memory ,input devices ,and output devices-are its hardware.

计算机的物理部件处理器、存储器、输入设备和输出设备是它的硬件。

You can see them ,touch them and feel them.

人们看到综们，摸到它们，感觉到它们的存在。

Programs and data are different ,existing only as electronic pulses stored in memory.

程序和数据则不同，它们仅作为电脉冲存在于存储器中。

Software is a general term for program.

软件是程序的常用术语。

Professional Terms

专业术语

interface n.

接口，连接

lay-out

布置，布局图片

assign v.

赋值，指定

spreadsheet n.

图表

behind the scene

幕后

The Hardware/Software Interface

软件与硬件的接口

When you think of software, you probably think of application programs.

当你想到软件，也许想到的是应用程序。

They support end-user functions, allowing people to perform such tasks as playing a game ,writing a paper ,laying out a spreadsheet, or generating paychecks.

应用程序支持终端用户的功能，使用户完成如下一些任务：玩游戏、写文章、编排一个图表或产生一个帐单等。

Another type of software ,called system software, performs its assigned tasks behind the scenes.

另一类软件称为系统软件，在前台完成赋予它的任务。

An excellent example is the operating system found on most computers.

大多数计算机上的操作系统就是典型的一例。

An operating system serves as an interface ,bridging the gap between hardware and application software.

操作系统作为一个接口，在硬件和应用软件之间搭起一座桥梁。

Professional Terms

专业术语

operating system

操作系统

exactly adv.

确切的，精确的

involve v.

包含，涉及

logic n.

逻辑

load v.

装入，加载

What exactly does an operating system do? Basically ,it performs a number of supporting functions.

操作系统究竟是干什么的呢？从根本上讲，它施行一些支持功能。

For example, suppose an application program is stored on a disk

例如，假设应用程序存储在磁盘上。

before the program can be executed, it must be copied into the main memory first.

它在被执行前，必须制到主存储器中，

because the program that controls a computer must be in the main memory.

因为控制计算机的程序必须要在主存储器中。

The process of copying a program from disk to memory involves considerable logic.

把程序从磁盘复制到主存的过程涉及重要的逻辑。

The source of a computer's logic is software.

计算机的逻辑源来自软件。

Thus ,if the application program is to be loaded, there must be a program in the memory to control the loading process.

因此，如果要装入应用程序，必须在主存中有一个控制加载过程的程序。

That program is the operation system.

这个程序就属于操作系统。