BỘ CÔNG THƯƠNG
TRƯỜNG CAO ĐẲNG CÔNG NGHIỆP VÀ XÂY DỰNG
BÀI GIẢNG MÔN HỌC
TIẾNG ANH CHUYÊN NGÀNH TIN HỌC
Dùng cho hệ Cao đẳng chuyên nghiệp
(Lưu hành nội bộ)
Người biên soạn: Trịnh Thị Thu Hương
Người phản biện: Tô Thị Thu Vân
Uông Bí, năm 2011
English for informatics students
By: Trịnh Thị Thu Hương
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CONTENTS
Unit 1: What is a computer? page 3
Unit 2: Characteristics page 8
Unit 3: Computers capabilities and limitations page 15
Unit 4: Hardware and software page 21
Unit 5: Microcomputers page 27
Unit 6: The central processing unit page 33
Unit 7: Primary and secondary memory page 38
Unit 8: Types of memory page 44
English for informatics students
By: Trịnh Thị Thu Hương
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FOREWORDS
The following collection of texts is collected from various textbooks.
The texts are shortened, simplified and adapted to fit the skill level and interests
of the learners in addition to meet the demand of the society.
The collection, with five units, provides the learners with the technical

subtraction, division, multiplication and exponentiation. Second, computers
have a means of communicating with the user. After all, if we couldn’t feed
information in and get results back, these machines wouldn’t be of much use.
However, certain computers (commonly minicomputers and microcomputers)
are used to control directly things such as robots, aircraft navigation systems,
medical instruments, etc.
< 4 > Some of the most common methods of inputting information are
used punched cards, magnetic tape, disks, and terminals. The computer’s input
device (which might be a card reader, a tape drive or disk drive, depending on
the medium used in inputting information) readers the information into the
computer
For outputting information, two common devices used are a printer which
prints the new information on paper, or a CRT display screen which shows the
results on a TV- like screen.
< 5 > Third, computers have circuits which can make decisions. The kinds
of decision which computer circuit can make are not of the type: “ Who would
wind a war between two countries?” or “ Who is the richest person in the world
?”. Unfortunately, the computer can only decide three things, namely: Is one
number less than another? Are two numbers equal? and, Is one number greater
than another?
< 6 > A computer can solve a series of problems and make hundreds, even
thousands, of logical decisions without becoming tired or bored. It can find the
solution to a problem in a fraction of the time it takes a human being to do the
job. A computer can replace people in dull, routine tasks, but it has not
English for informatics students
By: Trịnh Thị Thu Hương
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originality; it works according to the instructions given to it and cannot exercise
any value judgment. There are times when a computer seems to operate like a

disk: đĩa ( từ)
terminal: thiết bị đầu cuối
medium: giá mang tin
to output: đưa ra
printer: máy in
CRT ( Cathode Ray Tube): ống đèn tia âm cực
display screen: màn hình hiển thị
English for informatics students
By: Trịnh Thị Thu Hương
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* Grammar notes
I/ The basic idea of a computer is that we can make the machine do what we
want by inputting signals that turn certain switches on and turn others off, or
that magnetize or do not magnetize the cores.
Khái niệm cơ bản về máy tính là ( rằng) chúng ta có thể khiến cho máy thực
hiện điều mà chúng ta muốn bằng cách đưa vào những tín hiệu, những tín hiệu
này bật một số công tắc lên và tắt một số công tắc khác hoặc những tín hiệu này
từ hoá hoặc không từ hoá các lõi.
“ That we can make the machine do”: là mệnh đề bổ ngữ (Predicate clause )
đứng sau động từ “ To be”:
Ví dụ : - The truth was that he never saw her:
Sự thật là anh ta chưa bao giờ trông thấy cô ta
- The trouble is that you get very little time:
Điều rắc rối là anh có rất ít thời gian
“ That turn contain switches on and turn others off ” là mệnh đề phụ tính ngữ
hạn định, trong đó “ That là đại từ quan hệ ( Relative pronoun)
Ví dụ: He that sows iniquity shall reap sorrơ
Kẻ gieo gió sẽ gặp bão
- Any students that wants to pass his examination must work hard.

received information to do so.
2. ………… All computers accept and process information in the form of
instructions and characters.
3. ………… The information necessary for the solving problems is found in
the memory of the computer.
4. ………… Not all computers can perform arithmetic operations, make
decision, and communicate in some ways with the user.
5. ………… Computers can still be useful machines even if they can’t
communicate with the user.
6. ………… There are many different devices used for feeding information
into a computer
7. ………… There aren’t as many different types of devices used for giving
results as there are for accepting information.
8. ………… Computers can make any type of decision they are asked to
9. ………… Computers can work endlessly without having to stop to rest
unless there is a breakdown.
3. Locating information
Find the passages in the text where the following ideas are expresses. Give
line references as in the example below.
……………1/ Computer accept information, perform mathematical and/or
logical operations then supply new information.
……………2/ All computers have three basic capabilities.
……………3/ A computer is machine that canbe made to operate by
receiving signals.
……………4/ A computer cannot work without being told what to do.
……………5/ A computer can make three types of decisions.
……………6/ The fundamental job of a computer is processing information.
……………7/ A computer can do the work of hundreds of people in a very
short time.
……………8/ The memory of a computer is used for storing information.

English for informatics students
By: Trịnh Thị Thu Hương
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Unit 2. CHARACTERISTICS
< 1> Computers are machines designed to process electronically,
specially prepared pieces of information which are termed data. Handling or
manipulating the informations, adding information or making comparisions ia
called processing. Computers are made up of millions of electronic devices
capable of storing data or moving them, at enormous speed, through complex
circuits with different functions.
< 2 > All computers have several characteristics in common, regardless of
make or design. Information, in the form of instructions and data, is given to the
machine, after which the machine acts on it, and a result is then returned. The
information presented to the machine is the input; the internal manipulative
operations, the processing, and the result, the output. These three basic concepts
of input, processing and output occur in almost every aspect of human life
whether at work or at play. For example, in clothing manufacturing, the input is
the pieces of cut cloth, the processing is the sewing together of these pieces, and
the output is the finished garment.
Figure 2.1
< 3> Figure 2.1 shows schematically the fundamental hardware
components in a computer system. The centerpiece is called either the computer,
the processor or usually, the central processing unit (CPU). The term “
computer” includes those parts of hardware in which calculations and other data
minipulations are performed, and the high-speed internal memory in which data
and calculations are stored during actual execution of programs. Attached to the
CPU are the various peripheral devices such as card readers and keyboards ( two
common examples of input devices). When data or programs need to be saved
for long priod of time, they are stored on various secondary memory devices or

Pieces of information: những khối thông tin
Term: từ, thuật ngữ
To term: gọi, đặt tên là
To handle: giải quyết, xử lý
To manipulate: thao tác, xử lý, tác động
In such way as: theo cách như là
To add: cộng
Comparison: sự so sánh
To be made up of: được tạo thành từ
Enormous: to lớn, rất lớn
In common: giống nhau, chung
Regardless of: không phụ thuộc vào, không liên quan đến
In the form of: dưới dạng
To act on: tác động lên
To present: trao cho, tặng, cung cấp cho
Input: thông tin nhập vào
Output: thông tin đưa ra
Concept: khái niệm, ý niệm
To occur: xảy ra, diễn ra
Aspect: khía cạnh, lĩnh vực
Clothing manufacturing: việc sản xuất quần áo
Finished: đã hoàn thành, đã làm xong
Schematically: bằng sơ đồ, bằng biểu đồ
Fundamental: cơ bản, cốt yếu
Centerpiece: trung tâm, trung tâm điểm
Processor: bộ xử lý
Central processing unit: bộ xử lý trung tâm
English for informatics students
By: Trịnh Thị Thu Hương
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To remove: loại bỏ, huỷ bỏ
Boring: tẻ nhạt, buồn chán
* Grammar notes:
I/ “ Morever, their size and reliability were such that a large number of
support personnel were needed to keep the equipment operating”
Hơn nữa, kích thước của chúng thì lớn và độ tin cậy lại thấp đến mức đòi hỏi
phải có một số lượng lớn nhân viên phục vụ để duy trì thiết bị hoạt động
Such that: Đến nỗi, đến mức
Ví dụ: - The force of the exlosion was such that all glass windows were
broken.
Tiếng nổ mạnh đến nỗi tất cả các kính cửa sổ đều vỡ.
- His behavior was such that everyone disliked him
Tư cách của nó hèn đến nỗi mọi người đều ghét nó
English for informatics students
By: Trịnh Thị Thu Hương
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II/ This has all changed now that computing power has become portable,
more compact, and cheaper.
Tất cả những điều đó đã thay đổi hoàn toàn vì giờ đây máy tính đã trở nên
dễ mang, gọn và rẻ hơn.
Now that: Vì, vì rằng
Ví dụ: - Now that you’re grown up, you must stop this childish behavior.
Vì cháu đã lớn rồi, cháu phải bỏ lối cư xử trẻ con đó đi
- Now that the fog melted away, they hurried off.
Vì sương mù đã tan, họ vội vàng ra đi
* Exercises:
1. Main ideas
Which statement or statements best expresses the main idea of the text? Why did
you eliminate the other choices?

English for informatics students
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2/ Then arithmetic and/or decision- making operations are
performed.
……………3/ Computers are limited by man’s imagination more than
anything else.
……………4/ All the equipment used in a computer system is the hardware.
……………5/ Computers are electronic machines used for processing data.
……………6/ If programs or data need to be kept for a long time, they are
stored on tapes or disks.
…………….7/ First the computer accepts data.
…………….8/ Finally, new information is presented to the user.
4. Contextual reference:
Look back at the text and find out what the words in bold typeface refer to
1. which are termed data (l.2)
2 . or moving them ( l.6)
3. the machines acts on it ( l.10)
4. They are stored on ( l.25)
5.It isn’t a single- purpose machine( l.29)
6. The kinds of things it can do (l.31)
7. of those using it (l.32)
8. they were very expensive to own.(l.34)
9. Moreover, their size and reliability.( l.34)
10. That didn’t exist (l.42)
5.Word forms:
First choose the appropriate form of the words to complete the sentences.
Then check the differences of meaning in your dictionary.
1.imagination, imagine, imaginable, imaginative, imaginary.

…………an all- purpose dictionary for the answer.
c. Computers can do mathematical operations quickly and…………….
7a. Content review
Try to think of a definition for each of these items before checking them
in the Glossary. Then complete the following statements with the appropriate
words. (Some can be used more than once). Make sure you use the correct form,
i.e. singular or plural.
Processing
Hardware
Magnetic tape
Input
Processor
Magnetic disk
Output
Secondary memory
Personnel
Single-purpose
1.Information ………………… takes place in the ………………… not in
the…………………device or…………………device.
2.The …………………refers to all the electromechanical devices used in
computer installation.
3.………………and ………………… units are used as …
storage devices.
4.A computer isn’t usually a …………………machine and may require
quite specialized ………………… to operate it and all its related requirement.
7b. Content review
Summarize the text on “Characteristics” by completing the following table.
SYSTEM
COMPONENTS
PARTS

khiến cho nó trở thành một chương trình được lưu trữ ( stored program). Vì vậy,
một máy tính có thể được định nghĩa như một cái máy xử lý dữ liệu thành thông
tin dưới sự điều khiển của một chương trình được lưu trữ trong máy
English for informatics students
By: Trịnh Thị Thu Hương
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Unit 3. COMPUTERS CAPABILITIES AND LIMITATIONS
< 1> Like all machines, a computer needs to be directed and controlled in
order to perform a task successfully. Until such time as a program is prepared
and stored in the computer’s memory, the computer “ knows” absolutely
nothing, not even how to accept or reject data. Even the most sophisticated
computer, no matter how capable it is, must be told what to do. Until the
capabilities and the limitation of a computer are recognized, its usefulness can
not be thoroughly understood.
< 2> In the first place, it should be recognized that computers are capable
of doing repetitive operations. A computer can perform similar operations
thousands of times, without becoming bored, tired or even careless.
< 3> Secondly, computers can process information at extremely rapid
rates. For example, modern computers can solve certain classes of arithmetic
problems millions of times faster than a skilled mathematician. Speeds for
performing decision- making operations are comparable to those for arithmetic
operations but input-output operations, however, involve mechanical motion and
hence require more time. On a typical computer system, cards are read at an
average speed of 1000 cards per minute and as many as 1000 lines can be
printed at the same rate.
< 4> Thirdly, computers may be programmed to calculate answer to
whatever level of accuracy specified by the programmer. In spite of newspaper
headlines such as “ Computer Fails” these machines are very accurate and
reliable especially when the number of operations they can perform every

Sophisticated: tinh vi, tinh xảo
Usefulness: tính hữu dụng, hữu ích
Thoroughly: một cách kỹ càng, cặn kẽ
Recognize: thừa nhận, công nhận
Capable: có khả năng, có thể
Repetitive: lặp đi lặp lại
Bored: buồn chán
Tired: mệt mỏi
Careless: cẩu thả, không cẩn thận
Extremely: cực kỳ, hết sức
Skilled: giỏi, có chuyên môn
Mathematician: nhà toán học
Decision-making: lô gic, thực hiện các quyết định
Comparable: có thể so sánh với, ngang bằng với
To involve: kéo theo, liên quan tới
Motion: chuyển động
Hence: do đó, vì vậy
To require: đòi hỏi
Typical: điển hình, thông thường
To program: lập chương trình
Level: mức độ, cấp
Accurate: chính xác,
Accuracy: độ chính xác
In spite of: mặc dù
Headline: tiêu đề lớn
To consider: xem xét, xét, xét tới
To malfunction: trục trặc
To break down: hỏng, hỏng hẳn
Instance: trường hợp, tình huống
For instance: ví dụ, chẳng hạn

I/ Until such time as a program is prepaied and stored in the company’s memory
Cho tới lúc mà chương trình được chuẩn bị và lưu trữ trong bộ nhớ máy tính
As (Đại từ): Mà
Ví dụ: - He is the same man as I met yesterday: -Ông ta đúng là người mà
hôm qua tôi gặp.
- Such women as Nam knew, thought he was charming:-Những người đàn bà
mà Nam biết nghĩ rằng anh ta là người quyến rũ
II/ It should be recognized that computers are capable of doing repetitive
operations:-Phải công nhận rằng máy tính có khả năng làm những thao tác lặp đi
lặp lại
“ It” trong câu là chủ ngữ giả, chủ ngữ thật là mệnh đề phụ danh từ mở đầu
bằng “ that”.
Ví dụ: - It is natural that birds of a feather flock together:-Lẽ tất nhiên là
ngưu tầm ngưu mã tầm mã
- It is said that England was the first country to have railways:
Người ta nói rằng nước Anh là nước đầu tiên có đường xe lửa
Exercises:
1. Main ideas
Which statement best expresses the main idea of the text? Why did you
eliminate the other choices?
1. The most elaborate of computers must be programmed in order to be
useful
2. It is important to know what a computer can and can not do
English for informatics students
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3. A Computer is useless without a programmer to tell it what to do
2. Understanding the passage
Decide whether the following statements are true or false ( T/F) by referring

……………6/ A computer can process information very rapidly.
…………….7/ Computers are exact and dependable …………….
8/ Input and output devices operate more slowly than the arithmetic and
decision-making devices
4/ Contextual reference
Look back at the text and find out what the words in bold typeface refer to.
1. no matter how capable it is (l.4)
2. to those for arithmetic operations (l. 14)
3. they are man-made machines ( l.22)
4. they sometimes malfunction ( l.22)
5. because of their flexibility ( l.26)
English for informatics students
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6. one after another ( l.28)
7. one after another ( l.28)
8. as it has been programmed to ( l. 31)
9. the following kinds of things need be done( l.34)

10.by repeating this process ( l.38)
5/ Word forms
First choose the appropriate form of the words to complete the sentence.
Then check the differences of meaning in your dictionary.
1. repetition, repeat, repetitive, repeatedly, repeating
a. There are some people who…… …. arrive late to class whenever they’re
working on a program because they forget the time.
b. A computer can do…… ….operations without getting tired or bored.
c. …… …., which can be a boring and unproductive task has been
eliminated with the use of computer.

problem
b. all the equipment needed input,
process and output information
c. those which compare numbers
d. decides what the program is to be
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6b. Decide which of the following statements are computer capabilities or
limitations ( C/ L)
1………… directed and controlled
2………… must be told what to do
3………… capable of doing repetitive operations
4………… never gets bored or tired
5………… fast and careful
6………… input-output operations are slower
7………… very accurate and dependable
8………… man-made machine
9………… can solve different types of problems
10………… Finds a solution after working out all the details
11………… Can’ t think for itself
12………… producing a payroll is an easy task
7/ Translate into English:
Máy tính điện tử, cũng như bất kỳ một máy móc nào khác, được sử dụng
bởi vì nó có thể làm một số công việc tốt hơn và hiệu quả hơn con người. Một
máy tính có thể nhận thong tin và sử lý thong tin nhanh hơn bất kỳ một con
người nào. Một người bình thường sẽ phải mất một phút để cộng mười số có 7
chữ số, nhưng trong cùng thời gian đó, một số máy tính điện tử có thể cộng tới
1000 triệu số hoặc nhiều hơn nữa. Tuy nhiên máy tính không có khả năng suy

< 4> Computer software can be divided into two very broad categories-
systems software and applications software. The former is often simply referred
to as “ systems”. These, when brought into internal memory direct the computer
to perform tasks. The latter may be provided along with the hardware by a
systems supplier as part of a computer product designed to answer a specific
need in certain areas. These complete hardware/software products are called
turnkey systems.
< 6> The success or failure of any computer system depends on the skill with
which the hardware and software components are blended. A poorly chosen
system can be a monstrosity incapable of performing the tasks for which it was
originally acquired
* Vocabulary:
Hardware: phần cứng
Software: phần mềm
Input
comput
er
Output
Secondary
storage
English for informatics students
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Environment: môi trường
To devise: nghĩ ra, sáng chế, phát minh
Mixture: sự pha trộn, sự trộn lẫn, sự kết hợp
Integrated: được hợp nhất, thống nhất lại
Whole: một khối, một tổng thể
To join: kết hợp, liên kết

environment, computer systems are devised:
Để sử dụng máy tính hiệu quả nhằm giải quyết những vấn đề lớn trong hoàn
cảnh của chúng ta, các hệ thống máy tính đã được phát minh
Ví dụ :“ In order to”: - Để, mục đích để
- He comes here in order to learn English- Anh ta đến đây để học tiếng Anh
- She arrived early in order to get a good seat- Bà ta đến sớm để có được
chỗ ngồi tốt
English for informatics students
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II/ Computer software can be divided into two very broad categories-sustems
software and applications software. The former is often simply referred to as “
system” Phần mềm máy tính có thể chia rộng làm 2 loại- phần mềm hệ thống và
phần mềm ứng dụng. Phần mềm hệ thống thường đơn giản được gọi là hệ thống
- The former (đại từ ): Cái trước, người trước, vấn đề trước
- The latter (đại từ ): Cái sau, người sau, vấn đề sau
* Example: Of these two men, the former is dead, the latter is still alive: Trong
hai người đó, người trước đã chết, người sau còn sống
- Of the two methods I prefer the former: Trong hai phương pháp tôi thích
phương pháp trước
* Exercises:
1. Main ideas
Which statement best expresses the main idea of the text? Why did you
eliminate the other choices?
1. ………….Only hardware is necessary to make up a computer system
2. ………….Software alone doesn’t constitute a computer system
3. ………….A computer system needs both hardware and software to be
complete
2. Understanding the passage

…………….7/ The software is the programs
…………….8/ The peripheral devices are attached to the CPU.
4. Contextual reference
Look back at the text and find out what the words in bold typeface refer to.
1 computer systems may be discussed in two parts (l.3)
2 That are thought of (l. 6)
3 That control and coordinate ( l.7)
4 and that direct the processing (l.8)
5 in which data and instruction (l.12)
6 in which calculations (l.13)
7 the former is often simply referred to ( l.18)
8 these, when brought into( l.19)
9 the latter may be provided along with ( l.20)
10. for which it was originally acquired( l.25)
5. Word forms
First choose the appropriate form of the words to complete the sentence.
Then check the differences of meaning in your dictionary.
1. integration, integrate, integrated, integrating
a. Some computer manufacturers have………….both input and output
devices into one terminal.
b. The success of any computer system depends on the ……… parts to form
a useful whole
c. …………….input and output devices into one peripheral has reduced the
area needed for a computer installation
2. coordination, coordinate, coordinated, coordinating, coordinator
a. The control unit of a processor…………. The flow of information
between the arithmetic unit and the memory
b. ……………….the many activities in a computer department is the job of
the department head
c. The…………… of a language institute has assistants to help him and may