. Oral Activity
A: In the course of computer science, our teacher has introduced something about computer system, and do you remember what it is composed of?
B: Of course, I do. A computer system is mainly made up of hardware and software.
A: What functions do they perform in the system?
B: Generally speaking, hardware refers to the physical components of the computer system, and software controls the computer and makes it do useful work.
A: As far as I know, there is different hardware in different computers. Can you tell me the major components used in most PCs?
B: Let me have a try. They include such components as motherboard, CPU, RAM, hard drive, optical drives, expansion cards fans and case.
A: What’s the role of motherboards?
B: By collecting and distributing information and power to and from all the right places, motherboards establish connection between all the other components and make them become team players.
A: How about CPU?
B: It is the most important and powerful component of the computer system, so it is considered as the brain of the entire operation.
A: That’s why we should pay much attention to the choice of CPU when we intend to buy a new computer. You know I have an old computer, and its storage capacity doesn’t meet the need of the operation. By the way, would you like to tell me how to upgrade my computer?
B: No problem. The easiest way of upgrades is to install expansion cards in expansion slots. For instance, video cards and sound cards are the most common upgrades found in the computer system. But you should make sure that the expansion cards compatible with the standards of the components in your computer.
A: I will. Thanks a lot for what you’ve told me today.

