计算机英语会话(MP3+中英字幕) 第15期:计算机是如何工作的(3)

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。