豆知识 2009-06-14&06-20 Computer Software

 It’s easy to think of computer as just machinery¹: buttons, screens and parts that work together. But the magic of computers comes from something makes them unique to you. 

 

This is Computer Software In Plain English.

 

The problem with computers is that most of us don’t speak their language. We need a translator, something that can understand our needs and put the computer to work for us. The translator is called software and it makes computers useful. Look at it this way. Like a typewriter, a computer without software is just a lifeless machine. By adding software, the computer becomes more alive, easy to use and built for you. 

 

Most computers have two basic kinds, the operating system and software programs. If you’ve ever used a computer, you’ve used an operating system. From saving² files to using a mouse or fixing problems, the operating system covers the basics. Operating systems come with all new computers and do a lot of same things. You’ve seen them called Windows, Mac and Linux.

 

But the operating system is only part of what we need. To make them personalized and more useful, we can add software programs. For example, if you need to edit³ a photo, you can add a software program that is built for that purpose. If you need to design a house, you can add a software program that lets you see the house from all sides. 

 

By adding and removing software programs, you can make the computer fit with exactly what you want to do. And adding most software programs is easy. You can get them from a computer store or download them from the Internet. No computer nerds required. 

 

Once a program is on your computer, opening it is as easy as clicking an icon⁴. 

 

But what is a software program? What’s really happening when you open one? Think about it this way: computers are really good at following instructions. And a software program is essentially⁵ a set of instructions that tells the computer exactly what to do. When you open a program, the computer goes to work, completing the constructions until the program is ready for you to use. The ability to add and remove software programs means that everyone’s computer can be different and unique to them. 

 

So, to review. We’ve talked about operating systems that take care of the basics, and software programs that make computers personalized. It’s this combination⁶ that makes computers so useful. But it’s not limited to computers on your desk. Consider your cell phone. Just like a computer without software, it’s a lifeless machine that doesn’t speak our language. Thankfully, cell phones have software that bring them to live. The same thing is true for many cameras, music players and even our cars. Every day we rely on software to bring machines to life and make them personalized and useful. 

 

The next time you use a computer or cell phone, think about software’s role in translating your needs into instructions that put the machine to work for you.

1 machinery   

n.(总称)机械，机器；机构

参考例句：

• Has the machinery been put up ready for the broadcast?广播器材安装完毕了吗？
• Machinery ought to be well maintained all the time.机器应该随时注意维护。

2 saving   

n.节省，节约；[pl.]储蓄金，存款

参考例句：

• Energy saving is term strategic policy of our country.节约能源是我国长期的战略国策。
• Old-fashioned housewives were usually very saving.旧时的家庭主妇通常都很节俭。

3 edit   

vt.编辑，校订，主编，编辑，剪辑（影片等）

参考例句：

• You'll have to edit that tape,it's too long.那盘录音带太长，你得把它剪辑一下。
• It is not yet decided who will edit it.由谁校订未决。

4 icon   

n.偶像，崇拜的对象，画像

参考例句：

• They found an icon in the monastery.他们在修道院中发现了一个圣像。
• Click on this icon to align or justify text.点击这个图标使文本排齐。

5 essentially   

adv.本质上，实质上，基本上

参考例句：

• Really great men are essentially modest.真正的伟人大都很谦虚。
• She is an essentially selfish person.她本质上是个自私自利的人。

6 combination   

n.组合，合并，联合；

参考例句：

• He carried on the business in combination with his friends.他与朋友们合伙做生意。
• The materials can be used singly or in combination.这些材料可以单独使用也可以混合用。