Before you read the passage, talk about these questions.

1) How has increased computer memory changed business?

2) When do people need to add more computer memory?

Reading

Read the troubleshooting guide. Then, choose the correct answers.

1) What is the passage mainly about?

A the main function of the CPU

В where to install the ClearPic file

С how to add or modify computer memory

D speeds of RAM attached to the motherboard

2) What should people do first when increasing available RAM?

A check to see if they need SIMMs or DIMMs

В increase the amount of virtual memory

С temporarily store their data on a paging file

D make sure the CPU runs at a speed of 800 MHz

3) What is NOT a way to fix a limited memory problem?

A increase the amount of virtual memory

В buy a new motherboard for the computer

С reduce the number of programs running

D increase the amount of available RAM

Vocabulary

Match the words (1-7) with the definitions (A-G).

1 _MHz                             5 _ virtual memory

2 _SIMM                           6 _ paging file

3 _motherboard                 7 _bit

4 _DIMM

A where data that doesn't fit in the RAM is stored

В the main circuit board in a computer

С a unit of measurement that measures the speed of a CPU

D a data storage method that stores data on the hard drive

E the smallest unit of computer data

F an memory module that sends up to 32 bits of data to a CPU

G a memory module that sends up to 64 bits of data to a CPU

О Fill in the blanks with the correct words and phrases from the word bank.

Fill in the blanks with the correct words and phrases from the word bank.

Word Bank

hard drive RAM bit size MB bus speed

1  The computer has a _________ of 64 bits.

2  The computer's CPU has a _________ of 800 MHz.

3  Increase the virtual memory to store data on the__________.      

4  This computer comes with 900 _______ of RAM.

5  Install additional __________ into the motherboard.

Listen and read the troubleshooting guide again. What happens when a computer's virtual memory is made bigger?

Listening

Listen to a conversation between a customer and an employee of ClearPic. Mark the statements as true (T) or false (F).

1 _ The customer's CPU is too slow to run the program.

2 _The employee advises the customer to buy more RAM.

3 _ Increasing the virtual memory will increase the paging file size.

Listen again and complete the conversation.

Employee: Well, 1 ____ _____ _____. To run ClearPic you really want to have at least 500 MB of memory.

Customer: So how can I fix that?

Employee: One easy way is to increase your computer's 2_______ _______.        

Customer: What will that do?

Employee: It increases the paging file size. That way, your computer's 3 ______ ______ can store more data.

Customer: I see. So 4 _____ ______do I increase the memory?

Employee: 5 _______ _______ on the "My Computer" icon. Under "Properties", increase the maximum memory amount 6 _____ ______ ____ half.

Speaking

With a partner, act out the roles below based on Task 7. Then, switch roles.

USE LANGUAGE SUCH AS:

How can I help you?

The program keeps freezing.

How can I fix that?

Student A: Your computer program keeps freezing. Talk to Student В about:

•   the problem

•   solutions

•   increasing virtual memory

Student B: You are a support center employee. Answer Student As questions.

Writing

Use the conversation from Task 8 to complete the receipt.

ClearPic

Support Center Receipt

Customer

Issue: _________________________________________________________

Does computer have enough memory? Y, N

Advice given: Increase ___________________________________________

How to do this:

1_______________________________

2_______________________________

 

 

Programming languages

Mr. Daniels,

As the head of the computer programming department, I feel that we need to update the department's resources. This includes our programmers. Most of our programmers are comfortable with the C, C++, and Java computer languages. We even have one programmer who can use C#. But we don't have anyone proficient in Assembler. I think we need some programmers who are familiar with it. That way, we can translate between programs more easily.

In addition, we have two programmers who specialize in BASIC. This language is in decline and will probably be phased out soon.

Some of our machines are getting older, too. A few computers need their compilers and linkers updated. Otherwise, they'll never be able to convert to machine code efficiently. One of our older CPUs cannot multi-thread very well. As you know, the programming department is very important to this company's future. Please help us stay updated.

Thanks,

Sarah Jennings

Get ready!