Functions.

As we saw in class, we have different ways to describe functions in English:

• ROM holds intructions which are needed to start up the computer.
• ROM is used to hold /is used for holding instructions which are needed to start up the computer.
• The function of ROM is to hold instructions which are needed to start up the computer.

Here you have some examples:

• A scanner is used for inputting text and graphics.
• A printer is used to print out data from a computer.
• An ATM (automated teller machine) provides cash and account information to bank customers on account of a swipe card.
• A PDA is used to store information such as appointments.
• The function of a hard disk drive is to store programs and data.
• A supercomputer is used to process quickly very large amounts of information, for example in a government department or a university.
• A mainframe computer is used for processing large amounts of data such as a major company's accounts and client database.
• Barcodes provide computer-readable information on a product so that it can be identified and priced automatically.
• Swipe cards are used to provide a secure means of identifying authorised users of many different facilities such as banks, libraries and computer labs.
• The function of memory is to hold the instructions and data used by the processor.