W: How long have you had your computer?
M: Ten years. It works like a charm.
W: Ten years? What a dinosaur. I can’t believe you still use it.
M: I can up-grade it if necessary.
W: It won’t be worth it. You’d better buy a new one.
Dialogue 2.
W: What do you want to be able to do with a computer?
M: Well, for game playing.
W: It’s better if you have a bigger memory.
M: OK. And I also want a hard drive. Not too big, just big enough to play games.
W: If you are concerned about game effects, I suggest you buy a higher quality sound card and video card.
M: Affects? Yeah, that’s important. Give me the best.
Dialogue 3.
W: Should I build my own system?
M: If you don’t know much about computers, you’d better buy a factory model.
W: Are there any other options?
M: You can pick up the parts you want and have us installed them for you.
W: Really? That sounds good.
Dialogue 4.
W: What are you going to do on Saturday evening?
M: I am going to play net work games. It’s fascinating.
W: Oh, really? I will try it. But I am afraid it will take up too much time. You know, I am so busy. Besides it will do harm to my eyes when I am in front of the computer for a long time.
M: Take it or leave it. It’s up to you. But it’s not a waste of time, and you can learn a lot from it, at least it can help you to relax.
W: I am torn between the two.
M: You can’t make an omelet without breaking eggs.
Dialogue 5.
W: What do you usually do when you surf the internet?
M: I usually track down some information I need and download some sound and video clips from the internet.
W: So do I. Do you often chat with people on line?
M: Yes, I like chatting with people on the web. We talk about everything and learn a lot.
W: Life on line is really very informative.
Exercise.
1. I can purchase clothes on line.
2. I can’t download documents from the website.
3. This computer program is terrible. It has too many bugs.
4. I want to check my e-mail.
5. Can you send me a file?
6. My computer will suddenly go dead.
7. The computer will suddenly catch a virus.
8. The cursor on the screen doesn’t move.
9. Spending too much time on the internet may cause students to skip classes.
10. Many students are addicted to computer games.
11. Life on line is very informative.
12. You can chat with friends on the net.
13. I can access the internet on school computers.
14. Students can widen their knowledge of the world through the internet.
15. I can’t shut down the computer.