This dialogue contains a lot of computer jargon. Here is a vocabulary list of the most important related vocabulary, most of which you will find in the dialogue.

Computer Related Equipment

computer
printer
cable modem
hard drive
monitor
keyboard
mouse
SD card
memory reader
cable
Ethernet

Computer Related Verbs

to update
to turn off / on
to switch off / on
to plug in
to unplug
to install
to hook up
to connect
to disconnect
to boot up
to cut
to paste
to copy
to surf
to browse
to fix

Hooking Up My Computer

Peter: Hi Jack. Can you give me a hand?
Jack:Sure. what's up?

Peter: I've just bought a new computer and I'm having some problems hooking everything up.
Jack:... and I'm a geek. Yeah, I know. I'd be happy to help.

Peter: Thanks! I've connected all the cables from my monitor, mouse and keyboard, and I've plugged it in.
Jack: Have you installed the software yet?

Peter: No, I haven't. Do I need to?
Jack: Not always, but it's best to install drivers for your keyboard and mouse, as well as your printer.

Peter: Will the computer boot up without those?
Jack: Of course. Boot up the computer and then we can update the drives.

Peter: OK. What's that thing (points to a computer component)
Jack: Oh, that's a memory reader. You can insert things like SD cards from your camera and mp3 players into it.

Peter: That's handy.
Jack: You've bought a nice system. How big is the hard drive?

Peter: I think it's 750 gigabyte.
Jack: Good... The computer's booted up. Let's install those drivers.

Peter: Before we do that, can I get online?
Jack: Do you have a modem?

Peter: Yes, I do. I think I have a cable modem.
Jack: hmmm... yes you do. Is the Ethernet cable plugged in?

Peter: What's that?
Jack: It's the cable that connects your modem to your computer.

Peter: Let's surf the internet!
Jack: Just a moment... first we need to launch the browser.

Peter: The browser?
Jack: It's the program that allows you to surf the internet.

Peter: oh ... I've got a lot to learn.
Jack: Yes, you do. I can see I'm going to be here all day ...

Check your understanding with this multiple choice comprehension quiz.

By Kenneth Beare, About.com Guide

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