English for Computer Science Workbook: Computers, Systems, Hardware

UNIT I
COMPUTER TODAY
1. Discuss the questions.
1) Computers are now widespread, aren’t they?
2) Have you got a computer at home or at the Academy?
3) How old were you when you got your first computer?
4) How often do you use it?
5) What do you use it for?
2. Read and memorize the words.
1) attach (v) – присоединять, подсоединять
2) central processing unit (CPU) – центральный процессор, ЦП
3) data (n) – данные, информация
accept ~ – принимать данные
extract ~ – извлекать данные
feed ~ – вводить данные
process ~ – обрабатывать данные
4) drive (n) = disk drive – дисковод
5) execute [‘eksikju:t] (v) – исполнять, выполнять, осуществлять
6) input – (n) ввод, устройство ввода, ввод данных, входные данные
(v) вводить (данные)
~ device – устройство ввода (данных)
7) instruction (n) – команда
a set of ~s – набор команд
8) main (adj.) – главный, основной
9) manipulate (v) – умело обращаться; умело управлять (чем-л.)
10) mouse (pl. mice) – мышь
11) output – (n) вывод, устройство вывода, вывод данных, выходные данные;
(v) выводить (данные)
~ device – устройство вывода (данных)
12) perform (v) – выполнять, осуществлять
13) performance (n) – характеристика, производительность
14) peripheral (n) – внешнее устройство, периферийное устройство
15) plug – (n) разъем, вилка, штепсель
(v) вставлять в гнездо
16) port (n) – порт, разъем, гнездо
17) print (v) – печатать
18) printer (n) – печатное устройство, принтер
19) require (v) – требовать, нуждаться
20) screen (n) – экран
21) specify (v) – определять, устанавливать
22) storage (device) (n) – запоминающее устройство, ЗУ, память
23) unit (n) – блок; единица; единица измерения
24) USB = Universal Serial Bus – универсальная последовательная шина
3. Match the columns.
A
1) software
2) hardware
3) rear panel
4) front panel
5) hard drive
6) flash drive
7) memory
8) memory card reader
9) permanent storage
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
i)
B
постоянное запоминающее устройство
память
программное обеспечение
аппаратное обеспечение
флэш-накопитель
задняя панель
передняя панель
устройство (для) чтения карт памяти
жесткий диск
3
4. Translate into Russian.
A
storage device
input device
output device
memory unit
to accept data
to process data
to feed data
to extract data
to input data
to output data
to execute a program
to run a program
to manipulate a program
to manipulate a mouse
to attach a printer
to attach a scanner
B
electronic machine, computer system, electronic or mechanical part, three hardware sections, program instructions,
physical units, storage devices, input/output devices, storage and input/output devices, USB port.
5. Replace the Russian words by the English equivalents from exercises 2 and 3.
1) Two important components of the system (блок) are the microprocessor and memory.
2) Memory is sometimes referred to as temporary (запоминающее устройство, память).
3) (устройства ввода) translate (данные) and programs that humans can understand into a form that the computer
can (обрабатывать).
4) The most common (устройства вывода) are monitors and (принтеры).
5) A computer can be instructed to (выполнять) whatever task we tell it to do.
6) In this chapter we’ll describe the (основной) pieces of hardware of a computer system.
7) Hardware includes the computer itself and all other (присоединенный) physical devices.
8) Other input device includes a mouse, which manipulates a pointer on the computer (экран).
9) (Запоминающие устройства) hold data permanently, so you can save it and (извлекать) later.
6. Fill in the blanks. Use the following words.
1)
2)
3)
4)
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
display screens
process
instructions
data
5) memory
6) general-purpose computers
7) plugs
8) performs
9) port
10) CPU
11) keyboards
12) mice
In addition to … and …, there is a wide variety of other input devices.
Input is any data or … that are used by a computer.
The … or processor is contained on a single chip called microprocessor.
The processor is contained within a cartridge that … into a special … on the system board.
The arithmetic-logic unit … two types of operations: arithmetic and logic.
Older microcomputers typically … data and instructions in microseconds.
… is a holding area for …, instructions and information.
Also known as …, monitors present visual images of text and graphics.
Computers that can do many different jobs are called ….
7. Revise the word order in the simple English sentence. Remember the following:
1) Subject – подлежащее
 кто? что?
2) Predicate – сказуемое
 что делает? что делал? что будет делать? что сделает?
3) Object – дополнение
 кого? чего? кому? чему? кого? что? и т.д.
4) Adverbial modifier – обстоятельство где? когда? куда? почему? как? и т.д.
5) Attribute – определение  какой? который? чей?
Adverbial modifier
Subject
I
Predicate
II
Object
III
Keep in mind: there is no fixed place for an attribute.
e.g.
1. Computers require direct current to power their electronic components.
2. A hundred years ago people didn’t know about computers.
4
8. Find the subject and the predicate in the following sentences.
1) Today you can watch TV, capture video and surf the Internet at the same time.
2) Unfortunately, computer viruses can migrate through networks and operating systems.
3) The most widely used communication device is a modem.
4) A network is a communications system connecting two or more computers.
5) Every device connected to a computer system has a special program.
6) In the nearest future wearable computers will be used by surgeons (хирурги) in operating rooms to “view” their
patients.
7) Wearable computers are currently used by security personnel in airports.
8) There are four basic categories of hardware devices.
9) There are expert systems in such areas as medicine, geology and architecture.
10) There are a wide variety of different keyboard designs.
9. Revise the Simple Tenses.
Present
Active Voice
… использую …
… используешь / используете …
… используем …
… используют …
… использует …
I use my computer every day.
You use computers every day.
We use computers every day.
They use computers every day.
He (she) uses a computer for his (her) studies.
We don’t use computers every day.
He (she) doesn’t use computers for his (her) studies.
Do you use computers every day?
Does he (she) use a computer for his (her) studies?
… использовал …
… использовал / использовали …
… использовали …
… использовал / использовала …
Past
I seldom used a computer 50 years ago.
You seldom used computers 50 years ago.
We seldom used computers 50 years ago.
He (she) used a computer for his (her) studies.
I didn’t use a computer 50 years ago.
He (she) didn’t use a computer for his (her) studies.
Did you use a computer 50 years ago?
Did he use a computer 50 years ago?
Future
I (we) shall use computers more extensively in the future.
You will use computers more extensively in the future.
He (she) will use computers more extensively in the future.
They will use computers more extensively in the future.
We shall not (shan’t) use computers more extensively in the
future.
They will not (won’t) use computers more extensively in the
future.
Shall we use computers more extensively in the future?
Will they use computers more extensively in the future?
5
… буду (будем) использовать…
… будешь (будете) использовать…
… будет использовать…
… будут использовать…
Passive Voice
V + -ed
(to) be + V3
3rdform
… используется…
… используются…
Present
Computer is used everywhere.
Computers are used everywhere.
Computer is not used everywhere.
Computers are not used everywhere.
Is computer used everywhere?
Are computers used everywhere?
Past
Computer was used for…
Computers were used for …
… использовался…
… использовались…
Computer was not used 100 years ago.
Computers were not used 100 years ago.
Was computer used for …?
Were computers used for …?
Future
Computer(s) will be more extensively used in the future.
…будет/будут использоваться …
Computer(s) will not be more extensively used in the future.
Will computer(s) be more extensively used in the future?
10. Give the three forms of the verbs.
Collect, manipulate, hold, show, run, use, feed, provide, accept, process, perform, do, have, be.
11. Translate into Russian.
1) include, includes, is included, are not included, was included, were included, will be included;
2) accept, accepted, is not accepted, are accepted, was accepted, were accepted, will be accepted;
3) process, processed, is processed, are processed, was processed, were not processed, will be processed;
4) plug, plugged, is plugged, are plugged, was plugged, were plugged, will not be plugged;
5) manipulate, manipulates, manipulated, is manipulated, are manipulated, was manipulated, was not manipulated,
were manipulated, will be manipulated;
6) performs, can see, is fed, have, are used, are, are not attached, can print, can be printed, include, is not included,
is run, are being processed, are not being processed.
12. Choose the correct verb form.
1) Some computers (serve/ are served) specific functions.
2) Peripheral devices (attach/ are attached) to the computer.
3) All computer functions (carry out/ are carried out) with electrical signals.
4) Computers (can solve/ can be solved) a vast amount of problems for us in everyday life.
5) IBM (formed/ was formed) through the merger (слияние) of three companies.
6) The second generation computers (improved/were improved) with the transistor.
7) Through the lessons children (will teach/ will be taught) to use several types of computers and multimedia
devices.
8) In the nearest future robots (will replace/ will be replaced) people to handle dangerous or repetitive tasks.
9) Computers (cannot recognize/ cannot be recognized) information the same way we do.
10) A mouse (manipulates/ is manipulated) a pointer on the computer screen.
6
13. Translate the sentences.
1) We enter data with a keyboard, a webcam, etc.
2) Do we enter data with a keyboard, a webcam, etc.?
3) Data is collected and entered.
4) Data is not collected and entered.
5) Data is manipulated.
6) Files and programs are not held on disk.
7) We keep data and programs in memory system.
8) Do we keep data and programs in memory system?
9) We can see the results on the screen or in printed form.
10) Can we see the results on the screen or in printed form?
11) Are the results shown on the monitor or in printed form?
12) By itself, a computer is referred to as hardware.
14. Change Active into Passive and vice versa.
Active Voice
1)
Passive Voice
We use this term to describe a newly developed
electronic device.
1) This term is used to describe a newly
developed electronic device.
2) People operate the computer hardware.
2) The computer hardware … … by people.
3) At a job interview they … you about what kind
of computer equipment you have used before.
3) At a job interview you will be asked about
what kind of computer equipment you have
used before.
4) The computer processed the raw material into
useful information.
4) The raw material … … into useful
information.
5) Input hardware … and … data into a form
suitable for computer processing.
5) Data is collected and converted into a form
suitable for computer processing by means of
input hardware.
6) The new-developed computer system will
perform calculations not only faster but with
greater accuracy.
6) Calculations … … … not only faster but with
greater accuracy.
7) A computer
instructions.
memory
…
thousands
of
7) Thousands of instructions will be held in a
computer memory.
8) To perform useful work a computer requires
two kinds of software.
8) To perform useful work two kinds of software
…….
9) We … the modem to send data over a phone line
to another computer.
9) The modem was used to send data over a
phone line to another computer.
10) Microprocessors perform all calculations and
manipulations necessary to transform data into
information.
10) All calculations and manipulations necessary
to transform data into information … … by
microprocessors.
15. Put the verbs into the correct tense form. Mind the Voices.
1) Data can be collected more easily and … with much greater speed (to process).
2) Output … in more usable forms (can /to produce).
3) TV and computer screens … usually … in inches (to measure).
4) The printer … to the computer via a USB cable (to connect).
5) PC computers … at schools, in homes, and in offices (to use).
6) Students … them to write papers (доклады) and conduct research (to use).
7
7) The main memory … the instructions and data (to hold).
8) Almost all computers of the future … human language (to understand).
9) This physical equipment … into four basic categories (to divide).
10) We … hardware and software in details later in this book (to discuss)
11) Two important components of the system unit … the microprocessor and memory (to call).
12) The idea of a personal computer … in 1976 by Steve Jobs when he was 21 years old (to propose).
16. Read the telephone conversation and put the correct auxiliary verb into each gap.
Damian Good afternoon, Apple Helpline here. I’m Damian. How can I help you?
Valeria Or, at last! Hello, Damian. I (1)… got a terrible problem with my computer. It (2) … (not) working at
all.
D
OK. OK. Tell me your name and your company name and describe what (3) … happened.
V
My name’s Valeria, Val actually, Valeria Marks. I (4) … (not) work for a company. I’m selfemployed. I work at home, and I (5) … trying to meet an important deadline at the moment. This
morning I (6) … working away happily, then suddenly everything stopped and a message came on
the screen, then the screen went blank.
D
OK Val, (7) … worry, what (8) … the message say?
V
I can’t remember exactly, because I (9) … (not) understand it, but I think it said something about
“not enough memory”.
D
It’s OK, Val. I understand. Tell me, Val, (10) … you switched the computer off?
V
No, I (11) … (not). It’s still on.
D
Fine, Val. Now do exactly what I say. Go to your computer, OK? Can you see a “W” in the top righthand corner? Click on that “W” with the mouse. What (12) … it say? Can you read it to me?
V
It says three things. There’s a list of three things. First it says …
17. Here are some questions about the conversation. The words are mixed up. Put them in the right order, and
then answer the question.
1) Val
the
is
why Apple Helpline
ringing?
Because … … …
2) work
for
Val
does company
which?
She … … …
3) doing
when her computer she
was
what stopped?
She … … …
4) Val
why remember
message
the
can’t?
Because … … …
5) switched computer
she
has
her
off?
No … … …
18. Read the text and point out the two components any computer system consists of.
Text I
WHAT IS A COMPUTER?
A computer is an electronic machine which can accept data in a certain form, process the data, and give the results
of the processing in a specified format as information.
First, data is fed into the computer’s memory. Then, when the program is run, the computer performs a set of
instructions and processes the data. Finally, we can see the results (the output) on the screen or in printed form.
A computer system consists of two parts: hardware and software. Hardware is any electronic or mechanical part
you can see or touch. Software is a set of instructions, called a program, which tells the computer what to do. There
are three basic hardware sections: the central processing unit (CPU), main memory and peripherals.
Perhaps the most influential component is the central processing unit. Its function is to execute program
instructions and coordinate the activities of all the other units. In a way, it is the “brain” of the computer. The main
memory (a collection of RAM chips1) holds the instructions and data which are being processed by the CPU.
Peripherals are the physical units attached to the computer. They include storage and input/output devices.
Storage devices (hard drives, DVD drives or flash drives) provide a permanent storage of both data and programs.
Disk drives are used to read and write data on disks. Input devices enable data to go into the computer’s memory.
The most common input devices are the mouse and the keyboard. Output devices enable us to extract the finished
product from the system. For example, the computer shows the output on the monitor or prints the results onto paper
by means of a printer.
1
RAM chip – микросхема ОЗУ, ИС оперативной памяти
8
On the rear panel of the computer there are several ports into which we can plug a wide range of peripherals – a
modem, a digital camera, a scanner, etc. They allow communication between the computer and the devices. Modern
desktop PCs have USB ports and memory card readers on the front panel.
19. Find in the text the equivalents for the following Russian words and word combinations:
в определенном (заданном) формате, в печатной форме, аппаратное обеспечение, программное обеспечение,
периферийные устройства, возможно (вероятно), координировать действия, в некотором смысле, позволяют
вводить данные, посредством, обеспечивают связь.
20. Answer the questions.
1) What is a computer?
2) What functions can this electronic machine perform?
3) What parts does a computer system consist of?
4) Explain the term “hardware”.
5) What part tells the computer what to do?
6) How many basic hardware sections are there? Name them.
7) What hardware component executes program instructions and coordinates the activities of all the other units?
8) Name the devices which provide a permanent storage.
9) What input devices are mentioned in the text?
10) What peripherals can we plug in on the rear panel of the computer?
21. Match the terms with their definitions.
1) software
2) peripherals
3) main memory
4) hard drive (also known as hard disk)
5) hardware
6) input
7) ports
8) output
9) central processing unit
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
the brain of the computer
physical parts that make up a computer system
programs which can be used on a particular computer system
the information which is presented to the computer
results produced by a computer
input devices attached to the CPU
section that holds programs and data while they are executed
or processed
8. magnetic device used to store information
9. sockets into which external device may be connected
22. Speak about the functions of a PС.
We can use a PC for …
input

We enter data with a keyboard, a webcam, etc.
processing

The data is manipulated according to program instructions.
storage

We keep data and programs in memory systems where they are
available for processing.
output

We can see the result on the screen or in printed form.
23. What function of a computer is described?
1. Files and programs are held on disks.
2. Data is transformed into useful information.
3. Raw data is presented to the computer.
4. Results take the form of words, pictures and sounds.
24. Use suitable expressions to complete these sentences.
… are classified into X types/categories
… can be divided into X types/categories
… include(s) …
… consist(s) of …
1) A computer … hardware and software.
2) Peripherals … three types: input, output and storage devices.
3) A word processing program … software which lets the user create and edit text.
4) A computer system … five elements: software, people, hardware, procedures, data/information.
5) The basic structure of a PC … three hardware sections: the CPU, the main memory and the peripherals.
9
6) Personal computers … two classes: desktop PCs and portable PCs.
7) Digital computers … five main types: mainframes, desktop PCs, laptops, tablet PCs and handheld PDAs.
25. Make up a plan and be ready to render the text according to it.
Text II
LIVING WITH COMPUTERS
26. Read and memorize the following abbreviations.
GPS – Global Positioning System – глобальная система определения координат
DVD – Digital Video Disc – цифровой видеодиск
PDA – Personal Digital Assistant – КПК, карманный компьютер, наладонник
Wi-Fi – Wireless Fidelity – один из стандартов беспроводной локальной сети
27. Read the following viewpoints and tell about the role of computer in your life.
Computers: friend …
People who have grown up with PCs and microchips are often called the digital generation. This is how some
people answered when questioned about the use of computers in their lives.
1. I have a GPS, Global Positioning
System, fitted in my car. With this
navigation system I never get lost. And
the DVD recorder is perfect for my
children’s entertainment.
2. I use an interactive
whiteboard, like a large
touchscreen monitor, at school. I
find computer very useful in
education.
3. Assistive technology, for people
with disability, has helped me a lot. I
can hardly see, so I use a screen
reader, a program that reads aloud
onscreen text, menus and icons.
4. This new HMD, head-mounted
display, allows me to watch films
and enjoy virtual reality, the
artificial environment of the latest
games.
5. The upgraded wireless network at my university is
great; we can connect our laptops, PDAs and Wi-Fi cell
phones to the network anywhere in the campus.
Communication is becoming easier and easier.
… or foe?
 Our society has developed technological dependence. When computers are down, our way of life breaks
down: planes stop flying, telephones don’t work, banks have to close.
 Computers produce electronic waste, plastic cases and microchips that are not biodegradable and have to be
recycled or just thrown away.
 They are responsible for health problems, e.g. computer addiction, excessive use of computers.
 Cybercrime, crime committed with the help of computers, is creating serious problems.
 Citizens may feel a loss of privacy because of unauthorized use of personal data or receiving unwanted
electronic messages.
Notes:
touchscreen monitor – монитор с сенсорным экраном
screen reader – программа преобразования текста в речь
wireless network – беспроводная сеть
10
laptop – лэптоп, ноутбук, портативный компьютер
cell phone – сотовый телефон
(to) recycle – повторно использовать; возвращать в оборот (отходы производства)
unauthorized use – несанкционированное использование
28. Answer the question: Is computer a friend or a foe?
29. Read the text and tell about different spheres of computer uses.
Text III
THINGS WE CAN DO ON THE COMPUTER
A secretary: “I use computers to do the usual office
things like write letters and faxes, but what I find
really useful is email. We are an international
company and I send emails to our offices all over
the world.”
A bank manager: “We use
financial software to make
calculations and then generate
graphs or charts. We also use a
database to store information so
that it can be easily searched.”
A publisher: “We use PCs to produce
all sorts of texts in digital format. We
publish e-books (electronic book)
and interactive e-learning programs
on CD, and we help a local company
to design an online newspaper,
displayed on the Web.”
A home user: “I like to retouch photos on
my computer; I improve them by making a
few touches and then save them on a CD. I
also enjoy looking at music portals on the
Web. I surf the Web every day and I often
download files, I copy music files from the
Net to my PC.”
30. Complete these computer uses with word partners from the text above.
… … … the Web
design … … …
publishing
home
download … … …
publish … … …
… … … photos
… … … calculations
write … … and … …
banking
offices
store … … …
… … emails
31. ♫ 1 Listening “Computers at work”
A. Read the following word combinations and try to guess the job.
1) electrical engineer
a)
b)
c)
d)
1
2) secretary
3) librarian
4) composer
to write memos, letters, faxes;
to help people to find specific information;
to record what he plays on the keyboard;
to catalogue and record the books, newspapers and DVDs, that users borrow;
Infotech. English for computer users (Audio CD), track 2.
11
e)
f)
g)
h)
i)
j)
to assist visitors in the use of hardware and software;
to communicate with the offices;
to design electrical installations and lighting systems;
to get different kinds of sounds from the synthesizers;
to make drawings;
to keep records (of tests).
A. ♫ Listen to four people talking about how they use computers at work. What do they use their computers
for?
B. ♫ Fill in the blanks with the prepositions.
Speaker 1
I write music mainly for videos and plays. I work (1) ____ a keyboard connected (2) ____ a computer. I use
the computer (3) ___ two ways, really: first (4) ____ all, to record, or store, what I play (5) ____ the keyboard.
Secondly, the computer controls the sounds I can make (6) ____ the different synthesizers I have here. I can use it
to get different kinds (7) ____ sounds (8) ____ the synthesizers. The computer is the link (9) ____ the keyboard,
which I play, and the synthesizers, which produce the sounds.
Speaker 2
I use my computer to do the usual office things, like writing memos, letters, faxes and so (1) ____, but the
thing I find most useful is email. We’re an international company, and we have offices all (2) ____ the world. We’re
linked (3) ____ ____ all (4) ____ them (5) ____ e-mail. (6) ____ e-mail I can communicate (7) ____ the offices (8)
____ the world very efficiently. It’s really changed my life.
Speaker 3
Well, I use computers (1) ___ every aspect (2) ___ my job. I use them to design electrical installations and
lighting systems. (3) ___ example, a program will tell you how much lighting you need (4) ___ a particular room, or
how much cable you need, and it’ll show where the cable should go. I also use the computer to make drawings and
to keep records. We have to test our installations every five years, and that information is stored (5) ___ computer,
too.
Speaker 4
I use computers to catalogue and classify all the materials received (1) ____ the library, and record all the
books, newspapers and DVDs, etc. that users borrow. I also assist customers and visitors (2) ____ the use of IT
hardware and software, including online databases and CD-ROMs. I help people (3) ____ their enquiries, (4) ____
example if children or elderly people need to find some specific information, either (5) ____ our online catalogue or
(6) ____ the Internet. I’m also (7) ____ charge of other library services, such (8) ____ printing and fax machines.
32. Speak about the use of the computer. Use the models.
He / She uses the computer to …
He / She writes …
I use …
I write …
33. What can you do with the computer in the following areas? Use the following:
Computers are used to…
A PC can also be used for…
People use computers to…
1) Entertainment:
download music, burn CDs, play games, take photos, edit photos, make video clips, watch movies on a DVD player,
watch TV on the computer, listen to MP3s, listen to the radio via the Web.
2) Formula 1 cars:
design and build the car, test virtual models, control electronic components, monitor engine speed, store (vital)
information, display data, analyse and communicate data.
12
3) Factories and industrial processes:
design products, do calculations, control industrial robots, control assembly lines, keep record of stocks (materials
and equipment).
4) School/University:
access the Internet, enroll online, search the Web, prepare exams, write documents, complete exercises online, do
research, prepare presentations.
34. Translate in writing.
Variant 1
The first digital computer was built in 1946 at the University of Pennsylvania. It weighed 30 tons and filled a large
room. It was called ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator). In its early days it required 18,500
vacuum tubes to store information. Scientists and engineers worked to make it better. The use of transistors in place
of the large vacuum tubes reduced the size and cost of computers.
In the early 1960’s, the first minicomputers were made commercially. Less than a decade later, the microcomputer
was invented. The basic unit of the microcomputer is a tiny silicon chip less than 1 cm on a side. Each chip is a
miniature electronic circuit that serves the different computer function.
The great advances in microelectronics have helped achieve portable computers, ranging from brief-case size
down to hand-held. Hand-held computers are very light in weight and sit in the palm of one’s hand. These miniature
computers prove useful for some situation, but there are some drawbacks.
Variant 2
There are many different kinds of computers in the world today. Computers are operating at the banks, in your
car, and at the grocery store. Many of these computers are special-purpose ones; that is, they serve specific functions.
There are also general-purpose computers in the office, at home, and at school, which handle all kinds of tasks. The
existence of all these different types of computers raises an important question: What is a computer? Simply put, a
computer is a device that processes raw data into useful information. But from that perspective, a typewriter, a
calculator, or even an abacus (счеты) could be called a computer. What distinguishes a computer from other
information-processing devices are the basic characteristics: (a) a computer is completely electronic. That is, all its
functions are carried out with electric signals. (b) a computer can remember information and hold it for future use.
Computers do this on a temporary or permanent basis. (c) a computer is programmable. Unlike other devices built to
perform a single function or limited range of functions a computer can be instructed to do whatever task we tell it to
do.
Variant 3
Computers are the backbone of modern business. The need to know how to input, process, store, and output data
and information has become increasingly relevant to anyone who plans to enter the business environment. Your
survival in the business world of today and tomorrow depends more and more on how well you understand what a
computer is, how it works, and what it can be used for.
13
UNIT II
TYPES OF COMPUTER SYSTEMS
1.
1)
2)
3)
Discuss the questions.
What type of computer systems do you know?
What kind of computer do you use?
Which is your favorite gadget? Why?
2. Read and memorize the words.
1) access – (n) доступ
(v) иметь доступ, получить доступ
2) amount (n) – количество
a large amount of … – много
3) available (adj) – доступный, имеющийся в распоряжении, наличный; (при)годный,
подходящий
4) bus (n) – шина
Universal Serial Bus – универсальная последовательная шина
5) capacity (n) – (информационная) ёмкость, объём
memory ~ = storage ~ – ёмкость запоминающего устройства, объём памяти
6) case (n) – корпус
connectivity (n) – возможность подключения, возможность соединения (компьютеров между собой)
7) multiple (adj) – множественный
8) network (n) – сеть, сетевой
9) option (n) – опция, вариант, выбор
10) (electrical) outlet (n) – (электрическая) розетка, розеточная часть (электрического соединителя)
11) touch = touch sensitive (adj) – сенсорный
12) offer (v) – предлагать
13) pad (n) – вспомогательная клавиатура
14) pointer (n) – указатель, курсор
15) server (n) – сервер, спецпроцессор, узел обслуживания
16) slot (n) – слот, щель, разъем
17) support (v) – поддерживать, обеспечивать, обслуживать
18) tablet (n) – планшет
19) tower (n) = tower case – вертикальный системный блок компьютера, напольный корпус
20) versatile (adj) – изменчивый, непостоянный, энергозависимый
21) workstation (n) – (автоматизированное) рабочее место, рабочая станция
3. Memorize the following abbreviations.
TFT = Thin Film Transistor – тонко-плёночный транзистор
USB = Universal Serial Bus – универсальная последовательная шина
LCD = Liquid-Crystal Display – жидкокристаллический дисплей
PDA = personal digital assistant – карманный персональный компьютер
4. Translate.
TFT, TFT screen, LCD, LCD screen, touch–sensitive screen, memory capacity
5. Match the words in two columns.
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
A
mainframe
desktop computer
sharp image
touchpad
battery pack
connectivity options
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
B
четкое изображение
портативный батарейный источник питания
настольная ЭВМ, настольный компьютер
возможность подключения/ соединения
универсальная ЭВМ, базовая ЭВМ
сенсорная панель
14
6. Find the synonyms.
A
1) case
2) slot
3) notebook PC
4) display
5) pointer
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
screen
cursor
container
laptop
port
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
B
(to) attach
(to) manipulate
lightweight
versatile
wearable
the same (as)
(to) provide
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
(to) support
flexible
portable
(to) connect
(to) control
light
similar (to)
7. Replace the underlined word by the synonym from ex .6.
1) The PC is known for its flexibility and ability to control data.
2) The most flexible type of computer is the digital computer.
3) The system unit is a container that houses most of the electronic components.
4) A portable computer was designed for hands-free operator.
5) Computer keyboard is almost the same as typewriter keyboard.
6) Tablet computer monitor is connected to the system unit.
7) Input and output devices are controlled by the system unit through serial ports.
8) Another input device includes a mouse which controls a cursor on the computer screen.
8. Translate, mind the suffixes.
A. Powerful, easily, sensitive, assistant, simultaneous, personal, user, vertical, portable, available.
B.
to connect – connector – connectivity – connection
to recognize – recognition – recognized
to use – user – used – useful – useless
9. Translate into Russian.
USB ports, wearable computer, multiple users, electrical outlets, memory card, special digital pen, voice
recognition, voice recognition software, wireless technology, hands-free operation.
10. Choose the right word. Translate the sentences.
1) Some microcomputers, particularly older ones, do not have much … .
a) screen
b) memory
c) network
2) Most of today’s operating systems … virtual memory.
a) support
b) accept
c) perform
3) Mainframe computers and … are found in a variety of business and engineering environments.
a) monitors
b) hardware
c) workstations
4) The Pentium processor is the most powerful processor Intel … for the personal computers.
a) offers
b) executes
c) prints
5) Supercomputers are designed for extremely high-speed processing of huge … of data.
a) buses
b) amounts
c) outlets
6) The smaller the size of the … the better the quality of images displayed.
a) case
b) pointer
c) screen
7) … computer monitor does not have a keyboard integrated into the system unit.
a) mainframe b) tablet
c) desktop
8) ... voice recognition systems are widely used by doctors, lawyers and others to record dictation.
a) processing b) displaying c) portable
9) The size of the Pentium data … has not changed much from the previous line of microprocessors.
a) server
b) bus
c) pad
15
10) Computers are … classified into one of four categories, based on seven factors.
a) easily
b) generally
c) simultaneously
11. Translate, mind the comparison.
A.
as good as, less money, more quality than, more powerful than, less powerful, less powerful than, more easily,
faster, the more memory the faster, the best.
B.
1) PDAs are cheaper than laptops but laptops are more powerful.
2) The most suitable computers for home use are desktop PCs.
3) A flat-panel monitor is slimmer.
4) A PDA is more manageable than a laptop.
5) You can type more easily with a separate keyboard.
6) Here we have the latest model of our range of high-speed computers. It’s our fastest type.
7) A mainframe computer is more powerful than a PC.
8) A mainframe is larger and more expensive than a microcomputer.
9) Laptops are as powerful as desktop PCs.
10) A laptop is likely to be more expensive than the equivalent desktop, but a laptop is more practical if you travel a
lot.
11) Some companies have as many computers as employees.
12) Learning to use a computer is not as difficult as learning to program.
C.
1) The more memory your computer has, the more data it can store.
2) The bigger your computer system, the less time you spend waiting.
3) The more memory you have, the faster you’ll be able to load your files.
12. Revise the functions of the verb “to have”
1.
смысловой глагол
(to) have + noun => иметь (что-либо)
обладать
He has a lot of gadgets at home.
2.
V + -ed
вспомогательные глагол
на русский язык не переводится
(to) have + V3
3rdform
He has bought a new iphone this week
3.
модальный глагол
(to) have + to V => следует, необходимо
You have to surf the Net to find this info.
13. Translate, mind the function of the verb “to have”.
1) A desktop PC has its own processing unit, a monitor and a keyboard.
2) The use of PCs has grown tremendously during the last 20 years.
3) Read-only- memory chips have programs built into them at the factory.
4) Since computers cannot recognize information the same way we do, people have to follow instructions and to
process data using letters, numbers and characters.
5) In this chapter we have discussed various pieces of hardware.
6) Coprocessors have been designed to improve specific computing operations.
16
7) While the size may vary, each type of system unit has the same basic components.
8) To learn more about a leading manufacturer of microprocessors you’ll have to visit our Web site.
9) Output typically has the form of text, graphics, photo, audio and/or video.
14. Translate, mind the Perfect tense forms.
1) The designer has just signed these documents and left the office.
2) The integrated circuits developed have greatly reduced computers in size.
3) The scientists have already finished the research and made the analysis of the data obtained.
4) These Websites are designed to connect people who have known one another but have lost touch.
5) A new effective approach has been the development of spam blocker.
6) The computer has pervaded (проникать в) most fields of human activity.
7) Robots have provided security and assistance in homes and offices.
8) Each advance in technology has resulted in a new generation of computers.
9) After the Germans had invented magnetic tapes they used them as the secondary storage medium.
15. Read the text and name the different types of computers.
Text I
FROM MAINFRAME TO WEARABLE COMPUTERS
The differences among computer systems are important for you to know about, because computers come in a
variety of sizes and shapes and with a variety of processing capabilities. Computers are generally classified based on
seven factors:
 type of CPU;
 amount of main memory the CPU can use;
 storage capacity;
 speed of output devices;
 processing speed;
 number of users that can access the computer at one time;
 cost.
A mainframe is a most powerful type of computer. It can process and store large amounts of data. It supports
multiple users at the same time and can support more simultaneous processes than a PC. The central system is a large
server connected to hundreds of terminals over a network. Mainframes are used for large-scale3 computing purposes
in banks, big companies and universities.
A desktop PC has its own processing unit (or CPU), monitor and keyboard. It is used as a personal computer in
the home or as a workstation for group work. Typical examples are the IBM PC and the Apple Macintosh. It is
designed to be placed on your desk. Some models have a vertical case called a tower.
A laptop (also called a notebook PC) is a lightweight computer that you can transport easily. It can work as fast
as a desktop PC, with similar processors, memory capacity, and disk drives, but it is portable and has a smaller screen.
Modern notebooks have a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) screen that produces very sharp images. Instead of a mouse,
they have a touchpad built into the keyboard – a sensitive pad that you can touch to move the pointer on the screen.
They offer a lot of connectivity options: USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports for connecting peripherals, slots for
memory cards, etc. They come with battery packs, which let you use the computer when there are no electrical outlets
available.
A tablet PC looks like a book, with an LCD screen on which you can write using a special digital pen. You can
fold4 and rotate the screen 180 degrees. Your handwriting can be recognized and converted into editable text. You
can also type at the detached keyboard or use voice recognition. It is mobile and versatile.
A personal digital assistant or PDA is a tiny computer which can be held in one hand. The term PDA refers to a
wide variety of hand-held devices, palmtops and pocket PCs. For input, you type at a small keyboard or use a stylus
– a special pen used with a touch screen to select items, draw pictures, etc. Some PDAs recognize spoken words by
using voice recognition software. They can be used as mobile phones or as personal organizers for storing notes,
reminders and addresses. They also let you access the Internet via wireless technology, without cables.
3
4
large-scale – крупномасштабный
fold – складывать вдвое, сгибать, перегибать
17
A wearable computer runs on batteries and is worn on the user’s body, e.g. on a belt, backpack or vest; it is
designed for mobile or hands-free operation. Some devices are equipped with wireless modem, a small keyboard and
a screen; others are voice-activated and can access email or voice mail.
16. Answer the questions.
1) Why is it important for you to know the differences among computer systems?
2) What factors is the classification of modern computers based on?
3) Which types of computers are described in the text?
4) What is the difference between a laptop computer and a notebook? Why are they called so?
17. Read and complete this interview with an IT manager. Use the information of the text above (paragraph 6).
Interviewer:
What are the basic functions of a PDA?
Manager:
Well, a typical PDA is a (1) … device that runs on batteries and combines computing, phone and
Net capabilities.
Interviewer:
And how do you enter information?
Manager:
For input, you use a (2) … or pen to write and make selections on a (3) … …; they also have
buttons for launching programs. Some models have a small keyboard. They may have a (4) … …
system that reacts to the user’s voice.
Interviewer:
Do they need special software?
Manager:
Yes, most of them run on Windows Mobile. Palmtops supported by Palm Inc. use Palm OS. Penbased systems include (5) … …, so you write on the screen and the computer recognizes your
handwriting and inserts the appropriate letters.
Interviewer:
What sort of things can you do with a PDA?
Manager:
You can store personal information, take notes, draw diagrams and make calculations. Many
PDAs can access the Net via (6) … technology.
18. Practice reading with your partner.
19. Name two benefits and two limitations of PDAs.
20. ♫5 Listen to an extract from an ICT class. As you listen, label the pictures (a-e).
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
a)
5
Laptop
Desktop PC
PDA
Mainframe
Tablet PC
b)
c)
Infotech. English for computer users (Audio CD), track 3.
18
d)
e)
21. ♫ Listen again and decide whether these sentences are true or false. Correct the false ones.
1) A mainframe computer is less powerful than a PC.
2) A mainframe is used by large organizations that need to process enormous amounts of data.
3) The most suitable computers for home use are desktop PCs.
4) A laptop is nor portable
5) Laptops are not as powerful as desktop PCs.
6) Using a stylus you can write directly onto the screen of a tablet PC.
7) A personal Digital Assistant is small enough to fit into the palm of your hand.
8) A PDA does not allow you to surf the Web.
9) Mainframe computers are used by businessmen and executives.
10) Handheld computers are bigger than laptops.
22. Describe the functions of these devices: PDA, supercomputer, mainframe computer.
23. Which type of computer do these descriptions refer to?
1) a hand-held computer which can be used as a telephone, a web explorer and a personal organizer
2) a typical computer found in many businesses and popular home use
3) a large computer used for intensive data processing and often linked to many terminals
4) a small computer that fits into items of clothing
5) a portable computer that can be closed up like a briefcase, but it can be as powerful as a desktop PC
6) a full-function PC, though it only weighs 1.2 kg – you can go to a meeting and write your notes on it, like a
paper notepad; its screen mode can be changed from portrait to landscape
24. Match the possible users below to each type of computer from ex.22
1) marketing research person collecting data from the general public;
2) large company processing payroll data;
3) travelling salesperson giving marketing presentations;
4) large scientific organization processing work on nuclear research;
5) businessperson keeping track of appointments while travelling;
6) graphic designer;
7) secretary doing general office work.
25. Answer the questions.
1) How, in your opinion, were the computer systems developed? What were the first (the latest) computers
developed?
2) What are the most popular computers used at home? For business? In offices?
3) What is your favorite gadget? Why?
4) What will computers of the future look like?
26. Speak about computer in your life.
27. Complete the dialogue. Use the phrases below. Practise reading the dialogue.
a. But you might have called us at least!
b. Look, there he’s coming!
c. I’m ready to pay for a taxi so we could get in time for the open-air gig6.
6
gig – концерт (джазовой или рок музыки)
19
d. I’ve just bought an E-book and have been downloading some novels from the Net.
e. I’m going to have to present my diploma work next week
Adam:
Jesus B! You look really exhausted today! Let me guess… Have you been playing interactive games
or watching videos all the night through?
Brian:
Are you kidding? … … … (1) so I have been writing the report on my research, making a lot of charts
and graphs and then printing them out to have a hard copy.
Adam:
Sorry, old man! I do know what it’s like to stay late hours. Recently I’ve got to design a new Website
for my company. I’ve made and edited a lot of photos and texts for my boss and then sent hundreds of
e-mails and faxes to different offices.
Brian:
Well, we surely deserve 7some fresh air and entertainment! But where is C? Late as usual? I bet he’s
been chatting In Contact with one of his girlfriends! We should call him or …
Adam:
No, no, B, don’t go crazy! There’s still time. … … … (2).
Charlie:
Hi, guys! I know I’m late, but it’s because of my new gadget. … … … (3).
Adam:
We’ve been waiting for you for a quarter of an hour. … … … (4).
Charlie:
Okay, okay! I’m really sorry and … … … (5).
28. Translate in writing.
Variant 1
A wide variety of computers are used today, but they can be broadly classified as special-purpose and generalpurpose computers. Special-purpose computers accept only certain types of input and present a narrow range of
outputs. The most common type of general-purpose computers is the microcomputer. Microcomputers are the logical
choice of computer studies today because they are capable of performing so many tasks that are relevant to modern
workplaces, schools and homes.
The computing cycle includes four kinds of hardware device: there must be input, processing, output, and storage
devices. To be capable of performing useful work, a computer also needs two kinds of software.
Variant 2
The most common kind of general-purpose computer in use today is the personal computer or microcomputer. It
gets the name microcomputer from the tiny electronic device, called the microprocessor that does the actual
processing. The use of personal computers has grown greatly during the last ten years. Only a few million personal
computers were in use in 1980. Now there are more than hundred million in this country alone.
Microcomputers form the most common of the four classes of general-purpose computers; the other three classes
are minicomputers, mainframe computers and supercomputers. Microcomputers are the smallest and are generally
designed for a single user. Minicomputers, mainframe computers and supercomputers all use processors built from
a large number of components.
Variant 3
There are four types of computers: supercomputers, mainframe computers, minicomputers and microcomputers.
Supercomputers are the most powerful type of computer. These machines are special high-capacity computers used
by very large organizations. IBM’s Blue Gene is considered by many to be the fastest computer in the world.
Mainframe computers occupy specially wired, air-conditioned rooms. Although not nearly as powerful as
supercomputers, mainframe computers are capable of great processing speeds and data storage. For example,
insurance companies8 use mainframes to process information about millions of people. Minicomputers, also known
as midrange computers, are refrigerator-sized machines. Medium-size companies or departments of large companies
typically use them for specific purposes. For example, they are used to monitor certain manufacturing processes and
assembly-line operations. Microcomputers are the least powerful, yet the most widely used and fastest-growing type
of computers. There are four types of microcomputers: desktop, notebook, tablet PC and handheld computers.
Desktop computers are small enough to fit on top of a desk yet are too big to carry around. Notebook computers, also
known as laptop computers, are portable, lightweight, and fit into most briefcases. A tablet PC is a type of notebook
computer that accepts your handwriting. Handheld computers are the smallest and are designed to fit into the palm
of one hand. Personal digital assistants (PDAs) are the most widely used hand-held computers.
7
8
deserve – заслуживать, быть достойным (ч - либо)
insurance company – страховая компания
20
UNIT III
HARDWARE
1. Discuss the questions.
1) What is computer hardware?
2) What mechanical/electrical parts of a computer system do you know?
3) What are the most popular input/output devices?
4) What are they used for?
2. Read and memorize the words.
1) affect (v) – влиять (на…), воздействовать (на …)
2) apply (v) – использовать, применять, подавать
3) application (n) – применение
4) board (n) – плата
5) cause (v) – заставлять (что-либо делать)
6) circuit [‘sə:kɪt] (n) – схема, цепь
integrated ~ = IC – интегральная схема, ИС
7) clock (n) – часы, синхронизатор, генератор тактовых импульсов
~ speed – тактовая скорость
8) execute (v) – выполнять
9) expand [iks’pǽnd] (v) – расширять, увеличивать в объеме
10) expansion (n) – расширение, увеличение
~ slot – гнездо для расширительных модулей
11) measure [‘meʒə(r)](v) – измерять
12) memory (n) – память, запоминающее устройство, ЗУ
main ~ – основная память
random-access ~ – память с произвольной выборкой, ЗУ с произвольной выборкой,
оперативное запоминающее устройство, ОЗУ
read-only ~ – постоянная память, постоянное ЗУ, ПЗУ
dual-in-line ~ module – модуль памяти двойной емкости, модуль памяти с
двухрядным расположением выводов
~ capacity – объем памяти
13) performance (n) – производительность, быстродействие, рабочая характеристика
14) register (n) – регистр
instruction ~ – регистр команд
15) silicon (n) – кремний
16) the rest of – остальные, другие
17) routing (n) – маршрутизация
18) transfer – (n) пересылка, переход, передача (данных)
(v) пересылать, передавать
19) turn on (v) – включать
turn off (v) – выключать
20) volatile (adj) – энергозависимый; непостоянный, изменчивый
3. Memorize the following abbreviations. Translate.
RAM = random access memory
ROM = read only memory
BIOS = basic input/output system
DIMM = dual-in-line memory module
CPU = central processing unit
4. Find the Russian equivalents.
A. board – плата, панель
1.
circuit ~
2.
mother ~
3.
~ slot
CU = control unit
ALU = arithmetic logic unit
PC = program controller
IR = instruction register
a. материнская плата
b. гнездо в панели
c. монтажная плата,
печатная плата
21
B. bus – шина
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
~ slot
~ transfer
~ width
control ~
general-purpose ~
C. hard – жесткий; постоянный
1. ~ copy
2. ~ error
3. ~ disk = hard disk drive
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
шина общего назначения
управляющая шина, шина управления
гнездо шины
передача по шине
разрядность шины
a. жесткий диск, винчестер
b. печатная копия документа, распечатка
c. постоянная (систематическая) ошибка
5. Translate into Russian.
A.
inside a PC system, within the computer system, at fixed intervals, inside your system, through the processor, in
the user’s program, without a hard copy;
B.
1) Data moves between the CPU and RAM. 2) Data flows from ROM to the CPU. 3) Data is transmitted along the
data bus. 4) The address is put onto the address bus. 5) The hard disk drive is inside a sealed (зд. изолированный)
case. 6) All programs and data pass through the processor. 7) At first the program is loaded into the main memory.
8) To turn on the computer, press the “Start” button. 9) Switch off your computer, and unplug it from the wall socket.
10) He tried to hack into the system without knowing the password. 11) Turn the computer off and on again. It often
works.
6. Match the words of the same meaning
1) property
_h_
a) flexible
2) volatile
___
b) divide into
3) fall into
___
c) interpret
4) floppy
___
d) switch on/off
5) translate
___
e) extend
6) transfer
___
f) changeable
7) turn on/ off ___
g) transport
8) case
___
h) feature
9) expand
___
i) cartridge
7.
1)
2)
3)
4)
Replace the Russian words. Use exercises 2 and 6.
Microcomputers typically include a hard disk and one or two (гибкий) disk drives.
Many of these devices are tiny silicon chips called (интегральные схемы).
(Плата) that contains the CPU is known as the system (плата) or (материнская плата).
Input devices are hardware used to (преобразовывать) words, sounds and actions that people understand into a
form that the system unit can process.
5) Keyboards (делятся на) a wide variety of different designs.
6) Floppy disks were often used to store and (передавать) data from one computer to another.
7) The microprocessor is contained within a protective (корпус).
8) RAM is called temporary or (непостоянный) storage because the information is lost as soon as the
microcomputer is (выключен).
9) Word processing is the most universal of all microcomputer (применения).
10) Word processors vary in specific (свойства) and working styles.
11) Memory (объем) or amount of RAM is expressed in bytes.
12) There are three commonly used units to (измерять) memory capacity: megabyte, gigabyte, terabyte.
8. Complete the sentences below with suitable relative pronouns.
WHO
WHICH
THAT
Model:
The teacher who/that is responsible for the computer center has just arrived.
The microprocessor is a chip which/that processes the information provided by the software.
22
1) A co-processor is an extra processor chip … does calculations at high speed.
2) The microprocessor coordinates the activities … take place in the computer system.
3) Last night I met someone … works for GSM as a computer programmer.
4) A palmtop is a computer … is small enough to be held in the palm of one hand.
5) A megahertz is a unit of frequency … is used to measure processor speed.
6) Here’s the DVD … you lent me.
7) Core 2 Duo is a new Intel processor … contains about 291 million transistors.
8) A webmaster is a person … designs, develops and maintains a website.
9) I met my old friend … works for Apple as a software engineer.
10) The main circuit board … you have inside your system is called the motherboard.
11) A blogger is a person … keeps a web log (blog) or publishes an online diary.
9. Change Active into Passive (the Simple Tenses).
Model:
Computer accepts data in a certain form.
Data is accepted by a computer in a certain form.
1)
2)
3)
4)
A program tells the computer what to do.
Many companies produce IBM-compatible computers.
In 1946 scientists and engineers at the University of Pennsylvania built the first digital computer.
Computer scientists will develop computer system that will simulate human senses, thought processes and
actions.
5) You can send data to a printer to make a paper copy.
10. Choose the correct verb form (Present Perfect, Active vs. Passive).
1) In addition to microprocessor chips, a great amount of specialized processing chips (have developed/ have been
developed) recently.
2) Many colleges and universities (have provided/ have been provided) smart cards to their students for
identification.
3) Many cars (have provided/ have been provided) with more than 70 processors to control nearly everything from
fuel to tracking systems.
4) Output devices translate information that (has processed/ has been processed) by the system unit into a form that
humans can understand.
5) Computer developers (have built/ have been built) programs into ROM chips.
6) Secondary storage holds data and programs even after electrical power to the computer system (has turned/ has
been turned) off.
7) Each generation of computers (has marked/ has been marked) by a significant advance in technology.
8) Graphics coprocessor (has designed/ has been designed) to handle the processing requirements related to 3-D
images.
9) The rapidly developing Internet and World Wide Web (have enabled/ have been enabled) both computer
professionals and home users to communicate across the globe.
11. Put the verbs in brackets into the correct form. Mind Active and Passive voice.
1) Softcopy output … on a monitor but you can hold hardcopy output in your hand (to display).
2) Software is the term which … to describe the instructions that tell the hardware how to perform a task (to use).
3) The computer … to the telephone line via a modem. (to connect).
4) An image on TV or computer screen … of thousands of pixels (to make up).
5) Laptops … by batteries (to power).
6) The computer … by a fan (to cool).
7) The printer … to the computer via a USB cable (to connect).
8) A modem … telephone communications into a form that can …by a computer (to modify, to process).
9) S.Jobs … the company Apple because he … of the apple as a perfect fruit. (to call, to think).
12. Give the 3-rd form of the following verbs.
to apply, to turn, to hold, to call, to fall, to transfer, to send, to become
23
13. Revise the functions of Participle II
V + -ed
Participle II = V3
b) Fortunately, spam-blocking software has become
available.
… программное обеспечение стало доступным
2.
a) Stored data can be used directly as input for the unit.
Сохраняемая информация…
b) We are aware of potential physical and mental health risks
associated with using technology.
…риски, связанные с ...
3.
a) These systems can be updated, if (when) needed.
… если (когда) потребуется,
… при необходимости
b) As mentioned above, people are the most important part
of an information system.
Как упоминалось…,
(to) be + P II
(to) have + P II
определение
a) The microprocessor is contained within a protective
cartridge.
Микропроцессор помещается внутри…
P II + Noun
обстоятельство
1.
часть сказуемого
3rdform
if / when + P II
Noun + P II
as + P II
14. Translate into Russian, mind Participle II.
A.
built into a single chip, called an integrated circuit, used to store and control data, to execute the functions
specified, measured in gigahertz, processed by a computer;
B.
is loaded; was processed; will be performed; has been measured; are sent; have transferred; were specified;
C.
when measured; if attached; when specified properly, if executed in time; if transferred quickly.
D.
1) The CPU performs operations on data according to the instruction specified by a computer.
2) The processor also called a CPU is the brain of your computer.
3) It is built into a small piece of silicon called an integrated circuit.
4) The high-speed units of memory used to store and control data are referred to as registers.
5) To measure and synchronize the flow of data signals are sent out at fixed intervals by a system clock.
6) When attached, your modem will modify telephone communication into a form that can be processed by a
computer.
7) If turned off accidentally, memory contents of the computer is typically lost.
8) This information, if transferred quickly, will help take the right decision.
24
15. Study the models and translate the following sentences:
Model 1:
as + adjective + as
My computer is as new as his.
Мой компьютер такой же новый, как и его.
1) Mainframe computers can occupy as much space as a whole room.
2) The loss of valuable (ценный) data may be as stressful as the loss of the equipment itself.
3) As tiny as your purse (кошелек) a personal digital assistant can be held in the palm of your hand.
Model 2:
1)
2)
3)
4)
not so/ as + adjective + as
My computer is not so/ as new as his.
Мой компьютер не такой новый, как его.
Desktop PCs are not so popular among the students as laptop or tablet computers.
Although not as powerful as supercomputers, mainframes are capable of developing great processing speed and
they have great data storage.
Minicomputers are not as large as mainframe computers, they are refrigerator-sized machines.
Learning to use a computer is not as difficult as learning to program.
16. Translate into Russian.
like – как, подобно
unlike – в отличие от
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Keyboards and mice are peripheral devices like monitors and printers.
Unlike floppy disks, hard disks have a much greater capacity.
Unlike RAM chips, ROM chips are not volatile and cannot be changed by the user.
A bus is like electronic pathway which carries signals between computer devices.
A computer virus is like a virus in the human body. It can do a lot of damage.
Text 1
MICROCOMPUTER HARDWARE
17. Read the text and find the definitions to the following terms:
System unit –
Input/ Output devices –
Secondary storage –
Modem –
Hardware for a microcomputer system consists of a variety of different devices. This physical equipment falls
into four basic categories: system unit, input/ output, secondary storage, and communication. Here we will present
just a quick overview of the four basic categories.
The system unit is a container that houses most of the electronic components that make up a computer system.
Two important components of the system unit are the microprocessor and memory. The microprocessor controls and
manipulates data to produce information. Many times the microprocessor is contained within a protective cartridge.
Memory, also known as primary storage or random access memory (RAM), holds data and program instructions for
processing the data. It also holds the processed information before it is output. Memory is sometimes referred to as
temporary storage because its contents will typically be lost if the electrical power to the computer is disrupted.
Input devices translate data and programs that human can understand into a form that the computer can process.
The most common input devices are the keyboard and the mouse. Output devices translate the processed information
from the computer into a form that human can understand. The most common output devices are monitors and
printers.
Unlike memory, secondary storage holds data and programs even after electrical power to the computer has been
turned off. The most important kinds of secondary media are floppy, hard and optical disks. Floppy disks are often
used to store and transport data from one computer to another. They are called floppy because data is stored on a
very thin flexible, or floppy, plastic disk. Hard disks are typically used to store programs and very large data files.
Using a rigid metallic platter, hard disks have a much greater capacity and are able to access information much faster
than floppy disks. Optical disks use laser technology and have the greatest capacity. Three types of optical disks are
compact disks (CDs), digital versatile (or video) disks (DVDs), and high-definition (hi-def) disks.
25
At one time, it was uncommon for a computer system to communicate with other computer systems. Now, using
communication devices, a microcomputer can communicate with other computer located as near as the next office
or as far away as halfway round the world using the Internet. The most widely used communication device is a
modem, which modifies telephone communication into a form that can be processed by a computer. Modems also
modify computer output into a form that can be transmitted across standard telephone lines.
18. Find in the text the English equivalents of the following Russian word combinations:
только быстрый обзор; контейнер, который вмещает; защитная кассета; иногда называют; содержание, как
правило, будет потеряно; питание компьютера нарушается; используя надежную металлическую основу;
одно время; на другом конце света
19. Answer the questions.
1) What are the basic components of computer hardware?
2) What elements does the system unit consist of?
3) What function does the microprocessor perform?
4) What is the function of memory or RAM?
5) Why is memory referred to as temporary storage?
6) What are the most common input/ output devices?
7) What is the difference between floppy and hard disks?
8) What disks have the greatest capacity?
9) What types of optical disks are mentioned in the text?
10) How can a microcomputer communicate with other computer systems?
20. Read the following false statements and correct them. Begin with:
I don’t think so because ...
I cannot agree with this because ...
To my mind ...
According to the text ...
That’s not right because... etc.
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
A mainframe was designed to be placed on your desk and to be used as a personal computer in the home.
The first-generation computers were really very small and could be carried around by a single person.
Any computer system consists of two parts: hardware and system unit.
Peripherals are the “brain” of the computer.
Primary storage or random access memory is non-volatile and holds instructions for processing the data.
The microprocessor enables data to go into the computer’s memory.
Floppy disks, hard disks and optical disks are the most common output devices.
Input devices are software used to translate words, sounds, images and actions that people understand into a form
that the system unit can process.
21. ♫9Listening “A PC System”.
A. Match the words and word combinations.
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
9
enable
sections
make up of
for example
attached to
switch on
switch off
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
i)
components
consist of
parts
allow
contain
for instance
turn on
turn off
connected with/to
Infotech. English for computer users (Audio CD), track 4.
26
B. Complete this diagram of a PC system.
PC system
(1)_________
(2)_________
Programs,
e.g. graphics package,
web browser
Mechanical and
Electronic equipment
(3)_________
Main memory
(4)_________
The brain of the
computer
(5)_________
Physical units
attached to the
computer
(6)_________
Output devices
(7)_________
Keyboard
(8)_________
(9)_________
Printer
(10)_________
DVD drive
Flash drive
ROM
C. Listen and check your answers.
D. Describe the diagram using classifying expressions.
Peripherals include …
Input devices:
 mouse

keyboard

camera
Output devices:
 monitor

Storage media:
 magnetic, e.g. hard drive
printer

optical, e.g. DVD

flash memory, e.g. pen drive
22. Complete the following sentences.
1) Computer hardware consists of four … such as …
2) The system unit is composed of …
3) The function of the microprocessor is to …
4) Memory or primary storage holds …
5) The most common input/output devices are …
6) They are used to …
7) Unlike RAM, secondary storage holds data and programs …
8) A permanent storage of data and programs is provided by …
9) Using laser technology optical disks have …
10) A computer system can communicate … using…
23. Make up a summary of the text “Microcomputer Hardware”. Use exercise 21 as a plan. You may begin with:
I’m going to speak about …
I’d like to mention some facts about…
I want to present a quick overview of …
I’d like to dwell on … etc.
27
Text 2
WHAT IS INSIDE A PC SYSTEM?
24. Read the text and answer the questions.
1) What are the main parts of the CPU?
2) What does ALU stand for? What does it do?
3) What are the registers used for?
4) What is the function of the system clock?
5) How is clock speed measured?
The nerve center of a PC is the processor, also called the CPU. This is built into a single chip which executes
program instructions and coordinates the activities that take place within the computer system. The chip itself is a
small piece of silicon with a complex electrical circuit called an integrated circuit.
The processor consists of three main parts:
 The control unit examines the instructions in the user’s program, interprets each instruction and causes the
circuits and the rest of the components – monitor, disk drives, etc. – to execute the functions specified.
 The arithmetic logic unit (ALU) performs mathematical calculations (+, -, etc.) and logical operations
(AND, OR, NOT).
 The registers are the high-speed units of memory used to store and control data. One of the registers (the
program controller, or PC) keeps track of the next instruction to be performed in the main memory. The other
(the instruction register or IR) holds the instruction that is being executed.
The power and performance of a computer is partly determined by the speed of its processor. A system clock
sends out signals at fixed intervals to measure and synchronize the flow of data. Clock speed is measured in gigahertz
(GHz).
25. Match the sentences.
1) The CPU processes data and …
2) The control unit is the part of the CPU that …
3) The arithmetic and logic unit is able to make …
a) coordinates the other parts of the computer.
b) calculations: add, subtract, multiply and divide.
c) controls the way instructions are executed.
26. Complete the sentences.
A. In a microcomputer system, the (1) …, or processor is contained in a (2) … called the microprocessor. It is the
(3) … of the computer system. It has two basic components: the (4) … and the arithmetic and logic unit.
1) “brain”
2) single chip
3) central processing unit
4) control unit
B. The control unit tells (1) … how to carry out a (2) … . It directs the movement of (3) … between memory, which
temporarily holds (4) …, and the arithmetic-logic unit. It also directs these control signals between the CPU and
input and output (5) … .
1) devices
2) data, instructions and processed information
3) program’s instruction
4) electronic signals
5) the rest of the computer system
Text 3
RAM AND ROM. BUSES AND CARDS
27. Read the text and find the words and word combinations
A.
B.
of the same meaning:
must be transferred into
operates a program
to manipulate communication with
the capacity of RAM
all at a time
can be extended by
to plug in extension cards
of the opposite meaning:
must be extracted from the memory
turned on
constant
main devices
how slow
outside your system
the rear side
The programs and data which pass through the processor must be loaded into the main memory in order to be
processed. Therefore, when the user runs a program, the CPU looks for it on the hard disk and transfers a copy into
28
the RAM (random access memory) chips. RAM is volatile – that is, its information is lost when the computer is
turned off. However, ROM (read only memory) is non-volatile, containing instructions and routings for the basic
operations of the CPU. The BIOS (basic input/output system) uses ROM to control communication with peripherals.
The amount of RAM determines the number of programs you can run simultaneously and how fast they operate.
RAM capacity can be expanded by adding extra chips, usually contained in small circuit boards called dual-in-line
memory modules (DIMMs).
The main circuit board inside your system is called the motherboard and contains the processor, the memory
chips, expansion slots, and controllers for peripherals, connected by buses – electrical channels which allow devices
inside the computer to communicate with each other. For example, the front side bus carries all data that passes from
the CPU to other devices.
The size of a bus, called bus width, determines how much data can be transmitted. The larger the width, the more
data can travel along the bus. For example, a 64-bit bus can transmit 64 bits of data. Expansion slots allow users to
install expansion cards, adding features like sound, memory and network capabilities.
28. Answer the questions.
1) What type of memory is temporary?
2) What type of memory is permanent and includes instructions needed by the CPU?
3) How can RAM be increased?
4) What term is used to name the main printed circuit board?
5) What is a bus?
6) What is the benefit of having expansion slots?
29. Complete the following sentences with prepositions.
1) The CPU is a large chip … the computer.
2) Data always flows … the CPU … the address bus.
3) The CPU can be divided … three parts.
4) Data travels … the CPU and memory.
5) Peripherals are devices … the computer but linked … it.
6) The CPU puts the address … the address bus.
7) Don’t switch … without closing down your PC.
8) To process data it must be loaded … the main memory.
30. Speak about ROM and RAM. Match the sentences.
The RAM and ROM constitute the main memory.
RAM … (1) …
ROM … (2) …
1) It is a part of the main memory.
2) It has programs built into it at the factory.
1) It stores information temporarily while you are working.
2) The user cannot change the contents of its chip.
3) It holds the program and data the CPU is presently processing.
4) The CPU can read or retrieve the programs on the chips but cannot write or change information.
5) It requires a continuous power supply to retain information.
6) This chip typically contains special instructions for detailed computer operations.
7) Its contents will be lost if electrical power is disrupted or the computer is turned off.
8) It stores programs that boot (запускать, загружать) the computer.
Text 4
INTERACTING WITH YOUR COMPUTER
31. Read the description of input devices and then label the pictures (1-8) with words from the text.
Input devices are the pieces of hardware which allow us to enter information into the computer. The most
common are the keyboard and the mouse. We can also interact with a computer by using one of these: a light pen, a
scanner, a trackball, a graphics tablet, a game controller or a microphone. Nowadays we also have a joystick, a digital
camera and a webcam, a touch screen and a touchpad.
29
32. ♫10 Listening “Describing input devices”.
A. Listen to a computer technician describing three input devices. Write the name of each device he’s
talking about.
1 __________ 2 __________ 3 __________
B. ♫ Listen again and complete these extracts.
1) This device is … … … enter information into the computer.
2) … it may also … … … function keys and editing keys … … … special purposes.
3) This is a device … … … the cursor and selecting items on the screen.
4) It usually … … … two buttons and a wheel.
5) … the user … … … activate icons or select items and text.
6) It … … … detecting light from the computer screen and is used by pointing it directly at the screen
display.
7) It … … … the user … … … answer multiple-choice questions and …
33. Look at the list of devices below. Which device would you use for these tasks?
1) scanner
a) to store data and programs
2) monitor
b) to type text into a computer
3) ink-jet printer
c) to read price labels in a shop
4) hard disk
d) to click on hypertext links on Web Pages
5) barcode
e) to show data on the screen
reader
6) graphics
f) to enter drawings and sketches into a computer
tablet
7) DVD drive
g) to play computer games
8) microphone
h) to copy images from paper into a computer
9) keyboard
i) to capture moving pictures and input them into a PC
10) joystick
11) mouse
34. Read and practice the dialogue.
Assistant:
Caller:
Assistant:
Caller:
10
Computer support. May I help you?
computer support –
Yes, well. I’m having a problem with my new computer.
служба технической
What sort of trouble?
поддержки
I was typing a business letter, and all of a sudden the words just went
away.
Infotech. English for computer users (Audio CD), track 7
30
Assistant:
Caller:
Assistant:
Caller:
Assistant:
Caller:
Assistant:
Caller:
Assistant:
Caller:
Assistant:
Caller:
Assistant:
Caller:
Assistant:
Caller:
Assistant:
Caller:
Assistant:
Caller:
Assistant:
Caller:
Assistant:
Caller:
Assistant:
Caller:
Assistant:
Caller:
Assistant:
Caller:
Assistant:
Caller:
Assistant:
Caller:
Assistant:
Caller:
Assistant:
Caller:
Assistant:
Went away?
They disappeared.
Hmm. So what does your screen look like now?
Nothing.
Nothing?
It’s blank.
Can you move your cursor around the screen?
There isn’t any cursor. The screen is blank!
Does your monitor have a power indicator?
What is a monitor?
The thing with the screen on it that looks like a TV. Does it have a little
light that tells you when it’s on?
I don’t know.
Well, look at the back of the monitor and find where the power cord goes
into it. Can you see that?
Yes, I think so.
Great. Follow the cord to the plug and tell me if it’s plugged in properly.
Yes, it is.
When you were behind the monitor, did you notice that there were two
cables plugged into the back of it? Not just one?
No.
Well, there are. I need you to look again and find the other cable.
OK. I’ve found the cable.
Follow it and tell me if it’s plugged properly into the back of your
computer.
I can’t reach.
Well, can you see if it is?
No.
Even if you put your knee on something and lean over?
Oh, it’s not because I don’t have the right angle – it’s because it’s dark.
Dark?
Yes. the office light is off, and the only light I have is coming from the
window.
Well, turn on the office light then.
I can’t.
No? Why not?
Because there’s a power failure.
A power … A power failure? Aha. Okay. We’ve got it sorted out now.
Do you still have the boxes your computer came in?
Well, yes.
Good. Get them, unplug your computer and pack it. Then take it back to
the shop you bought it from.
Really? Is it that bad?
Yes. I’m afraid it is.
Well, all right then. What should I tell them?
Tell them you’re too stupid to own a computer!!!
blank – пустой
power
indicator
индикатор питания
–
cord – шнур
plug – вилка
(to) plug in – включать
в сеть, вставлять вилку
в розетку
properly – как следует,
правильно
(to) reach – дотягиваться
(to) lean over –
наклониться
angle – угол, ракурс
power failure – отключение электричества,
перебой в питании
(to)
sort
out
–
разобраться,
понять
(проблему)
(to) own
владеть
–
иметь,
35. Translate in writing.
Variant 1
The system unit houses the processing devices, electronic circuits, and other components. Many of these
devices are tiny silicon chips, also known as semiconductors or integrated circuits. These chips include the
CPU, RAM (random access memory), and ROM (read-only memory).They are plugged into sockets on a
printed circuit board. The board that contains the CPU is known as the system board (or motherboard). It
provides several expansion slots that allow users to add memory and expansion boards for input and output
devices (peripheral devices) such as mice, monitors, modem and scanners.
31
Read-only memory (ROM) contains the computer’s built-in instructions. The computer can read but not
alter the contents. Random access memory (RAM) allows the manipulation of data; if the program is ended
or the power turned off before the changes have been saved, all new material is lost.
Variant 2
Output is processed data or information. Output typically takes the form of text, graphics, photos, audio,
and/or video. For example, when you create a presentation using a presentation graphics program, you
typically input text and graphics. You also could include photographs and even add voice narration. The
output would be the completed presentation.
Output devices are any hardware used to provide or to create output. They translate information that has
been processed by the system unit into a form that humans can understand. There are a wide range of output
devices. The most widely used are monitors, printers, and audio-output devices.
Variant 3
Voice recognition systems use a microphone, a sound card, and special software. These systems allow
users to operate computers and to create documents using voice commands. Portable voice recognition
systems are widely used by doctors, lawyers, and others to record dictation. These devices are able to record
for several hours before connecting to a computer system to edit, store, and print the dictated information.
Some systems are even able to translate dictation from one language to another, such as from English to
Japanese.
Variant 4
The most frequently used output device is the monitor. Also known as display screens, monitors present
visual images of text and graphics. The output is often referred to as soft copy. Monitors vary in size, shape
and cost. Until recently, the most common type of monitor for the office and the home was the cathode-ray
tube (CRT). CRTs are similar in size and technology to television. Their primary advantages are low cost
and excellent resolution (разрешение). Their primary disadvantage is that they are bulky and occupy a
considerable amount of space on the desktop. Flat-panel monitors are much thinner and require less power
to operate than CRTs. As a result, flat-panel monitors are rapidly replacing CRTs. Almost all of today’s
flat-panel monitors are LCDs (liquid crystal display).
Variant 5
In this chapter we’ve described the various pieces of hardware – the physical devices of a computer
system that are used to input, process and output data. Input devices, which range from keyboards and
touch-sensitive screen to mice and light pens, translate the information into a series of on and off electrical
signals. These signals, called bits, are combined in specific series to represent letters, numbers, and
symbols. Each series of 8 bits is called a byte.
Processing is controlled by the central processing unit (CPU), which consists of a control unit that the
transfer of data and an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) that performs mathematical and logical calculations.
32
UNIT IV
STORAGE DEVICES
1.
1)
2)
3)
Discuss the questions.
What do we call devices used to store data?
What do these devices store data for?
What are the most popular storage devices?
2. Read and memorize the words.
1) access time – время доступа
2) available (adj) – доступный, имеющийся в распоряжении
3) average (adj. – средний (о величине)
4) format – (v) форматировать, размечать
(n) формат (диска), разметка
5) read/write head – головка чтения-записи
6) spin (the disk) (v) – запускать, вращать
7) store (v) – накапливать, хранить
8) storage (n) – запоминающее устройство, память. накопитель
9) transfer – (v) пересылать, передавать, перемещать (данные, информацию)
(n) пересылка, передача, перемещение (данных, информации)
10) transfer rate – скорость передачи (данных)
3.
Translate.
(to) note the track number
(to) note the sector number
(to) format a disk
preformatted disk
(to) spin the disk
(to) measure in milliseconds
divided into a number of sectors
several megabytes per second
some megabytes per second
average time
average speed
at average speed
at high speed
available devices
information available
4. Translate, mind the conversion.
A. this transfer; it transfers; its transfer; these transfers; can transfer; fast transfer; transfer rate; they transfer; they
transferred; are transferred; is transferred; can be transferred; the transferred data;
B. a format; it formats; these formats; its format; it’s a format; is formatted; will format; a standard format;
formatted by ….
5. Choose the translation.
1) Data stored in primary storage can easily be lost or destroyed if the electric power is turned off.
a) хранятся
b) хранящиеся
c) при хранении
2) Most data is stored in secondary storage.
a) хранятся
b) хранящиеся
c) если хранить
3) The floppy disk surface is divided into eight or nine sectors.
a) поделенный, разделенный b) делится
c) при разделении/ если разделять
4) Magnetic tape is still employed in older computer systems for storing large amounts of data at low cost.
a) используемый
b) используется
c) если использовалась
5) In magnetic disks electronic read/write heads move over the spinning disks and read or write data on concentric
circles called tracks.
a) называемая
b) называемые
c) называются
6) When formatted the disk is prepared for use.
a) форматировал
b) форматированный c) когда диск отформатирован
7) If required a portable hard drive is used for secondary storage.
a) требуемый, нужный
b) если требуется
33
c) требуется, нужно
8) Additional RAM has been added to these computer systems.
a) добавленная
b) добавлена
с) при добавлении
9) As mentioned previously, communication is the most popular Internet activity.
a) упомянутая
b) упоминал
c) как упоминалось
10) When provided with a connection to the Internet, you can use a browser program to search the Web.
a) обеспеченный
b) обеспечили
c) при обеспечении
11) Recently manufacturers have produced a new USB version.
a) при создании
b) произвели /создали
с) производимый/ создаваемый
6.
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
Translate the sentences.
New disks are formatted before you can use them, unless they come preformatted from the manufacturer.
The average time required for the read/write heads to move and find data is called seek time or access time.
Transfer rate is the average speed required to transmit data from the disk to the CPU, measured in megabytes
per second.
Electronic communication has become a standard way to stay in touch with one another.
The smaller the monitor size the better the quality of images displayed.
Every computer user has experienced computer viruses.
Optical discs are not affected by magnetic fields.
7. Revise the functions of V-ing forms.
V- ing
8.
1)
2)
3)
Participle I
Gerund
(to be) + using
N + using
when + using
while + using
using
after using
by using
without using
1. Часть сказуемого
Times are changing and technology is changing
too.
… меняются … меняется…
1. Подлежащее
Communicating via Skype is very convenient.
Связь / связываться …
2. Определение
Some of the fast-growing career opportunities are in
information technology.
… быстро растущие …
2. Определение
New forms of learning have been developed for
people who are homebound.
… обучения …
3. Обстоятельство
(When) using a word processor, you typically use a
keyboard to enter text and a mouse to give
commands.
При использовании / используя …
3. Обстоятельство
You can join a social network by connecting to a
site and by providing info about your age, gender,
name of high school, etc.
…присоединяясь… предоставляя…
Translate the following sentences. Mind the V-ing forms.
Wireless home networks are becoming very popular now.
Looking for travel or entertainment information most people use the Internet.
Many people have personal wearable computers and make use of them to read e-mail while travelling or
waiting in lines (очереди).
4) Two competing formats will replace DVD as the standard for watching movies at home.
34
5) Don’t move your computer while the hard drive is spinning.
6) We create documents using a word processing program.
7) A network is a communication system connecting two or more computers.
8) Putting thought-provoking questions develops the ability to think critically.
9) Communicating via Skype is very cheap.
10) Optical discs are not affected by magnetic fields, meaning that they are secure and stable.
11) These devices have replaced the floppy disk for transporting data and information between computers.
12) My computer's running slowly.
13) Expansion slots allow users to install expansion cards, adding features like sound, memory and network
capabilities.
14) Processing is controlled by the central processing unit.
15) Using and understanding information technology means being computer competent.
Text 1
MAGNETIC STORAGE
9.
1)
2)
3)
Read the text and answer the questions.
What magnetic storage devices are mentioned in the text?
How can the stored information be found in the computer?
What is the difference between “access time” and “transfer rate”?
Magnetic devices store data magnetically. There are basically three types of magnetic storage device available
to the computer user – hard drive, diskettes and tapes. A disk drive spins the disk at high speed and reads its data or
writes new data onto it.
When you format a disk, or prepare it for use, its surface is divided into concentric circles called tracks. Each
track is further divided into a number of sectors. The computer remembers where information is stored by noting the
track and sector numbers in a directory. The average time required for the read/write heads to move and find data is
called access time; it is measured in milliseconds (ms). Don’t confuse “access time” with “transfer rate”, the rate of
transmission of data from the disk to the CPU (e.g.15 megabytes per second).
10. Check yourself, if you remember the following words and word combinations.
access time
floppy disk drive
transfer rate
backup
hard disk
Magnetic storage
sectors
portable hard drive
tracks
11. Complete these sentences with the given words. See ex. 10.
1) The first rule of data storage is to make a … of all important files.
2) A … is slower than a hard drive and can only hold 1.44 MB files.
3) The … inside your PC is made of aluminium alloy (сплав) covered with a magnetic coating. This makes the
disk itself a rigid plate, hence its name.
4) The … are circles around a disk and the … are segments within each circle.
5) This hard drive is a 60 GB IBM model with a fast … of 8 ms.
6) The … is the rate of transmission of data from the disk to the CPU. This is usually described in megabytes per
second.
7) Apple’s iPod music player can double as a … for transporting computer data.
12. Read and memorize the words.
1) archive (v) – помещать в архив, архивировать
2) backup (n) – резервная копия, резервный экземпляр
3) convenient (adj) – удобный
4) FireWire – последовательная высокоскоростная шина (разработанная компанией Apple)
5) floppy disk – гибкий диск
6) secondary storage – внешняя память
7) sequential-access – последовательный доступ
8) tape drive – запоминающее устройство на магнитной ленте, накопитель на магнитной ленте
35
13. Read the information about magnetic storage devices and find the following:
1) the name of the hard drive on a PC platform
2) the type of hard drive that plugs into a socket at the back of a computer
3) the system that works in sequential format
4) the size and storage capacity of a floppy disk
1. A 3.5” floppy drive and diskette
A floppy disk drive uses 3.5” disks, which can
store 1.44MB of data; it is usually called A:
drive and is relatively slow. Floppy drives are
becoming increasingly rare.
2. The inside of a hard drive
Most PCs have one internal hard drive,
usually called C: drive. It is used to
store the operating system, the
programs and the user’s files in a
convenient way. A hard drive can hold
hundreds of gigabytes of data.
3. A convenient external hard drive
External hard drives are connected to
the USB or FireWire port of the
computer. They can be as small as a
wallet but can have as much capacity
as internal drives; they are typically
used for backup or as secondary
storage.
4. Magnetic tapes and drive
A tape drive reads and writes data on tapes. It
is sequential-access – i.e. to get to a particular
point on the tape it must go through all the
preceding points. Tapes can hold hundreds of
gigabytes of data and are used for data
collection, backup and archiving. You may
use it to transport data between computers.
14. Complete these sentences with the words.
capacity
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
storage
archiving
hold
secondary
There are basically three types of magnetic … devices available to the computer user – hard drive, diskettes and
tapes.
The … of a 3.5” floppy disk is only 1.44MB.
Hard drives can … hundreds of time more data than floppy disks.
A portable hard drive is a good choice for … storage.
Magnetic tapes are used for … information that you no longer need to use regularly.
Text 2
OPTICAL STORAGE
15. Read and memorize the following abbreviations.
CD – compact disc – компакт-диск
DVD – digital versatile disc – цифровой универсальный диск1)
ROM – read only memory – (предназначенный) только для чтения2)
R – recordable – с дозаписью3)
RW – rewritable – с многократной записью
HD – high definition – высокое разрешение
Note:
1. Данное название было утверждено в 1999 году официальной организацией по стандартизации DVD. До этого
аббревиатура DVD расшифровывалась как Digital Video Disc (цифровой видео диск), что многих вводило в
заблуждение – ведь на DVD можно записать не только видео, но и данные.
2. Используется в коммерческих целях. С завода идет CD-ROM и DVD-ROM.
36
3.
Используется в домашних целях. Мы можем купить в магазине CD-R и DVD-R.
16. Read and explain the following abbreviation:
CD-R, CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD+R, DVD-RW HD-DVD
17. Find the Russian equivalents.
1) occupy
2) mean
3) damage
4) accept
5) change
6) duplicate
7) erase
8) replace
a) значить
b) менять
c) стирать
d) повреждать, портить
e) принимать
f) замещать
g) копировать
h) занимать
18. Translate the sentences, mind linking words.
therefore – поэтому; следовательно
furthermore – к тому же; кроме того; более того
however – однако; тем не менее; несмотря на (э)то
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
whereas – тогда как; несмотря на то, что
in addition (to) – вдобавок; в дополнение к; кроме того
although – хотя; несмотря на то, что
They are therefore ideal for multimedia applications.
Furthermore optical discs are not affected by magnetic fields.
However, they are very different in internal structure and data capacity.
In addition, a DVD can be double-sided.
As a result, a CD holds up to 650-700 MB of data, whereas a basic DVD can store 4.7 GB of data.
Although the size may vary, each type of system unit has the same basic system components.
19. Choose the correct word.
1) (Although/ Therefore) CDs and DVDs are similar in size and shape, their data structure is very different.
2) A Blu-ray disc drive costs a lot of money (but/so) you should use it carefully.
3) Blu-ray is expected to replace DVD over the coming years (because/besides) it offers much greater storage
capacity.
4) Blu-ray (and/ in addition to) HD-DVD devices are backward-compatible with current CDs and DVDs, meaning
you can play your old discs on the new players.
5) Sony has invested millions of dollars in the development of Blu-ray technology. The success of Blu-ray is
(whereas/ therefore) vital for the company’s future.
20. Read the text and find the following:
advantages and disadvantages of optical discs over magnetic disks;
the main advantage of using DVDs instead of CDs;
the storage capacity of a double-sided, dual layer DVD;
where the Blue-ray format gets its name from.
Optical discs1) can store data at much higher densities than magnetic disks1). They are therefore ideal for
multimedia applications where images, animation and sound occupy a lot of disc space. Furthermore, as optical drives
use a laser to read and write data optical discs are not affected by magnetic fields, meaning that they are secure and
stable, and can be transported through airport metal detector without damaging the data. However, optical drives are
slower than hard drives.
At first sight, a DVD is similar to a CD. Both discs are 120 mm in diameter and 1.2 mm thick. They also both use
a laser beam to read data. However, they are very different in internal structure and data capacity. A CD can hold up
to 650-700 MB of data, whereas a basic DVD can store 4.7 GB of data, movies, etc. In addition, a DVD can be
double-sided and dual layer, with a capacity of 17 GB.
Modern DVD recorders accept all CD and DVD formats.
CDs come in three different formats:
* CD-ROMs (read only memory) are “read-only” units, so you cannot change data stored on them
37
(e.g. a dictionary or a game).
* CD-R (recordable) discs are write-once devices which let you duplicate CDs.
* CD-RW (rewritable) discs enable you to write onto them in multiple sessions, like a hard disk.
DVDs also come in several formats:
* DVD-ROM (read only memory)
* DVD-R or DVD+R (recordable only once)
* DVD-RW or DVD+RW (rewritable, so it can be erased and reused many times).
DVDs will probably replace CDs.
HD-DVD and Blu-ray discs two competing formats are expected to replace current DVD as the standard for
watching movies at home. On one side are Toshiba, Microsoft and the DVD Forum, who support the High DefinitionDVD (HD-DVD). Sony, Panasonic, Samsung, JVC and many movie studios are behind the Blu-ray format. A bluray disc has a capacity of 25 GB (single layer), 50 GB (dual layer) and 100 GB (four layer). Unlike DVDs, which
use a red laser to read and write data, Blu-ray uses a blu-violet laser, hence its name. Blu-ray discs can record and
play back high-definition television and digital audio, as well as computer data.
Note: 1) disc (optical media); disk (magnetic storage media)
21. Decide whether these sentences true or false. Correct the false ones.
1) A DVD is an optical digital disc that can be used for video, audio and data storage.
2) The dimensions of a CD and a DVD are the same: 1.3 mm thick and 13 cm in diameter.
3) The data on a DVD is read with a laser beam.
4) A basic DVD can hold 3.7 gigabytes.
5) DVD-Video discs can hold full-length movies.
22. Read text A and complete this product description with words from text A.
Text A
Product description
Portable DVD players let you watch movies or TV,
play games and listen to music, wherever you are.
They usually run on batteries, have a widescreen
(rectangular 16:9 format) LCD and support multiformat playback, allowing you access to many file
formats including DVD video, JPEG pictures, MP3
music, etc. They have two built-in stereo speakers, or
headphones if you don’t want to disturb other people.
The Panasonic DVD-LS91 is a top-of-the-range (1)…,
which provides pure entertainment wherever you go. It
has a big 9 inch built-in (2) … LCD, so you can really
enjoy movies. The built-in stereo speaker allows you to
listen alone, or if you want to listen alone, just plug in a
pair of (3) … This portable machine provides (4) … - …
…, so you can play DVD Audio/Video, CD-R/RW, DVDRAM, DivX and MP3 files. Its compact design features a
built-in rechargeable 6 hour battery pack.
23. ♫11 Listening: CDs and DVDs.
A. Discuss these questions.
1) What do CD and DVD stand for?
2) What’s the main advantage of using DVDs instead of CDs?
B. Do you remember these expressions? Translate into Russian.
Optical disc, laser beam, backward- compatible
C. Paul wants to buy some blank discs. Listen to his conversation with the sales assistant and check your
answers to A.
D. Listen again and decide whether these sentences are true or false. Correct the false ones.
1) A DVD is an optical digital disc that can be used for video, audio and data storage.
2) The dimensions of a CD and DVD are the same: 13 mm thick and 13 cm in diameter.
3) The data on DVD is read with a laser beam.
4) A basic DVD can hold 3.7 gigabytes.
5) You need a hard drive to read DVD.
6) DVD-video discs can hold full-length movies.
7) A DVD Writer is not compatible with old CD-ROMs.
11
Infotech. English for computer users (Audio CD), track 15
38
Text 3
REMOVABLE FLASH MEMORY
24. Read the text and find the words with the following meanings.
 permanent, able to hold data without power
 able to be rewritten many times
Flash memory is solid-state12, rewritable memory; it is non-volatile. It can be electronically erased and
reprogrammed. Its name was invented by Toshiba to express how much faster it could be erased – “in a flash”, which
means “very quickly”. This explains its popularity in small devices.
Unlike RAM, which is volatile, flash memory retains13 the information stored in the chip when the power is
turned off. This makes it ideal for use in digital cameras, laptops, network switches, video game cards, mobile phones
and portable multimedia players. In addition, it offers fast read access times (although not as fast as RAM), with
transfer rates of 12MB per second. Unlike ROM chips, flash memory chips are rewritable, so you can update
programs via software.
Flash memory cards such as Compact Flash or Secure Digital are found in cameras, PDAs and music players.
Flash drives, also known as thumb or pen drives, are connected to a USB port of the computer. They let save and
transfer data easily.
25. Answer the questions.
1) What is flash memory?
2) Explain the origin of the name “flash memory”.
3) How can you explain popularity of flash memory in small devices?
4) What are the differences between RAM memory and flash memory?
5) What memory media are used in cameras, PDAs and music players?
6) Where are flash drives connected to?
26. Match the terms with their definitions.
1) Flash memory
a) the memory without moving parts; it is erasable, non-volatile and used in
cards
small devices.
2) Flash drive
b) the type of cards used in digital cameras.
3) Flash memory
c) the type of drive that plugs into USB port and lets you share photos and music
with friends.
27. Use suitable expressions to complete these sentences.
… are classified into X types/categories
… can be divided into X types/categories
There are ... types ...
… include(s) …
… consist(s) of …
… is made up of …
… is composed of …
1) Storage media …. often … … : magnetic, optical and flash memory.
2) Magnetic storage … tape cartridges, floppies and hard disks.
3) A hard disk … several disks and their read-write heads.
4) Optical storage media … CDs, DVDs and high-definition video discs, which … two competing formats: HD-DVD and
Blue-ray.
5) … two basic … flash memory: flash memory cards used in digital cameras and USB flash drives, also called pen drives.
28. Which do you think is the best solution for each problem? More than one solution is possible for some of
problems. Model: 1 - b
1) I want to make a copy of a music CD.
a) You need an external hard drive.
2) I want to store some files. I may need to update them in
b) Use a CD-R.
the future.
12
13
solid-state – полупроводниковый
retain = store
39
3) I want to back up data from my computer. I want to update
it every day.
4) My computer's having problems with reading and writing
CDs.
5) I want to add 100MB of extra storage to my computer.
6) I want to send a copy of a small file to a friend. He has an
old computer.
7) My computer's running slowly.
c) Try a USB flash drive.
d) Perhaps you need a new internal CD drive.
e) Put them on a CD-RW.
f) Perhaps you need to defragment the hard drive.
g) You could put it on a floppy disk.
29. Translate in writing.
Variant 1
How to Protect Your Hard Drive
 Don’t hit or move the computer while the hard drive is spinning. Hard drives are very sensitive to vibration and
shocks, especially when they are operating; when the read/write head touches the rotating disk, it can scratch and
damage the disk surface. This is known as head crash.
 You shouldn’t turn your computer off and on quickly. Wait at least ten seconds to ensure that the drive has
stopped spinning.
 Check your hard drive regularly for logical and physical errors. To check and repair a drive, you can use a disk
diagnosis utility like Windows ScanDisk.
 To minimize the risk of data loss or corruption, you should install an up-to-date virus scanner. You should also
back up your hard drive regularly.
Variant 2
Microcomputers typically include a hard disk (HD) and one or two floppy disk drives. The hard disk provides
greater storage space and speed than a floppy disk (FD) provides. It is usually sealed within the unit and contains the
operating system and whatever programs and data you choose to write on it. Because hard disks can malfunction
(crash), it is advisable to back up their data onto floppy disks to be stored outside the system. Other storage devices
include optical discs, where the data has been burned onto the disc by means of a laser, and interactive video.
Variant 3
Solid-state storage
Each of the secondary storage devices discussed thus far has moving parts. For example, hard disks rotate and
read/write heads move in and out. Unlike these devices, solid-state storage devices have no moving parts. Data and
information are stored and retrieved electronically directly from these devices much as they would be from
conventional computer memory. While this type of storage is more expensive than the others, it is more reliable and
requires less power. For these reasons, this technology is becoming widely used.
Flash memory cards are credit card-sized storage devices widely used in notebook computers. Flash memory
also is used in a variety of specialized devices to capture and transfer data to desktop computers. For example, flash
memory is used to store images captured from digital cameras and then to transfer the images to desktop and other
computer. Flash memory is used in digital media players like the iPod to store and play music and video files.
USB drives are so compact that they can be transported on a key ring or a necklace. These drives conveniently
connect directly to a computer’s USB port to transfer files and have typical capacity of 2 GB. Due to their convenient
size and large capacities, key chain hard drive devices have replaced the floppy disk for transporting data and
information between computers and a variety of specialty devices.
Variant 4
Internet hard drives
Special service sites on the Web provide users with storage. This storage is called an Internet hard drive.
Advantages of Internet hard drive compared to other types of secondary storage include low cost and the flexibility
to access information from any location using the Internet. Because all information must travel across the Internet,
however, access speed is slower. Another consideration is that users are dependent on the availability and security
procedures of the service site, because of these limitations, internet hard drives are typically used as a specialized
secondary storage device and not for storing highly personalized or sensitive information.
Typically, Internet hard drive sites focus on supplying their services either to businesses or to individuals. The
business-oriented sites provide faster access and greater security for a fee. The individual-oriented sites provide
limited storage for much lower cost. Some sites are free.
40
UNIT V
COMPUTER SOFTWARE
1.
4)
5)
6)
Discuss the questions.
What are the two main parts of a computer system?
What is the other name for computer software?
Can you use your computer without software? Why?
2. Read and memorize the words.
1) accomplish (v) – выполнять, осуществлять
2) application (n) – приложение, прикладная программа
3) authoring (n) – авторская разработка
4) browse (v) – 1) просмотреть, перейти, пролистывать; 2) просматривать
~ the Internet – просматривать интернет
5) browser (n) – 1) веб-обозреватель, обозреватель, навигатор, браузер;
2) программа ускоренного просмотра
6) database (n) – база данных, банк данных
7) enable (v) – позволять
8) establish (v) – устанавливать
9) icon (n) – иконка, пиктограмма, символ, ярлык
10) interact (v) – взаимодействовать
11) manage (v) – руководить, управлять
12) resource (n) – 1) ресурс, часть системы, устройства, сети; 2) (в Windows) элементы
интерфейса (меню, окна, диалоги, шрифты, курсоры, пиктограммы, строки и т.д.)
13) software (n) – программное обеспечение, программные средства
system ~ – системное программное обеспечение
application ~ – прикладное программное обеспечение, прикладные программы
14) spreadsheet (n) – (электронная) таблица
15) window (n) – окно, рамка программы на экране монитора
display ~ – окно на экране дисплея
graphics ~ – графическое окно (на экране дисплея)
help ~ – окно для справочной информации (выдаваемой по запросy компьютерного
пользователя)
3. Find the Russian equivalents.
1) operating system
2) user interface
3) device driver
4) utility
a)
b)
c)
d)
интерфейс пользователя, пользовательский интерфейс
драйвер устройства
сервисная программа, утилита
операционная система, ОС
4. Read and translate the following words and word combinations:
A. to interact, to manage, to coordinate, to establish, to focus, to provide, to communicate, to navigate, to explore;
B
to interact with application software
to interact with the computer hardware
to manage computer resources
C
management system
database management system
pc operation system
application software services
presentation graphics programs
D)
internal resources
computer resources
its own internal resources
to coordinate computer resources
to establish a user interface
today’s microcomputer users
end user software
5. Translate. Mind the suffixes.
primarily, directly, narrowly, commonly, typically
1) The user interacts primarily with application software.
2) The operation system communicates directly with the hardware.
3) Programs are more narrowly focused on specific disciplines.
41
4) These elements provide quick access to commonly used commands.
5) You typically interact through the graphical user interface.
6.
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
Replace the Russian words by the English equivalents from exercises 2 and 3.
End users use application (программное обеспечение) to accomplish specific tasks.
Every (операционная система) performs a variety of functions.
Users interact with application programs and computer hardware through (интерфейс пользователя).
Utilities perform specific tasks related to managing computer (ресурсы).
A (окно) is a rectangular area that can contain a document, program or message.
Operating system coordinates computer resources, provides an interface between users and computer and runs
(прикладные программы).
7) One of the functions of an operating system is to (управлять) resources.
8) There are hundreds of different (сервисные программы) designed to make computing easier.
9) (База данных) is a collection of related data.
10) Windows supplies hundreds of different (драйвера устройства) with its system software.
7. Choose the correct translation. Mind the V - ing forms.
1) Using a step-by-step procedure you are provided with instructions on how to use each application.
a) использование
b) используя
с) использующий
2) Using laser device optical discs store data at densities much greater than those of magnetic disks.
a) использование
b) используя
с) использующий
3) What is the main advantage of using DVDs instead of CDs?
a) использование
b) используя
с) использующий
4) Two different hi-def formats are competing to become the next optical disc standard. These versions are HD
DVD and Blue-Ray.
a) соревнование
b) соревновались
c) соревнуются
5) Optical discs are suitable for problems requiring enormous quantities of data to be stored compactly for easy
use.
a) требуется, нужно b) требующих
c) требуемый, нужный
6) The Blu-Ray format is the choice of six major motion picture studios including Twentieth Century Fox, and
Disney.
a) включая
b) включающих
c) включать
7) Managing the computer resources is an important function of the operating system.
a) управление
b) управляя
с) управляющий
8.
1)
2)
3)
4)
Translate the sentences. Mind V-ing forms.
With a TV tuner card you can watch your favourite TV program, while working.
Are you tired of unwanted e-mail in your InBox? Installing spam-blocking software can help!
The disc is read by an optical disc drive using a laser beam.
DVDs are used to store multimedia applications and movies using large amounts of graphics, video and audio
data.
5) When using a word processing program, you enter data in the form of numbers and letters and issue commands.
6) DVD drives read DVD discs by using blue laser light.
7) Applications range from recording video from camcorders to developing multimedia presentations that include
extensive graphics and video.
8) These two competing formats are expected to replace current DVD as the standard for watching movies at home.
9) The operating system starts running the user interface as soon as the PC is switched on.
10) We begin by focusing on the interaction between a user and a PC operation system.
11) Managing the computer’s resources is an important function of the operating system.
12) Each side of a DVD can have two layers giving an enormous storage.
13) Another function of the operating system is executing and providing services for application software.
42
9. Revise the functions of the Infinitive.
Infinitive
Active Voice
Passive Voice
V + ed
to V
to be +P II (V3)
3rd form
from the list
to use
to take
to be used
to be taken
1.
To process large amounts of data is one of the most important
functions of a computer.
Обработать большой объем данных это …
Обработка большого объема данных это …
Подлежащее
Что сделать?
Что?
2.
To switch on the computer press the button.
(Для того) чтобы включить компьютер …
Обстоятельство цели
Для чего?
С какой целью?
Data are processed (in order \ so as) to become useful information.
… чтобы стать полезной информацией.
3.
Information to be put into the computer should be coded into 1s and
0s.
… которую необходимо ввести в компьютер…
… которая будет введена в компьютер …
Определение
Какая?
4.
a)
One of the key functions of the operating system is to establish a
user interface.
… состоит в том, чтобы установить…
Часть сказуемого
a)
…состоит в том, чтобы
… заключается в том, чтобы…
b)
In order to join a social network you’ll have to provide some
personal information.
...придется (нужно) представить …
b)
Модальность
… придется …
… нужно…
… должно …
10. Translate into Russian. Mind the functions of the Infinitive.
1) To be a competent user you must understand the IT essentials such as software, hardware and data.
2) To be a competent user is to understand the IT essentials such as software, hardware and data.
3) To have enough RAM is important!
4) Floppy disks are often used to store and transfer data from one computer to another.
5) The communications technologies change the way to connect computer and networks.
6) Other factor to be taken into consideration is potential health risks associated with using technology.
7) You’ll have to get connected or to gain access to the Internet before you start using it.
8) You typically use a keyboard to enter text and a mouse to issue commands.
9) Handheld computers typically use battery power to operate.
10) To establish a user interface is one of the key functions of the operation system.
43
11. Translate the sentences, mind the model.
Model:
function + is + to + Infinitive  (задача) … заключается в том, чтобы …
role
… состоит в том, чтобы …
task
mission
1) An important function of the operating system is to manage the computer’s resources.
2) The role of operation system is to communicate directly with the hardware.
3) An additional role of OS is to provide services for application software.
4) Part of the work of mainframe operating system is to support multiple programs and users.
5) The task in most cases is to facilitate interconnection between a single user and a PC.
6) One of the most important functions of a computer is to process large amount of data quickly.
12. Change the sentences (2-6) of exercise 11 according to the model.
Model:
An important function of the operating system is to manage the computer’s resources.
Managing the computer’s resources is an important function of the operating system.
Text 1
BASIC SOFTWARE
13. Read the text and answer the questions.
1) What is software?
2) What are the two main types of software?
3) How many kinds of system software are there?
4) What is the difference between basic and specialized applications?
Software, as we mentioned, is another name of programs. Programs are the instructions that tell the computer
how to process data into the form you want. There are two major kinds of software: system software and application
software.
The user interacts primarily with application software. System software enables the application software to
interact with the computer hardware. System software is “background” software that helps the computer manage its
own internal resources.
System software is not a single program. Rather it is a collection of programs, including the following:
 Operating systems are programs that coordinate computer resources, such as the CPU, memory, disk drives
and printers. The role of operation system is to communicate directly with the hardware. One of the key
functions of the operation system is to establish a user interface. An additional role is to provide services for
application software. Windows XP, Windows Vista and the Mac OS X are three of best-known operating
systems for today’s microcomputer users.
 Utilities perform specific tasks related to managing computer resources.
 Device drivers are specialized programs designed to allow particular input or output devices to communicate
with the rest of the computer system.
 Language translators convert the programming instructions written by programmers into a language that
computers understand.
Application software might be described as end user software. These programs can be categorized as either
basic or specialized applications.
Basic applications are the kinds of programs you have to know to be considered computer competent. One of
these basic applications is a browser to navigate, explore, and find information on the Internet. The two most widely
used browsers are Microsoft’s Internet Explorer and Firefox.
Specialized applications include thousands of other programs that are more narrowly focused on specific
disciplines and occupations. Some of the best known are graphics, audio, video, multimedia, web authoring, and
artificial intelligence programs.
14. Find in the text the English equivalents of the following word combinations:
два основных вида; в первую очередь (прежде всего); фоновое (базовое) программное обеспечение; скорее
всего это набор (ряд); непосредственно с…; три наиболее известные; определенные задачи, связанные с …;
с остальной частью; можно отнести к …; чтобы считать себя; которые были сосредоточены на…
44
15. Read and translate paragraph 3.
16. Answer the questions.
1) What is an operating system?
2) What is the main function of an operating system?
3) What other roles of the system do you know?
4) What operating systems are mentioned in the text?
5) How many operating systems can you name? Make a list.
6) Which system software fulfils the functions of managing computer resources?
7) Are device drivers special equipment or programs?
8) To communicate with the rest of the computer system is the function of a language translator, isn’t it?
17. Complete the text below with the given words.
application software
operating system
software
system software
The set of program instructions that tell the computer what to do is known as (1) … . It can be classified into two
basic categories:
 the (2) … , which includes all the programs that control the basic functions of a computer (e.g. operating
system, programming software, device drivers and utilities.)
 the (3) … which comprises programs that let you do specific tasks. Typical applications include word
processing, data bases, educational programs, e-mail and voice games.
The (4) … is a set of programs that control the hardware and software resources of computer system. Typical
functions include handling input/ output operations, running programs and organizing files on disks.
18. Read the following false statements and correct them. Begin with:
I don’t think so because ...
I cannot agree with this because ...
To my mind ...
According to the text ...
That’s not right because... etc.
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
Hardware is a set of programs that tell the computer how to process data.
System software can be described as end-user software.
System software can be divided into basic applications and specialized applications.
Application software consists of operating systems, utilities, device drivers and language translators.
You can use your computer without an operating system.
Device drivers convert information instructions written by programmers into a language that computers
understand.
7) Utility works with operating system to allow communication between the device and the rest of the computer
system.
8) Basic applications are the programs that are used in specific disciplines and occupations.
19. Find the key sentences in each paragraph of text 1 and make up a summary of the text “Basic Software”.
Text 2
APPLICATION SOFTWARE. COMMON FEATURES
20. Read the text and answer the questions.
1) Is a user interface a portion of system or application software?
2) What function does a graphical user interface perform?
3) What does a mouse do?
4) How many windows can be opened at a time?
5) What part of a screen are the menu commands displayed at?
A user interface is the portion of the application that you work with. Most applications use a graphical user
interface (GUI) that displays graphical elements called icons to represent familiar objects and a mouse. The mouse
45
controls a pointer on the screen that is used to select items such as icons. Another feature is the use of windows to
display information. A window is simply a rectangular area that contains a document, program, or message. More
than one window can be opened and displayed on the computer screen at one time.
Most software programs have menus, dialog boxes, toolbars, and buttons. Menus present commands that are
typically displayed in a menu bar at the top of the screen. When one of the menu items is selected, an additional list
of menu options or a dialog box that provides additional information and requests user input may appear.
Toolbars typically are below the menu bar. They contain small graphic elements called buttons that provide
shortcuts for quick access to commonly used commands.
21. Match the following terms with their definitions:
1) user interface
a) … rectangular areas for displaying information and running programs.
2) icons
b) … provide information or request input.
3) pointer
c) Users interact with application programs and computer hardware through the …
4) windows
d) … provide a list of options or commands.
5) menus
e) … is controlled by a mouse and changes shape depending upon its current function.
6) dialog boxes
f) … is graphic representation for a program or function.
22. Render the text in Russian.
Text 3
OPERATING SYSTEMS
23. Read and translate. Mind the suffixes.
1) Manage, manager, managing;
2) Relate, relation, related, relating;
3) Interact, interaction, interactive, interactivity;
4) Perform, performance;
5) Process, processor, processing, processed;
6) Task, multitasking.
24. Translate the following word combinations:
computer resource, computer system performance, schedule jobs, user interface, character-based interface, word
processor, multitask ability.
25. Read the text and point out the three functions of an operating system.
An operating system is a collection of programs that handle many of the technical details related to using a
computer. In many ways, an operating system is the most important type of computer program. Without it your
computer would be useless. Every computer has an operating system and every operating system performs a variety
of functions. These functions can be classified into three groups:
 Managing resources. These programs coordinate all the computer's resources including memory, processing,
storage, and devices such as printers and monitors. They also monitor system performance, schedule jobs, provide
security, and start up the computer.
 Providing user interface. Users interact with application programs and computer hardware through a user
interface. Many older operating systems used a character-based interface in which users communicated with the
operating system through written commands. Almost all newer operating systems use a graphical user interface
(GUI). As we discussed, a graphical user interface uses graphical elements such as icons and windows.
 Running applications. These programs load and run applications such as word processors and spreadsheets.
Most operating systems support multitasking, or the ability to switch between different applications stored in
memory. With multitasking, you could have Word and Excel running at the same time and switch easily between
the two applications.
26. Answer the questions.
1) Why is an operating system the most important type of computer program?
2) How many functions does an operating system perform? What are they?
3) What are the computer resources?
4) What interface did older operating systems use?
5) What graphical elements does a graphical user interface use?
6) What ability does multitasking provide?
27. Complete the text below with the given words and word combinations.
1) You typically interact with the … through the graphical user interface.
2) A place called the desktop provides access to …
46
a) computer resources
b) hard disk
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
Operating systems have several features in common with …
Most operating systems … in a system of files and folders.
Computer files and folders are stored on secondary storage device such as your …
… are used to store data and programs.
Related files are stored within a …
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
folder
operating system
files
application programs
store data and programs
28. Speak about basic applications, use the information below.
… is / are used to…
… can also be used for…
People use … to…
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Type
Browser
Word Processor
Spreadsheet
Database management system
Presentation graphics
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
Description
… connect to Web sites and display Web pages
… prepare written documents
… analyze and summarize numerical data
… organize and manage data and information
… communicate a message or persuade other people
29. ♫ 14Listening “Windows Vista”.
A. Listen to the interview with a program developer and answer the questions.
1) Why is Windows so popular? Give two reasons.
2) Which Windows Vista edition is aimed at high-end PC users, gamers and multimedia professionals?
B. Listen again and complete the fact file.
Windows Vista editions
(1 )… is designed for users with basic needs, such as
email and internet access.
Home premium is for advanced home computing and
(2) …
The Business edition is ideal for (3) …
The Ultimate edition is the most complete.
Internet and security
Internet explorer is more reliable and secure.
The Security Center includes an (6) … program
called Windows Defender, and a firewall that
protects your computer from (7) …
Windows programs
The most popular is still (8) …, a suit that includes
the (9) …, Word; email program; the Excel
spreadsheet program; and the (10) … program,
Power Point.
Other features
The user interface has been redesigned with new
icons and a new (4) …
It offers support for the latest technologies, from
DVD creation to (5) …
30. Translate in writing
Variant 1
APPLICATION SOFTWARE
As we discussed, there are two kinds of software. System software works with end users, application
software, and computer hardware to handle the majority of technical details. Application software can be described
as end-user software and is used to accomplish a variety of tasks. Application software, in turn, can be divided into
two categories. One category, basic applications, is the focus of this chapter. These programs are widely used in
nearly every discipline and occupation. They include word processors, spreadsheets, database management systems,
and presentation graphics. The other category, specialized applications includes thousands of other programs that
are more narrowly focused on specific disciplines and occupations.
14
Infotech. English for computer users (Audio CD), track 17.
47
Variant 2
SYSTEM SOFTWARE
End users use application software to accomplish specific tasks. For example, we use word processors to create
brochures, letters, and reports. However, end users also use system software. System software works with end users,
application software, and computer hardware to handle the majority of technical details. For example, system
software controls where a word processing program is stored in memory, how commands are converted so that the
system unit can process them, and where a completed document or file is saved.
System software is not a single program. Rather it is a collection or a system of programs that handles hundreds
of technical details with little or no user intervention. System software consists of four types of programs:
 operating systems;
 utilities;
 device drivers;
 language translators.
Variant 3
DEVICE DRIVERS
Every device, such as a mouse or printer, that is connected to a computer system has a special program
associated with it. This program, called a device driver or simply a driver, works with the operating system to allow
communication between the device and the rest of the computer system. Each time the computer system is started,
the operating system loads all of the device drivers into memory.
Whenever a new device is added to a computer system, a new device driver must be installed before the device can
be used. Windows supplies hundreds of different device drivers with its system software. For many devices, the
appropriate drivers are automatically selected and installed when the device is first connected to the computer system.
For others, the device driver must be manually installed. Fortunately, Windows provides wizards (зд. уникальные
средства, возможности) to assist in this process.
Variant 4
UTILITIES
Ideally, microcomputers continuously run without problems. However, all kinds of things can happen – internal
hard disks can crash, computers can freeze up, operations can slow down, and so on. These events can make
computing very frustrating. That's where utilities come in. Utilities are specialized programs designed to make
computing easier. There are hundreds of different utility programs. The most essential are:
 Troubleshooting or diagnostic programs that recognize and correct problems, ideally before they become
serious.
 Antivirus programs that guard your computer system against viruses or other damaging programs that can
invade your computer system.
 Uninstall programs that allow you to safely and completely remove unneeded programs and related files
from your hard disk.
 Backup programs that make copies of files to be used in case the originals are lost or damaged.
 File compression programs that reduce the size of files so they require less storage space and can be sent
more efficiently over the Internet.
48
UNIT VI
PROGRAMMING AND COMPUTER LANGUAGES
1.
1)
2)
3)
Discuss the questions.
How do people communicate?
What is in your opinion the objective of a computer language?
What computer or programming languages do you study?
2. Read and memorize the words.
1) applet (n) – приложение, сетевое приложение, небольшая программа (e.g. Java applets)
2) communicate (v) – 1. сообщать, передавать; 2. связываться, общаться
3) create (v) – создавать
4) debug (v) – устранять, исправлять (ошибки)
5) debugging (n) – устранение неисправностей, ошибок
6) evaluate (v) – оценивать, давать оценку
7) flowchart (n) – блок-схема, диаграмма, технологическая схема,
8) follow (v) – следовать, выполнять
9) language (n) – язык
assembly ~ – ассемблер, язык ассемблера
high-level ~ – язык высокого уровня
low-level ~ – язык низкого уровня
programming ~ – язык программирования
10) objective (n) – цель
11) overcome (v) – преодолевать
12) particular (adj) – особый, особенный, отдельный; индивидуальный, частный
13) procedure (n) – процедура, образ действия
14) represent (v) – представлять
15) resemble (v) – напоминать
16) restrict (to) … (v) – ограничивать
3. Read and translate the following verbs:
understand, consist of, make up, design, develop, learn, change, watch, add, accomplish, type, specify, solve, modify,
process
4. Read and translate the following words and word combinations:
A
natural language
assembly language
symbolic language
low-level languages
human language
high-level languages
programming languages
B
C
D
for scientific and engineering
applications
for business applications
with visual applications
without voice applications
to accomplish the task
to create application program
to type words into a computer
to create applications
to develop voice applications
to use for … applications
to be used for scientific applications
mainly used for business applications
to follow instructions
to evaluate the efficiency
quite complex
quite easy to learn
quite close to human language
easier to modify
closer to the hardware
5. Read and translate. Mind the word order.
Problem-solving procedure, six-step procedure, program design technique, computer software developers, object
oriented programming, custom-made program, fifth-generation language.
49
6. Translate.
A
particular things, to concentrate on particular things, particular machines, to be restricted to particular machines;
B
1) Low-level languages are quite complex and restricted to particular machines.
2) The programmer concentrates on particular things (a piece of text, a graphic or a table, etc.).
7. Translate. Mind the suffixes and prefixes.
1) to communicate, communicate, communicates, communicator, to intercommunicate, communication,
intercommunication;
2) develop, develops, developed, undeveloped, developing, development, developer, software developers;
3) a program, to program, programmer, programmers, programming, programming languages; programmable
language.
8. Complete these sentences. Use the given words.
program(s)
1)
2)
3)
4)
programmers
programming
… is the process of writing a program using a computer language.
A computer … is a set of instructions that tells the computer how to do a specific task.
Most computer … make a plan of the program before they write it.
… written in a high-level language require compilation – that is, translation into machine code, the language
understood by the processor.
9.
1)
2)
3)
4)
Replace the Russian words by the English equivalents from exercise 2.
Every day you determine your (цели), that’s the problems you are trying to solve.
(Блок-схема) graphically represents the sequence of steps needed to solve a problem.
One program statement logically (следует за) another.
A (язык программирования) uses a collection of symbols, words, and phrases that instruct a computer to
perform specific operations.
5) Once the program has been coded, the next step is testing or (исправление) the program.
6) These languages are used to (создавать) Web. documents.
7) It’s important that you understand the six-step (процедура).
8) Programming languages are called high-level when they (напоминают, похожи на) the language humans use.
9) There are precise rules that must be followed to (связываться) with the computer.
10) Completed programs should be (оцениваться) for their efficiency and accuracy.
10. Match the words of the similar meaning.
1)
2)
3)
4)
A
(to) perform
(to) know
(to) produce
(to) finish
a)
b)
c)
d)
(to) complete
(to) accomplish
(to) be familiar (with)
(to) create
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
B
required
examined
exactly
mistake
method
11. Complete these sentences. Use the words from exercise 10.
1) We use word processors to … documents.
2) Programmers create software … for information systems.
3) Programming ... are of two types: syntax and logic.
4) Several … have been devised for finding and removing both types of errors.
5) Computer operators should … with this sort of documentation.
6) It’s necessary to ensure that current programs are operating error free, efficiently and …
7) After all syntax errors have been corrected, the program is … for logic errors.
8) Each object contains the data processing operations necessary … a task.
50
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
technique
needed
error
tested
accurately
12. Translate the sentences. Mind the Infinitive.
1) We use symbolic languages in order to communicate instructions to the computer.
2) Software developers designed high-level languages to make up the programs easier to write.
3) High-level languages also were designed to overcome the problem of intercommunication between different
types of computer.
4) Basic was widely used in the past because it was easy to learn.
5) Basic was widely used in the past because to learn it was easy.
6) Traditional systems development focuses on procedure to complete a specific objective.
7) To ensure that program operates correctly and effectively is essential!
8) The best way to create good programs is to write structured programs.
9) To make a syntax error is to violate the rules of a programming language.
13. Translate into Russian. Mind the non-finite forms of the verbs (to V, V-ed/V3, V-ing).
1) Changes are made to the program’s code as needed.
2) To see how programming works think about what a program is.
3) System programs are referred to as prewritten or packaged programs.
4) These features are designed to protect your privacy while surfing the Web.
5) Being a distraction and nuisance (раздражение) spam can also be dangerous.
6) You should record program objectives, desired outputs, needed inputs and required processing.
7) Writing the program is called coding.
8) The program is tested or debugged by looking for syntax and logic errors.
9) Computer professionals talk about levels or generations of programming languages ranging from “low” to
“high”.
10) Completed programs are periodically reviewed to evaluate their accuracy, efficiency and ease of use.
11) Traditional systems development is a step-by-step approach focusing on the procedures to complete a certain
objective.
12) Once the program has been coded, the next step is to test or debug the program.
14. Read the text and point out the steps necessary to write a computer program.
Text 1
PROGRAMS AND PROGRAMMING
What exactly is programming? Many people think of it as simply typing words into a computer. That
may be part of it, but that is certainly not all of it. Programming is actually a problem-solving procedure.
To see how programming works, think about what a program is. A program is a list of instructions for
the computer to follow to accomplish the task of processing data into information. The instructions are
made up of statements used in a programming language, such as BASIC, C, or Java.
You are already familiar with some types of programs.
As we discussed, application programs are widely used to accomplish a variety of different types of
tasks. For example, we use word processors to create documents and spreadsheets to analyze data. System
programs, on the other hand, focus on tasks necessary to keep the computer running smoothly. These can
be purchased and are referred to as prewritten or packaged programs. Programs also can be created or
custom-made.
Programming, also known as software development, is a six-step procedure for creating that list of
instructions. Only one of those steps consists of typing (keying) statements into a computer. The six steps
are as follows:
1. Program specification: The program's objectives, outputs, inputs, and processing requirements are
determined.
2. Program design: A solution is created using programming techniques such as top-down program
design, pseudocode, flowcharts, and logic structures.
3. Program code: The program is written or coded using a programming language.
4. Program test: The program is tested or debugged by looking for syntax and logic errors.
5. Program documentation: Documentation is an on-going process throughout the programming
process. This phase focuses on formalizing the written description and processes used in the
program.
51
6. Program maintenance: Completed programs are periodically reviewed to evaluate their accuracy,
efficiency, standardization, and ease of use. Changes are made to the program's code as needed.
In organizations, computer professionals known as software engineers or programmers use this six-step
procedure to create software required for information systems.
15. Find in the text the English equivalents of the following word combinations:
может быть частью; команды, которым компьютер следует; с другой стороны, гладко (т.е. без затруднений,
проблем или задержек); стандартная программа или программа прикладного пакета; созданы по заказу
клиента; список (перечень) команд; следует далее (перечислены ниже); проектирование сверху вниз;
обращает внимание на…; периодически просматривается.
16. Answer the questions.
1) What is a program?
2) What are the instructions made up of?
3) What is the difference between application programs and system programs?
4) What is a custom-made program?
5) What is the synonym for “programming”?
6) How many steps does software development consist of? What are they?
7) Who creates software?
17. Match the following definitions with their terms:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
A six-step procedure for creating programs
Graphic representations of the steps necessary to solve a
programming problem
The problems you are trying to solve
A process of testing and correcting errors in a program
A written description of the program and the procedures for
running it
It’s designed to ensure that the program operates correctly,
efficiently and effectively
People who create, test, update and repair programs
Planning a solution using structured programming technique
Writing a program using the logic structures developed
a)
b)
program documentation
flowcharts
c)
d)
e)
programmers
program maintenance
programming
f)
coding
g)
h)
i)
debugging
objectives
program design
18. Complete the text below with the given words.
errors
program
compiled
flowchart
documentation
debugging
language
To write a (1) … software engineers usually follow these steps:
First they try to understand the problem and define the purpose of the program.
Next they design a step-by-step plan of instructions. This usually takes the form of a (2) …, a diagram that uses
standardized symbols showing the logical relationship between the various parts of the program. These logical steps
are then translated into instructions written in a high-level computer (3) … (PASCAL, COBOL, C++, etc.). These
computer instructions are called the “source code”. The program is then (4) …, a process that converts the source
code into the machine code (binary code), the language that computer understands.
Testing programs are then run to detect (5) … in the program. Errors are known as “bugs”, and the process of
correcting these errors is called (6) “…”. Engineers must find the origin of each error, then write the correct
instruction, compile the program again, and conduct another series of tests. Debugging continues until the program
runs smoothly.
Finally, software developers write detailed (7) … for the users. Manuals tell us how to use programs like word
processors, databases or Web browsers.
52
19. Answer the questions.
1) What is a flowchart?
2) What type of languages is used by software developers when they write source code?
3) What is “debugging” a program?
20. ♫15 Listening “Steps in programming”
A. Listen to a software developer talking to a group of students on a training course about how a program is
written. Put the following steps into the correct order.
a. Write instructions in a programming language
b. Prepare documentation
c. Understand the problem and the solution
d. Make a flowchart of the program
e. Compile the program (to turn it into machine code)
f. Test and debug the program
B. Listen again and make detailed notes.
C. Describe the six steps of a program writing procedure. Use the information below and Figure 1.
A
Step one
Step two
Step …
Step …
Step …
Step …
B
is …
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
program code.
program test.
program documentation.
program maintenance.
program specification.
program design.
It …
includes …
consists of …
involves …
means …
Step 1.
Program
specification
Step 6.
Program
maintenance
Step 2.
Program design
Step 5.
Program
documentation
Step 3.
Program code
Step 4.
Program test
Figure 1. Software development
21. Make up a summary of the text “Programs and Programming” using exercises 16 and 20 as a plan.
15
Infotech. English for computer users (Audio CD), track 29.
53
Text 2
COMPUTER LANGUAGES
22. Read the text. Find out:
a) what these abbreviations stand for: ADD, SUB, MPY, BASIC;
b) what these dates refer to: 1954, 1959, 1960, 1971, 1980, 1995.
Unfortunately for us, computers can’t understand English or any other natural language. The only language they
can understand directly is machine code, which consists of 1s and 0s (binary code).
Machine code is too difficult to write. For this reason, we use symbolic language to communicate instructions to
the computer. For example, assembly languages use abbreviations as ADD, SUB, MPY to represent instructions.
The program is then translated into machine code by a piece of software called an assembler. Machine code and
assembly languages are called low-level languages because they are closer to the hardware. They are quite complex
and restricted to particular machines. To make up the programs easier to write, and to overcome the problem of
intercommunication between different types of computer, software developers designed high-level languages, which
are closer to human language. They use forms resembling English. Here are some examples:
 FORTRAN was developed by IBM in 1954 and is still used for scientific and engineering applications.
 COBOL (Common Business Oriented Language) was developed in 1959 and is mainly used for business
applications.
 BASIC (Beginner’s All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code) was developed in the 1960s and was widely
used in microcomputer programming because it was easy to learn. Visual BASIC is a modern version of the
old Basic language, used to build graphical elements such as buttons and windows in Windows programs.
 Pascal was created in 1971. It is used in universities to teach the fundamentals of programming.
 C was developed in the 1980s at AT&T. It is used to write system software, graphics and commercial
applications. C++ is a version of C which incorporates object-oriented programming: the programmer
concentrates on particular things (a piece of text, a graphic or a table, etc.) and gives each object functions
which can be altered1) without changing the entire program. For example, to add a new graphics format, the
programmer needs to rework just the graphics object. This makes programs easier to modify.
 Java was designed by Sun Microsystems in 1995 to run on the Web. Java applets are small programs that
provide animation and interactive features on web pages. They let you watch animated characters, and play
music and games.
Notes:
1) alter – менять, изменять
23. Answer the questions.
1) Do computers understand human languages?
2) What is the function of an assembler?
3) Which languages are closer to human language and use forms resembling English?
4) Why did software developers design high-level languages?
5) Which language is mainly used for business applications?
6) What version of C language is mentioned in the text? *What other version do you know?
7) Which language is used to teach programming techniques?
8) What language was designed to run on the Web?
24. Match the terms with their definitions.
1) machine code
a) basic language which consists of binary codes
2) assembly language b) programming languages such as C, Java or Visual BASIC
3) high-level language c) low-level language translated into machine code by an assembler
4) Java applet
d) small self-contained program written in Java
25. Which language is described? Use the text if necessary.
1) IBM developed … in the 1950s. It was the first high-level language in data processing.
2) … applets are small programs that are run automatically on web pages and let you watch animated characters,
play games, etc.
3) This language is widely used in the business community. For example, the statements ADD VAT to NET-PRICE
could be used in a … program.
4) … was developed by Microsoft in 1990 and enables programmers to create a variety of Windows applications.
54
26. Speak about any language mentioned in the text. Use the questions as a plan.
1) What’s the name of a language?
2) What company created it?
3) When was it developed?
4) Is the language still used?
5) What is it used for?
27. Read the information about widely used programming languages.
C
Widely used programming language, often associated with the UNIX operating system.
C++
Extends C to use objects or program modules that can be reused and interchanged between
programs.
C#
Extends C++ to include XML functionality and support for a new Microsoft initiative called
.NET.
Java
Primarily used for Internet applications, similar to C++, runs with a variety of operating systems.
JavaScript Embedded* into Web pages to provide dynamic and interactive content.
Visual
BASIC
Uses a very graphical interface making it easy to learn and to rapidly develop Windows and
other applications.
*Embedded – внедренный, встроенный
28. Translate in writing
Variant 1
Computer professionals talk about levels or generations of programming languages, ranging from “low” to “high”.
Programming languages are called lower level when they are closer to the language the computer itself uses. The
computer understands the 0s and 1s that make up bits and bytes. Programming languages are called higher level when
they are closer to the human language – that is, more like English.
There are five generations of programming languages:
 machine languages,
 assembly languages,
 procedural languages,
 problem-oriented languages,
 natural languages.
Variant 2
ASSEMBLY LANGUAGES:
THE SECOND GENERATION
Before a computer can process or run any program, the program must be converted or translated into machine
language. Assembly languages use abbreviations or mnemonics such as ADD that are automatically converted to
the appropriate sequence of 1s and 0s. Compared to machine languages, assembly languages are much easier for
humans to understand and to use.
Assembly languages also vary from computer to computer. With the third generation, we advance to high-level
languages, many of which are considered portable languages. That is, they can be run on more than one kind of
computer – they are "portable" from one machine to another.
Variant 3
HIGH-LEVEL PROCEDURAL LANGUAGES:
THE THIRD GENERATION
People are able to understand languages that are more like their own (e.g., English) than machine languages or
assembly languages. These more English-like programming languages are called "high-level" languages. However,
most people still require some training to use higher-level languages. This is particularly true of procedural languages.
55
Procedural languages, also known as 3GLs (third-generation languages), are designed to express the logic – the
procedures – that can solve general problems. Procedural languages, then, are intended to solve general problems.
C++ is a procedural language widely used by today's programmers.
Like assembly languages, procedural languages must be translated into machine language so that the computer
processes them. Depending on the language, this translation is performed by either a compiler or an interpreter.
Variant 4
NATURAL LANGUAGES AND VISUAL PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES:
THE FIFTH GENERATION
As they have evolved through the generations, computer languages have become more humanlike. Clearly, the
fourth-generation query languages using commands that include words like SELECT, FROM, and WHERE are much
more humanlike than the 0s and 1s of machine language. However, 4GLs are still a long way from the natural
languages such as English and Spanish that people use. The standard definition of a fifth-generation language (5GL)
is a computer language that incorporates the concepts of artificial intelligence to allow direct human communication.
Additionally, these languages would enable a computer to learn and to apply new information as people do. Rather
than coding by keying in specific commands, we would communicate more directly to a computer using natural
languages or human languages such as English or Spanish.
56
UNIT VII
THE INTERNET AND THE WEB
1. Discuss the questions.
6) Do you know what the word “Internet” means?
7) How old in your opinion is the Internet?
8) What do people use the Internet for?
9) Have you ever surfed the Internet?
10) How much time do you spend chatting on the Internet?
2. Read and memorize the words.
25) allow (v) – позволять, разрешать, допускать
26) browse (v) – просматривать
27) browser (n) – программное обеспечение для просмотра Web-сайтов,
Web-обозреватель
28) dial-up – (v) набирать номер;
(n) набор
29) emerge (v) – появляться, возникать
30) gain (v) – достигать, получать
~ access – получать доступ
31) launch (v) – запускать, выпускать, начинать, пускать в ход
32) link (v) – соединять, связывать, включаться
links (n) – ссылки (элементы навигации)
33) network (n) – сеть, схема
34) provide (v) – обеспечивать, снабжать
35) provider (n) – провайдер, поставщик (услуг)
36) search (for) (v) – искать, исследовать, вести поиск
37) share (v) – делить (что-либо с кем-либо), владеть совместно, иметь долю (в)
38) surf (v) – (зд.) изучать, исследовать
to surf the Net / Internet / Web – бродить по сети, путешествовать по интернету
39) tool (n) – орудие, средство, инструмент
40) via [ˈvaɪə] (prep) – через, посредством, с помощью
3. Memorize the following abbreviations.
WWW – World Wide Web
IP – Internet Protocol
ISP – Internet Service Provider
WiFi – Wireless Fidelity
ADSL – Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line
DSL – Digital Subscriber Line
TCP – Transmission Control Protocol
4. Match the columns.
A
1) Web resources
2) (to) go online
3) multimedia interface
4) powerful tool
5) search for bargains
6) shared data
7) search engine
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
B
совместно используемая информация (данные)
поисковый механизм; поисковая система
Web ресурсы, сетевые ресурсы (возможности)
искать выгодные предложения
выходить в интернет, подключаться к сети
мощный инструмент, мощное средство
универсальный интерфейс, мультимедийный интерфейс
5. Match the words of the similar meaning.
А
В
1) to allow
a) to explore
2) to search
b) to let
3) to link
c) before
4) via
d) to appear
57
5) to launch
6) to surf
7) prior to
6.
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
e)
f)
g)
h)
to look for
to put into operation (service)
through
to give permission
Replace the underlined words by the synonyms from exercise 5.
Students are interested in learning application programs and exploring the WEB.
Don’t let your children gain access to sites with inappropriate (неподходящий, нежелательный) content.
Mobile phones provide access through the phone network.
The Internet was put into service in the USA in 1969.
Every computer connected to the Net is identified by a unique IP address.
Before the Web, the Internet was only texts.
Electronic learning appeared as another Web application.
Special programs continually look for new information and update the database.
7. Translate. Mind the suffixes and prefixes.
1) (to) provide – provided – providing – provider – provision;
2) (to) load – loaded – download – unloaded – loader – reload;
3) digit – digital – digitally – digitize – digitized;
4) date – dated – updated – outdated.
8. Translate the following word combinations:
the government-funded project; resources available on the Internet; special-interest topics; fast-growing Internet
applications; nearly endless options; through a dial-up connection; external or internal telephone lines; search
engines; a high data transmission rate; a high data transmission rate Internet connection.
9. Fill in the blanks. Use the following words.
a) allow
g) launched
b) to gain access
h) protocols
c) dial-up
i) linked
d) network(s)
j) provides
e) to surf
k) tool
f) share
1) Browsers are programs that we use … to Web resources.
2) Browsers allow you to explore or … the Web.
3) … are rules for exchanging data between computers.
4) … administrator creates and maintains computer …
5) The Web … a multimedia interface to the numerous resources available on the Internet.
6) A new ambitious system was … in 2008, Bill Gates being a private investor.
7) Some universities provided free access to the Internet through a … or telephone connection.
8) The internet is an International computer Network made up of thousands of networks … together.
9) Mobile phones also … you to go online with wireless connections.
10) All these computers… data, resources and information with one another.
11) This software provides in one … an interface to the Internet and Web documents.
10. Revise the Modals.
долженствование:
физическая возможность:
разрешение:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
must, should, (to) have to, (to) be to, need
can, could, (to) be able to
may, might, (to) be allowed to
You can find any info more easily because of the Internet.
You could save your time if you had a faster Internet connection.
Do you know what may happen to the Internet in the next 10 years?
He didn’t know the price might go down.
You must consider all negative effects of the Internet addiction.
You should back up your files in the future.
58
7) He has (had / will have) to pay money to join a legal music Website.
8) I need to make a call as soon as possible
11. Translate the sentences. Mind the Modals.
1) Text may be displayed in a variety of sizes and styles.
2) Web pages can also include multimedia files.
3) To see or hear all these files you need to download the additional software.
4) A well-designed Website should be neat (аккуратный) and organized.
5) Once you have logged into a Web chat site you have to choose a nickname for identification.
6) Channel operators must control the content and the people who join a chat site. They may even ban users or
ask them to leave.
7) There are certain netiquette rules you should follow if you want to use chat rooms.
12. Complete the sentences. Use the Modals.
can/could, may, should, must, have to, need to
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
To protect your computer you will … use antivirus programs.
You … not believe everything you read on the Internet.
… I use your laptop? I … print out this report.
What … we do to improve computer security?
Your computer … have a virus if it has the following symptoms.
You … be careful about which websites your children visit.
People … not buy illegal software.
You … post messages to everyone in the channel.
13. Read the text and name five of the most common uses of the Internet and the Web.
Text I
THE INTERNET AND THE WEB
The Internet was launched in 1969 when the United States funded a project that developed a national computer
network called Advanced Research Project Agency Network (ARPANET). The Internet is a large network that
connects together smaller networks all over the globe. The Web was introduced in 1992 at the European Center for
Nuclear Research (CERN) in Switzerland. Prior to the Web, the Internet was all text – no graphics, animation, sound,
or video. The Web made it possible to include these elements. It provided a multimedia interface to resources
available to the Internet. From these early research beginnings, the Internet and the Web have evolved into one of
the most powerful tools of the 21st century.
It is easy to get the Internet and the Web confused, but they are not the same thing. The Internet is the actual
physical network. It is made up of wires, cable, and satellites. Being connected to this network is often described as
being online. The Internet connects millions of computers and resources throughout the world. The Web is a
multimedia interface to the resources available on the Internet. Every day over a billion users from nearly every
country in the world use the Internet and the Web. What are they doing? The most common uses are the following:
 Communicating is by far the most popular Internet activity. You can exchange e-mail with your family and
friends almost anywhere in the world. You can join and listen to discussions on a wide variety of specialinterest topics.
 Shopping is one of the fastest-growing Internet applications. You can window shop, look for the latest
fashions, search for bargains, and make purchases.
 Searching for information has never been more convenient. You can access some of the world’s largest
libraries directly from your home computer. You can find the latest local, national, and international news.
 Entertainment options are nearly endless. You can find music, movies, magazines, and computer games. You
will find live concerts, movie previews, book clubs, and interactive live games.
 Education or e-learning is another rapid emerging Web application. You can take classes on almost any
subject. There are courses just for fun and there are courses for high school, college, and graduate school
credit*. Some cost nothing to take and others cost a lot.
The first step to using the Internet and the Web is to get connected, or to gain access to the Internet.
Notes:
*credit – удостоверение о прохождении какого-либо курса в учебном заведении
59
14. Find in the text the equivalents for the following Russian words and word combinations:
по всему миру; с самого начала исследований; развились; легко перепутать; подключение к сети;
несомненно; можете рассматривать витрины; непосредственно с …; почти безграничны; быстро
развивающееся; брать уроки.
15. Answer the questions.
1) When was the Internet launched?
2) What, in your opinion, was it developed for?
3) What country introduced the Web?
4) What did the Web provide?
5) What is the difference between the Internet and the Web?
6) Why people cannot do without the Internet and the Web now?
7) What are the most popular uses of the Internet and the Web?
8) What opportunities does every Internet application provide?
16. Choose the best word.
What's the difference between the Web and the Internet?
Some people think that the internet and the Web are the same thing, but in fact they are different. The internet
(often called simply "the net") is a global (1) … (network / net) of interconnected computers. These computers
communicate with each other (2) … (over / through) existing telecommunications networks – principally, the
telephone system. The World Wide Web (usually known as just "the Web") is the billions of web pages that are
stored on large computers called web (3) … (servers / services).
To (4) … (see / access) the web, you need a computer and a modem. You then connect over your telephone line
to an internet service (5) … (port / provider) (ISP), which sends your request to view a particular web page to the
correct web server. Websites are not the only service available on the internet. It is also used for many other functions,
including sending and receiving email, and connecting to newsgroups and (6) … (discussion / talking) groups. You
could say that the internet is a system of roads, and web pages and emails are types of traffic that travel on those
roads.
17. Read and say what activity these people use the Internet for.
It’s a great opportunity for people
like me, who are not able to
attend classes every day. You
see, I have some serious health
problem and cannot move much.
about.
I’m a very busy man, so it
definitely saves my time. I
make orders via computer and
the goods are then sent to my
place. It’s very easy and not
expensive.
In an electronic journal you can read and post your
opinions in chronological order. As a blogger I can
promote this new type of discussion.
18. Match the activities with the Internet features.
1) Keep a public diary of your journey through South America
2) Lose lots of money
3) Find out about the First World War
4) Download songs
5) Listen to music in real time
6) Check your email from any computer
60
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
webmail
online music store
instant messaging
online radio
portal
blog
7) Find links to other websites
8) Exchange messages in real time with friends or colleagues
9) Check the latest exchange rates
10) Read new articles about a subject that interests you
g)
h)
i)
j)
online encyclopedia
currency converter
e-zine
online casino
19. Match the parts A and B according to the model. Read and translate the sentences.
Model: 1) – c
A.
1) You can connect a computer to the
Internet much like …
2) When provided with a connection to the
Internet …
3) The most common way to access the
Internet …
4) You may be provided with free access to
the Internet …
5) The most widely used commercial
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are …
6) National service providers …
7) Wireless service providers provide …
8) Thus users connect to ISPs using one of a
variety of connection technologies …
B.
a) …either through the local area networks or through
a dial-up connection in your college or university.
b) …national and wireless providers.
c) …you connect a phone to the telephone systems.
d) …provide access through telephone or cable
connection for a standard fee.
e) …you can use a browser program to search the
Web.
f) …including dial-up, digital subscriber line (DSL),
cable and wireless modems.
g) …is through an Internet service provider.
h) …Internet connection with wireless modems and a
wide array of wireless devices.
Text 2
FACES OF THE INTERNET
20. Read and translate the following words. Mind the suffixes and prefixes.
modulator – demodulator
internal – external
wired – wireless
participate – participant
shared – unshared
basic – basically
develop – development
symmetric – asymmetric
21. Complete the sentences with a term from the list.
modem
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
online
password
protocol
Web
download
When you are connected to the Internet you are described as being …
The Internet is based on a … called NCP/IP.
You need a … to convert computer data into a form that can be transmitted over a phone line.
Users have to enter the log-in name and a … to gain access to the Net.
The World Wide Web is known as the …
FTP (File Transfer Protocol) software allows you to … files from the Net to your computer.
22. Read part I of the text and answer the questions.
1) What helps computers communicate with one another?
2) What is Internet Protocol (IP)?
3) What is IP number given for?
4) What do we need the Internet Service Provider for?
5) What does the modem do?
6) What technologies are used to gain access to the Web?
61
FACES OF THE INTERNET (part I)
The Internet is an International computer Network made up of thousands of networks linked together. All these
computers communicate with one another; they share data, resources, transfer information, etc. To do it they need to
use the same language of protocol: TCP/ IP (Transmission Control Protocol/ Internet Protocol) and every computer
is given an address or IP number. This number is a way to identify the computer on the Internet.
To use the Internet you basically need a computer, the right connection software and a modem to connect your
computer to a telephone line and then access your ISP (Internet Service Provider).
The modem (modulator-demodulator) converts the digital signals stored in the computer into analogue signals
that can be transmitted over telephone line. There are two basic types: external with a cable that is plugged into the
computer via a USB port, and internal, an expansion card inside the computer. A PC card modem is a different, more
versatile option for laptops, and mobile phones.
At first most computers used a dial-up telephone connection that worked through the standard telephone line.
Now a broadband connection, a high data transmission rate Internet connection, has become more popular: either
ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line), which allows you to use the same telephone line for voice and fast
access to the Internet, or cable, offered by most TV cable providers.
The basic equipment has changed drastically (решительно, коренным образом) in the last few years. You no
longer need a computer to use the Internet. Web TV provides email and access to the Web via a normal TV set plus
a high-speed modem. More recently mobile phones and PDAs, personal digital assistants, also allow you to go online
with wireless connections, without cables.
Telephone lines are not essential either. Satellites orbiting the earth enable your computer to send and receive
Internet files.
23. Read part I again and decide if these sentences are true or false. If they are false correct them.
1) The Internet and the World Wide Web are synonyms.
2) Computers need to use the same protocol (TCP/IP) to communicate with each other.
3) Web TV can provide access to the Net.
4) ADSL and cable are two types of dial-up connections.
5) External, internal and PC card are types of connections.
6) Information can be sent through telephone lines, satellites and power lines.
7) The computer IP number is a way to identify it on the Internet.
24. Read part II of the text and answer the questions.
1) How many components of the Internet can you name?
2) What facilities do you most often use? Why?
FACES OF THE INTERNET (part II)
The Internet consists of many systems that offer different facilities to users.
 WWW, the World Wide Web, a collection of files or pages containing links to other documents on the Net.
It’s far the most popular system. Most Internet services are now integrated on the Web.
 Email (or electronic mail) for the exchange of messages and attached files.
 Mailing lists (or listservs) based on programs that send messages on a certain topic to all the computers, whose
users have subscribed to the list.
 Chat and instant messaging, for real-time conversations; you type your messages on the keyboard.
 Internet telephone, a system that lets people make voice calls via the Internet.
 Video-conference, a system that allows the transmission of video and audio signals in real time so the
participants can exchange data, talk and see one another on the screen.
 File Transfer Protocol (FTP), used to transfer files between computers.
 Newsgroups, where people send, read and respond to public bulletin board messages stored on a central
computer.
 TELNET, a program that enables a computer to function as a terminal working from a remote computer and
so use online database or library catalogues.
25. Read part I again and say what Internet system these people should use.
1) “I like receiving daily updates and headlines from newspapers on my computer.”
2) “I’m doing some research and need computer access to the University library.”
3) “I’d like to avoid flying to Japan to attend the meeting but I want to see what’s going on there.”
62
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
“I want to read people’s opinion about environment issues and express my views.”
“I have designed a web page and want to transfer the data to my reserved web space.”
“I’d like to check my students’ essays on my computer and send them back with my suggestions.”
“I don’t want to spend much money on international phone calls but I love hearing her voice.”
“I live in a small village where there are no other teenagers. I wish I had the chance to meet and chat with friends.”
26. Match these activities with the internet features. The terms are sometimes confused with each other.
1) Exchange messages in real time about anything you like with strangers.
a) newsgroup
2) Post messages about your favourite pop group, and maybe reply to other fans'
messages.
b) forum
3) Exchange information and messages about saving a local wood from
development with anybody who wants to join in.
c) discussion group
4) Exchange information and views about the economy of Australia with other
Australian economists.
d) bulletin board /
noticeboard
5) Post / download photos, video clips and messages among a group of friends.
e) chatroom
27. In pairs, discuss these questions. Give reasons for your answers.
1) Which program do you use to chat with friends?
2) Do you use abbreviations when you chat online or when you send text messages?
3) Do you use voice or video while chatting? How?
4) Have you ever used the Internet to make cheap calls?
5) Does Instant Messaging distract you from work?
6) Do you use your real name or a nickname in chat rooms?
7) Do you talk to strangers during web chats? Why shouldn’t you?
8) Would you ever go dating with somebody you’d met on the Net?
28. In pairs, do this netiquette quiz.
YOUR INTERNET
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
Who is your current ISP?
Have you had any problems with them? If so, what?
What type of internet connection do you have?
Is it fast enough for your requirements? If not, how would a faster connection be useful to you?
From where do you usually access the internet?
Do you have a nickname on the Web?
On average, how many hours a week do you spend online?
Have you ever done these things?
a. sent and received emails
b. chatted in real time
c. booked a flight online
d. used your credit or debit card to pay for something over the internet
e. had a virus on your computer
f. downloaded a photo from a bulletin board
g. connected to the internet over a wireless connection
h. set up a wireless network in your own home or office
29. Listening “Internet basics”.
A. ♫16 Listen to a conversation between a customer buying a PC and a sales assistant. Why do you think the
sales assistant has to explain so much about the Internet?
16
Infotech. English for computer users (Audio CD), track 20
63
B. ♫ Listen again and complete the customer’s notes.
… to connect the Internet from home I need (1) a ________ and (2) a ________.
… also need an account with an (3) ________ (a company that offers connection for a
monthly fee). If you want to connect lots of computers without using cables, you can
use a (4) ________ router.
… Wi-Fi uses (5) ________ waves to send data over medium - range distances. Things you
can do on the Internet (6) _____________________________
“Web” or “Internet”?
The Web: huge collection of (7) ________ stored on computer all over the world.
The Internet: the network which connects all the computers.
30. Translate in writing.
Variant 1
The Internet originated in the early 1970s when the United States wanted to make sure that people could
communicate after a nuclear war. This needed a free and independent communication network without a centre and
it led to a network of computers that could send each other e-mail through cyberspace.
Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web (WWW) when he discovered a way to jump to different files on
his computer using the random, or unplanned, links between them. He then wrote a simple coding system, called
HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) to create links to files on any computer connected to the network. This was
possible because each file had an individual address, or URL (Uniform Resource Locator). He then used a set of
transfer rules called HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol), to link Web files together across the Internet. BernersLee also invented the world’s first browser. This lets you locate and view Web pages and also navigate from one link
to another.
The WWW became available to everyone in 1991 and the number of Internet users grew from 600,000 to 40
million in five years. Today the number is much larger and there are now many browsers that provide Web pages,
information and other services. You can also do research, download music files, play interactive games, shop, talk in
chat rooms and send and receive e-mails on the WWW.
Variant 2
Finding information on the World Wide Web needs an Internet search engine such as Google, Yahoo, Yandex,
Bing or Baihu. Search engines have a text box where you type in a keyword or words. A search engine is a software
program that reads the keywords in the text box and searches the Internet for Web pages, websites and other Internet
files that use them. These documents are shown on the computer screen in a results listing.
When carrying out searches, you should usually be specific and brief in your choice of words. If the keyword is
too general, or includes too many different meanings, the resulting list may not be useful. Different search endings
categorize information in different ways, which changes the way they store and retrieve it.
You can narrow a search using logical operations such as AND, OR and NOT. AND retrieves all the words typed
in the text box. OR retrieves either of the words and NOT excludes words. Spelling is important when typing in
keywords, but a search engine will not usually read punctuation, prepositions and articles.
Variant 3
The Internet was invented in the late 1960s by the US Defense Department's Advanced Research Projects Agency.
In 1969, there was a network of just four mainframe computers. A mainframe computer is a large, powerful computer,
shared by many users. The idea of the electronic mailbox was born when users looked for a way to talk to each other
electronically. By 1984, the Internet had begun to develop into the form we know today. Electronic mail is much
faster than traditional mail, because once the message is typed out, it arrives in the electronic mail box of the recipient
within minutes. It's better to use e-mail to contact friends rather than phone them, because e-mail is cheaper for long
distances than the phone. People can share their interests through the Internet and it makes it very easy to exchange
ideas and information.
64
SUPPLEMENTARY READING
Text 1
POINTING DEVICES
Pointing, of course, is one of the most natural of all
human gestures. Pointing devices provide a
comfortable interface with the system unit by
accepting pointing gestures and converting them into
machine-readable input. There are a wide variety of
different pointing devices, including the mouse,
joystick, touch screen, light pen, and stylus.
A mouse controls a pointer that is displayed on the
monitor. The mouse pointer usually appears in the
shape of an arrow. It frequently changes shape,
however, depending on the application. A mouse can
have one, two, or more buttons, which are used to
select command options and to control the mouse
pointer on the monitor. Some mice have a wheel
button that can be rotated to scroll through information
that is displayed on the monitor. Although there are
several different mouse types, there are three basic
designs:
 Mechanical mouse is generally considered the
traditional type and is currently widely used. It has
a ball on the bottom and is attached with a cord to
the system unit. As you move the mouse across a
smooth surface, the roller rotates and controls the
pointer on the screen.
 Optical mouse has no moving parts. It emits and
senses light to detect mouse movement. This
newer type of mouse has some advantages
compared to the mechanical mouse: it can be used
on any surface, is more precise, and does not
require periodic cleaning.
 Cordless or wireless mouse is a battery-powered
device that typically uses radio waves or infrared
light waves to communicate with the system unit.
These devices eliminate the mouse cord and free
up desk space.
Three devices similar to a mouse are trackballs, touch
pads, and pointing sticks. You can use the trackball,
also known as the roller ball, to control the pointer by
rotating a ball with your thumb. You can use touch
pads, to control the pointer by moving and tapping
your finger on the surface of a pad. You can use a
pointing stick, located in the middle of the keyboard,
to control the pointer by directing the stick with your
finger.
A joystick is the most popular input device for
computer games. You control game actions by varying
the pressure, speed, and direction of the joystick.
Additional controls, such as buttons and triggers, are
used to specify commands or initiate specific actions.
A touch screen is a particular kind of monitor with a
clear plastic outer layer. Behind this layer are
crisscrossed invisible beams of infrared light. This
arrangement enables someone to select actions or
commands by touching the screen with a finger. Touch
screens are easy to use, especially when people need
information quickly. They are commonly used at
restaurants, automated teller machines (ATMs), and
information centers.
A light pen is a light-sensitive pen-like device. The
light pen is placed against the monitor. This closes a
photoelectric circuit and identifies the spot for
entering or modifying data. For example, light pens
are used to edit digital images and drawings.
A stylus is a pen-like device commonly used with
tablet PCs and PDAs. A stylus uses pressure to draw
images on a screen. A stylus interacts with the
computer through handwriting recognition software.
Handwriting
recognition
software
translates
handwritten notes into a form that the system unit can
process.
Text 2
THE EVOLUTION OF THE COMPUTER AGE
Many of you probably can't remember a world without
computers, but for some of us, computers were
virtually unknown when we were born and have
rapidly come of age during our lifetime. Although
there are many predecessors to what we think of as the
modern computer – reaching as far back as the 18th
century, when Joseph Marie Jacquard created a loom
programmed to weave cloth and Charles Babbage
created the first fully modern computer design (which
he could never get to work) – the computer age did not
really begin until the first computer was made
available to the public in 1951. The modern age of
computers thus spans slightly more than 60 years (so
far), which is typically broken down into five
generations. Each generation has been marked by a
significant advance in technology.
65



First Generation (1951-57): During the first
generation, computers were built with vacuum
tubes – electronic tubes that were made of glass
and were about the size of light bulbs.
Second Generation (1958-63): This generation
began with the first computers built with
transistors – small devices that transfer electronic
signals across a resistor. Because transistors are
much smaller, use less power, and create less heat
than vacuum tubes, the new computers were
faster, smaller, and more reliable than the firstgeneration machines.
Third Generation (1964-69): In 1964, computer
manufacturers began replacing transistors with
integrated circuits. An integrated circuit (IC) is a
complete electronic circuit on a small chip made
of silicon (one of the most abundant elements in
the earth's crust). These computers were more


reliable and compact than computers made with
transistors, and they cost less to manufacture.
Fourth Generation (1970-90): Many key
advances were made during this generation, the
most significant being the microprocessor – a
specialized chip developed for computer memory
and logic. Use of a single chip to create a smaller
"personal" computer (as well as digital watches,
pocket calculators, copy machines, and so on)
revolutionized the computer industry.
Fifth Generation (1991-2011 and beyond): Our
current generation has been referred to as the
"Connected Generation" because of the industry's
massive effort to increase the connectivity of
computers. The rapidly expanding Internet, World
Wide Web, and intranets have created an
information superhighway that has enabled both
computer professionals and home computer users
to communicate with others across the globe.
Text 3
A LOOK TO THE FUTURE
Using and understanding information technology
means being computer competent. We want to help
you become computer competent in today's world and
to provide you with a foundation of knowledge so that
you can understand how technology is being used
today and anticipate how technology will be used in
the future. This will enable you to benefit from six
important information technology developments.
1. THE INTERNET AND THE WEB. The Internet
and the Web are considered by most to be the two
most important technologies for the 21st century.
Understanding how to efficiently and effectively
use the Internet to browse the Web, communicate
with others, and locate information are
indispensable computer competencies.
2. SECURITY AND PRIVACY. What about
people? Experts agree that we as a society must be
careful about the potential of technology to
negatively impact our personal privacy and
security. Additionally, we need to be aware of
potential physical and mental health risks
associated with using technology. Finally, we need
to be aware of negative effects on our environment
caused by the manufacture of computer-related
products.
3. POWERFUL SOFTWARE. The software now
available can do an extraordinary number of tasks
and help you in an endless number of ways. You
can create professional-looking documents,
analyze massive amounts of data, create dynamic
multimedia Web pages, and much more. Today's
employers are expecting the people they hire to be
able to effectively and efficiently use a variety of
different types of software.
4. POWERFUL HARDWARE. Microcomputers are
now much more powerful than they used to be.
New communication technologies such as
wireless networks are dramatically changing the
ways to connect to other computers, networks, and
the Internet. However, despite the rapid change of
specific equipment, their essential features remain
unchanged. Thus, the competent end user should
focus on these features.
5. ORGANIZATIONS. Almost all organizations
rely on the quality and flexibility of their
information systems to stay competitive. As a
member or employee of an organization, you will
undoubtedly be involved in these information
systems. Therefore, you need to be knowledgeable
about the different types of organizational
information systems and how they are used.
6. CHANGING TIMES. Are the times changing any
faster now than they ever have? Most people think
so. Whatever the answer, it is clear we live in a
fast-paced age.
66
Text 4
GENERATIONS OF PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
to the language humans use – that is, for English
speakers, more like English.
There are generations of programming languages: (1)
machine languages, (2) assembly languages, (3)
procedural
languages,
(4)
problem-oriented
languages, (5) natural languages.
Computer professionals talk about levels or
generations of programming languages, ranging from
“low” to “high”. Programming languages are called
lower level when they are closer to the language the
computer itself uses. The computer understands 0s and
1s that make up bits and bytes. Programming
languages are called higher level when they are closer
MACHINE LANGUAGES: THE FIRST GENERATION
We mentioned that a byte is made up of bits, consisting
of 1s and 0s. These 1s and 0s may correspond to
electricity’s being on and off in the computer. They
also may correspond to a magnetic charge being
present and absent on storage media such as disk or
tape. From this two-state system, coding schemes have
been developed that allow us to construct letters,
numbers, punctuation marks, and other special
characters. Data represented in 1s and 0s is said to be
written in machine language.
ASSEMBLY LANGUAGES: THE SECOND GENERATION
Before a computer can process or run any program, the
program must be converted or translated into machine
language. Assembly languages use abbreviations or
mnemonics such as ADD that are automatically
converted to the appropriate sequence of 1s and 0s.
Compared to machine languages, assembly languages
are much easier for humans to understand and to use.
This is still pretty obscure, of course, and so assembly
language is also considered low level. Assembly
languages also vary from computer to computer. With
the third generation, we advance to high-level
languages, many of which are considered portable
languages. That is, they can be run on more than one
kind of computer – they are "portable" from one
machine to another.
HIGH-LEVEL PROCEDURAL LANGUAGES: THE
THIRD GENERATION

A compiler converts the programmer's procedural
language program, called the source code, into a
machine language code, called the object code.
This object code can then be saved and run later.
Examples of procedural languages using
compilers are the standard versions of Pascal,
COBOL, and FORTRAN.
 An interpreter converts the procedural language
one statement at a time into machine code just
before it is to be executed. No object code is saved.
An example of a procedural language using an
interpreter is the standard version of BASIC.
What is the difference between using a compiler and
using an interpreter? When a program is run, the
compiler requires two steps. The first step is to convert
the entire program's source code to object code. The
second step is to run the object code. The interpreter,
in contrast, converts and runs the pro-gram one line at
a time. The advantage of a compiler language is that
once the object code has been obtained, the program
executes faster. The advantage of an interpreter
language is that programs are easier to develop.
People are able to understand languages that are more
like their own (e.g., English) than machine languages
or assembly languages. These more English-like
programming languages are called "high-level"
languages. However, most people still require some
training to use higher-level languages. This is
particularly true of procedural languages.
Procedural languages, also known as 3GLs (thirdgeneration languages), are designed to express the
logic – the procedures – that can solve general
problems. Procedural languages, then, are intended to
solve general problems. C++ is a procedural language
widely used by today's programmers. For example,
C++ was used in Advantage's time-and-billing report.
Like assembly languages, procedural languages must
be translated into machine language so that the
computer processes them. Depending on the language,
this translation is performed by either a compiler or an
interpreter.
PROBLEM-ORIENTED LANGUAGES: THE FOURTH GENERATION
Third-generation languages are valuable, but they
require training in programming. Problem-oriented
languages, also known as 4GLs (fourth-generation
languages) and very high-level languages, require
little special training on the part of the user.
67

Unlike general-purpose languages, problem-oriented
languages are designed to solve specific problems.
While 3GLs focus on procedures and how a program
will accomplish a specific task, 4GLs are
nonprocedural and focus on specifying what the
program is to accomplish. 4GLs are more Englishlike, easier to program, and widely used by
nonprogrammers. Some of these fourth-generation
languages are used for very specific applications. For
example, IFPS (interactive financial planning
system) is used to develop financial models. Many
4GLs are part of a database management system. 4GLs
include query languages and application generators:
Query languages: Query languages enable
nonprogrammers to use certain easily understood
commands to search and generate reports from a

database. One of the most widely used query
languages is SQL (structured query language). For
example, let's say that Advantage Advertising has a
database containing all customer calls for service and
that their management would like a listing of all clients
who incurred overtime charges.
Application generators: An application generator or
a program coder is a program that provides modules of
prewritten code. When using an application generator,
a programmer can quickly create a program by
referencing the appropriate module(s). This greatly
reduces the time to create an application. For example,
Access has a report generation application and a
Report wizard for creating a variety of different types
of reports using database information.
NATURAL LANGUAGES AND VISUAL PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES: THE FIFTH GENERATION
As they have evolved through the generations,
computer languages have become more humanlike.
Clearly, the fourth-generation query languages using
commands that include words like SELECT, FROM,
and WHERE are much more humanlike than the 0s
and 1s of machine language. However, 4GLs are still
a long way from the natural languages such as English
and Spanish that people use. The standard definition
of a fifth-generation language (5GL) is a computer
language that incorporates the concepts of artificial
intelligence to allow direct human communication.
Additionally, these languages would enable a
computer to learn and to apply new information as
people do. Rather than coding by keying in specific
commands, we would communicate more directly to a
computer using natural languages or human
languages such as English or Spanish. Consider the
following natural language statement that might
appear in a 5GL program for recommending medical
treatment.
Recently, the definition of 5GL has been expanded to
include visual programming languages that provide
a natural visual interface for program development.
This interface provides intuitive icons, menus, and
drawing tools for creating program code. Under this
definition, programs such as Microsoft’s Visual Basic
are fifth-generation programming languages.
INTERNET SECURITY
online harassment or abuse, mainly in chat rooms or
newsgroups. Piracy, the illegal copying and
distribution of copyrighted software, information,
music and video files, is widespread. But by far the
most common type of crime involves malware.
Internet crime
The Internet provides a wide variety of opportunities
for
communication
and
development,
but
unfortunately it also has its dark side. Crackers, or
black-hat hackers, are computer criminals who use
technology to perform a variety of crimes: virus
propagation, fraud, intellectual property theft, etc.
Internet-based crimes include scam, email fraud to
obtain money or valuables, and phishing, bank fraud,
to get banking information such as passwords of
Internet bank accounts or credit card details. Both
crimes use emails or websites that look like those of
real organizations. Due to its anonymity, the Internet
also provides the right environment for cyberstalking,
Malware: viruses, worms, trojans and spyware
Malware (malicious software) is software created to
damage or alter the computer data or its operations.
These are the main types.
 Viruses are programs that spread by attaching
themselves to executable files or documents.
When the infected program is run, the virus
propagates to other files or programs on the
computer. Some viruses are designed to work at a
 particular time or on a specific date, e.g. on
 Friday 13th. An email virus spreads by sending a
copy of itself to everyone in an email address
book.
 Worms are self-copying programs that have the
capacity to move from one computer to another
without human help, by exploiting security flaws

68
in computer networks. Worms are self-contained
and don’t need to be attached to a document or
program the way viruses do.
Trojan horses are malicious programs disguised
as innocent-looking files or embedded within
legitimate software. Once they are activated, they
may affect the computer in a variety of ways: some
are just annoying, others are more ominous,
creating a backdoor to the computer which can be
used to collect stored data. They don’t copy
themselves or reproduce by infecting other files.
 Spyware, software designed to collect information
from computers for commercial or criminal
purposes, is another example of malicious
software. It usually comes hidden in fake freeware
or shareware applications downloadable from the
Internet.
Preventative tips
 Don’t open email attachments from unknown people; always take note of the file extension.
 Run and update antivirus programs, e.g. virus scanners.
 Install a firewall, a program designed to prevent spyware from gaining access to the internal network.
 Make backup copies of your files regularly.
 Don’t accept files from high-risk sources.
 Use a digital certificate, an electronic way of proving your identity, when you are doing business on
the Internet. Avoid giving credit card numbers.
Don’t believe everything you read on the Net. Have a suspicious attitude toward its contents.
НАИБОЛЕЕ УПОТРЕБИТЕЛЬНЫЕ СОЮЗЫ И ПРЕДЛОГИ
according to – согласно
although
– хотя; несмотря на то, что
as long as
– пока, до тех пор пока
as soon as
– как только
as well as
– так же, как; а так же
because of
– из-за, вследствие
by means of
– посредством, при помощи
due to
– благодаря, из-за
furthermore
– к тому же; кроме того; более того
however
– однако; тем не менее; несмотря на (э)то
in addition to – вдобавок; в дополнение к; кроме того
in spite of
– не смотря на
in order to (that) – чтобы; для того, чтобы
instead of
– вместо, взамен
so as to
– (с тем) чтобы
so that
– для того, чтобы
therefore
– поэтому; следовательно
whereas
– тогда как; несмотря на то, что
69
Таблица 1
ФОРМАЛЬНЫЕ ПРИЗНАКИ ГЛАГОЛОВ-СКАЗУЕМЫХ
В ДЕЙСТВИТЕЛЬНОМ ЗАЛОГЕ И ИХ ПЕРЕВОД
Present
Indefinite
Continuous
V \ Vs
He tests devices.
Он испытывает приборы.
am
is
are
Perfect
have
+ V-ing
+ V-ed
has
He is testing devices.
Он испытывает (сейчас)
приборы.
He has tested devices.
Он испытал приборы.
was
+ V-ing
Past
V -ed
He tested devices.
Он испытывал приборы.
will
He was testing devices.
Он испытывал приборы.
will
+V
Future
had + V-ed
were
shall
He will test devices.
Он будет испытывать
приборы.
He had tested devices.
Он испытал приборы.
will
be + V-ing
shall
He will be testing devices.
Он будет испытывать
приборы.
have + V-ed
shall
He will have tested devices.
Он будет испытывать
(испытает) приборы.
Таблица 2
ФОРМАЛЬНЫЕ ПРИЗНАКИ ГЛАГОЛОВ-СКАЗУЕМЫХ
В СТРАДАТЕЛЬНОМ ЗАЛОГЕ И ИХ ПЕРЕВОД
Present
Indefinite
am
is
+ V-ed are
The device is tested …
… испытывается …
… испытан …
was
Continuous
am
is
being + V-ed
are
The device is being tested …
… испытывается (сейчас)
Past
have
been + V-ed
has
The device has been tested.
… был испытан …
was
+ V-ed
were
being + V-ed
had been + V-ed
were
The device was tested …
… испытывался …
… был испытан …
The device was being tested.
… испытывался …
will
Future
Perfect
The device had been tested.
… был испытан …
will
be + V-ed
have + been + V-ed
shall
The device will have been tested.
… будет испытан …
shall
The device will be tested …
… будет испытываться ,,,
70
Таблица 3
МНОГОФУНКЦИОНАЛЬНЫЕ ГЛАГОЛЫ
ФУНКЦИИ ГЛАГОЛА “to be” (быть)
Основные функции
1. смысловой глагол
(to) be + существ
с предл.
2. глагол-связка
(to) be + cуществ
прилагатульн,
числительное,
инфинитив
3. вспомогательный глагол
PI
(причастие
наст.вр.)
(to) be
P II
(причастие
прош.вр.)
4. модальный глагол
(to) be + to + inf.
Пример
Перевод
A computer is a machine with a
network of electronic circuits.
Компьютер представляет собой (это,
является) машину с сетью электронных
схем.
It is a general-purpose computer/.
Это – компьютер общего назначения.
Computers are widespread today.
Компьютеры
сегодня.
Its task is to process data.
Его задача состоит
обрабатывать данные.
(не переводится)
Computer technology is advancing at
a rapid rate.
Компьютерная
развивается.
Computers are widely used now.
Сейчас
компьютеры
распространены.
(не переводится)
A word is to be written from a register
into the data memory.
Слово должно быть записано
регистра в память данных.
широко
распространены
в
том,
технология
чтобы
быстро
широко
из
Таблица 4
ФУНКЦИИ ГЛАГОЛА “to have” (иметь)
Основные функции
Пример
Перевод
A desktop PC has its own processing
unit, monitor and keyboard.
Настольный персональный
компьютер имеет свой
собственный процессор, монитор
и клавиатуру.
I have already seen the new iPhone.
Я уже видел новый iPhone.
(не переводится)
I have to surf the Internet to find the
information.
Мне приходится путешествовать по Интернету в поисках
нужной информации.
1. смысловой глагол
(to) have + существит.
2. вспомогательный глагол
(to) have + P II
(причастие
прош. вр.)
3. модальный глагол
(to) have + to + infinitive
71
Таблица 5
ОСНОВНЫЕ ФОРМЫ ГЛАГОЛА
I
Инфинитив
= (to V)
=Present Simple
( __ V)
II
Прошедшее время
= Past Simple
III
Причастие прошедшего
времени
= Participle II
II форма V + ed
(см.табл.)
V + ed
(см.табл.)
IV
Причастие
нaстоящего времени
= Participle I
V + ing
III форма
to ask (спрашивать)
I ask
(we, you, they)
ask – ed
(спрашивал)
ask – ed
(спрошенный)
ask – ing
(спрашивающий)
to write* (писать)
I write
(we, you, they)
wrote
(писал)
written
(написанный)
writ – ing
(пишущий)
was, were
been
be – ing
to have* (иметь)
(I, we, you, they) have
(he, she, it) has
had
had
hav – ing
to do* (делать)
(I, we, you, they) do
(he, she, it) does
did
done
do – ing
to be* (быть,
являться)
am, is, are
Со знаком (*) приведены формы неправильных глаголов.
72
Таблица 6
НЕЛИЧНЫЕ ФОРМЫ ГЛАГОЛА
Форма
Образование
to V
to be V3
The Infinitive
Participle II
V3 = V-ed
Participle I
The Gerund


предлог
притяжат.
местоимение
глагол
1.
2.
3.
неопределенной формой глагола;
существительным (с предлогом);
придаточное предложение (чтобы…;
для того чтобы…);
1.
2.
причастием на: - нный, - тый, -мый;
определительным придаточным
предложением;
обстоятельственным придаточным
предложением;
3.
V4 = V-ing

The Verbal Noun
Перевод
+ V-ing
артикль + V-ing
73
1.
2.
3.
причастием на: -ций, -вший;
деепричастием на: - а, -я;
обстоятельственным придаточным
предложением;
1.
2.
3.
неопределенной формой глагола;
существительным (с предлогом);
деепричастием
1.
существительным
Таблица 7
МОДАЛЬНЫЕ ГЛАГОЛЫ И ИХ ЭКВИВАЛЕНТЫ
Present
Past
Future
can
could
---
may
might
---
must
---
---
should
---
---
am to
is to
are to
was to
were to
---
have to
has to
had to
МОДАЛЬНЫЕ ГЛАГОЛЫ
can – мочь, уметь (физическая
возможность, умение)
may – мочь, можно (разрешение,
вероятность выполнения действия
must – должен
(необходимость или
обязательность)
should – следует (необходимость,
обязанность)
ЭКВИВАЛЕНТЫ
to be to – должен (обязан в силу
договоренности)
to have to
должен (вынужден в силу
обстоятельств)
to be able to
мочь, быть в состоянии, быть
способным что-либо делать
to be allowed to –получить
разрешение что-либо делать
to be permitted to – получить
разрешение что-либо делать
am able to
is able to
are able to
was able to
were able to
am allowed to
is allowed to
are t allowed to
am permitted to
is permitted to
are permitted to
was allowed to
were allowed to
ought to – следует, должен
(моральный долг, желательность
действия)
shall have to
will have to
shall be able to
will be able to
shall be allowed to
will be allowed to
was permitted to
were permitted to
ought to
shall be permitted to
will be permitted to
---
--Таблица 8
СПОСОБЫ ВЫРАЖЕНИЯ МОДАЛЬНОСТИ
долженствование:
физическая возможность:
разрешение:
must, should, to have to, to be to
can, could, be able to
may, might, to be allowed to
Present Simple
Past Simple
Future Simple
I must meet him.
I have to meet him.
--I had to meet him.
I am to meet him.
I should meet him.
I was to meet him.
---
-----
He can help you.
He could help you.
---
He is able to help you.
He was able to help you.
I may use this device.
I might use this device.
I am allowed to use this
device.
I was allowed to use this
device.
--I shall have to meet him.
долженствование
способность или
возможность
совершения действия
разрешение или
возможность
74
He will be able to help you.
--I shall be allowed to use
this device.