Computer_Engineering_print_new2
.pdfComputer Engineering 31
GRAMMAR FOCUS : Comparing & predicting
8. Translate the following sentences paying attention to the comparing techniques. If you need help use GRAMMAR FILES 3 (p. 109).
1.Many computers in this class cost as much as two desktop computers with similar specifications.
2.Netbooks typically have less powerful hardware than larger laptop computers.
3.The capabilities of an analog computer are not as great as those of a digital one.
4.The smaller the computer the faster it operates.
5.Convertible tablets are by far the most popular form factor of tablet PCs.
6.Typical battery life for standard laptops is two to five hours of light-duty use, but may drop to as little as one hour when doing power-intensive tasks.
7.The memory effect happens when one does not use a battery to its fullest extent then recharges it.
9. Choose the correct variant to complete the sentences.
1.Some notebooks achieve a (further; more further) portability improvement by omitting an optical drive.
2.Portable computers will become much (commonlier; more commonly) available.
3.A bit is (a small; the smallest) unit of information.
4.What is (the good; the best) way to compile a program?
5.Newer laptops come with LED based screens offering a (less; least) power consumption and (wider; more wider) viewing angles.
6.Much (fewer; less) details are necessary for the new model.
7.(Higher; high) mathematics is a basic subject.
10. Complete the sentences using the verbs in brackets in the correct form. All sentences refer to the Future. If you need help use GRAMMAR FILES 4 (p. 111).
1. Portable computers __________ certainly
__________ (be going to) become more powerful
and they |
__________ also |
__________ (get) |
cheaper. 2. It’s likely computers |
__________ (be |
integrated) with other devices. 3. You __________
(be able to) talk to your computer to control it without using a keyboard. 4. Mobile phones may
__________ (replace) computers as the commonest way to access the Internet. 5. If the market for portable computers __________ (grow), prices __________ (be reduced) even more next year. 6. The size of a general-purpose computer will ultimately be limited by the input and output method used. If a screen
__________ (be) too small, it either __________ (not display) enough information, or the information displayed __________ (be) too small to read easily.
11. Link these words to make predictions using predicting techniques. Express the level of certainty as you see it. You can make all the necessary changes. If you need help use GRAMMAR FILES 4 (p. 111).
Example: computer teaching/ be used/ much. – I think computer teaching will probably be used more.
1)computers / write / own software.
2)a body chip / correct / poor vision.
3)computer teaching / replace / courses.
4)much small devices / be built into clothing.
5)computers / be implanted into the human brain.
6)people / vote in elections online.
English for Special Purposes
32 Computer Engineering
SPECIALIST READING A: Types of portable computers
12. Read the text quickly, ignoring the gaps and find out:
what similar characteristics a laptop and a desktop computer have;
what operating systems subnotebooks run;
what characteristics netbooks optimize for;
what PDAs are commonly used for;
what main features wearable computers have.
13. Read the text again and choose from the phrases (a-k) the one which fits each gap (1-11). There is one extra phrase you do not need to use.
a.…retains the performance of a standard notebook;
b.…the configuration and power management of the computer;
c.…that are larger than a laptop;
d.…general computing and accessing Web-based applications;
e.…predates the use of a mouse and graphical display;
f.…they may be paired with a docking station;
g.…to sit on a person's lap while in use;
h.…lie flat on the keyboard housing;
i.…by taking notes, holding contacts, and connecting;
j.…general-purpose desktop operating systems;
k.…constant interaction between the computer and user;
l.…solid-state storage devices.
Though the term portable computer has recently been used almost exclusively to refer to portable
computers (1) _____, and usually do not run on
batteries, smaller portable computers are also known as
mobile computers. They are referred to by their more
specific terms: laptops, subnotebooks, hand-held
computers, palmtops, and wearable computers.
A laptop is a personal computer designed for mobile use and small and light enough (2) _____. A laptop integrates most of the typical components of a desktop computer, including a display, a keyboard, a pointing device (a touchpad, also known as a trackpad, and/or a pointing stick), speakers, and often including a battery, into a single unit. The rechargeable battery (if present) is charged from an AC adapter and typically stores enough energy to run the laptop for 2 to 3 hours in its initial state, depending on (3) _____.
Laptops are usually shaped notebook with thicknesses between 18-38 mm and dimensions ranging from 27x22cm, 13" display to 39x28cm, 17" display and up. Modern laptops weigh 1.4 to 5.4 kg. Most laptops are designed in the flip form factor to protect the screen and the keyboard when closed. Modern tablet laptops have a complex joint between the keyboard housing and the display, permitting the display panel to swivel and then (4) _____.
A subnotebook (ultraportable) is a laptop designed with an emphasis on portability (small size, low weight and longer battery life) that (5) _____. They are usually smaller and lighter than standard laptops, weighing between 0.8 and 2 kg; the battery life can exceed 10 hours.
To achieve the size and weight reductions, ultraportables use high resolution 13" and smaller screens (down to 6.4"), have relatively few ports, employ expensive components designed for minimal size and best power efficiency, and utilize advanced materials and construction methods. Some subnotebooks achieve a further portability improvement by omitting an optical/removable media drive; in this case (6) _____ that contains the drive and optionally more ports or an additional battery.
The term "subnotebook" is usually reserved to laptops that run (7) _____ such as Windows, Linux or Mac OS X, rather than specialized software such as Windows CE, Palm OS or Internet Tablet OS.
Netbooks are a branch of subnotebooks, a category of
English for Special Purposes
small, lightweight, and inexpensive laptop computers suited for (8) _____. They are often marketed as "companion devices", i.e., to augment a user's other computer access.
At their inception in late 2007 — as smaller notebooks optimized for low weight (about 1 kg.) and low cost — netbooks omitted certain features (e.g., the optical drive), featured smaller screens and keyboards, and offered reduced specification and computing power. Some netbooks do not have a conventional hard drive and use (9) _____ instead, as these require less power, are faster, lighter, and generally more shock-resistant, but with much less storage capacity.
A personal digital assistant (PDA) is a mobile device,
also known as a palmtop computer. Their weight is less than 1 pound. PDAs are used to organize a person's life (10) _____ to the Internet. They commonly have colour
screens and audio capabilities, enabling them to be used as mobile phones (smartphones), web browsers or portable media players. Many PDAs can access the Internet, intranets or extranets via Wi-Fi or Wireless
Wide Area Networks (WWANs).
A typical PDA has a touchscreen, a memory card slot, and IrDA, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi. However, some PSAs may not
have a touch screen, using softkeys, a directional pad,
and a numeric keypad for input; this is typically seen on
telephones that are incidentally PDAs.
Wearable computers are computers that are worn on the body. This type of wearable technology has been used in behavioral modeling, health monitoring systems, information technologies and media development. Wearable computers are especially useful for applications that require computational support while the user's hands, voice, eyes, arms or attention are actively engaged with the physical environment.
One of the main features of a wearable computer is consistency. There is a (11) _____, i.e. there is no need to turn the device on or off. Another feature is the ability to multi-task. It is not necessary to stop what you are doing to use the device; it is augmented into all other actions.
These devices can be incorporated by the user to act like
a prosthetic. It can therefore be an extension of the
user’s mind and/or body.
Portable computers have been increasing in popularity
over the past decade, as they do not restrict the user in terms of mobility as a desktop computer would. Wireless Internet, extended battery life and more comfortable
ergonomics have been factors driving this increase in popularity.
Computer Engineering 33
FUNCTIONAL LANGUAGE: Prepositions
14. Complete the sentences with the prepositions from the box. One preposition is not used in any sentences. Consult the APPENDIX (p. 120).
of to by in for on
1.Because ___ the additional requirements, laptop components are usually of inferior performance compared ___ similar desktop parts.
2.Laptop motherboards do not conform ___ a desktop form factor.
3.There is a wide range of CPUs designed ___
laptops available.
4.A battery's performance gradually decreases with time, leading ___ an eventual replacement in 1-3 years, depending ___ the charging and discharging pattern.
5.Higher-end laptops and desktop replacements
___ particular often come with dedicated graphics processors on the motherboard or as an internal expansion card.
6.There are also some week points in relation ___
ergonomics.
7.___ addition, the users will need to move their arms constantly while writing.
8.With primary focus given to web browsing and e- mailing, netbooks rely heavily ___ the Internet for remote access to web-based applications.
9.Netbooks have their internal storage in the form of solid-state drives and not hard disks, which are essential ___ installing many programs.
10.Tablets, ___ general, were expected to replace standard laptops starting this year and, for the most part, that isn't happening.
English for Special Purposes
34 Computer Engineering
COMPREHENSION CHECK
15. Read the text again and decide whether these statements are true (T) or false (F), correct the false
ones: |
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True |
False |
1. |
The term “portable computer” is now almost exclusively used to refer to portable computers |
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that are larger than a laptop and do not run on batteries. |
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2. |
Laptops can only run on AC power and need to be plugged in. |
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3. |
The weight of early models of laptops was more than 5.4 kg. |
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4. |
Tablet PCs are designed in the flip form factor to protect the screen and the keyboard when |
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closed. |
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5. |
Despite the size and weight reductions, ultraportables retain the performance of a standard |
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notebook. |
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6. |
The battery life of subnotes is typically 10 hours. |
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7. |
Subnotebooks run specialized software such as Windows CE, Palm OS or Internet Tablet OS. |
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8. |
Low cost and low weight are the main advantages of netbooks over other computers of that |
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kind. |
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9. |
Although solid-state storage devices are less power consuming their storage capacity is also |
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little |
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10. |
A typical PDA has softkeys, a directional pad, and a numeric keypad rather than a touchscreen |
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for entering data. |
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11. |
Unlike a laptop or a palmtop, wearable computer is constantly turned on and interacts with |
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the real-world task. |
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12. |
All types of portable computers use standard motherboards or backplanes providing plug-in |
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slots for add-in cards. |
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16. Read the text again and complete the summary.
Portable computers are small and __________
enough to be __________. Laptops, __________,
__________, __________ and wearable computers can be classified as portables.
A laptop has most of the typical components of a
__________ including a __________, a __________, a
__________ device, speakers and a __________ which usually __________ enough energy to run the laptop for 2 or 3 hours in its initial state.
A subnotebook is a class of laptop computers that are smaller and lighter than typical notebooks. However, subnotebooks retain the performance of a standard notebook. The savings in size and weight are usually achieved partly by __________ ports or having removable media or optical __________. Many can be paired with __________ to compensate. They generally run full desktop __________ such as Windows or Linux.
Netbooks are a category of small, lightweight, and
__________ laptop computers marketed as
__________ and usually used for general computing and accessing __________ applications. They usually
do not have __________ disk or __________ drive and offer reduced specification and __________.
PDAs or __________ computers are small enough to fit into the palm of a hand and used to
__________ a person's life. PDAs feature __________
screens, __________ capabilities and are used as
__________ (smartphones), __________ or
__________ media players. They can access the Internet, intranets or extranets via __________ or
__________ Networks. Many PDAs employ
__________ technology.
__________ computers are computers that are worn on the body. They provide the user with the
__________ support while his hands, voice, eyes, arms or attention are actively engaged with the __________. The main features of wearable computers are
__________ and the ability to __________ providing constant __________ between the computer and
__________. The popularity of portable computers has been __________ over the past decade as they do not
__________the user in terms of __________.
English for Special Purposes
SPECIALIST READING B: Tablet Computers
17. Scan the text, identify different parts and entitle them.
title |
from… – to… |
…
18. Read the text and decide whether these points are discussed in it.
Yes No
differences between two types of tablets examples of computers of both types pros and cons of tablet computers
development prospects of tablet computers tablet computers in everyday life
common form factors of tablets OS used in tablet computers latest versions of tablets
Computer Engineering 35
Two distinctly different types of "tablet computers" should be named.
A tablet personal computer (tablet PC) is a portable
personal computer equipped with a touch-screen as a primary input device. It is x861 based and uses a slightly modified personal computer OS (Windows or Ubuntu Linux) which supports touch-screen, (instead of a traditional display, mouse and keyboard). A typical tablet personal computer needs to be "stylus driven", because operating the typical desktop based OS requires a high precision to select "Widgets", such as the close window button.
A "tablet computer", or simply "tablet", is a complete computer contained entirely in a flat touch screen that uses a stylus, digital pen or fingertip as the primary input device instead of a keyboard or mouse which may or may not be included. It is not x86 based and uses a RISC (ARM or MIPS) CPU2 instead, that earlier was only used in portable equipment like MP3 players and cell phones,
but has become powerful enough for most contemporary computing tasks, such as browsing the Internet, light production work and gaming, tasks that historically have been done on x86 based Personal computers. The tablet computer and the associated special operating software is an example of pen computing technology.
Tablet computers come in a range of sizes. Tablet personal computers tend to be as large as laptops and often are the largest usable size for mobile tablet computing while the new generation of tablet computers can be much smaller and in size can border on PDAs .
Booklet computers are dual screen tablet computers that fold like a book. Typical booklet computers are equipped with multi-touch screens3 and pen writing recognition capabilities. They are designed to be used as digital day-planners, internet surfing devices, project planners, music players, and displays for video, live TV and e-reading.
Slate computers are tablet computers without a dedicated keyboard. For text input, users rely on handwriting recognition via an active digitizer, touching an on-screen keyboard using fingertips or a stylus, or using an external keyboard that can usually be attached via a wireless or USB connection. Convertible tablets have a base body with an attached keyboard. They more closely resemble modern laptops, and are usually
English for Special Purposes
36 Computer Engineering
heavier and larger than slates.
Typically, the base of a convertible attaches to the display at a single joint called a swivel hinge or rotating
hinge. The joint allows the screen to rotate through 180° and fold down on top of the keyboard to provide a flat writing surface. This design, although the most common, creates a physical point of weakness on the notebook.
Convertibles are by far the most popular form factor of tablet PCs, because they still offer the keyboard and pointing device (usually a trackpad) of older notebooks, for users who do not use the touchscreen display as the primary method of input.
The iPad is a tablet computer designed and developed by Apple. It is particularly marketed as a platform for audio and visual media such as books, periodicals, movies, music and games, as well as web content. At about 1.5 pounds (680 grams), its size and weight are between those of most contemporary smartphones and laptop computers. Apple released the iPad in April 2010, and sold 3 million of the devices in 80 days.
The iPad runs the same operating system as the earlier iPod Touch and iPhone and is controlled by a multi-touch display – break from most previous tablet computers, which used a pressure-triggered stylus.
The iPad's touchscreen display is a 9.7 inch (25 cm) LCD (1024 × 768 pixels) with scratch-resistant glass. Like the iPhone, the iPad is designed to be controlled by bare fingers; normal gloves and styli that prevent electrical conductivity may not be used, although there are special gloves and capacitive styli designed for this use.
The display responds to two other sensors: an ambient light sensor to adjust screen brightness and a 3-axis accelerometer to sense iPad orientation and switch
between portrait and landscape modes. The iPad built-in applications support screen rotation in all four
orientations, meaning that the device has no intrinsic
"native" orientation; only the relative position of the
home button changes.
The iPad uses a Wi-Fi data connection to browse the Internet, load and stream media, and install software. Some models also have a 3G wireless data connection. The device uses an internal rechargeable lithium-ion polymer battery that can provide up to 10 hours of video, 140 hours of audio playback, or one month on standby.
iPad's not a perfect tablet computer, but the very implementation of the iPhone OS and its clever data-
entry scheme – virtual keyboard, multi-touch gestures
and all – turns the iPad into an immeasurably more
usable device than any other tablet PC.
English for Special Purposes
Comments:
1The term x86 refers to a family of instruction set architecture based on the Intel 8086 CPU.
2ARM – Acorn RISC Machines - семейство процессоров ARM для встраиваемых и мобильных систем. Представляет собой некоторый конструктор, с помощью которого заказчик набирает себе те возможности, которые ему нужны. Линейка продуктов фирмы ARM состоит из базовых процессорных ядер и их "дочек", в которых реализованы различные дополнительные возможности.
3multi-touch — технология,
которая способна одновременно обнаруживать и определять координаты минимум 3 точек касания.
19. Answer the questions:
1.What are the differences between Tablet PC and Tablet Computer?
2.Where was RISC CPU most exclusively used before the advent of tablet computers?
3.How big can tablet computers be?
4.What are booklet computers used for?
5.What input devices do the users of slates rely on?
6.What form factor of Tablet PC is the most popular? Why is it so popular?
7.What is the weakest point of convertible tablets?
8.What common features do the iPad and iPhone have? What makes them different?
9.The iPad has no intrinsic "native" orientation, doesn’t it? Explain what opportunities this property gives to the user.
10.What special features does the iPad have in comparison to other tablet PCs?
Computer Engineering 37
WRITING: Tablet computers vs. typical laptops
20. Write two paragraphs on a) or b).
Paragraph 1: compare the advantages and disadvantages of a) tablet computers versus conventional laptops; b) portable computers versus desktop computers.
Paragraph 2: describe which of the two is more usable in this or that field.
While writing try to apply different comparing techniques. If you need help consult GRAMMAR FILES 2 (p….).
SPEAKING: Predictions for the Future
21. Role play. Work in pairs. Play the parts of an IT expert and an interviewer. Make up a conversation predicting the further developments of portable computers.
You can use the Supplementary reading section text “Predictions for the Future”. The following discourse markers may help you:
Contrasting |
But; Although/ though; however |
Although is more |
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Study the following examples: |
typical of formal |
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The tablet PC is clearly coming but it is more an evolution of the |
speech or writing. |
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user interface right now than a true replacement for the existing |
The clause with |
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laptop computer. |
although can come |
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The tablet PC is clearly coming. However, it is more an evolution of |
at the beginning. |
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the user interface right now than a true replacement for the existing |
Though is used |
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laptop computer. |
like although in |
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Although (Though) the tablet PC is clearly coming, it is more an |
informal speech or |
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evolution of the user interface right now than a true replacement |
writing. |
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for the existing laptop computer. |
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English for Special Purposes
38 Computer Engineering
Unit 4 Programming Languages
Up- & -up verbs Past tenses Programming Language History of Programming Languages Good presentation
LEAD-IN
1. Study the following words, think what unites them and continue this list.
Russian |
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spoken |
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FORTRAN |
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symbolic |
written |
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C# |
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dot-and-dash |
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body |
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mnemonic |
finger |
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PRONUNCIATION
2. Make sure you pronounce the following words properly:
algorithm |
[’ælgərið(ə)m] |
error |
[’erə] |
artificial |
[ɑːti’fiʃ(ə)l] |
machine |
[mə’ʃiːn] |
ambiguous |
[æm’bigjuəs] |
precision |
[pri’siʒ(ə)n] |
automatically |
[ɔːtə’mætik(ə)li] |
programming |
['prəugræmɪŋ] |
completeness |
[kəm’pliːtnəs] |
execute |
['eksɪkjuːt] |
dominant |
[’dɒminənt] |
diversity |
[daɪ'vɜːsɪtɪ] |
WORD STUDY
3. Translate the following definitions and memorize the terms:
artificial language (n) - |
an invented language, especially one intended as an international |
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medium of communication or for use with computers; |
specification (n) - |
a detailed description of the criteria for the constituents, construction, |
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performance, etc., of a material, apparatus or of the standard of |
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workmanship required in its manufacture; |
abstraction (n) - |
the process of formulating generalized ideas or concepts by extracting |
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common qualities from specific examples; |
modification (n) - |
a small change or adjustment; |
programming language (n) - |
a simple language system designed to facilitate the writing of |
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computer programs; |
syntax (n) - |
a systematic statement of the rules governing the grammatical |
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arrangement of words and morphemes in a language; |
semantics (n) - |
the study of the relationships between signs and symbols and what |
English for Special Purposes
Computer Engineering 39
they represent;
concept (n) - a general idea or notion that corresponds to some class of entities and that consists of the characteristic or essential features of the class;
context (n) - the conditions and circumstances that are relevant to an event, fact, etc.;
novice (n) - a person who is new to or inexperienced in a certain task, situation, etc.;
convergence (n) - the combining of different forms of electronic technology, such as data processing and word processing converging into information processing;
predictability (n) - the state of knowing what something is like, when something will happen, etc.
4. Match the following words with their synonyms (A, B) and the Russian equivalents (C, D):
A |
B |
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artificial |
precede |
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perform |
satisfy |
specify |
sphere |
mode |
simulated |
predate |
modify |
field |
detail |
intent |
setting |
alter |
execute |
meet |
purpose |
context |
style |
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C |
D |
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automated looms |
машинно-считываемый, |
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batch process |
точно определённый, |
figuratively speaking |
автоматический ткацкий станок, |
machine-readable |
образно выражаясь, |
precisely defined |
язык сценариев, |
scripting language |
процесс пакетной обработки |
dominant implementation |
внешнее поведение |
external behavior |
выйти из употребления |
fall into disuse |
вмешательство человека |
human intervention |
основное применение |
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5. Jumbled words. Rearrange the letters in A to make words and match them with definition in B.
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e a n u a l g g |
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_______________ |
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a part of a program consisting of a coded command |
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to the computer to perform a specified function; |
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i i i a a r f c l t |
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_______________ |
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a group or combination of interrelated, interdependent, |
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or interacting elements forming a collective entity; |
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_______________ |
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a person who writes a program so that data may be |
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n s t c r t n u i i o |
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processed by a computer; |
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i t c o m p e x i y |
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a system for the expression of thoughts, feelings, etc., by |
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_______________ |
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the use of spoken sounds or conventional symbols; |
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m r r r m p o g a e |
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a device, usually electronic, that processes data |
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_______________ |
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according to a set of instructions; |
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s e s t m y |
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the state or quality of being intricate or complex; |
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t o p u c e r m |
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non-natural. |
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English for Special Purposes
40 Computer Engineering
WORD BUILDING: UPand -up verbs
6. Complete these sentences with the appropriate form of the verbs from the list:
back up build up catch up keep up set up start up free up update upgrade upload
1.To avoid losing data, you should __________ your files regularly.
2.You can __________ your PC by adding a new motherboard.
3.Delete some files to __________ space on your hard disk.
4.A Data is __________ from regional PCs to the company's mainframe each night.
5.The operating system boots when you __________ your computer.
6.She's taking a course to __________ her knowledge of computing.
7.He __________ a website to advertise his travel company.
8.You can __________ with developments by reading PC magazines.
9.If you miss a class, you can study the hand-outs to __________
10.The image in a digital camera is __________ from a red, green and blue image.
GRAMMAR FOCUS : Past Tenses (Active & Passive)
7.Put the verbs in brackets into correct past tense form active or passive. If you need help use GRAMMAR FILES 1 (p. 107).
1.While the experiment with a new computer _______________ (carry out) nobody left the laboratory.
2.A new type of computing equipment _______________ (produce) at our University last year.
3.At that time scientific work _______________ (do) mostly by large groups of researchers.
4.The business letter _______________ (receive) before you came.
5.An interesting research in the field of communication _______________ (do) at our University two years ago.
6.We _______________ (look) for a more simple method of solution but could not find it.
7.Prospects of using smiles _______________ (understand) already by everybody by the end of previous millennium.
8.Our engineers _______________ (develop) a new type of electronic devices.
9.Before starting the project the students _______________ (discuss) the advantages of net
communications.
10.Programming languages _______________ (can use) to create programs that specify the behavior of a machine.
English for Special Purposes