A better computer

Jessica = J

Michael = M

J: Hi, Michael!

M: Hi, Jess. How are you?

J: I am well, thank you!

M: Oh, Jess, you are looking great! What can I do for you?

J: There are a couple of things, Michael. First of all I wanted to thank you for your help regarding computers.

M: You're very welcome, Jess.

J: Secondly, I wanted to ask you about your Computer system. It is really excellent. It's much better than the one I use at home. It's faster, more efficient and I think it's much easier to operate.

M: We've been very happy with it. It's probably less expensive, too.

J: All the software comes from Microsoft Company, doesn't it?

M: Yes. The major part produced by Microsoft Company. It is the biggest worldwide company involved in creation and developing of software. They're the best in their field.

J: Yes, I know this.

M: Also, I know Max. Now he works for Microsoft Company.

J: Right. Well, it seems that. And?

M: And what?

J: Yes, well, I'd like to meet this Mr. Max Stewdock. Maybe we can make a deal.

M: Are you going to the International Convention of Civil Engineers, in L.A.?

J: Yes.

M: Well, Microsoft Company will have an exhibit there. I can introduce you to Max.

J: Are you sure it's no trouble?

M: No, not at all. Max is one of my oldest friends. Maybe I can do you both a favour!

Vocabulary:

• Couple — пара, два, двоє

• excellent — відмінний, прекрасний, чудовий

• faster — швидше, скоріше

• efficient — діючий, результативний, ефективний (in)

• to operate — працювати; діяти; функціонувати (найчастіше — про прилади, механізми)

• software — комп'ютерні програми, програмне забезпечення, розм. софт

• to involve — залучати, утягувати (in, with)

• creation — створення

• to develop — розвивати(ся); удосконалювати(ся)

• deal — угода, договір, домовленість

• convention — збори, з'їзд

• exhibit — виставка, показ

• to introduce — представляти, знайомити

• trouble — занепокоєння, хвилювання, тривога

• favour — послуга, люб'язність, уважність, розташування, прийняття, прихильність, фавор; схвалення

Read this dialogue and translate it into Ukrainian.

The Wonders of the Computer

Mr Johnson, the manager of a mail-order firm has invited Mr Dennis, a representative of a computer firm, to come and discuss the possibilities of his firm going over to a computer system.

Mr Johnson: How would a computer improve our system?

Mr Dennis: In several ways, Mr Johnson. However efficient a manual system is, it is unavoidably inaccurate and slow.

Mr Johnson: But computers are complicated things. Don't they make Just as many mistakes?

Mr Dennis: Computers don't make mistakes, except when they really break down. They arc usually just wrongly programmed, but these mistakes can easily be corrected.

Mr Johnson: What would a computer be able to do in an organization like ours?

Mr Dennis: Well, I'd have to look at the whole system more closely before I could tell you exactly, but there are already various programs in existence which could be used.

Mr Johnson: From your experience with other firms, can you give me a rough idea of what could be expected?

Mr Dennis: Certainly. You would probably need a central computer, in which would be stored all the facts about the stores situation and the customers - their names, addresses and reference numbers, of course, and the details of their accounts.

Mr Johnson: These facts are constantly changing. Could they easily be kept up to date?

Mr Dennis: Quite easily. When the facts change, the computer automatically changes its records.

Mr Johnson: Does it work in the same way for customers' accounts?

Mr Dennis: Yes. when a customer places (in order or makes a payment, his account is altered accordingly. And if his regular payments are overdue, the computer will automatically print out a reminder.

Mr Johnson: If I want a permanent record of a situation, is that possible?

Mr Dennis: Quite possible. At regular intervals - weekly or monthly, perhaps - you can have a printout, that is a printed record, of anything you want - the stores situation, customers' accounts, etc.

Mr Johnson: Such a computer must be pretty expensive.

Mr Dennis: The initial outlay is not small. But labour is costly, and so are errors, and what you save in labour costs and gain in efficiency would make it a really worthwhile investment.

Mr Johnson: Thank you, Mr Dennis. It sounds quite promising.

Notes:

1. manual - done with the hands

2. printout - printed information from the computer

3. outlay - sum of money that is spent

4. costly — expensive

Answer the following questions:

1. What does Mr. Dennis say about manual systems?

2. What is the usual reason for computers making mistakes?

3. What would be stored in the central computer?

4. How would these facts be kept up to date?

5. How can a permanent record of a situation be obtained?

6. Why does Mr. Dennis think that a computer would be a worthwhile investment?

Read this dialogue and translate it into Ukrainian.