Dictating machines

Dictating systems may use a PAX network (private automatic exchange, the internal telephone system); the PABX network (private automatic branch exchange) or a separate wired system.

• PAX is generally the most economical, flexible and satisfactory when installed, as dictating points are readily available where an internal telephone exists and, by a push-button system, the dictator can have instantaneous communication.

• PABX dictation is not so satisfactory or so common as dictation may collide with external calls.

• Separately-wired systems entail higher installation costs but give excellent service, especially if the amount of dictation is great.

Facsimile reproduction and transmission

An exact duplicate of anything written, drawn or typed is transmitted between two distant points.

Teleprinters and telex systems

A teleprinter is a machine fitted with a typewriter keyboard which is con­nected by telegraph wire to a similar machine. Messages typed at one machine are reproduced simultaneously on the other machine.

Telex is a kind of teleprinter connected to a public teleprinter system, where calls can be made to any other telex subscriber.

Real-time systems

These reduce the delays associated with entering data into the computer by connecting the communications channel directly (on-line) to the computer via control units. These real-time systems are able to process data at the instant they are transmitted from the remote point and send a reply in seconds. One example of this use is airline booking systems, where a booking clerk types a question on a console which is linked to a computer and receives a reply within seconds.

Assignments

I. Memorise the following words and phrases:

conveyor belt	стрічковий транспортер
motor-driven belts	конвеєр з приводом від електродвигуна
chain wire conveyor	ланцюговий конвеєр
folder	канцелярська папка, швидкозшивач
automatic exchange	автоматична телефонна станція (АТС)
console	пульт управління
pool	бюро

II. Suggest the Ukrainian equivalents of the words and phrases below:

internal/external communication; to conform to certain standards; wired system; instantaneous communication; dictation may collide with external calls; duplicate; typewriter keyboard; subscriber; distant/remote point; airline booking system; booking clerk;

III. Find English equivalents to the following phrases from the text:

копія; користувач; миттєве спілкування; дротова система; друкарська клавіатура.

IV. Answer the questions:

1. What types of communication do you know? What forms of external communication are available?

2. What do the methods of transmitting written communications depend on?

3. What conveyor systems of transmitting written communications can you name?

4. What is teleprinter?

5. What is telex?

6. How do real-time systems operate?

7. What types of machines are used for internal communication in an office?

8. What are the advantages of centralised dictation?