I. Copy the underlined words and word-combinations, translate them into Ukrainian and learn them.

II. Give a short summary of the text in English in a written or oral form.

Oxford dictionary of computing for learners of English

The dictionary is intended for learners of English of intermediate to advanced level who need to understand, speak, read and write the English used in computing. It is a valuable reference work for people who use computers and people who study computing. The dictionary is comprehensive and up-to-date in its covеrage of words and phrases used in computing. Clear explanations of the grammar and meaning of words, along with authentic examples showing how words are really used make this dictionary a useful tool for helping to read, write speak and understand the English used in computing today.

This dictionary has been specially designed so that it is easy to use. The headword is followed by a definition and examples. Words and phrases are explained clearly and simply using a limited number of words which are easy to understand. If more detailed information on grammar or pronunciation is needed, or if cross references, collocations, plurals, synonyms, parts of the verb or spelling and American variants are required, they have all been conveniently placed together in the separate language column.

I. Copy the underlined words and word-combinations, translate them into Ukrainian and learn them.

II. Find in the text the English equivalents for the following words and expressions: вичерпний; призначатися (для когось); визначення; пояснення; чіткий; вимова; словник; словосполучення; автентичний; корисний.

III. Read the text and answer the following questions.

1. Who is the dictionary intended for?

2. What makes this dictionary a useful tool for learners of English?

3. How are words and phrases explained?

4. What makes this dictionary easy to use?

The effects of information technologies on people

Information technology alters the nature of work, but people must change the way they approach such basic tasks as gathering data, writing, and communicating if they are to adapt successfully to informa­tion technology.

One of the more interesting aspects of information technology is that everything becomes more abstract. For example, going to work and handling paperwork are very real and concrete. They are tangible things to which people can easily relate. All the information technology trends, however, point to less tangibility. From pictures on a computer screen that replace physical objects to electronic communications that replace meetings and travel, the form and substance of business organization and work are changing. Although it is too early to tell whether or not this will have negative effects, it certainly will be different.

As electronic technology replaces manual technology, information and communication become more and more «invisible». What happens to our notion of a desk when all notes, memos, calendars, and files are just data in a computer network? What happens to our notion of a letter when messages are composed, transmitted, and received electronically?

Workgroup and enterprise computing network makes it possible to bring people together who are normally separated by travel time, time zones, and conflicting schedules. As a result, collaboration may become an important feature of work in the future. In theory, this should speed up the flow of work by making it faster and easier to accomplish the goals of the organization.

Once information technology makes mobility and communication easier, the time previously spent scheduling and coordinating people’s time and their face-to-face interactions can be spent more creatively. Electronic calendars can simplify scheduling meetings, conferences, and appointments. In the long term, the whole concept of the static organizational structure may disappear and be replaced by more dynamic workgroups that are created and dissolved to meet the needs at hand. The organization may even become «located» in electronic networks and databases. Instead of a physical place where you work, it becomes a «virtual» place where you work — you could be anywhere.

Such structural changes will stimulate corresponding social changes in the organization. For example, all the information technologies discussed are far more than substitutes for manual systems. As they free us to do things in new ways, new skills will be required to adapt to the changing structure. The management function of supervision and control may take on an entirely new meaning as workers shift from being together in physical offices to being together in logical networks. Information technology is being rapidly developed. But as has been the case with most technology, factors such as laws, social structures, habits, and communications will determine how fast the changes will take place.