- •Exercises
- •IV. Translate into Russian paying attention to the «-ed»-forms.
- •VI. Read the text without a dictionary.
- •VII. Topics for discussions.
- •Exercises
- •The Present Simple Passive
- •IV. Discuss what computers can do in the following areas.
- •V. Write a short paragraph summarizing your discussion. Then ask one person from your group to give a summary of the group's ideas to the rest of the class.
- •VI. Read the text and retell it. Computer Applications
- •Unit III
- •Exercises
- •III. Mind the translation of the word «operate».
- •IV. Translate the sentences paying attention to the infinitives.
- •V. Complete the following sentences with relative pronouns «who»,«that», «which».
- •VI. Decide if the sentences are true or false.
- •VII. Speak about the features of the computer that you would like to have.
- •Bits — Basic Units of Memory
- •Bytes and Characters
- •The ascii Code
- •Kilobytes, Megabytes and Gigabytes
- •Exercises
- •IV. Translate the Following Sentences.
- •V. Read the text and render its contents.
- •Input device. Point and click!
- •Exercises
- •IV. Here are some basic mouse actions. Match the terms in the box with the explanations below.
- •V. Discussion Points.
- •Unit VI output device. The monitor
- •IV. Translate the sentences paying attention to the Gerund.
- •V. Rewrite these sentences about what you should do to protect your eyes. Use modal verbs: «must», «should», «ought to».
- •VI. Answer the questions.
- •Unit VII optical disks: pros and cons
- •Exercises
- •Unit VIII graphical user interface
- •Exercises
- •Unit IX programming languages
- •What is programming?
- •Exercises
- •IV. Read the text and find answers to these questions.
- •V. Read the passage and complete it with the verbs in brackets in the correct form. A Short Description of basic
- •VI. Speak on the advantages and disadvantages of the low-level and higher-level languages.
- •VII. Make up a summary of the text.
- •Basic features
- •Of database programs
- •Exercises
- •Unit XI word-processing facilities
- •Exercises
- •I. Match words and expressions meaning the same.
- •IV. Translate into Russian.
- •V. Make a summary of the text using the expressions given below.
- •Unit XII the postscript revolution
- •Exercises
- •IV. Translate the attributive groups.
- •V. These statements about PostScript are all false. Read and cor rect them.
- •VI. What is a PostScript? Choose the correct answer.
- •VII. Read the passage below looking for the main idea of scanners. Scanners
- •VIII. Think and say about.
VI. Read the text without a dictionary.
Computer Development History
The word computer comes from a Latin word which means to count.
A computer is a device that has the ability to take in, store and process data in a very short time automatically.
The history of computers began in 1643 when the French mathematician and philosopher Blaise Pascal invented the first adding machine. It was followed by the first multiplying machine which was invented in 1671 by another mathematician -- Y.W.Leibnitz. The idea of an automatic machine which could not only add, subtract, multiply and -divide but perform a sequence of steps automatically belonged to Charles Babbage, a professor of mathematics at Cambridge University, England.
Modern era of digital computers began in the 40-s when Howard Aiken, a professor of Harvard University, realized Babbage's ideas. This machine performed many useful operations, but the speed of calculations was limited. Nowadays electronic computers based on solid-state elements and integrated circuits made it possible to solve very complicated problems within a very short time. So, the invention of computers is one of the greatest achievements of mankind.
VII. Topics for discussions.
Speak about the role of computers in modern society.
Give some information on the history of computers.
Use the following words:
to be widely used, to solve complicated problems, to provide information, to improve man's life, to perform operations, to be based on, speed of calculations.
Unit II
WHAT CAN COMPUTERS DO?
Computers and microchips have become part of our everyday lives: we visit shops and offices, which have been designed with the help of computers, we read magazines, which have been produced on computer, we pay bills prepared by computers. Just picking up a telephone and dialing a number involves the use of a sophisticated computer system, as does making a flight reservation or bank transaction. We encounter daily many computers that spring to life the instant they're switched on (e.g. calculators, the car's electronic ignition, the timer in the microwave, or the programmer inside the TV set), all of which use chip technology.
What makes your computer such a miraculous device? Each time you turn it on, it is a tabula rasa that, with appropriate hardware and software, is capable of doing anything you ask. It is a calculating machine that speeds up financial calculations. It is an electronic filing cabinet which manages large collections of data such as customers' lists, accounts, or inventories. It is a magical typewriter that allows you to type and print any kind of document — letters, memos or legal documents. It is a personal communicator that enables you to interact with other computers and with people around the world. If you like gadgets and electronic entertainment, you can even use your PC to relax with computer games.
NOTE:
tabula rasa — чистая доска