English for Information Technology Engineers. Учебно-методическое пособие

•travelling by plane/travelling by train. – For example: Travelling by air is more stressful than travelling by train. Travelling by plane is more expensive than travelling by train.

•a pool/a lake

•an elephant` s neck/ a giraffe`s neck

•taking a trip/staying at home

•iron/wood

•going to the doctor/going to the dentist

•gold/silver

•rubber/wood

•an emerald/a diamond

•a feather/a blade of grass

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Unit 2. Computers

2.1. Computer Hardware

Warming up

What is the difference between peripherals and internal hardware?

Look at the list of items. Are they internal components, peripherals or storages?

Reading

Read the text and translate it.

Computers are electronic machines which can accept data in a certain form, process the data and give the results of the processing in a specified format as information. Three basic steps are involved in the process. First, data is fed into the computer’s memory. Then, when the program is run, the computer performs a set of instructions and processes the data. Finally, we can see the results (the output) on the screen or in printed form. Information in the form of data and programs is known as software, and the electronic and mechanical parts that make up a computer system are called hardware. A standard computer system consists of three main sections: the central processing Unit (CPU), the main memory and the peripherals.

Perhaps the most influential component is the central processing unit. Its function is to execute program instructions and coordinate the activities of all the other units. In a way, it is the ‘brain’ of the computer. The main memory holds the instructions and data which are currently being processed by the CPU. It has two main sections: RAM (random access memory) and ROM (read only memory). The peripherals are the physical units attached to the computer. They include storage devices and input/output devices. Storage devices (floppy, hard or optical disks) provide a permanent storage of both data and programs. Disk drives are used to handle one or more floppy disks. Input devices enable data to go into the computer’s memory. The most common input devices are the mouse and the keyboard. Output devices enable us to extract the finished product from the system. For example, the computer shows the output on the monitor or prints the results onto paper by means of a printer.

On the rear panel of the computer there are several ports into which we can plug a wide range of peripherals – modems, fax machines, optical drives and scanners. These are the main physical units of a computer system, generally known as the configuration

Use the information in the text to help you match the terms in the box with the appropriate explanation or definition below.

software peripheral devices monitor

floppy disk hardware

•The brain of the computer.

•Physical parts that make up a computer system.

•Programs which can be used on a particular computer system.

•The information which is presented to the computer.

•Results produced by a computer.

•Hardware equipment attached to the CPU.

•Visual display unit.

•Small device used to store information. Same as “diskette”.

•Any socket or channel in a computer system into which an input/output device may be connected.

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•A device used to produce voice output and play back music.

•Mechanism that reads and/or writes to optical disk.

Read the text, describing the technician explaining the motherboard to the trainee. Fill in the gaps with the right word.

DIMM CPU peripherals connectors graphics card Ethernet

See the large thing with silver-coloured edges, near the middle – well, just above the middle? That is the CPU socket, where the … goes. Now, can you see the long orange and white slots to the right of the CPU? There is a white one, an orange one, then another white one and another orange one. They are for the memory – for the … memory modules. Now look at the bottom of the board. See the green and orange slots of different length? These are where the … and things like that go. Now, looking at the left-hand side: this is where the … are. The lower ones, nearer the bottom, are the audio sockets, for the sound. And above them is the … connector, where you plug the network cable in and higher up are some USB ports, for connecting your … – you know, things like your keyboard and printer. And the hard drives and Blue-ray drive? They plug into the SATA sockets – they`re orange things in the bottom right-hand corner. See the five of them?

Using the key words from the text render the text below in English.

Компьютерная система – это электронная машина, которая обрабатывает данные, производит вывод и координирует деятельность других ее элементов. Она состоит из трех основных частей: центрального процессора, основной памяти и периферийных устройств. Центральный процессор выполняет программные инструкции, в то время как основная память хранит инструкции и данные. Физические устройства, такие как запоминающие устройства и устройства ввода/вывода, подключены к компьютеру, обеспечивая постоянное хранение данных и программ. Конфигурация компьютерной системы включает порты для различных периферийных устройств, таких как модемы, оптические приводы и сканеры. Основные физические устройства компьютерной системы имеют решающее значение для ее работы.

2.2. How Computer Memory Works

Warming up

Answer the questions

What is the function of the memory?

What parts accommodate the memory of a computer?

Listening

Before listening read and translate the phrases:

•retain skills

•binary digits

•grow exponentially

•face a constant struggle

•short term memory

•retrieve bits of data

•memory`s latency

•random access memory

•leak away

•high speed internal memory cache

•solid-state drivers

•cause charge leakage

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•ten years life expectancy

•remain out of order

Watch and listen “How Compute Memory Works”.

Follow the link: https://www.ted.com/talks/kanawat_senanan_how_computer_memory_works

Answer the questions:

•What is the function of a computer memory?

•What do files and programs consist of?

•What struggle do computer designers face?

•What does memory`s latency mean?

•What kind of memory is called dynamic?

•What does static random-access memory consist of?

•What is the newest and fastest types of long-term storage?

•How does optical disk work?

Follow the script. Write the missing words.

In many ways, our memories make us who we are, helping us 1. … our past, learn and retain skills, and plan for the future. And for the computers that often act as 2. …. of ourselves, memory plays much the same role, whether it's a two-hour movie, a two-word text file, or the instructions for opening either, everything in a computer's memory takes the form of basic units called bits, or 3. …. . Each of these is stored in a memory cell that can switch between two states for two possible values, 0 and 1. Files and programs 4. … millions of these bits, all processed in the central processing unit, or CPU, that acts as the computer's brain. And as the number of bits needing to be processed grows exponentially, computer designers face a constant 5. … between size, cost, and speed. Like us, computers have 6. … for immediate tasks, and long-term memory for more permanent storage.

When you run a program, your operating system allocates area within the short-term memory for performing those instructions. For example, when you 7. … in a word processor, the CPU will access one of these locations to retrieve bits of data. It could also modify them, or create new ones. The time this takes is known as the 8. … And because program instructions must be processed quickly and continuously, all 9. … within the short-term memory can be accessed in any order, hence the name random access memory. The most common type of RAM is dynamic RAM, or DRAM. There, each memory cell consists of a tiny 10. … and 11. … that store electrical charges, a 0 when there's no charge, or a 1 when charged. Such memory is called 12. … because it only holds charges briefly before they leak away, requiring periodic recharging to retain data. But even its low latency of 100 nanoseconds is too long for modern CPUs, so there's also a small 13. … made from static RAM. That's usually made up of six 14. … which don't need refreshing. SRAM is the fastest memory in a computer system, but also the most expensive, and takes up three times more space than DRAM. But RAM and cache can only 15. … as long as they're powered. For data to remain once the device is turned off, it must be transferred into a long-term storage device, which comes in three major types. In magnetic storage, which is the cheapest, data is stored as 16.

…on a spinning disc coated with magnetic film. But because the disc must rotate to where the data is located in order to be read, the latency for such drives is 100,000 times slower than that of DRAM. On the other hand, optical-based storage like 17. … also uses spinning discs, but with a reflective coating. Bits are encoded as light and dark spots using a 18. … by a laser. While optical storage media are cheap and removable, they have even slower latencies than magnetic storage and lower capacity as well. Finally, the newest and fastest types of longterm storage are 19. … , like flash sticks. These have no moving parts, instead using floating gate transistors that store bits by trapping or removing electrical charges within their specially designed 20. ….

So how reliable are these billions of bits? We tend to think of computer memory as 21. … , but it actually degrades fairly quickly. The heat generated from a device and its environment will eventually demagnetize 22. … , degrade the dye in optical media, and cause charge leakage in floating gates. Solid-state drives also have an additional weakness. Repeatedly writing to floating gate transistors corrodes them, eventually rendering them useless. With data on most 23. … media having less than a ten-year life expectancy, scientists are working to 24.

…the physical properties of materials down to the quantum level in the hopes of making memory devices faster, smaller, and more durable. For now, immortality 25. … , for humans and computers alike.

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Summarize the speech in 5-7 sentences.

Give short description of computer memory. Visualize your answer.

2.3. Types of computers

Warming up

Compare the old and the modern computers. Use the comparisons. Use the adjectives to make sentences: thin powerful light mobile fast convenient

For example –The first computers could store less information than the modern laptops.

Name the types of computers.

Reading

Read the text and translate it.

From mainframes to wearable computers

A mainframe is the most powerful type of computer. It can process and store large amounts of data. It supports multiple users at the same time and can support more simultaneous processes than a PC. The central system is a large server connected to hundreds of terminals over a network. Mainframes are used for large-scale computing purposes in banks, big companies and universities.

A desktop has its own processing unit (or CPU), monitor and keyboard. It is used as a personal computer in the home or as a workstation for group work. Typical examples are the IBM PC and the Apple Macintosh. It's designed to be placed on your desk. Some models have a vertical case called a tower.

A laptop (also called a notebook PC) is a lightweight computer that you can transport easily. It can work as fast as a desktop PC, with similar processors, memory capacity, and disk drives, but it is portable and has a smaller screen that produces very sharp images.

Instead of a mouse they have a touchpad built into the keyboard – a sensitive pad that you can touch to move the pointer on the screen.

They offer a lot of connectivity options: USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports for connecting peripherals, slots for memory cards, etc.

They come with battery packs, which let you use the computer when there are no electrical outlets available. A tablet PC looks like a book, with an LCD

screen on which you can write using a special digital pen. You can fold and rotate the screen 180 degrees. Your handwriting can be recognized and converted into editable text. You can also type at the detached keyboard or use voice recognition. It's mobile and versatile.

A personal digital assistant or PDA is a tiny computer which can be held in one hand. The term PDA refers to a wide variety of hand-held devices, palmtops and pocket PCs.

For input, you type at a small keyboard or use a stylus – a special pen used with a touchscreen to select items, draw pictures, etc. Some models incorporate handwriting recognition, which enables a PDA to recognize characters written by hand. Some PDA's

recognize spoken words by using voice recognition software.

They can be used as mobile phones or a personal organizer for storing notes, reminders and addresses. They also let you access the Internet via wireless technology, without cables.

A wearable computer runs on batteries and is worn on the user's body, for example on a belt, backpack or vest; it is designed for mobile or hands-free operation. Some devices are equipped with a wireless modem, a small keyboard and a screen; others are voice-activated and can access email or voice mail.

Read the statements. What computers are they about?

• It is a tiny computer which can be held in one hand.

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•It can process and store large amounts of data.

•It has a sensitive pad that you can touch to move the pointer on the screen.

•You can fold and rotate the screen 180 degrees.

•It has its own processing unit (or CPU), monitor and keyboard.

What types of computers are not used now / are well-spread today?

Homework: writing a letter

Read the situations. Write a letter on one of the situations.

A.Your University Department is considering buying tablet PCs to use in the classroom. Write an e-mail explaining the technical support service the benefits of using tablets.

B.Your company is considering replacing all of the office PCs with laptops. Write an email to your boss explaining the benefits of it for the employees of ypur department. Remember the rules of formal letter writing.

Before writing your letter read the article below.

Writing a letter of request

A request letter is written on any occasion when someone wants to politely ask for information, a favor or permission for a particular matter. It is an official document that shows the intention of requesting something like a document, details, permission or assistance.

How to write:

•explain what your request is;

•mention the reason for the request;

•use polite language and a professional tone;

•demonstrate respect to the reader;

•the content of the letter should be official;

•you may provide contact information;

•enclose documents to support your request;

•be brief.

Read the letter.

Dear Mr. Collins,

I am writing on behalf of my economics class at Business College to request that you be so kind as to permit us to visit the company premises for study purposes. Our class has been learning about the development of technology in industry, and would greatly appreciate the chance to visit your premises.

It would be most useful to see how the theory we have been taught has been put into practice in a real-life situation. Furthermore, we are keen to do our study on a successful company like yours, which has an excellent reputation both financially and in terms of planning for the future.

It would likewise be valuable if we could tour the premises to get an overall impression of the production system. We would also like to ask questions about the processes involved and your economic policy, as well as information on management and staffing structures.

We would be delighted if you would consider the visit outlined in this letter and I would like to thank you for your time and cooperation in this matter.

Yours sincerely,

E. Ballard (signature)

Answer the questions on the letter:

•What is the request in the letter?

•What are the reasons for the request?

•Is the content of the letter official?

•How does the author of the letter start and finish it?

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Compare formal and informal letters. Complete the table using the letter above.

Rewrite the letter. Change its style to informal.

Dear Mr. Brown,

I am writing 1. ____________ of the Practice Department of Technological College. I 2. ______________ if it is possible to visit your premises within the student career project week. We 3. __________ to get acquainted with your company and it would be most useful to see how the theory we have been taught has been put into practice in a real-life situation.

4. __________________ if we could tour the premises to get an overall impression.

We would appreciate if you could arrange the date and the time with our department. I would like to thank you for your time and cooperation in this matter.

5.______________,

John White,

Manager of Student Practice Department of Technological College

Grammar Practice

Past Simple and Present Perfect

We often use Present Perfect to talk about pas experiences or the recent past when we don`t specify a time. In questions and negatives “ever” and “never” are used.

Conversations about experiences often start in Present Perfect and then change to Past Simple to ask or give details (when, where, who with).

-Have you been to London?

-Yes, I have.

-When did you go there?

-I went there when I was at school.

Practice using Present Perfect. Complete the gaps.

1.I … (not / work) today yet.

2.Look! We … (buy) a new carpet.

3.We … (not / plan) our holiday yet.

4.Where … (be / you)? I … (not see) you for ages.

5.He … (write) five letters so far.

6.She … (not / see) him for a long time.

7.… ever (be / you) to Greece?

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Translate the words in bold from the sentences above. These are tense markers typical for Present Perfect.

Watch the video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMHxEO3LrQg

Write down at least 5 examples with the verbs in Past Simple. Name tense markers.

Present Perfect or Past Simple? Fill in the gaps

A:… (be) to the new cinema?

B:Yes, I … (be) there on Monday. It … (be) great!

A:… (see) a good film?

B:… (see) a new film with Johnny Depp.

A:That sounds great! Who … (go) with?

B:I … (go) there with my boyfriend. He … (like) the place very much.

Take the dialogue above as an example. Make up and act out a similar dialogue with your fellow-student. Mind the difference between Present Perfect and Past Simple.

Fill in the gaps with the right form.

1)It … (be) dark when we … (come) home yesterday evening.

2)Mary never … (go) so far. It will be her first trip to a foreign country.

3)I know about the problem but I … (find) the solution yet.

4)A: … (travel) to Bath?

B:Yes, I …(be) there. I … (visit) it when I … (be) 14.

5)Carla and Peter … already (buy) a new house.

6)How long … (know) Jill? I see you often meet her at lunch.

7)I am so sorry! We … (forget) about the appointment!

2.4.Quantum Computers

Warming up

What do you know about quantum computers?

What is the advantage of its use?

Read and translate the phrases

•harness the strange physics of matter

•devoid of …

•elaborate set up

•outstrip the computational limit

•handle more and more complicated problems

•pressure fluctuations

•superposition

•manage these fickle quantum states

•approach

•scale up the number of circuits

•in a realm we can`t observe

Match the word with the definition.

Listening

Before watching the video about quantum computers match the parts of the sentences and translate them.

Watch and listen to the speaker: https://www.ted.com/talks/chiara_decaroli_the_high_stakes_race_to_make_quantum_computers_work

How does the speaker describe the work of quantum computers?

Answer the questions:

•What is the advantage of a quantum computer?

•What is a qubit?

•Why does a quantum computer need an elaborate set up?

•What are two key components involved in managing quantum states effectively?

After listening

Check yourself! Follow the link to read the transcript: https://www.ted.com/talks/chiara_decaroli_the_high_stakes_race_to_make_quantum_computers_work/transcrip t

What information did you remember about quantum computers? Summarize it in 5-7 sentences.

Homework: find extra information about quantum computers. Tell it to the class with Power Point presentation. Use one of the issues:

•The history of development of quantum computers.

•The obstacles of quantum computers production.

•Possible applications of quantum computers.

•Development of quantum computers nowadays.

Revision

1. Read the description of the hardware parts. Write the hardware item described.

a)the case that contains CPU, memory, power supply, disk drives and other internal hardware;

b)located in system unit, stores most data and programs,

c)used to type information in a computer, a primary input device;

d)captures spoken input;

e)used to store documents, digital photos and other information to be moved from one computer to the other.

2.Match the parts of the sentences and translate them.

1.Computers are electronic machines which … a. with an LCD screen on which you can write using a