Words and word combinations.

rapidly – быстро

general-purpose– универсальный, многоцелевой

device– прибор, устройство

vacuumtube– вакуумная трубка

several– несколько

multiplication – умножение

to wire into – зд. записана на

manually – вручную

to alter – изменять, менять

transistor – транзистор

to create – создавать

to improve – улучшать, совершенствовать

expensive – дорогой, дорогостоящий

to build (past built, p.p. built) – построить

digital – цифровой

conceptually – концептуально

similar – похожий, подобный

regardless– невзирая на

nevertheless– тем не менее, однако

desk-top– десктоп, компьютер настольного размера

laptop– лэптоп

tofit– подходить

briefcase– портфель, чемоданчик

workstation– рабочая станция

toenhance– улучшать, увеличивать

capability– способность

server– сервер

enterprise– предприятие

researchestablishment– исследовательское учреждение

tobecomposedof– состоять из

centralprocessingunit– центральное вычислительное устройство

distinct– разный, различный

inputdevice– устройство ввода информации

memorystoragedevice– устройство хранения информации

outputdevice– устройство вывода информации

communicationnetwork– система коммуникаций

bus – зд. шина

to link – соединять

external– внешний

Ответьте на вопросы:

1. When was the first general-purpose electronic computer constructed?

2. When did the use of transistor in computers begin?

3. Are all modern digital computers conceptually similar?

4. What is laptop?

5. What is a server computer?

6. What is supercomputer?

7. How many elements can be distinguished in a computer?

1. Переведите следующий текст, пользуясь словарем. Parts of a computer system.

The computer system is divided into two parts. The first is the hardware – that is the mechanical parts of system, including the machine itself and the peripheral devices. The second part is the software which consists of the programs that are processed. Software is a very important part of the system since it is only through accurate programs that the equipment will return accurate results.

Because programs are so important many companies that have computers also have large staffs of people who specialize in designing software for their particular needs. These people are the programmers. Just as small companies rent time on computers, they also frequently hire programmers for a period of time from firms that specialize in preparing software. Once a basic program has been worked out for a small company, the company usually has no further need for a large programming staff. At that point the hired programmers go on to work on software for another customer.

Because of the high cost of both software and hardware the practice of renting what is needed for only as long it is needed has become very common. Even if a company cannot afford a high-speed computer, it can usually afford to rent time on one.

2. Выберите правильные ответы на следующие вопросы.

1. How many parts is the computer system divided into?

a) The computer system is divided into three parts.

b) The computer system is divided into two parts.

c) The computer system is divided into five parts.

2. What is a very important part of the system?

a) Hardware is a very important part of the system.

b) The machine itself is a very important part of the system.

c) Software is a very important part of the system.

3. What staffs of people have many companies?

a) Many companies have staffs of people who specialize in preparing software.

b) Many companies have large staffs of people who rent times on computers.

c) Many companies have large staffs of people who specialize in designing software for their practical needs.