VII. Answer the following questions:

1. What is a computer? 2. How many operations does a modern computer perform? 3. What kinds of modern computers do you know? 4. What are the advantages in making the computers as small as one can? 5. How much did the first computers cost? 6. Tell about the essential constituent parts of a general-purpose computer. 7. What does the special-purpose computer mean? 8. What does the general-purpose computer mean?

VIII. Translate the following definitions and memorize the terms:

A byte- is the smallest unit of information, it consists of eight bits.

Input unit- is a section of the computer which accepts information from outside the computer.

The capacity of a computer memory- is the quantity of data that memory until can hold.

A programming- is a process by which a set of instructions is produced for a computer to make it perform specified activity.

A microcomputer –is a tiny processor on a single chip.

A personal computer- is a computer used for home or personal use.

IX. Change the following sentences into Indirect speech. Mind the Sequence of Tenses:

M о d e l: He said: "I shall do this work."

He said that he would do this work.

1. The lecturer pointed out: "Amplification is the ratio of the output voltage to the input signal voltage." 2. The author of the article stated: "High frequency links will be an important port of the world communication system in future. 3. The head of the research laboratory reported: "Our laboratory is developing testing equipment for new communication systems." 4. The examiner asked the student: "What amplifier has only one active element in it?" 5. One of the students asked: "Is it possible to have the ideal gain and phase characteristics over the whole frequency range?" 6. The speaker concluded: "There exist many problems concerning space communication and one of them will be discussed at the next meeting." 7. The teacher asked: "Who knows the difference between a linear and non-linear amplifier?" 8. The laboratory assistant said: "The output signal was distorted." 9. Students were told: "This current amplifier will have a very small input impedance." 10. Students asked the teacher: "What text shall we read after we finish reading Amplifiers'?" 11. He said: "I have finished the work."

X. Read the following supplementary text and translate it without a dictionary

SUPPLEMENTARY TEXT. NEW MICROCOMPUTER

An entirely new microcomputer has been developed by the Institute of Management Problems and the Tbilisi Automation Research Institute. The microcomputer NC-300 is equipped with an arithmetical-logical device — sort of a matrix with cells, which carry pre-set programmes. Because of this the microcomputer can perform various logical functions. In other words it possesses a solving field for various programmes. It is comparatively easy to change commands or add new ones.

The NC-300's outstanding feature is that its arithmetical-logical device can be adjusted by computers of a higher level. The memory device based entirely on semiconductors keeps information for several days, even with the power supply unplugged, in this case the microcomputer automatically switches over to the microaccumulator.

The NC-300 is very small in size and weight (25 kg), is resistant to temperature fluctuations, does not require special ventilation, is reliable and easy to operate. It can be used in computer control complexes as an information-processing unit, and also as a built-in computer in various analysing and display devices. It receives data, calculates the optimum conditions and supplies signals for the control of technological processes.

The field of application of the new computer is vast. It can be used in many fields of science and engineering. It can also be used for processing information about conditions in the environment, for control of conveyers and other equipment.