A word processor

A word processor (more formally known as document preparation system) is a computer application used for the production (including composition, editing, formatting, and possibly printing) of any sort of printable material.

Word processor may also refer to an obsolete type of stand-alone office machine, popular in the 1970s and 80s, combining the keyboard text-entry and printing functions of an electric typewriter with a dedicated computer for the editing of text. Although features and design varied between manufacturers and models, with new features added as technology advanced, word processors for several years usually featured a monochrome display and the ability to save documents on memory cards or diskettes. Later models introduced innovations such as spell-checking programs, increased formatting options, and dot-matrix printing. As the more versatile combination of a personal computer and separate printer became commonplace, the word processor quickly disappeared.

Word processors are descended from early text formatting tools (sometimes called text justification tools, from their only real capability). Word processing was one of the earliest applications for the personal computer in office productivity.

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Unit 4

Read the following article in 10 minutes without dictionary and render it. (Use the phrases from Appendix 4).

Sci-Tech Encyclopedia: Word processing

The use of a computer and specialized software to write, edit, format, print, and save text. In addition to these basic capabilities, the latest word processors enable users to perform a variety of advanced functions. Although the advanced features vary among the many word processing applications, most of the latest software facilitates the exchange of information between different computer applications, allows easy access to the World Wide Web for page editing and linking, and enables groups of writers to work together on a common project.

Writing is accomplished by using the computer's typewriterlike keyboard. The characters appear on the computer screen as they are typed. A finite number of characters can be typed across the computer screen. The word processor “knows” when the user has reached this limit and automatically moves the cursor to the next line for uninterrupted typing. The position on the computer screen where a character can be typed is marked by a blinking cursor. The cursor can be positioned anywhere on the screen by using the mouse, or the keys marked with arrows on the keyboard.

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(www.answers.com/topic/word-processing ) 

Unit 5

Translate the following text in writing in 45 minutes using the dictionary.

Storing files

Any file that has any useful purpose, outside of a thought experiment, must have some physical manifestation. That is, a file (an abstract concept) in a real computer system must have a real physical analogue if it is to exist at all.

In physical terms, most computer files are stored on some type of data storage device. For example, there is a hard disk, from which most operating systems run and on which most store their files. Hard discs are the most ubiquitous form of non-volatile storage at the start of the 21st century. Where files contain only temporary information, they may be stored in RAM.

In Unix-like operating systems, many files have no direct association with a physical storage device: /dev/null is a prime example, as are just about all files under /dev, /proc and /sys. These can be accessed as files in user space. They are really virtual files that exist, in reality, as objects within the operating system kernel.

Computer files may be stored on magnetic tape. Files can also be stored on other media in some cases, such as writeable compact discs, Digital Versatile Discs, Zip drives, USB flash drives, etc.

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Unit 6

Read the following article in 8-10 minutes without dictionary and speak about computer security. (Use the phrases from Appendix 4).