Vocabulary notes

¹ to grow sixfold — зрости в шість разів

² mill ionf old increase — збільшення (ріст) в мільйон разів

³ high-volume computing tasks — (завдання) обчислення вeликого обсягу

⁴ is due to begin — має починатися

⁵ total system diagnostics — повний системний діагноз

Черкаський політехнічний технікум

Текст № 2

для студентів III курсу, 6 семестр (ПС)

Викладач Горпинко В.П.

Text 3. What is software?

No matter how much RAM your computer has, it won’t be able to accomplish much without software, or programmed instructions. Software comes in different forms. The most visible kind is packaged one, which you can find in brightly coloured boxes at local stores. These packages contain programs; some are games and some are intended for educational or business uses. The programs may be on floppy discs, cartridges or CDs. When you buy one of these programs, it’s ready to run as soon as you unpack it.

Another kind of program that needs no work on your part is that is built into your computer as ROM. Some computers have much more built-in programming than others. A dedicated computer – one designed for particular job – may have a great of software included as part of the machine itself.

The third kind of software is that you write yourself. Some people program simply for pleasure or the challenge it provides. Other learn programming so that they can develop software geared to their own unique needs.

There is software available for many applications. People most frequently use software for five major purposes:

1. writing (word processors);

2. manipulating numbers (spreadsheets);

3. filing and retrieving data (database);

4. presenting information visually (graphics);

5. communicating.

Today’s software can perform all theses functions in one kind of a program known as integrated software. Most software is distributed commercially through suppliers like retail stores or mail-order houses. Shareware is a kind of software that is copyrighted but distributed to potential customers free of charge. Public domain software is one that is free for the taking.

Черкаський політехнічний технікум

Текст № 3

для студентів III курсу, 6 семестр (ПС)

Викладач Горпинко В.П.

Text 4. Kinds of programs

WORD PROCESSING PROGRAMS

Using these programs you can correct errors or revise your text quickly and easily. You can write a report on the keyboard, shift sentences and paragraphs, print and finish manuscript without worrying about spacing, paging or margins. Word processing eliminates erasing, cutting and pasting, allowing you to concentrate on content and style. With automated dictionary you can check your text for spelling errors and select the correct one quickly. There are many processing software packages on the market: Word Perfect, PFS, Professional Write Assistant, WordStar and Microsoft Word. Each program has many functions.

SPREADSHEET PROGRAMS

A spreadsheet program is simply the electronic equivalent of an accountant’s worksheet. Some of the most popular programs include Super Calc, Lotus 1-2-3, Smart Software, Symphony, Quattro, Apple Works.

DATABASE PROGRAMS

Database programs allow to work with information you normally keep in list: names, addresses, schedules, inventories and so on. Simple commands allow you to add new information, change and delete out-of-date one. Using database programs you can create reports with exactly the information you want and the way you wish the information to appeare. Leading database programs include Q&A, Rapidfile, PFC, Professional File, PC-File, dBase IV, R base and HyperCard for Apple computers.

GRAPHICS PROGRAMS

Computer graphics programs can use data to visually summarize information by drawing bar graphs, pie charts and line charts. Some popular graphics programs are: MacDraw for Macintosh computers, Harvard Graphics, Freelance Plus, Windows Draw and Applause II, Corel Draw.

COMMUNICATIONS PROGRAMS

Communications software makes it possible for different brands of computers to transfer data to each other. The software translates the data into ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange). These programs enable a computer to exchange files with other computers, retrieve information from databases, send and receive e-mail. Such programs include Smartcom III, ProComm and Telik.

Черкаський політехнічний технікум

Текст № 4

для студентів III курсу, 6 семестр (ПС)

Викладач Горпинко В.П.