2. Read and translate the text:

The history of computers and computer technology has been a long and a fascinating one, stretching back more than half a century to the first primitive machines. These machines were huge and complicated affairs, consisting of row upon row of vacuum tubes and wires, often encompassing several rooms to fit it all in. The size of computers has been reduced sharply. The power of these machines has increased enormously. The cost of computers has come down so much that many households now own not only one, but two or even more, PCs.

One of the most important areas of research in computers is that of artificial intelligence. In fact artificial intelligence technology is already in place and already serving the needs of humans everywhere. One of the most powerful uses of artificial intelligence is in the world of speech recognition. This powerful technology is already in place in call centers, banks, brokerage centers, insurance companies and other businesses throughout the world. In the future many phone calls and telephone inquiries may be handled completely without human intervention.

Robot technology has also come a long way, but it still has a long way to go. Robots in the future are unlikely to take human form. Instead, robots are likely to do a great deal of work that is simply too dangerous for humans to accomplish. From spaceflight applications to search and rescue, robots are likely to continue down the learning, further enhancing human lives as robot helpers.

Quantum computers are also likely to transform the computing experience, for both business and home users. These powerful machines are already on the drawing board, and they are likely to be introduced in the near future.

Nanotechnology is another important part of the future of computers, expected to have a profound impact on people around the globe. Nanotechnology is the process manipulated at the atomic level, providing the ability to “build” objects from their most basic parts. Like robotics and artificial intelligence, nanotechnology is already in use in many places, providing everything from stain resistant clothing to better suntan lotion. These advances in nanotechnology are likely to continue in the future, making this one of the most powerful aspects of future computing.

Vocabulary

fascinating – увлекательный, захватывающий

an affair - дело

to encompass – окружать, выполнять, заключать

artificial intelligence – искусственный интеллект

speech recognition – распознавание речи

to handle – справляться, управлять

to accomplish – совершать, достигать

to enhance - увеличивать, улучшать

stain resistant – стойкий (к пятнам, краске, травлению)

3. Answer the questions:

1. What were the first computers like?

2. Did they take much space in the room?

3. How many computers are there in your flat?

4. Where can the speech recognition technology be used?

5. Where are robots used?

6. Give examples of nanotechnology developments.

THE FUTURE OF TECHNOLOGY