Internet crime

The Internet provides a wide variety of opportunities for communication and development, but unfortunately it also has its dark side. Crackers, or black-hat hackers, are computer criminals who use technology to perform a variety of crimes: virus 1) …, fraud, intellectual property 2) …, etc. Internet-based crimes include 3) …, email 4) … to obtain money or valuables, and 5) …, bank fraud, to get banking information such as passwords of Internet bank accounts or credit card details. Both crimes use emails or websites that look like those of real organizations. Due to its anonymity, the Internet also provides the right environment for 6) …, online 7) … or abuse, mainly in chat rooms or newsgroups. 8) …, the illegal copying and distribution of copyrighted software, information, music and video files, is widespread. But by far the most common type of crime involves malware. Malware (malicious software) is software created to damage or alter the computer data or its operations. These are the main types. Viruses are programs that spread by attaching themselves to executable files or documents. Worms are 9) … programs that have the capacity to move from one computer to another without human help, by exploiting security flaws in computer networks. Trojan horses are malicious programs disguised as innocent-looking files or embedded within legitimate software. 10) …, software designed to collect information from computers for commercial or criminal purposes, is another example of malicious software. It usually comes hidden in fake freeware or shareware applications downloadable from the Internet.

Variant 5. Read the text and decide whether these statements are true or false. Choosing a computer

What to look in a computer? How much do I need to spend? Where should I start?

Top Personal Computer hopes to help you make the right decision.

Before you shop:

Decide if you're better served by the PC/Windows platform or the Macintosh. You can generally get a faster computer for your money by choosing a Windows machine, but Macs come with more easy-to-use built-in software. Top brands are Dell, Hewlett- Packard, IBM, Gateway and Toshiba. Apple, of course, makes the Macintosh.

Think about whether this machine will need to work with your office or school server. Exchanging files between platforms is less of an issue than it used to be, but it's still worth noting.

Ask your friends and co-workers in similar lines of work what machines they have, where they bought them, if there were any problems, and whether they're happy with their choices.

Expect to spend $1,000 to $2,000 for a general-purpose machine, although you can find desktop computers for anywhere from $400 to $10,000

After that the first question you have to ask yourself is what you’ll use the computer for. Then you can decide what system will fit your needs by considering the following factors. The quality you need and the price you are willing to pay: you can buy a low-end, mid-range or high-end computer. Three basic features make a big difference: the CPU speed, the amount of RAM, and the size of the hard drive. To run highly demanding applications you’ll need a fast processor, plentiful RAM, and a spacious disk. If you already have peripherals and software, you’ll have to ensure they are compatible and can be used with the new computer. If you want to use the system for some time, it shouldn’t be expandable, i.e. it should allow you to add on new peripherals. Most standard computers offer integrated, built-in, sound cards. If you are keen on music you should also buy separate, external, speakers. Finally, make sure the system you buy is reliable, i.e. it’s not likely to go wrong. Check that you will receive a warranty and good technical support.

1. Top Personal Computer cannot help you to choose a computer, you should do it by your own.

2. If you choose Macs, you will get a faster computer.

3. Exchanging files between platforms is still not important at all.

4. Ask your co-workers in different lines of work, what machines they have.

5. The size of the hard drive is the most important feature you should consider.

6. The peripherals should be compatible with the new computer.

7. If the system allows you to add on new peripherals it is called not expandable.

8. If you are keen on music you should use integrated sound cards.

9. If the system is likely to go wrong it is called reliable.

10. Make sure you will have a warranty.

Variant 6. Read the text and insert the missing words from the box:

a) imitate	b) link	c) sensors	d) actuator	e) data
f) inflection	g) error	h) multi-tasking	i) processors		j) reasoning