учебник 3 курс PDF

ENGLISH FOR ICT STUDENTS
..
..
ENGLISH FOR ICT STUDENTS

1
2009
CONTENTS
PEOPLE AND COMPUTERS: INFORMATION SOCIETY.4 INPUT DEVICES..29 DATA PROCESSING48 OUTPUT DEVICES..63 DATA STORAGE..84 OPERATING SYSTEMS....104 EXTRA HUMOUR SECTION....122 ..137
PEOPLE AND COMPUTERS: INFORMATION SOCIETY
KEY INFORMATION SECTION 1
At present many people in most countries are engaged in working with information. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is concerned with the use of computer technology in managing and processing information. The computer now has a role in almost every aspect of modern life, and it has radically affected the way people live. People who have grown up with PCs and microchips are often called the digital generation. Informed citizens of our information-dependent society should be computer-literate, which means that they should be able to use computers as everyday problem-solving devices without being experts on the design of computers or programming. A computer is a machine with an intricate network of electronic circuits that has many remarkable powers. The first electronic computers were developed in the mid-20th century. These were the size of a large room, consuming as much power as several hundred modern personal computers. Modern computers based on integrated circuits are millions to billions of times more capable than the early machines, and occupy a fraction of the space. PCs in their various forms have become icons of the Information Age. The embedded computers are found in many devices from MP3 players to aircraft and from toys to industrial robots. Each time you turn this miraculous device on, it is a tabula rasa that, with appropriate hardware and software, is capable of doing anything you ask. A computer can solve a series of problems and make thousands of logical decisions almost instantaneously without becoming tired. It can replace people in dull, routine tasks. There are times when a computer seems to operate like a mechanical 5 An early computer
'brain', but its achievements are limited by the minds of human beings as it only works according to the given instructions. It is a calculating machine that speeds up financial calculations; it is an electronic filing cabinet which manages large collections of data such as customers' lists, accounts, or inventories. It is a magical typewriter that allows you to type and print any kind of document letters, memos or legal documents. It is a personal communicator that enables you to interact with other computers and with people around the world. If you like gadgets and electronic entertainment, you can even use your PC to relax with computer games. Computers are general purpose machines. By changing the program instructions, they can be used to process information in different ways. For example, a word processor program allows the computer to process text, a spreadsheet enables it to perform calculations, a database program is used for searching and sorting records, and a browser program is designed to look at Internet pages. Computers are used in almost every type of work and can be found everywhere. Computercontrolled robots are able to improve the quality of manufactured products and to increase the productivity of industry. Computers can control the work of power stations, plants and docks. The work of banks depends upon computer terminals for millions of daily operations. Computers form a part of many military systems including communication and fire control. Space exploration depends on computers for guidance, on-board environment and research. Computers are widely used in medicine as valuable diagnostic tools. Air traffic control is impossible without them. In libraries and bookshops, they can help to find books as quickly as possible. Most television advertisements and many films use graphics, produced by a computer. Personal computers influence education, affecting both the learner and the teacher. The list of applications of PCs is almost endless and many other uses of computers that we cannot imagine at present will become commonplace in future. But such omnipresence of computers in our lives has its darker side. Our society has developed technological dependence. When computers are down, our way of life breaks down: planes stop flying, telephones don't work, banks have to close. Computers produce electronic waste, plastic cases and microchips that are not biodegradable and have to be recycled or just thrown away. They are responsible for health problems, e.g. computer addiction, an inappropriate and excessive use of computers. Cybercrime, crime committed with the help of computers, is creating serious problems. Citizens may feel a loss of privacy because of unauthorized use of personal data or receiving unwanted electronic messages. 6
VOCABULARY PRACTICE SECTION 1
1. Match the things people do on the computer, their occupations and what they say about the use of computers in their lives.
1. A publication 2. A business graph 3. Web pages and email 4. Searching the web 5. Data sorting and searching 6. Photo editing
A. A university professor B. A police officer C. A home user D. A publisher E. A bank manager F. A secretary
7. 'I use computers to do the usual office things like write letters and faxes, but what I find really useful is email. We are an international company and I send emails to our offices all over the world.' 8. 'We use PCs to produce all sorts of texts in digital format. We publish e-books (electronic books) and interactive e-learning programs on CD, and we help a local company to design an online newspaper, displayed on the Web.' 9. 'We use financial software to make calculations and then generate graphs or charts. We also use a database to store information so that it can be easily searched.' 10. 'I like to retouch photos on my computer; I improve them by making a few touches and then save them on a CD. I also enjoy looking at music portals on the Web. I surf the Web every day and I often download files, I copy music files from the Net to my PC.' 11. 'Having databases of names and fingerprints is useful for us.' 12. 'Our students can connect to the Internet to download software and also to find information for different research projects they are working on.'
2. What negative effect of computerization do these sentences refer to?
1. We are sorry to announce that most flights are delayed or cancelled. 2. He should go to a psychologist. He spends hours surfing the Web. 3. Technology changes so quickly that we have to scrap computers when they become obsolete. 4. I've been getting emails about offers for lots of different products. 5. My computer system has been broken into and some useful information has been destroyed 7
3. Fill in the gaps choosing the appropriate word. 1. The basic function of a computer is . information. a) to switch; b) to keep; c) to process. 2. A computer can carry out arithmetic-logical operations a) quickly; b) instantaneously; c) during some minutes. 3. Computers have become . in homes, offices, research institutes. a) commonwealth; b) commonplace; c) common room. 4. Space . uses computers widely. a) information; b) production; c) exploration. 5. Computers are used for image .. a) processing; b) operating; c) producing. 6. Computers help in of economy. a) environment; b) management; c) government. 7. Air traffic control depends on computer - information. a) generated; b) instructed; c) combined.
4. Which of the terms in the box are defined below? virtual reality 1. technology for people with disabilities 2. a program that reads aloud onscreen text menus and icons 3. navigation system 4. the artificial environment of the video games GPS (Global Positioning System) wireless network assistive technology DVD recorder screen reader
HMD (head-mounted display)
Complete these sentences with words from the box above (there are some extra terms). 1. The . is a piece of software that interfaces with your PC and allows you, via keyboard commands, to get any text information read to you in synthetic speech. 2. A . , as popularized by virtual reality, lets the user immerse him/herself in a synthetically generated environment. 3. An . is a touch-sensitive device where a special pen or your finger can act as a mouse.
4. Tony Adams is now the proud owner of a dark silver Vogue, complete with leather interior, . navigation, and a . with LCD TV screens. 5. The upgraded . at my university is great: we can connect our laptops, PDAs and Wi-Fi cell phones to the network anywhere in the campus. Communication is becoming easier and easier.
5. Put the proper words into sentences.
computer networks
info
computer literate
routine boring
repetitive tasks accuracy come to terms with (2) quantative
1. Society is heading in the direction of ... majority. 2. Computer programs now can integrate text, ... data and graphs. 3. The source of ... is the computer. 4. It is difficult for some people to ... the speed of change in the modern world. 5. Any ... which people find ... and tiring can now be carried out by machines. 6. Computers give us speed, ..., scope, quality, flexibility, large capacity, elimination of the ... and increased efficiency. 7. We need to ... with expanding computer technology and adjust our vision to a whole new world. 8. As more and more people are linked by ..., how soon will it be before the paperless office becomes a reality?
6. Complete the text with the nouns in the box to form appropriate noun phrases. There are two nouns that you do not need to use.
century fame key life information nonsense technology time With the development of (1) . in recent years, the way of (2) . for a great number of people has changed beyond recognition. Because of increased speed in the transfer of (3) ., news and ideas travel around the world in seconds. Whatever we want to know is available at the touch of a (4) . Not long after the turn of the (5) ., scientists expect us to have computers which are so small and powerful that they will fit into our pockets. Because of this, some believe that newspapers and books will become a waste of (6) ., as we will have all the information we need through our personal computers. 9
Computer parts and essentials.
A computer is an electronic machine that accepts data in a certain form, processes the data, stores and gives the results of the processing in a specified format as information (manipulates data according to a set of instructions). What distinguishes a computer from other information-processing devices are three basic characteristics: A computer is completely electronic - all its functions are carried out with electrical signals. A computer can remember information and hold it for future use. Computers do this on a temporary basis with memory circuits and permanently with storage devices such as magnetic disk and tape. A computer is programmable. Unlike other devices, built to perform a single function or limited range of functions, a computer can be instructed to do whatever task we tell it to do. A typical computer consists of two parts: hardware and software. Hardware is any piece of computer equipment, electronic or mechanical parts making up the computer system that are tangible objects. Software refers to parts of the computer which do not have a material form, such as programs, data, protocols, etc. When software is stored in hardware that cannot easily be modified (such as BIOS ROM in an IBM PC compatible), it is sometimes called "firmware" to indicate that it falls into an uncertain area somewhere between hardware and software. There are three basic hardware sections. 1. The CPU is the most important item of hardware, the heart of the computer, a microprocessor chip at the center of the computer system which processes data, executing program instructions, and coordinates the activities of all the other units. 2. The main memory holds the instructions and data which are being processed by the processor. It has two main sections: RAM (random access memory) and ROM (read only memory). It only stores information while the computer is switched on and it has a limited capacity. 10
3. Peripherals are the physical units (devices) that can be attached to the computer. They include: Input devices, which enable data and commands to be fed into the computer memory (e.g. the keyboard and the mouse). Output devices, which let us extract the results from the system, usually to display the processed data (e.g. the monitor and the printer). I/O is the means by which a computer exchanges information with the outside world. Hard disk drives, floppy disk drives and optical disc drives serve as both input and output devices. Computer networking is another form of I/O. Storage devices, which are used to store both data and programs permanently (e.g. hard disks and DVD-RW drives). They have a much greater capacity than the main memory. Disk drives are used to read and write data on disks. On the rear panel of the computer there are several ports into which we can plug a wide range of external devices with the help of connectors (e.g. a scanner, a modem, etc.). They allow communication between the computer and the devices. These are the main physical units of a computer system, generally known as the configuration.
Functions of a PC. The main functions any computer is designed to perform are: input, processing, output and storage.
INTPUT Raw data is presented to the computer. Data is entered with a keyboard, a webcam, etc.
PROCESSING The data is manipulated according to program instructions. Data is transformed into useful information.
OUTPUT Results take the form of words, pictures and sounds on the screen or in printed form.
STORAGE Files and programs are held in memory systems where they are available for processing.
11
1. Match the terms with the appropriate explanation or definition.
1. The brain of the computer. 2. Physical parts that make up a computer system. 3. Programs which can be used on a particular computer system. 4. The information which is presented to the computer. 5. Results produced by a computer 6. Hardware equipment attached to the CPU. 7. Visual display unit. 8. Small device used to store information. Same as 'diskette'. 9. Any socket or channel in a computer system into which an input/output device may be connected. 10. A device used to produce voice output and play back music. 11. A mechanism that reads and/or writes to optical discs 12. A device that converts data so that it can travel over the Internet
a. software b. peripheral devices . monitor d. floppy disk e. hardware f. input g. port h. output i. CPU j. CD/DVD drive k. speaker l. modem
2. Read these slogans or quotations, and say what computer element they refer to.
1. a. 'Point and click here for power.' b. 'Obeys every impulse as if it were an extension of your hand.' 2. a. Displays your ideas with perfect brilliance. b. See the difference - sharp images and a fantastic colour range. 3. a. I love this drive. It's quiet and fast. b. 'With this it's easy to back up your data before it's too late.' 4. a. Power and speed on the inside. b. Let your computer's brain do the work. 5. a. . a big impact on the production of text and graphics.' b. Your choice: a laser powerhouse. 6. 'Accelerate your digital lifestyle by choosing a Pentium at 4.3 GHz.' 7. 8. 9. 'Right-click to display a context-sensitive menu.' 'You will see vivid, detailed images on a 17" display.' 'This will produce high-quality output, with sharp text and impressive graphics.'
10. 'Use it when you want to let the grandparents watch the new baby sleeping.' 11. 'Press any key to continue.' 12
3. Match each component in column with its function and label the diagram of a computer system using these terms:
1. Storage device 2. Input device 3. Output device 4. Main memory 5. Processor
a. It displays the processed data b. It holds the programs and data being used by the processor It does all the processing and controls the peripherals d. It allows data to be entered e. It provides permanent storage for programs and data
CPU
2 3
4. Label this diagram with the correct terms from the Key Information Section.
Computer system
1 programs
2... mechanical and electronic parts
3 physical units attached to the computer
4 microprocessor
Main memory 5. e.g. keyboard, mouse 6 e.g. monitor, printer 7 e.g. hard disk floppy disk
8.
9.
5. Look at these extracts from reviews on a consumer website. Which piece of hardware is each extract describing? 1. Available in 15 or 21 models, flat (LCD monitor/keyboard/webcam). 2. With both wired and wireless versions to choose from. (DVD drive/ mouse/ USB port) 3. (DVD drive/ printer/ USB port) you can back up over 4GB of data in minutes. 4. ,(CD/ webcam/ printer) and the pages per minute increases for black and white jobs. 5. (webcam/printer/keyboard) surprisingly at this price, it even works in very low light conditions. 13
6. Label the pictures below with the correct terms relating to computer parts and essentials.
10
11
12,13
Have you got a computer at home? What kind is it? How often do you use it? What do you use it for? What are the main components and features (the configuration) of your computer system? 14
7. Complete the sentences below with the correct terms from the Key Information Section. 1. Computer . is the visible or audible result of data processing information that can be read, printed or heard by the user. 2. The CPU will process data as instructed by the programs you're running. . includes functions like calculating, sorting, editing, drawing and searching. 3. DVDs are expected to replace CDs as . devices. 4. As a scanner, the Sigma-100 can be used to into the computer. . photographs as well as . documents
8. Complete this customer review from a website with the words from the box.
perform word processor online download digital built-in store personal monitor data
The best professional laptop on the market I bought a new MacBook Pro last month, and Ive been very happy with it so far. The Intel Core 2 Duo processor is a real bonus, allowing the computer to 1. tasks faster than earlier MacBook models; the 160GB hard drive is large enough to 2. all of my music, photos and videos; and I didnt even need to buy an external 3. the widescreen 17 display is easy to look at, even for long periods of time. Another great feature is the 4. iSight camera; it can be used for webchats, to make video podcasts, or even just to take 5. photos. Software updates are easy, too: if youre 6. just surfing the Web or checking email and an update becomes available, a box appears asking if you want to 7. the update. You just click OK, and its done. I dont even have to worry about security either. Every time I transmit 8. from my computer on the Internet, Apples Safari web browser protects my 9. information, such as bank details and credit card numbers, using a firewall. The only criticism I have is the lack of a good 10. , such as Microsoft Word. I had to buy a copy of Microsoft Office 2008 in the end, which cost an extra 99.95 and thats with a student discount!
15
Types of computer systems
Computers can be divided into different types, depending on their size and power. There is an increasing variety of computers of different sizes and designed for different purposes. Mainframe computers are the largest and most powerful. They can handle large amounts of information very quickly supporting multiple users at the same time and can support more simultaneous processes than a PC. A terminal, consisting of a keyboard and a monitor, is used to input and output information on a mainframe. The central system is a large server connected to hundreds of terminals over a network. They usually fill a whole room and are sometimes referred to as mainframes or computer installations. Mainframes are large, powerful, expensive computers that are operated by a team of professionals and are used for large-scale computing purposes in banks, big companies and in large institutions like universities or government departments. The most powerful mainframes are called supercomputers. The most common type of computer is the microcomputer, sometimes called personal computer. It gets the name from the tiny electronic device, called the microprocessor that does the actual processing. A PC is a computer designed to meet the needs of a single person. It is used by an individual, usually in an interactive mode. PCs are found in many businesses and are popular for home use. They are becoming as common as the television and the telephone in the household. There is a wide variety of PCs but two common types are desktop computers and portables. A desktop PC has its own processing unit (or CPU), monitor and keyboard. It is used as a personal computer in the home or as a workstation for group work. Desktops are small enough to sit on an office desk and are relatively cheap. Typical examples are the IBM PC and the Apple Macintosh. It's designed to be placed on your desk. Some models have a vertical case called a tower. 16
A laptop (also called a notebook PC) is a lightweight computer that you can transport easily. It can work as fast as a desktop PC, with similar processors, memory capacity, and disk drives, but it is portable and has a smaller screen. Laptops are capable of the same tasks as a desktop computer, although they are typically less powerful for the same price. They contain components that are similar to their desktop counterparts and perform the same functions, but are miniaturized and optimized for mobile use and efficient power consumption. Modern notebooks have a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) screen that produces very sharp images. In addition to a built-in keyboard, they may utilize a touchpad (also known as a trackpad) - a sensitive pad that you can touch to move the pointer on the screen - or a pointing stick for input, though an external keyboard or mouse can usually be attached. They offer a lot of connectivity options: USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports for connecting peripherals, slots for memory cards, etc. They come with battery packs, which let you use the computer when there are no electrical outlets available. One of the reasons that notebook portables are popular is because their screens and keyboards are just big enough to use comfortably for word processing and they are even used for multimedia. A tablet PC refers to a laptop or slate-shaped mobile computer, equipped with a touchscreen or graphics tablet/screen hybrid to operate the computer with a stylus or digital pen, or a fingertip, instead of a keyboard or mouse. It looks like a book, with an LCD screen which you can fold and rotate 180 degrees. Your handwriting can be recognized and converted into editable text. You can also type at the detached keyboard or use voice recognition. It's mobile and versatile. The form factor offers a more mobile way to interact with a computer. Tablet PCs are often used where normal notebooks are impractical or do not provide the needed functionality. A personal digital assistant or PDA is a tiny pocket-sized computer which can be held in one hand. The term PDA refers to a wide variety of handheld devices, palmtops, smartphones and pocket PCs. For input, you type at a small keyboard or use a stylus - a special pen used with a touch screen to select items, draw pictures, etc. Some models incorporate handwriting recognition, which enables a PDA to recognize characters written by hand. Some PDAs recognize spoken words by using voice recognition software. Some include a virtual keyboard which pops up when you want to enter email text or a WAP address. They are also 17
equipped with software to handle e-mail and surf the Web via wireless technology, without cables. You can hear popular MP3 music or record your ideas through its built-in voice recorder. Once at home you can synchronise data with your desktop PC. PDAs support mobile computing, but almost never run any desktop software. They can be used as cellphones or as personal organizers for storing notes, reminders and addresses. A wearable computer runs on batteries and is worn on the user's body, e.g. on a belt, backpack or vest; it is designed for mobile or hands-free operation, often incorporating a microphone and a head-mounted display. Some devices are equipped with a wireless modem, a keypad and a small screen; others are voice-activated, worn like a scarf and can access email or voice mail. Wearable computers are especially useful for applications that require computational support while the user's hands, voice, eyes or attention are actively engaged with the physical environment. Users of wearable technology consider themselves 'cyborgs'. This term comes from 'cybernetic organism', referring to a being that is part robot, part human.
1. Choose the correct option. 1. Which is true? a. a mainframe computer is less powerful than a minicomputer b. a mainframe is more powerful than a minicomputer. 2. Mainframe computers are used by: a. executives and businessmen. b. large organizations that need to process enormous amounts of data. 3. 'Multi-tasking' means: a. doing a number of tasks at the same time b. access to a minicomputer through terminals. 4. The most suitable computers for home use are a. minicomputers b. desktop PCs.
5. Handheld computers are a. small enough to fit into the palm of one hand. b. bigger than laptops.
18
2. Which type of computer do these descriptions refer to?
1. a hand-held computer which can be used as a telephone, a web explorer and a personal organizer 2. a typical computer found in many businesses and popular for home use 3. a large computer used for intensive data processing and often linked to many terminals 4. a small computer that fits into items of clothing 5. a portable computer that can be closed up like a briefcase, but it can be as powerful as a desktop PC 6. a full-function PC, though it only weighs 1.2 kg - you can go to a meeting and write your notes on it, like a paper notepad; its screen mode can be changed from portrait to landscape
3. Look at these extracts from emails to an online helpdesk. Which type of computer is each person talking about laptop, tablet PC, desktop PC, mainframe or PDA? 1. I dropped it as I was getting out of a taxi, and now it wont turn on. 2. I lost the stylus. Is it safe to use a pencil to input directly onto the screen? 3. As soon as it went offline, every PC on the network crashed. 4. I was rotating the screen round to show something to a colleague, and now it wont move. 5. Can you send someone down to show me the best position for my monitor and keyboard? I want to avoid getting any back or neck problems.
4. Fill in the gaps:
Palmtop computer, mainframe computer, handheld computer, portable computer, laptop computer, minicomputer, microcomputer, desktop computer, subnotebook, notebook. There are different types of computers. The largest and the most powerful are 1.. . 2.. are smaller than 3.. but are still very powerful. 4.. are small enough to sit on a desk. 5.. are very small. The largest 6.. is a 7.. . Smaller 8.., about the size of a piece of writing paper, are called 9.. 10 are smaller than 11, you can hold them in one hand. They are called 12.. or 13...
19
5. Look at the computer advertisement and find this information.
1. What type of computer is advertised? 2. What kind of screen does it have? 3. Which pointing device replaces the mouse? 4. What type of ports does it have for connecting cameras and music players? 5. What sort of power supply does it use?
- Intel Centrino processor - 1,024 MB RAM, 100 GB hard disk drive - DVD SuperMulti (+/-R double layer) drive - 15.4" widescreen TFT active-matrix LCD display - 85-key keyboard and touchpad - 2 memory slots, 1 PC Card or PCMCIA slot Toshiba Satellite - Wireless communications: Wi-Fi compliancy and Bluetooth - 4 USB ports for connecting peripherals: digital camera, MP3 player, modem, etc. - 6-cell rechargeable Lithium-ion battery pack
6. Read this interview with Adam Hawkins, an IT manager, and complete it with words from the Key Information Section.
Interviewer: What are the basic features of a PDA? Adam: Well, a typical PDA is a (1) . device that runs on batteries and combines computing, phone and Net capabilities. Interviewer: And how do you enter information? Adam: For input, you use a (2) . or pen to write and make selections on a (3) .; they also have buttons for launching programs. Some models have a small keyboard. They may have a (4). system that reacts to the user's voice. Interviewer: Do they need special software? Adam: Yes, most of them run on Windows Mobile. Palmtops supported by Palm Inc. use Palm OS. Pen-based systems include (5)., so you write on the screen and the computer recognizes your handwriting and inserts the appropriate letters. Interviewer: What sort of things can you do with a PDA? Adam: You can store personal information, take notes, draw diagrams and make calculations. Many PDAs can access the Net via (6) . technology. 20
GRAMMAR PRACTICE SECTION Perfect tenses.
1. Match the sentences with the explanations.
1. present perfect present result of a past event 2. present perfect present situation that started in the past 3. present perfect - unfinished period of time 4. present perfect continuous - action in progress from the past up to the present
a. Before he left the company he had been putting together a software package. b. People have been using computers for different purposes - both good and bad. c. I was sure I had deleted all the client records. d. The update process had been running for 20 minutes when the computer suddenly crashed.
5. present perfect continuous - emphasis on the duration of time 6. present perfect continuous actions repeated over a period of time 7. past perfect emphasis on the action that happened before another past event/moment 8. past perfect + verb of thinking 9. past perfect continuous situation that was in progress up to a certain point in the past
e. I have already checked all our records today and its only lunchtime. f. He had installed the new software and then restarted the computer. g. The antivirus has been running for over an hour and there is still more than 60% left.
h. The latest data input has overwritten the old information. i. He goes there once a week to check computer systems. He has been going there for several months already.
10. past perfect continuous - emphasis on the duration of time
j. The new operation system has been installed on our computers since we hired this engineer.
2. Put the verbs in brackets into the correct perfect tense form.
1. A solid working knowledge of productivity software and other IT tools (become) a basic foundation for success in virtually any career nowadays. 2. Before the new program superseded the earlier one our work (be) much slower. 3. With this system we (eliminate) all possibilities of error. 21
4. The latest version of our award-winning image-editing software (increase) in popularity for the last several weeks. 5. The brand new, friendly drag-and-drop interface (allow) me to get more productive. 6. The capabilities of the PC (change) greatly since the introduction of electronic computers. 7. The file (download) for more than an hour and it still shows only 18 percent! 8. They (re-design) the software adding wizards and tutorials that explain complex procedures and their sales increased dramatically. 9. Older people (suffer) from computer anxiety in recent years. 10. The tech support officer thought the client (press) the wrong key. 11. As I (save) this file in the wrong directory I couldnt find it when I needed it. 12. The maintenance engineers (try) to identify the cause of the system failure for several hours before they managed to . 13. The use of computers in all spheres of life (increase) over the last few decades. 14. Before the invention of home computers and the Internet people (spend) more time outdoors. 15. By the end of the 20th century metal wires (be) replaced by fiber-optic ones. 16. Human beings always (seek) for a machine to help them make their lives easier and at last computer was created.
READING PRACTICE SECTION
Worry about computers? Me?
When your computer is turned off, it is a dead collection of sheet metal, plastic, metallic tracings, and tiny flakes of silicon. When you hit On switch, one little burst of electricity only about 5 volts starts a string of events that magically brings to life what otherwise would remain an oversize paperweight. At first the PC is still rather stupid. Beyond taking inventory of itself, the newly awakened PC still can't do anything really useful, intelligent. At best it can search for intelligence in the form of operating system that gives structure to the PCs primitive existence. Then comes a true education in the form of application software programs that tell it how to do tasks faster and more accurately than we could, a student who has outstripped its teacher. Such intelligence is fragile and short-lived. All those millions of microscopic switches are constantly flipping on and off in time to dashing surges of electricity. All it takes is an errant instruction or a stray misreading of a single chip to send this wonderfully intelligent golem into a state of catatonia or hit the Off switch and 22
what was a pulsing artificial life dies without a whimper. Then the next time you turn it on, birth begins all over again. PCs are powerful creations that often seem to have a life of their own. Usually they respond to a seemingly magic incantation typed as a C:>prompt or to wave of a mouse by performing tasks we couldn't imagine doing ourselves without some sort of preternatural help. There are the times when our computers rebel and open the gates of chaos onto our neatly ordered columns of numbers, our carefully made sentences, and our beautifully crafted graphics. Are we playing with power not entirely under our control? A middle-aged woman sat down at a personal computer for the first time in her life. She placed her hands above the keyboard, ready to type but hesitated. Turning to the instructor, she asked warily: "It won't know what I'm thinking, will it?" Such concerns abound among people whose knowledge of computers comes from movies like 2001: A Space Odyssey (in which Hal, the computer with the sticky-sweet voice, tries to take control of the spaceship). Terms such as computer anxiety and computer phobia have entered our language to describe such wariness. Many people try to avoid situations in which they might be forced into contact with computers. Even businesspeople who deal with computers daily may experience a form of cyberphobia fear of computers. As a result of their fear, some office workers who are cyberphobic suffer nausea, sweaty palms, and high blood pressure. Young people who have grown up with computers may not understand these reactions. What are such people afraid of? Some may worry about the mathematical implications of the word computer. It seems to suggest that only a person with strong analytical and quantitative skills can use the machine. In fact, as we see more and more often, even very young children whose math skills have yet to form can use computers. Some people are fearful of the computing environment. The movies love to portray old-fashioned, large computer systems sanitized rooms walled by machines alive with blinking lights and spinning reels; it all looks intimidating. There is a notion that computers are temperamental gadgets and that, once a glitch gets into a computer system, it may wreak all kinds of havoc from fouling up bank statements to launching nuclear missiles by mistake. Indeed, computer billing and banking errors are problems; however, most errors blamed on computers are the result of mistakes made by people. Computers do not put in the data they must work with, people do. Even so, correcting an error can be frustratingly slow. Many people worry about computers in relation to their jobs. Some people doubt they have the skills to find jobs and keep them in a technological labor market. Many feel that keeping up with the pace of technological change is impossible because it requires costly and continuous 23
training and development. A good many present-day executives whose companies have installed computer terminals in their offices also worry about typing either they do not know how to type or they are afraid they will lose status if they use a keyboard. Interestingly, there is another side to computer anxiety: the fear of being left out or left behind. If everyone around you is talking about, living with, and working around computers, how can you keep from revealing your limited understanding? People are also nervous that computers might fall into the wrong hands. As examples of electronic wrongdoing, try these for size: An "error" purposefully introduced into your computerized credit report by someone who wanted to cause you trouble might do irreparable damage to your financial standing, ending any hopes you might have for owning a home someday. An easily obtainable computerized list might carry personal information that could lead to an invasion of your privacy or at the least, a pile of junk mail. Think of all the forms you have filled out for schools, jobs, doctors, credit services, government offices, and so on. There is scarcely one fact related to you that is not on record in a computer file somewhere. Could unauthorized persons obtain this information? Computer fraud and computer security are not simple issues; they are concerns that society must take seriously. Should we let things work themselves out in the courts? Or, should legislators be encouraged to create laws for society's protection?
True or false?
1. People are not interested in computers; they just don't want to be left behind. 2. Computers are going to make many careers obsolete. 3. Most jobs will be lost because of computers. 4. Computers change the way jobs are performed. 5. People who refuse to have anything to do with computers may soon be regarded as people who refuse to learn to drive. 6. Computers are powerful, potentially dangerous tools with a life of their own. 7. Most of businesspeople write or commission their own programs. 8. Computers are now smaller and more powerful than ever before. 9. Computers have resulted in massive unemployment in many countries. 10. Managers with little or no computer experience should overrely on computers. 11. Computers can result in an invasion of people's privacy. 12. Today the challenge is to manage the information explosion through the use of welldesigned information. 24
13. Data = information. 14. Computerization leads to elimination of workers' jobs (robots) and white-collar jobs (computers). 15. The bank computer thefts are carried out by computer whizzes who know the correct codes to use to access accounts in order to steal or manipulate money. 16. In a few seconds computer can make a mistake so great that it would take many months to equal it. 17. Computer monitoring of people leads to job stress and more frequent illnesses. 18. One person's error is another person's data. 19. To err is human; to really foul things up requires a computer.
SPEAKING/WRITING PRACTICE SECTION
1. Discuss the following questions.
1. What are the reasons for buying home computers? 2. What does being computer literate mean? How important is it to be computer literate? 3. How long did it take you to learn to use your computer? 4. Make a list of as many uses of the computer, or computer applications, as you can think of. 5. Does good knowledge of English help to operate the computer better? 6. Who can be called a computer wizard? Do you attribute his success to hard work or talent? 7. How might computers affect your future career? 8. How has technology changed your everyday life? 9. What new "gadgets" do you particularly like? 10. Have our lives always been improved, however? Have we become too passive? Are we too dependent on technology? How dangerous could it be? 11. Describe a kitchen gadget that you think should be invented. What would it do? Who would buy it? 12. How has the world benefited from the invention of the PC? What problems have accompanied the computer revolution? 13. A computer is only as good as its user and most people use only between10% and 20% of a computer's potential. What can be done about this? 14. Of all advantages that the computer has brought to the modern world, which is the most beneficial?
25
2. Go to www.computerhistory.org. Read through the landmarks in computer history and make a report on the most important dates, names and facts in computer history.
3. Complete the table below containing information about modern inventions. Add more inventions to the table.
Invention electricity
Replacement
Advantage
Disadvantage
telephone
writing letters
less time
too slow
silicon chip
computer
cellular phone
4. Describe the diagram showing how the five functional units of the digital computer act together. 1) Input to insert outside information into the machine; 2) Storage or memory to store information and make it available at the appropriate time; 3) Arithmetic-logical unit to perform the calculations; 4) Output to remove data from the machine to the outside world; 5) Control unit to cause all parts of a computer to act as a team. 26
Control Information Control Input Memory Output
Arithmetic
5. Discuss the two statements below and decide which you agree with.
A. 'The development of technology and mass media has given young people today a far greater awareness and understanding of culture than their parents.' B. 'People spend so much more time nowadays involved in passive leisure pursuits such as watching television and playing computer games that they have far less interest in cultural activities than their parents and grandparents.'
6. Make a report on one of the following topics. To be or not to be computer literate? Computer a God's gift or a Devil's toy? How will computers affect our lives in future? Discoveries, inventions, new products, and their effects (good and evil). Describe the invention that has had the greatest effect on the 20th century. If there were no computers they had to be thought out.
7. Write an essay on one of the following topics.
1. Most of us have seen advances in technology and have used objects that were not available just a few years earlier. People you know probably remember their family's first television set, their first ball-point pen, their first jet flight, their first video game, and their first use of a computer. Write about where you were and what you were doing when you were first introduced to something new in technology. What difference did it make to you and the people around you? 2. If someone could program a computer robot (like the ones in Star Wars) to do five tasks for you on a regular basis, what would you want the robot to do, and why?
8. Using the picture below, describe a typical PC, its parts, essentials and their functions.
27
FUN AND GAMES SECTION 1. Chose the right variant (its a fun section, so dont take it too seriously).
1. The computer is: a) An electric machine c) A racing machine 2. The software is: a) Information in the form of data and programs c) A musical performance 3. The CPU is: a) The "stomach" of the computer c) The "eyes" of the computer 4. The peripherals are: a) Physical units attached to computer c) Physical units attached to cars 5. What is RAM? a) Random Access Memory c) Read Apple Memory b) Read American Memory d) Read Advanced Memory b) Physical units attached to airplanes d) Physical units attached to irons b) The "lever" of the computer d) The "brain" of the computer b) A gallery of pictures d) Selected stories b) An electronic machine d) An ambulance machine
2. Word association: missing links. Each of the sets of words below can be linked by one other word. What are the missing words? Give definitions to the words. What other collocations with these words do you know?
DIGITAL MAINFRAME PERSONAL
SCIENCE USER HARDWARE
COLLECT RETRIEVE ANALYSE
AGE TECHNOLOGY SYSTEM
3. Solve the anagrams by reading the clues and putting the letters in order to form words. Enter the solutions in the table to find the mystery word. Give a definition of the hidden word you have found.
1. The small symbol, usually an arrow, that you move using a computer's mouse to show the place on the screen where you want to work, start a program etc..............TNRPIEO 2. A machine that manipulates data..CEMOPRTU 3. One of the four main functions of a PC ..ERTAGOS 4. A tall case of a desktop PC with integrated circuits inside..RWETO 28
5. A set of moving parts or components acting together to carry out a process..ACEHIMN 6. List of data in columns and rows...ABELT 7. Information on a computer that you store under a particular name...LFEI 8. An object that provides a supply of electricity for a device.TBRTEYA
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
4. Word search Find 20 IT terms hidden in the letters below; you can read across (any direction) -10 words, down or up 10 words. Give definitions to the words you have found.
M D R H A R D W A R E D C R G J
H E Y S A P S S C M A C H I N E
D T P W W A D T O U C H P A D C
S P R X D L F Z M O Q D M V W V
A O O U I M P X P I W I B G I F
J T C T N T E C U U D G G H R T
K P E R T O R V T Y V I T N E K
R A S C E P I B E T B T Y J L L
O L S J R S P N R R H A U U E O
W L I K A E H M S T Y L U S S X
T U N U C R E E C I V E D V S S
E T G P T Y R M A I N F R A M E
N R S R I T I A M A R G O R P K
M F A E V U A S Q D P J U I I O
L R F Q E D L P F P O T K S E D
A T A D S Z S O W X T R O P J G
HUMOR SECTION
What does each of the cartoons imply? Why is it funny, in your opinion? Explain its humour.
Evolution
29
INPUT DEVICES
Input devices are the pieces of hardware which allow us to enter information into the computer. A keyboard is a typewriter-like device that allows the user to type in text and commands to the computer. Keyboard is the earliest and one of the most commonly used input devices. There are different types of computer keyboards. Standard keyboards, such as the 101-key US traditional keyboard, 104-key Windows keyboards, include alphabetic characters, punctuation symbols, numbers and a variety of function keys. Keyboards on laptops and notebook computers usually have a shorter travel distance for the keystroke and a reduced set of keys. As well, they may not have a numerical keypad, and the function keys may be placed in locations that differ from their placement on a standard, full-sized keyboard. Keyboards with extra keys, such as multimedia keyboards, have special keys for accessing music, web and other frequently used programs and features, such as a mute button, volume buttons or knob and standby (sleep) button. Gaming keyboards have extra function keys, which can be programmed with keystroke macros. For example, 'ctrl+shift+y' could be a keystroke that is frequently used in a certain game. Shortcuts marked on color-coded keys are used for some software applications and for specialized uses including word processing, video editing, graphic design and audio editing. The size of a standard keyboard is dictated by the practical consideration that the keys must be large enough to be easily pressed by fingers. To reduce the size of the keyboard, the numeric keyboard to the right of the alphabetic 30
keyboard can be removed, or the size of the keys can be reduced, which makes it harder to enter text. Another way to reduce the size of the keyboard is to reduce the number of keys and use chording keys, i.e. pressing several keys simultaneously. For example, the GKOS keyboard has been designed for small wireless devices. Other two-handed alternatives more akin to a game controller are also used as a way to input data and text. Another way to reduce the size of a keyboard is to use smaller buttons and pack them closer together. Such keyboards, often called a "thumbboard" (thumbing) are used in some personal digital assistants and some Ultra-Mobile PCs. Virtual keyboards project an image of a full-size keyboard onto a surface. Sensors in the projection unit identify which key is being "pressed" and relay the signals to a computer or personal digital assistant. There is also a virtual keyboard, the On-Screen Keyboard, for use on Windows. The On-Screen Keyboard is an image of a standard keyboard which the user controls by using a mouse to hover over the desired letter or symbol, and then clicks to enter the letter. The On-Screen Keyboard is provided with Windows as an accessibility aid, to assist users who may have difficulties using a regular keyboard. The iPhone uses a multi-touch screen to display a virtual keyboard. Touchscreens can be used as a keyboard - the user interacts with the computer by lightly pressing their finger on a touch-sensitive-area of the monitor screen. Some keyboards have special function keys or integrated pointing devices, such as a trackball or touch-sensitive regions that let the user's finger motions move an on-screen cursor. Foldable (flexible) keyboards are made of soft plastic which can be rolled or folded on itself for travel. When in use, the keyboard can conform to uneven surfaces, and it is more resistant to liquids than a standard keyboard. It also can be connected to portable devices and smartphones. Some models can be fully immersed in water, making them popular in hospitals and laboratories, as they can be disinfected. A standard PC keyboard has various groups of keys. Alphanumeric keys - these represent letters and numbers, arranged as on a typewriter. A numeric keypad appears to the right of the main keyboard and contains numeric and editing keys; the Num Lock key (short for numeric or number lock) is used to switch from numbers to editing functions. There is also a corresponding light which indicates when the Num Lock key has been activated or deactivated. The key acts as a toggle switch between the two sets of commands. When the Num Lock key is switched on, the numeric keypad works exclusively as a form of calculator. Switching off the Num Lock key converts the keys to cursor controls, allowing users to manipulate the cursor in four directions or send it to the top or bottom of the page. Function keys appear at the top of the keyboard and can be programmed to do special jobs. Cursor keys include 'arrow keys' which move the insertion point, and keys such as Home, End, Page Up, and Page Down , which let you move around documents. 31
Dedicated keys are used to issue commands or produce alternative characters. For example: Ctrl changes the functions of other keys (e.g. Ctrl + X cuts the selected text). Caps Lock sets the keyboard in 'CAPITALS' mode; it only affects letters. Enter (or Return) is pressed to select options from a menu or to start a new paragraph.
Backspace deletes the character to the left of your current position. Windows key opens the Windows Start menu. This key can also be used in combination with other keys to open utilities. For example, pressing the Windows key in combination with the F key opens the Search utility. Pressing the Windows key in combination with the R key opens the Run utility. Pressing the Windows key in combination with the E key opens the Explorer utility. Application key is used for quick access to shortcut menus and help assistants in Windows.
1. Read the following definition about the keyboard find out the mistakes and correct them.
a) Alphanumeric keys: arranged in the same order as a type-writher b) Function keys: cursor and other keys usually used within word processors to page up and down in a long document or to edit text (Insert or Delete keys) c) Numeric keypad: used to issue commands or to produce alternative characters in key combinations for example, the Alt key. d) Editing keys: used by various programs to instruct the PC to perform specific tasks, such as Save, Copy, Cut, Paste, etc. 32
2. Match these descriptions with the names of keys. Then find them on the keyboard.
arrow keys
return
caps lock
shift
tab escape space bar
backspace
alt
1. A long key at the bottom of the keyboard. Each time it is pressed, it produces a blank space. 2. It moves the cursor to the beginning of a new line. It is also used to confirm commands. 3. It stops a program without losing the information from the main memory. Sometimes its use depends on the applications. 4. It works in combination with other keys to produce special characters or specific actions. 5. It removes the character to the left of the cursor or any selected text. 6. It produces UPPER-CASE characters (or the upper-case character of the key). 7. It produces upper-case letters, but it does not affect numbers and symbols. 8. It moves the cursor horizontally to the right for a fixed number of spaces (in tabulations and data fields). 9. They are used to move the cursor, as an alternative to the mouse.
3. Identify the keys described below.
The keyboard consists of: 1. Keys on a computer or terminal keyboard which can be programmed so as to cause an operating system command interpreter or application program to perform certain actions. 2. Special keys on a computer keyboard that modify the normal action of another key when the two are pressed in combination. 3. The keyboard keys that move the pointer, or cursor, on screen. They include the up, down, left and right arrow, home, end, pageUp and pageDown keys. 4. Keys that allow an operator to enter numbers, a minus sign, and a decimal point into the control. 5. It is used to confirm commands; in a word processor, it creates a new paragraph. 6. It is used to remove the highlighted parts of text or the symbol after the cursor. 7. It is used to move the cursor one space forward. 8. It is used to cancel the current task. 9. It is used to copy the screenshot to clipboard. 33
4. Complete these FAQs from a word processing program with the right key names.
1. Question: How do I start a new line in my document? Answer: Just hit . 2. Question: How can I delete a letter or word that Ive typed? Answer: Position the cursor after the letter or word and hit . once per letter. 3. Question: Do I have to use the mouse to navigate around my document? Answer: No, you can also use the . keys. 4. Question: How can I type in UPPER CASE characters? Answer: If you want to type one or two letters in upper case, then simply hold down .. and type the letters at the same time. If you want to type a whole sentence in upper case, you should use .
A mouse is a pointing hand-held device for use with a graphical user interface that lets you move a pointer (or cursor) and select items on the screen thus simplifying user's orientation on the display. It was nicknamed the mouse because the tail came out the end. It has a detection device (usually a ball) on the bottom that is rolled on a mousemat. When you move the mouse across a flat surface, the ball turns two rollers tracking the mouse's vertical and horizontal movements. As the device moves across the surface, the cursor moves across the screen. The rotating ball glides easily, giving the user good control over the textual and graphical images. A mouse has one or more buttons to communicate with the PC. To select items or choose commands on the screen, the user presses a button on the mouse. A scroll wheel lets you move through your documents or web pages. The pointer looks like an I-bar, an arrow or a pointing hand. The mechanical mouse is a simple, hard rubber ball mouse which has sensors that detect the movements of the mouse and translate them in moving the pointer on the screen. The optomechanical mouse works on the same principle. The rollers have wheels on the end of them with evenly spaced holes. As the wheels spin, a light-sensitive optical device counts the number of holes that pass by and converts them to an "X" and "Y" axis. 34
An optical mouse has an optical laser sensor instead of a rubber ball and rollers underneath. The lasers detect the movement of the mouse and move the pointer accordingly. The mouse is connected to the computer in many forms and ports. They are serial mouse, bus mouse, PS/2 mouse, cordless mouse and USB mouse. A cordless (wireless) mouse has no cable; it sends data via infrared signals or radio waves. Mouse actions: - to click, press and release the left button. - to double-click, press and release the left button twice. - to drag, hold down the button, move the pointer to a new place and then release the button. - to right-click, press and release the right button; this action displays a list of commands. In portable computers touch panels or touchpads are used instead of manipulators. Moving a finger along the surface of the touch pad is transformed into the cursor movement across the screen. A light pen is a photosensitive penlike instrument with a light sensitive tip that is used to draw directly on a computer video screen or to select information on the screen by pressing a clip in the light pen or by pressing the light pen against the surface of the screen. The pen contains light sensors that identify which portion of the screen it is passed over. It can be used for drawing directly on the monitor screen or for reading printed optical characters or barcodes. A joystick is a pointing device composed of a vertical lever that moves in multiple directions to navigate a cursor or other graphical object on a computer screen precisely and at high speed. It is particularly good for playing fast action games. Graphical plotting tables (graphics tablets) find application in drawing and inputting manuscript texts. You can draw, add notes and signs to electronic documents by means of a special pen. Microphone is a device used to input sound. You can also interact with your computer by voice with a voice-recognition system that converts voice into text, so you can dictate text directly onto your word processor or email program. It converts spoken words into information that the computer can recognize and process. You can also control your PC with voice commands; this means you can launch programs, open, save or print files. Some systems let you search the Web or chat using your voice instead of the keyboard. 35
1. Identify the input devices in the pictures below and tell about their main functions.
1&2
2. Complete each sentence with the name of the right input device: 1. A is a stationary device that works like a mouse turned upside down. You roll the ball with your hand to move the pointer on the screen. 2. Interactive are used in museums, information centres and Internet kiosks. You use your finger to point directly to objects on the screen. 3. A is found on notebook PCs. You use it by pressing the sensitive pad with a finger.
3. The following extracts come from sales assistants in computer shops describing the features and functions of various input devices. Identify which device theyre talking about. 1. This model features a backlight, so you can see what youre typing in the dark. (scanner, keyboard, game controller)
2. We have a Bluetooth version working without wires, but it should be used on dark surface. (mouse, microphone, game controller) 3. Why dont you try this? Its for drawing, as if you were using a pen and paper. (keyboard, graphics tablet, scanner) 4. Youll need one of these its used to control your movements while you play. (game controller, graphics tablet, microphone) 5. For more precision, Id recommend this. Its like an upside-down mouse, and it works by running your hand over the plastic ball here. (trackball, game controller, light pen) 36
6. This works just like a mouse, except you can write directly onto the screen with it. (scanner, keyboard, light pen)
7. This is a model which works particularly well with Skype. (microphone, mouse, game controller)
4. Read this passage about a computer mouse. Fill in the gaps with verbs from the box.
click
double-click
drag
grab
select
move
control
A mouse allows you to (1) .. the cursor and move around the screen very quickly. Making the same movements with the arrow keys on the keyboard would take much longer. As you (2) the mouse on your desk, the pointer on the screen moves in the same direction. The pointer usually looks like an Ibar, an arrow or a pointing hand, depending on what you are doing. A mouse has one or more buttons to communicate with the computer. For example, if you want to place the insertion point or choose a menu option, you just (3) .. (press and release) on the mouse button, and the option is chosen. The mouse is used to (4) text and items on the screen. You can highlight text to be deleted, or you can select an item from a check-box or questionnaire. The mouse is widely used in graphics and design. When you want to move an image, you position the pointer on the object you want to move, press the mouse button, and (5) .. the image to a new location on the screen. Similarly, the mouse is used to change the shape of a graphic object. For example, if you want to convert a square into a rectangle, you (6) one corner of the square and stretch it into a rectangle. The mouse is also used to start a program or open a document: you put the pointer on the file name and (7) .. on the name - that is, you rapidly press and release the mouse button twice.
5. Complete these sentences with the correct 'mouse action'. 1. To start a program or open a document you on its icon - that is, you rapidly press and release the mouse button twice. 2. If you want to select a menu option, you just on the left button. 3. If you want to find the commands for a particular text or image you 4. on If it.you want to move an object, press the button and the object to the desired location
37
Caller: Hello, can you help? Ive lost a really important document. I deleted it by mistake, and now its gone! Helpdesk operator: OK, dont panic. Just (5) . on the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop. Caller: Its not working! Helpdesk operator: Dont worry. It wont open if you only (6) . on it once. Just try again. Caller: OK, its open now. Oh theres the file. Helpdesk operator: Right, just (7) . it with the mouse and (8) . it back to the My Documents folder. Then just (9) . on the file to open it and check its OK.
6. Nathaniel is explaining to his classmate, David, how to set up a Macro on Microsoft Word. Complete his instructions using the words in the box.
next
like
right
first
finally
you
what
everything then
then
that
David: Nathaniel, Ive been asked to set up a Macro to help me edit this document on Word, but Im not sure how to do it. Actually, Im not even sure what Macros do. Can you give me a hand? Nathaniel: Sure. Macros are basically mini-programs that you can set up within a Word document which carry out automated tasks for you. One of the most useful Macros allows you to go through a whole document and delete any accidental double spaces. Ill show you how to do it. (1) , open up any Word document. (2) put in a couple of double spaces between words, just so you can check that its worked at the end. David: OK, Ive done (3) now. (4) next? Nathaniel: (5) , you go to Tools, Macros, (6) click on Record New Macro. David: (7) this? Nathaniel: Thats it. Give the Macro a name like Doublespace it has to be one word. Once you click OK, Word is recording your actions so that it can replicate them later. So, do the following commands: CTRL + Home that takes the cursor to the start of the document Find and replace, Find, then hit the space bar twice to do a double space, then click Replace with and hit the space bar once before clicking Replace all. David: Is that (8) ? Nathaniel: Yes, that looks good. (9) , press the little red circle on the Macro command, which will stop the recording. The Macro should now be saved under your Macro menu, just hit Run to run it on any Word doc. David: Is that (10) ? Seems quite simple. Thanks, Nathaniel. 38
Input devices such as scanners and cameras allow you to capture and copy images into a computer. A scanner is a peripheral that reads images and converts them into electronic codes which can be understood by a computer. An optical scanner uses light-sensing equipment to convert images such as a picture or text into a digital data that can be manipulated by a computer. For example, a photo can be scanned into a computer and then included in a text document created on that computer. There are different types. A flatbed (desktop) scanner is built like a photocopier and is for use on a desktop; it can capture text, colour images and even small 3D objects. A flatbed scanner is usually composed of a glass pane (or platen), under which there is a bright light which illuminates the pane. Images to be scanned are placed face down on the glass, an opaque cover is lowered over it to exclude ambient light, and the sensor array and light source move across the pane, reading the entire area. An image is therefore visible to the detector only because of the light it reflects. A film scanner is used to scan film negatives or 35 mm slides pictures on photographic film, mounted in a frame.
Hand held scanners are small manual devices that are passed manually across the surface of the image to be scanned. Scanning in this manner requires a steady hand, as an uneven scanning rate would produce distorted images. The use of hand held scanners remains popular for many applications, including industrial design, reverse engineering, inspection & analysis, digital manufacturing and medical applications. Barcode scanners read barcodes on the products sold in shops and send the price to the computer in the cash register. Barcodes consist of a series of black and white stripes used to give products a unique identification number. They are used to identify items for stock control and pricing. 39
A pen scanner looks like a pen; you can scan text, figures, barcodes and handwritten numbers. The resolution of a scanner is measured in dpi or dots per inch. For example, a 1,200 dpi scanner gives clearer, more detailed images than a 300 dpi scanner. Most scanners come with Optical Character Recognition software. OCR allows you to scan pages of text and save them into your word processor; they can then be edited. A digital camera doesn't use film. Photos are stored as digital data (bits made up of 1s and 0s), usually on a tiny storage device known as a flash memory card. You can connect the camera or memory card to a PC and then alter the images using a program like Adobe Photoshop, or you can view the images on a TV set. Many printers have a special socket so that you can print images directly from a memory card or camera. A camcorder (camera+recorder), or digital video camera, records moving pictures and converts them into digital data that can be stored and edited by a computer with special video editing software. Digital video cameras are used by home users to create their own movies, or by professionals in computer art and video conferencing. Webcams (short for Web cameras) let you send and receive live video pictures through the Internet. They're primarily used for video conferences - video calls - but they can be used to record photos and video onto your hard disk. The resolution of webcams is expressed in megapixels (million pixels). Webcams connect to the PC via a USB (universal serial bus) or FireWire port; they display video at 24 to 30 frames (pictures) per second. Some include a headset with a microphone and earpiece.
1. Identify the input devices in the pictures below and tell about their functions.
40
2. Which input device would you use for these tasks?
1. to play computer games 2. to copy images from paper into a computer 3. to read price labels in a shop 4. to select text and click on links on web pages 5. to enter drawings and sketches into a computer 6. to input voice commands and dictate text 7. to draw pictures or select menu options directly on the screen 8. to take and store pictures and then download them to a computer 9. to email a copy of a letter from your email box 10. to a make a video 11. to take photos
3. Decide if these sentences are true or false. If they are false, correct them.
1.
The details detected by a scanner are not determined by its resolution.
2. A barcode scanner is a computer peripheral for reading barcode labels printed on products. 3. Scanners cannot handle optical character recognition. 4. A digital camera uses a light sensitive film instead of a memory card for storing the images. 5. A digital video (DV) camera is used to take still photographs. 6. Video editing software allows you to manipulate video clips on the computer.
4. Complete this advertisement with words from the Key Information Section. Having (1) with friends and family has never been easier or more enjoyable. You get the highest-quality audio and video, no matter which chatting solution you use. With the WebCam Live! Ultra, its CCD image sensor with 640 x 480 (VGA) resolution produces rich, vibrant colours. Combined with its (2) 2.0 Hi-Speed connection, the result is top-quality full-motion video at 3Q (3) per second for all your web conversations, even in dimly-lit rooms. The WebCam Live! Ultra lets you do more. Let your voice be heard clearer than ever before with the included (4) unlike the built-in microphones in most other (5) . Take still pictures at up to 1.3 (6) resolution (interpolated), and enjoy the many great features that accompany the bundled award-winning WebCam Center software, such as motion detection, remote security monitoring, timelapse video capture and much more. 41
5. Read the notes about two input devices. Then describe them to your partner. He/she has to guess what you are describing. a) It scans text and pictures and sends digitized image to computer. b) It allows you to control computer vocally and spoken
commands do what is normally done with keyboard/mouse. c) It controls the cursor and selects items on the screen, works like upside-down mouse and ball on top turned round with figures. d) It lets you interact with computer. You move pressure-stylus across the surface of a tablet and create graphics.
6. Complete this review of a digital camcorder using words from the box.
additional
processing player optimized controller powerful
The DF201 benefits from a (1) optical zoom lens and a video image (2) designed for High Definition (HD) recording. Features include a Quick Start button and an intuitive menu system, easily navigated using a joystick (3) ... The camcorder is (4) for high -resolution true widescreen recording and offers (5) features such as a 2.7 LCD and a 0.27 16:9 colour EVF (Electronic Viewfinder), which allow users to compose and play back video in the same dimensions that it will be displayed on a widescreen TV set. It is then a simple process to finalize the DVD in-camera before playing it back in a compatible home DVD (6) ...
42
GRAMMAR PRACTICE SECTION
Conditionals
1. When you buy a computer in the shop you always get an operating manual. 2. If you increase your order of CDs and DVDs, well give you a bigger discount. 3. If you surfed the Internet yesterday, you probably learnt the news. 4. If the program were better, we wouldnt be doing it for such a long time. 5. When anyone rings my mobile, I get a photograph of the person on the screen.
a. future events that will happen, or likely to happen - 1st conditional b. If or When can be used where the meaning is every time - 0 conditional c. imaginary past event, but the result refers to the present - mixed conditional d. things that are always or generally true - 0 conditional e. events that are different to what really happened with a suggestion of criticism or regret (imaginary past) - 3rd conditional
6. If I had reinstalled the operating system, my computer wouldnt have crashed. 7. If I had upgraded my computer, I wouldnt have these problems now.
f. imaginary, unlikely, impossible future events - 2nd conditional g. past events which possibly happened
2. Put the verbs into the correct form in the conditional sentences. A. If your mobile phone (1) (can/ talk), it (2) (can/ reveal) a great deal. If it (3) (be) privy to your calls and text messages, and possibly your e-mail and diary, obviously it (4) (know) many of your innermost secrets. B. Some years ago if your phone (5) (know) where you were, how you got to work, where you liked to go for lunch, what time you got home, it (6) (be) a great surprise. But it couldnt. C. Now imagine! If it (7) (be) possible to aggregate this sort of information from large numbers of phones. It (8) (be) possible to determine and analyse how people move around cities, how social groups interact, how quickly traffic is moving and even how diseases might spread. The worlds 4 billion mobile phones (9) (be) turned into sensors on a global data-collection network.
43
D. Phones (10) also (be) used to collect data in more direct ways. Sensors inside phones, or attached to them, (11) (gather) information about temperature, humidity, noise level and so on. E. More straightforwardly if it (12) (be) necessary, people (13) (send) information from their phones, by voice or text message, to a central repository. This can be a useful way to gather data quickly during a disaster-relief operation, for example, or when tracking the outbreak of a disease.
Speech-recognition
Mobile phones and the Internet have changed the way we communicate. However, we still need to use the keyboard and the mouse to communicate with computers. When shall we be able to interact with PCs by voice? Speech recognition systems can make this possible soon in fact, speech companies claim that their programs let you dictate, control your PC by voice command, and convert text into speech. The most popular voice recognition packages are IBM ViaVoice, Dragon NaturallySpeaking and L&H Voice Xpress. If you decide to buy one speech program, look for these features: 1. All the programs let you dictate text directly onto your word processor, spreadsheet or email. They claim an accuracy rate of around 98 percent. The technology is particularly useful to dictate notes, business memos, letters and e-mail. 2. Speech programs are usually more accurate if you train the software by reading aloud for about 20 minutes. This process involves reading sample text and teaches the program to recognize words that are not in its built-in dictionary (e.g. proper names, acronyms, unusual words). Most products let multiple users personalise their vocabulary and pronunciation. 3. They offer useful voice commands for editing and formatting (e.g. setting font size and style, text alignment etc.). However, its a bit difficult to make corrections by voice; using the keyboard may be faster and more accurate. 4. Speech software allows you to use commands to launch programs or to navigate around windows and menus. You can also tell your programs to open a file, save it in a particular format or print it. 5. Some systems let you search the Web by voice. The Web version of IBM ViaVoice enables chat room users to chat using their voices rather than keyboards. Dragon NaturallySpeaking lets you browse the Web by speaking URLs and links, and dictate into online forms and fields in Microsoft Internet Explorer. 44
Speech recognition requires a powerful processor (500 MHz Pentium recommended), 64 MB of RAM, a good sound card, and a high-quality headset microphone. Speech recognition technology has improved a lot and its potential is enormous, but some experts consider that it is not ready for common use yet. Some day, however, well be talking to our PC naturally, like a friend. 1. Tick the features mentioned in the article and give details from the text.
1. Activate menus by saying the words on the screen 2. Execute applications by voice 3. Manage databases 4. Configure multiple voice profiles 5. Read documents to you using a text-to-speech system. 6. Surf the web by speaking 7. Create and compile a computer program
8. Take dictation with accuracy 9. Design graphics 10. Accept spoken commands
Speech-recognition icon
2. With the help of the text, fill in the gaps in these sentences.
software
dictate (2)
package microphone
interact
voice recognition
1. With many . programs, the user must first train the software to recognise individual pronunciations. 2. You can . into the programs text screen, or you can . directly into any Windows application. 3. If you intend to do a lot of dictation, you should get a high-quality headset . 4. Speech-recognition . could help children with special educational needs. 5. In a few years time, everyone will use voice commands to . with computers. 6. If I could afford it, I would buy a new PC and a speech-recognition . 3. What do you think of the idea from the text: Some day well be talking to our PC naturally, like a friend? Express your opinion.
45
1. Find a funny picture of an input device and give comments.
2. Find the information on the topics and make a report:
1. The evolution of input devices. 2. Classification of input devices. 3. Early input devices. 4. The most attractive input devices. 5. Some more functions of alphanumeric keys. 6. Wide usage of different kinds of scanners. 7. New technologies and touch screens. 8. Is it just a mouse? 9. Cameras from history to the future. 10. Future of input
devices.
3. Look through the text and make an instruction how to take care of any computer input device.
Our guide to cleaning and maintaining your keyboard.
Computer Keyboards can get dirty very easily, to clean the surface of a keyboard is very straight forward. What you will need: lint free cloth, dry cloth or duster, suitable cleaning fluid (isopropyl alcohol), cotton buds, can of compressed air or vacuum cleaner, flat tip screwdriver (optional for thorough clean). Shutdown your PC and remove the main plug, unplug the keyboard (remember where it was plugged in) and hold it upside down to release any debris from in-between the keys. This is where the patience comes in, make a note of the position of all the keys or you will have trouble putting them back correctly, 46
alternatively just remove the letter keys A - Z from the keyboard (which is where the most of the dust/debris will be) and refer to fig. 2 as a reference to put them back. All the keys can be removed although the larger keys (space bar, enter key, shift keys, backspace, caps lock, etc) can be difficult to put back so you might avoid removing them. Remove the keys using the screwdriver, ease the screwdriver under the key and gently lift the key top off (see fig. 1). Note: don't forget to make a note of their position!! When you have removed all the keys (except any keys you wish to avoid) use the compressed air (or vacuum cleaner) to remove any dust and debris from inside the keyboard. Now is a good time to give the keys a proper clean, for best results clean each one individually (the patience thing again) with the cloth and cleaning fluid, when clean, wipe them over with the dry cloth. Before replacing the keys, take your lint free cloth and dampen it Fig.1 with your cleaning fluid (don't put the liquid directly on the
keyboard), give the surface of the keyboard a good wipe over ensuring to clean as much as possible any keys that you haven't removed. When the keyboard is nice and clean replace the keys according to your notes or if you have just removed the letter keys use fig. 2 as a guide, to put the keys back on position the key in place and press gently but firmly until it clicks home. After replacing all the keys give the keyboard a quick wipe over with your dry cloth and you have a nice clean keyboard. Fig. 2
4. Make an advertisement for a real or imaginary input computer device.
FUN AND GAMES SECTION
1. In each of the sets of words below, one term is the odd one out: different from the others. Find it and explain why it is different. 1. keyboard....modem......mouse..trackball 2. function key.screen..shift...space bar 3. click.drag...point.type
2. Word association: missing links.
The sets of words below can be linked by one other word. What is the missing word? What other collocations with this word do you know? 47
OPTICAL
CORDLESS MECHANICAL
3. Solve the clues and complete the puzzle with words
POINTER
MAT DRIVE
1. Scanners and cameras are devices used to transfer images into a format that can be understood by computers. 2. A lets you copy photos and printed documents into your PC. 3. It has become one of life's most familiar sounds the beep of the supermarket till whenever a is scanned. 4. If you need to scan 35mm you should go for a dedicated 35mm film scanner which concentrates all its dots into a tiny area. 5. This scanner has a resolution of 600 . 6. A scanner is small enough to hold in your hand. 7. A scanner is used to capture lines of text, barcodes and numbers. 8. Most digital cameras use flash cards to store photos. 9. scanners have a flat surface and take at least A4-sized documents. 10. To scan photographic negatives or slides you will need a scanner.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
p e r i p h e r a l
HUMOR SECTION
48
DATA PROCESSING
Computer data processing is any computering process that converts data into information or knowledge. Data-processing systems are often referred to as information systems to emphasize their practicality.
Data instructions Input Control unit Central processing unit Arithmetic and logic unit Useful information Output Internal storage unit External storage unit
Computer data processing system
49
Data-processing systems typically manipulate raw data into information, and likewise information systems typically take raw data as input to produce information as output. In order to be processed by a computer, the data needs first to be converted into a machine readable format. Once data is in digital format, various procedures can be applied on the data to get useful information.
Five basic operations characteristic of all data processing systems are defined as follows. Inputting is the process of entering data, which are collected facts, into a data processing system. Storing is saving data or information so that they are available for initial or for additional processing. Processing represents performing arithmetic or logical operations on data in order to convert them into useful information. Outputting is the process of producing useful information, such as a printed report or visual display. Controlling is directing the manner and sequence in which all of the above operations are performed. Computer data processing systems have four main advantages: Accuracy. Once data have been entered correctly into the computer component of a data processing system, the need for further manipulation by humans is eliminated, and the possibility of error is reduced. Computers, when properly programmed, are also unlikely to make computational errors. Ease of communications. Data, once entered, can be transmitted wherever needed by communications networks. These may be either earth or satellite-based systems. Capacity of storage. Computers are able to store vast amounts of information, to organize it, and to retrieve it in ways that are far beyond the capabilities of humans. The amount of data that can be stored on devices such as magnetic discs is constantly increasing. All the while, the cost per character of data stored is decreasing. Speed. The speed, at which computer data processing systems can respond, adds to their value. The response required might be a fraction of a second.
1. Find in the right column the definitions for the terms in the left column. 50
1. Data 2. Data processing 3. Input 4. Output 5. Useful information
a) a part of a computer, entering data into the device; b) facts unorganized but able to be organized; c) the output of a data processing system; d) a series of operations that results system in the conversion of data system into useful information; e) an electronic device accepting the data processing results from the computer and displaying them;
The nerve centre, the brain and the heart of a PC is the central processing unit or CPU. This unit is built into a single microprocessor chip - an integrated circuit - which executes program instructions and supervises the computer's overall operation. In electronics, an integrated circuit (also known as IC, microcircuit, microchip, silicon chip, or chip) is a miniaturized electronic circuit (consisting mainly of semiconductor devices, as well as passive components) that has been manufactured in the surface of a thin substrate of semiconductor material. Integrated circuits are used in almost all electronic equipment in use today and have revolutionized the world of electronics. A multi-core processor is simply a single chip containing more than one microprocessor core, effectively multiplying the potential performance with the number of cores (as long as the operating system and software is designed to take advantage of more than one processor). Because the cores are physically very close they interface at much faster clock rates, improving overall system performance. The unit consists of three main parts: 1. The control unit, which examines the instructions in the user's program, interprets each instruction and causes the circuits and the rest of the components -disk drives, monitor, etc. - to be activated to execute the functions specified, selects instructions and data from memory, and controls the flow between main storage and the arithmetic-logical unit. The control unit has the following components: 51
a counter that selects the instructions, one at a time, from memory; a register that temporarily holds the instructions read from memory while they are being executed; a decoder that takes the coded instruction and breaks it down into individual commands necessary to carry it out; a clock, which produces marks at regular intervals.
The sequence of control unit operations is as follows: The next instruction to be executed is read out from primary storage into the storage register. The instruction is passed from the storage register to the instruction register. The operation part of the instruction is decoded so that the proper arithmetic or logical operation can be performed. The address of the operand is sent from the instruction register to the address register. At last the instruction counter register provides the address register with the address of the next instruction to be executed. 2. The arithmetic logic unit (ALU), which performs mathematical calculations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and exponentiation, etc.) and logical operations (and, or, etc.). Data enter the ALU and return to main storage through the storage register. The accumulator serving as a register holds the results of processing operations. The results of arithmetic operations are returned to the accumulator for transfer to main storage through the storage register. The comparer performs logical comparisons of the contents of the storage register and the accumulator. At the core of the ALU is a very high-speed binary adder, which is used to carry out at least the four basic arithmetic functions. 3. The registers, which are high-speed units of memory used to store and control information. One of these registers is the program counter (PC) which keeps track of the next instruction to be performed in the main memory. Another is the instruction register (IR) which holds the instruction that is currently being executed.
Central Processing Unit (CPU) CONTROL UNIT ARITHMETIC LOGIC UNIT (ALU) REGISTERS PC
0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0
Organization of a simple computer The CPU is built into a single microprocessor chip
MAIN MEMORY
0 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 1
IR
0 0
BUS
0 0
52
The CPU coordinates all the activities of the various components of the computer. It determines which operations should be carried out and in what order. The CPU controls the operation of the entire system by issuing commands to other parts of the system and by acting on responses. When required it reads information from the memory, interprets instructions, performs operations on the data according to the instructions, writes the results back into the memory and moves information between memory levels or through the input-output ports. The programs and data which pass through the central processor must be loaded into the main memory (also called the internal memory) in order to be processed. Thus, when the user runs an application, the microprocessor looks for it on secondary storage devices (disks) and transfers a copy of the application into the RAM area. RAM (random access memory) is temporary, i.e. its information is lost when the computer is turned off. However, the ROM section (read only memory) is permanent and contains instructions needed by the processor. The BIOS (basic input/output system) uses ROM to control communication with peripherals, e.g. disk drives. The amount of RAM determines the number of programs you can run simultaneously and how fast they operate. Most of today's computers have internal expansion slots that allow users to install adapters or expansion boards, which provide extra functions. Popular adapters include high-resolution graphics boards, memory expansion boards, and internal modems. The RAM capacity can sometimes be expanded by adding extra chips. These are usually contained in small circuit boards called single in-line memory modules (SIMMs). Modern Pentium processors also accept dual in-line memory modules (DIMMs) which allow for a wider data path. One area where microprocessors differ is in the amount of data the number of bits - they can work with at a time. There are 16, 32 and 64-bit processors now and the computer's internal architecture is evolving very quickly. The power and performance of a computer is partly determined by the speed of its microprocessor. The speed of a processor is measured in gigahertz (GHz). Thus, a CPU running at 4 GHz can make about four thousand million calculations a second. An internal clock sends out signals at fixed intervals to measure and synchronize the flow of data. The main circuit board is known as the motherboard. This contains the CPU, the memory chips, expansion slots and controllers for peripherals, connected by internal buses, or paths, that carry electronic signals. For example, the front side bus carries all data that passes from the CPU to other devices.
53
1. Match the sentence beginnings (1-6) with the correct endings (a-f).
1. The CPU processes data and 2. The control unit is the part of the CPU that 3. The arithmetic and logic unit is able to make 4. The registers are high-speed storage 5. Data contained in RAM is lost when 6. ROM memory can only be read: 2. Match the terms with the definitions.
a. areas within the CPU. b. you can't make changes to it. . calculations: add, subtract, multiply and divide. d. the computer is turned off. e. coordinates the other parts of the computer. f. controls the way instructions are executed
1. CPU 2. CU 3. ALU 4. accumulator 5. clock 6. counter 7. register
a) performs the processing operations; b) carries out logical comparisons of storage; ) executes basic arithmetic functions; d) coordinates the operation of the whole system; e) selects data from memory; f) produces electronic marks at regular intervals; g) controls the flow between the primary storage and the arithmetic-logical unit;
8. decoder 9. comparer 10. adder
h) keeps the instruction while it is being performed; i) holds the results of processing operations; j) breaks the instructions into separate commands.
3. Complete these definitions from an ICT dictionary by inserting terms from the box. Here is one extra word. chip buses central processing unit clock speed control unit
1. The . , or CPU, is like a brain which performs tasks for your computer. 2. The CPU is built into a single . that executes program instructions and coordinates activities within the system. 3. The . is the part of the processor which is responsible for loading and interpreting the individual instructions that make up a computer program. 4. . is measured in gigahertz; for example, a processor running at 4Ghz would give you all the performance you need to run most applications. 5. . are electrical channels that allow devices inside the computer to communicate. 54
4. Decide if the sentences are true (T) or false (F), and rewrite the false ones to make them true. 1. RAM stands for Random Access Memory. 2. If memory is volatile, it means that information is lost when the computer is turned off. 3. RAM is non-volatile. ROM is volatile. 4. DIMMs can be used to expand RAM capacity. 5. The CPU directs and coordinates the activities taking place within the computer system. 6. The arithmetic logic unit performs calculations on the data. 7. 32-bit processors can handle more information than 64-bit processors. 8. RAM, ROM and secondary storage are the components of the main memory 9. A chip is an electronic device made of silicon elements containing a set of integrated circuits. 10. Information cannot be processed by the microprocessor if it is not loaded into the main memory. 11. Permanent storage of information is provided by RAM (random access memory). 12. The speed of the microprocessor is measured in gigahertz or megahertz. 13. One GHz is equivalent to one thousand MHz. 14. One MHz is equivalent to one million cycles per second.
5. Choose the correct word to fill the gaps. 1. Computer data . system frees humans from routine error-prone tasks. a) counting; b) computing; c) processing. 2. Computers can store vast amount of information to organize it and . it. a) to travel; b) to retrieve; c) to respond. 3. The entered data can be transmitted by . networks. a) communications; b) conversions; c) procession. 4. The possibility of . is reduced if data were correctly put into the data processing system. a) character; b) access; c) error. 5. Computer data processing systems can . at a fraction of a second. a) receive; b) respond; c) retrieve. 6. Computer systems are vulnerable to the entry of data. a) invalid; b) invariable; c) invisible. 7. Programs and data to be processed must be in the memory. a) internal; b) external; c) secondary. 8. The results of arithmetic operations are returned to the . for transferring to main storage. a) decoder; b) counter; c) accumulator. 55
9. The instruction to be ..... in control unit is read out from primary storage into the storage register. a) calculated; b) executed; c) read out. 10. The .. performs logical comparisons of the contents of the storage register and the .... . a) adder; b) accumulator; c) comparer. 11. The read out command is passed from the . register to the . register. a) instruction; b) address; c) storage. 12. CPU is designed to . and to . basic instructions for the computer. a) control; b) consist; c) carry out. 13.CU and ALU consist of electronic circuits with millions of . a) sensors; b) servers; c) switches. KEY INFORMATION SECTION 3
Bits - basic units of memory
Information is processed and stored in computers as electrical signals. A computer contains thousands of electronic circuits connected by switches that can only be in one of two possible states: ON (the current is flowing through the wire) or OFF (the current is not flowing through the wire). To represent these two conditions we use binary notation in which 1 means ON and 0 means OFF. This is the only way a computer can 'understand' anything. Everything about computers is based upon this binary process. Each 1 or 0 is called a binary digit or bit. 1s and 0s are grouped into eight-digit codes that typically represent characters (letters, numbers and symbols). Eight bits together are called a byte. Thus, each character in a keyboard has its own arrangement of eight bits. For example, 01000001 for the letter A, 01000010 for . one bit 010001 10 example of a byte The majority of computers use a standard system for the binary representation of characters. This is the American Standard Code for Information Interchange, known popularly as ASCII (pronounced 'ask-key'). There are 256 different ways of combining 0 and 1 bits in a byte. So they 56
can give us 256 different signals. However, the ASCII code only uses 128 bytes to represent characters. The rest of the bytes are used for other purposes. The first 32 codes are reserved for characters such as the Return key, Tab, Escape, etc. Each letter of the alphabet, and many symbols (such as punctuation marks), as well as the ten numbers, have ASCII representations. What makes this system powerful is that these codes are standard. In order to avoid astronomical figures and sums in the calculation of bytes, we use units such as kilobytes, megabytes and gigabytes. One kilobyte is 1,024 bytes (2) and it is represented as KB, or more informally as K. One megabyte is equivalent to 1,024 KB, and one gigabyte is 1,024 MB. We use these units (KB, MB, GB) to describe the RAM memory, the storage capacity of disks and the size of any application or document. VOCABULARY PRACTICE SECTION 3
1. Fill in the blanks with the correct units of memory. 1. One . represents one character. 2. One . represents 1024 characters (about a small page of text). 3. One . represents about one million characters (about the text of a small book). 4. One . represents about 1 000 000 000 characters (about 1000 books). 5. One . represents about 1 000 000 000 000 characters (about one million books in a big library).
2. The table gives some prefixes commonly used in computer science. Knowing the meaning of these prefixes will help you understand new words.
Prefix
Meaning
Examples
57
deci-
ten
decimal, decimalize, decibel hexadecimal
hexadeci- sixteen kilomegagigaminimicrobitrimultimono-
one thousand (1,000) (1,024 in binary: 2) 210) kilocycle, kilogram(me), kilowatt large; one million very large; one thousand million small very small two three many one megahertz, megalith, megaton gigabyte, gigahertz minibus, minimum, minimize microfilm, microphone, microwave bidirectional, bidimensional, binary tripartite, tricycle, trilingual multi-racial, multi-user; multitasking monologue, monolingual
Explain these expressions, taking into account the prefixes and root word. Example: the binary system - The binary system is a notation which uses two digits, 0 and 1.
a minicomputer a microcomputer the decimal system
the hexadecimal system a multi-user configuration a bidimensional chessboard a tricycle
a monochrome computer display a CPU with 256 MB of RAM a document of 3 kilobytes
3. Complete these sentences by inserting a unit of memory. 1. A . is the smallest unit of information in a computer that must be either 0 or 1. Eight of these make a . 2. A . is approximately one million bytes. 3. One of the largest units of memory is a . equivalent to all the books in a large library. 4. A DVD-RW can usually store 4.7 . of data. 5. A . is around 1000 bytes.
Verb + -ing or infinitive.
1. Verb+-ing
a. They stopped looking/to look at the flowchart. 58
2. Verb+being+verb in the 3rd form
b. To prevent anyone changing the data he disabled the keyboard. c. The programmer didnt let me install this new operation system. d. Some viruses cause computers to crash. e. Some people cant afford to buy a modern PC. f. The company intends to use/using computers in the production process.
3. Verb+-ing/infinitive=little change in meaning 4. Verb+to be+verb in the 3rd form 5. Verb+object+to+infinitive 6. Verb+bare infinitive (without to)
7. Verb+-ing/infinitive=change in meaning 8. Verb+to+infinitive of purpose
g. Invalid data risks being processed incorrectly. h. Any new software requires to be tested before use.
9. Verb+to+infinitive
i. Analytical engine was invented to store data.
2. Put the verbs in brackets into the correct form (ing or infinitive). Sometimes both are possible.
1. Backing up involves (copy) current working files onto a separate storage disk. 2. Don't forget (save) the file before switching off. 3. The engineer managed (recover) all the lost data, though it took a long time. 4. I remember (shut) down the computer before I left the room. 5. Scientists considered silicon (be) one of the best materials for the creation of an I. 6. Experts expect computers (become) the most commonly used devices. 7. If you dont save your document every few minutes you risk (lose) all the work youve done. 8. Keyboard enables (input) numerical and text data. 9. They want this software (simulate) the action of an aircraft. 10. This program seems (work) correctly the first time it is tested. 11. Computers were designed (perform) thousands of computations per second. 12. Engineers expect these new devices (test) very soon. 13. The hacker denied (break) into our computer system. 14. Banks spend millions of dollars (try) to stop new kinds of computer crime. 15. Blue-ray discs let you (store) far more data than DVD discs. 16. Using computers (create) graphics and sounds, virtual reality makes the viewer (believe) he or she is in another world.
59
Looks good on paper A new use for a common material
Once in a while, someone takes a familiar material like glass and finds a new use for it. Glass had been around for ages but, in the 1950s, Basil Hirschowitz of the University of Michigan thought of using a fibre made of the stuff to transmit light. Fibre optics have since revolutionised both surgery (Dr Hirschowitzs original intention) and telecommunications (an unexpected bonus). Elvira Fortunato, Rodrigo Martins and their colleagues at the New University of Lisbon in Portugal believe they have found similarly a novel use for paper. Writing in IEEE Electron Device Letters, they describe how to use it to make a transistor. Transistors are the workhorses of electronics. They are switches that employ one electric current to control the passage of another. Linked together on the surfaces of silicon chips, they form the logic gates that do the calculations in computers, mobile phones, television sets and the other electronic gadgets which dominate the modern world. The bold proposal that Dr. Fortunato and Dr. Martins are making is to replace the silicon with cellulose, the main ingredient of paper. The silicon in a transistor has two separate roles. One, when it is doped with small amounts of other elements, is as a semiconductor. This is a material that permits the limited movement either of electrons (which are negatively charged) or of positively charged holes in the crystal lattice where an electron ought to be. Silicons other role, when it is pure, is as a dielectrica material that can be penetrated by an electric field, but not an electric current. It is silicons role as a dielectric that Dr Fortunato and Dr Martins propose to replace. The two researchers built their transistors by coating both sides of a sheet of paper with semiconductors made of oxides of zinc, gallium and indium, rather than silicon. They then deposited aluminium onto the coated paper to connect the resulting components together. One side of the paper carried the control currents while the other carried the output currents. The paper thus acted as the dielectric between the components of each transistor, as well as being the substrate for the circuit, in the same way that the base of a silicon chip acts both as substrate and as dielectric. This approach lets the transistors be both flexible and cheap to produce. They can be made at room temperature, unlike a silicon chip, and paper is a lot less pricey than electronics-grade silicon. They also seem reliable. Dr. Fortunato and Dr. Martins tested their prototypes for two months without detecting any fall in performance. Paper transistors, and circuits based on them, are not, it must be said, going to replace silicon chips as the microprocessors in computers any time soonif only because they are nowhere near as miniaturised. But the two researchers have already used them to make a simple, disposable memory 60
circuit, which they will describe in a forthcoming issue of Applied Physics Letters. Such paperbased chips would be much cheaper than the cheapest chips available today, and could be used in radiofrequency identification (RFID) tags on such things as packets of food on supermarket shelvesthe cost of RFID chips is one of the factors preventing their widespread adoption. Baggage tags, banknotes with electronics embedded for security and even postage stamps that can be read by smart franking machines are other possible uses. Electronics may even come to rely on paper, rather than eliminating it.
Read the comments to the article. Which comments do you agree with? Why? What is your opinion on the article and on the technology it talks about? Do you think there is a future for it? What would you write to comment it? Readers comments. 1. Interesting. But, I shudder to think of the future. We will have these tags on all forms of paper; we would have a major problem in recycling paper. 2. Hm. Lots of interesting uses. E.g.: Spy Paper. Paper with microphone circuitry and transmission circuitry to "bug" anything from memos to newspapers to magazines to ... unobtrusively. What fun! 3. At least we know already that this simple technology not only looks good on paper. But can be of use in ways so helpful to the modern issues of global warming and CO2 in the air. 4. Balance is what nature even does well if we were left out of the picture. This new use could be a new balance. SPEAKING/WRITING PRACTICE SECTION
1. Describe the schemes:
1. Communication between the primary storage unit and the arithmetic-logical and control units
61
Input and output processors
Primary storage (bits, bytes, fields, words) Data and instructions Storage register
Address register
Arithmeticlogical unit
Control unit
2. Arithmetic-logical unit functional diagram
Primary storage
Storage register
Comparer
Adder
Accumulator
3. Control unit functional diagram
62
Primary storage
Address register
Storage register
Instruction register
Arithmeticlogical unit
Decoder
Instruction counter
2. Make notes about the features of the computer that you would like to have and describe it.
CPU: Monitor:
Speed: Hard disk:
Optical disk drives: Software:
Minimum/maximum RAM:
Useful expressions: It has got... It's very fast. It runs at... The standard RAM memory... and it is expandable . The hard disk can hold ... As for the Internet... I need a SuperVGA monitor because ...
Vocabulary quiz.
1. In groups of three, write answers to these questions. The winners are the group that answers the most questions correctly in three minutes.
1. What are the main parts of the CPU? 2. What is RAM? 3. What memory section is permanent and contains instructions needed by the CPU? 4. What information is lost when the computer is switched off? 5. What is the meaning of the acronym SIMM? 6. What is a megahertz? 7. What is the ALU? What does it do? 8. How can we store data and programs permanently?
63
2. Solve the clues and complete the puzzle with words from the Key Information Section. 1. Intel . are used in many computers. 2. Each 0 or 1 is called a bit, short for . digit.
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
1 2
3. Special cards can be inserted into expansion . 4. A . controls the timing within the PC by sending signals to synchronize its circuits and operations. 5. The processor speed is measured in . 6. . carry signals between different parts of a PC. 7. . cards improve the computer's performance.
8. The . uses ROM to control the input/output of data. 9. The main printed circuit board is called the .
Down: The brain of a computer
HUMOR SECTION
64
OUTPUT DEVICES
An output device is any piece of computer hardware equipment used to communicate the results of data processing to the outside world. The most common outputs are monitors, printers and speakers.
Display screens
The screen of a computer is often known as the monitor or display, or VDU (visual display unit). It is a piece of electrical equipment which displays images generated from the video output of computers, without producing a permanent record. The monitor comprises the display device, simple circuitry to generate and format a picture from video sent by the signals source, and usually an enclosure. The monitor is controlled by a separate circuit board, known as the display adaptor, which plugs into the motherboard of the computer and generates video in a format compatible with the monitor. The video card processes images and sends signals to the monitor. For example, the VGA (video graphics array) card has become a standard for colour monitors. Older monitors are based around a cathode ray tube (CRT), similar to a traditional TV set. At the back of the tube there is a negatively charged cathode and three electron guns each gun shoots out a beam of electrons for each of the primary colours: red, green and blue. These electrons strike the inside of the charged screen which is coated with substances called phosphors (there are different materials for each of the three colours) that glow when struck by electrons and create colours. Each cluster of three phosphor dots, one of each color, is one pixel. The electron beam scans the screen and turns on or off the pixels that make up the image. To create different colours, the intensity of each of the three electron beams is varied. There are two electromagnets around the 65
collar of the tube which deflect the electron beam. The beam scans across the top of the monitor from left to right, is then blanked and moved back to the left-hand side slightly below the previous trace (on the next scan line), scans across the second line and so on until the bottom right of the screen is reached. It is again blanked, and moved back to the top left to start again. It scans the screen in a continuous sequence, similar to the movement of our eyes when we read, but much faster - this process draws a complete picture. This sequence is repeated 50-100 times per second, depending on the system. If the rate of this repetition is low, we can perceive a flickering, unsteady screen, which can cause eye fatigue. CRTs are cheap, but they are heavy, can flicker and emit radiation. Most newer monitors typically consist of a TFT-LCD. A Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) is made from flat plates with a liquid crystal solution between them. The crystals block the light in different quantities to create the image. Active-matrix LCDs use TFT (thin film transistor) technology, in which each pixel has its own transistor switch. TFT systems offer a wider angle of vision and high-quality images, they are flat and take up less space, use less power than CRTs, they are distortion-free while typical CRTs are curved, which may cause image distortion, so they are replacing CRTs. Users talk of benefits such as more desk space, how easy they are to adjust for tilt and height, crisper, clearer images and the total elimination of screen flicker. Manufacturers offer compatible flat screens including built-in stereo speakers, headphone connection, and a USB port. Some models can also be removed from the stand and mounted on the wall. They come with stylish designs for a variety of applications. Plasma displays have many advantages: high-contrast images and bright colours, generated by a plasma discharge which contains noble, non-harmful gases. Gas-plasma TVs allow for larger screens and wide viewing angles, perfect for movies. Home cinema enthusiasts set up systems with a DVD recorder, speakers for surround sound, and a rear projection TV, which has the video projector and the screen within a large TV box. Its a real cinema experience. Video projectors are used when audiovisual presentations are on a laptop connected to a frontscreen projector which displays the images on a distant screen or white wall. Portable DLP projectors are used for business presentations. This is a digital light-processing device which creates the image with millions of microscopic mirrors arranged on a silicon chip. Sound output Computer speakers, or multimedia speakers, are external speakers, commonly equipped with a low-power internal amplifier. The standard audio connection is a 3.5mm (1/8 inch) stereo jack plug often colour-coded lime green for computer 66
sound cards. There are also USB speakers. More sophisticated computer speakers may have a 'subwoofer' unit to enhance bass output. Some computer displays have rather basic speakers builtin. Laptops come with integrated speakers. For some users, a lead connecting computer sound output to an existing stereo system is practical. This normally yields much better results than small low-cost computer speakers. Headphones are a pair of small loudspeakers, or less commonly a single speaker, with a way of holding them close to a user's ears and a means of connecting them to a signal source. They are also known as earphones, earbuds, stereophones, headsets or, informally cans. In the context of telecommunication, the term
headset is used to describe a combination of headphone and microphone used for two-way communication.
VOCABULARY PRACTICE SECTION 1 1. Decide whether these statements are true or false. Correct those which are false.
1. Most computers still use CRT monitors. 2. Typical CRT-based displays occupy less space than LCDs. 3. Liquid-crystal displays are curved. 4. Flat LCD screens are becoming very popular. 5. LCD technology consumes less power than CRT technology. 6. Flat screens are cheaper than CRT monitors. 7. Users of flat-screen monitors cant adjust the angle of vision. 8. The images shown on a monitor are not generated by the video card. 9. All visible colours can be made from mixing the three primary ones: red, yellow and blue. 10. Active-matrix LCDs do not use a technology called thin film transistor or TFT.
2. Complete these sentences with words from the Key Information Section. 1. If you intend to set up a ., consider getting a very big screen, a DVD recorder and a good set of speakers. 2. A . takes digital images and displays them on a screen or wall. 3. The company announced plans to expand its .. (DLP) cinema technology, which has thrilled test audiences with its dazzling colours and pin-sharp images. 4. In a .. TV, a large box contains both the projector and the screen built in. 5. The gas mixture in a .. is not dangerous. 67
3. Complete this extract from a workplace health and safety guide using words from the box. Then choose the correct verb forms from the options. footrest ache swivel idea copyholder strain repetitive
The following guidelines can help you avoid the common pitfalls of daily computer use eye 1. , back 2. and 3. strain injury (RSI). Get/Dont get a comfortable chair that supports your lower back. Ask/ Dont ask for a 4. to place under your desk and a tilt and 5. stand for your screen. Position your keyboard correctly: your arms should/shouldnt be perpendicular to the desk surface. Your monitor should/shouldnt be at, or just below, your head height. Sit/Dont sit at least 50 cm away from the monitor. Its a good 6. to take regular breaks in order to rest your eyes. You should/shouldnt work from hard copy documents without using a 7. Forget/Dont forget to clean your screen regularly.
KEY INFORMATION SECTION 2 Bits for pictures
The characters and pictures that we see on the screen are made up of dots, also called picture elements (pixels). In a bit-mapped display, the dots displayed on the screen correspond, pixel by pixel, with bits in the main memory of the computer. The bits are held in an area of the memory called the 'refresh buffer' and are stored in groups that represent the horizontal and vertical position of the pixels on the screen and whether the pixels are on or off. On monochrome systems, one bit in this 'map'
A colour pixel is a combination of red, green and blue subpixels.
68
represents one pixel on the screen and can be either 'on' or 'off' (black or white). On colour systems, each pixel is a certain combination of the three primary colours: red, green and blue.
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Refresh buffer (memory)
Display
The total number of colours which can be shown on the screen is called the colour palette. The size of this palette depends on the graphics adaptor, a separate video card that converts the bits into visual signals. A graphics adaptor with 1 bit per primary colour can generate up to 8, or 23, colours, as you can see from the table. A graphics adaptor with 8 bits per primary colour can generate 16.7 million colours.
Colour black blue green cyan red magenta yellow white Red 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 Green 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 Blue 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1
One bit per primary colour Performance characteristics of monitors The performance of a monitor is measured in the following parameters: Brightness - the luminance of images is measured in cd/m2 (candela per square metre). Screen size (viewable image size) is measured diagonally, in other words, a 17" screen measures 17 inches from the top left corner to the bottom right. For CRTs, the viewable size is typically one inch (25 mm) smaller than the tube itself. Resolution - the clarity of the image depends on the number of distinct pixels contained on a display, horizontally and vertically. A typical resolution is 1024 x 768. The sharpness of images is affected by dot pitch, the distance between the pixels of the same color on the screen, so a dot pitch of 0.28 mm or less will produce a sharp image. Maximum resolution is limited by dot pitch: the smaller the dot pitch, the sharper the picture will appear. 69
Colour depth - the number of colours a monitor can display. For example, a VGA monitor produces 256 colours, enough for home use; a SuperVGA can produce up to 16.7 million colours, so is ideal for photographic work and video games.
Refresh rate is the number of times in a second that a display is illuminated. If a monitor has a refresh rate of 75 Hertz (Hz), it means that the screen is scanned 75 times per second. If this rate is low, you will notice a flicker, which can cause eye fatigue. Maximum refresh rate is limited by response time.
Response time is the amount of time a pixel in a monitor takes to go from active (black) to inactive (white) and back to active (black) again. It is measured in milliseconds. Lower numbers mean faster transitions and therefore fewer visible image artifacts.
Contrast ratio is the ratio of the luminosity of the brightest color (white) to that of the darkest color (black) that the monitor is capable of producing. Power consumption is measured in watts. Aspect ratio is the ratio of the horizontal length to the vertical length. 4:3 is the standard aspect ratio, for example, so that a screen with a width of 1024 pixels will have a height of 768 pixels. If a widescreen display has an aspect ratio of 16:9, a display that is 1024 pixels wide will have a height of 576 pixels.
Viewing angle is the maximum angle at which images on the monitor can be viewed, without excessive degradation to the images. It is measured in degrees horizontally and vertically.
1. Complete these display screen specifications with the missing words. The first letter is given. 1. r. : 1280x768 2. a. ratio : 16:9 3. s. size: 19 4. c. depth : 16.7 million 5. b. : 400 cd/m2
70
2. Match each term with the correct definition.
1. phosphors 2. LCD screen 3. pixel 4. dot pitch 5. refresh rate
a. the frequency at which a monitor renews its image, measured in Hz b. a flat-panel display which works by emitting light through a special liquid . the space between a display's pixels d. the smallest element in a displayed image e. materials that emit light and produce colours when they are activated by an electron beam
3. Decide which words are being defined in these extracts from an ICT dictionary.
1. One of the small units that make up an image on a computer or television screen. - pixel - cathode ray tube (CRT)
2. Flat-screen technology using noble gases; popular with movie fans. - video projector glass plates with - liquid crystal display (LCD) 4. Card that plugs into a computer to give it display capabilities. - video projector - video adapter - cathode ray tube (CRT) - plasma screen
3. The most common computer display technology, made of two
5. Device used to show images on a wall or large screen. - video projector - video adapter
4. Using the information in the passage and the illustrations, match the terms in the box with the appropriate explanation or definition. . bit-mapped display d. primary colours
a. pixel
b. bit
e. palette
1. The menu of colours available on a graphics system; its size depends on the hardware. 2. Red, green and blue (RGB) in computers. 3. The smallest element of a display surface. 4. A display on the screen which corresponds, pixel by pixel, with bits stored in memory cells. 5. The acronym for 'binary digit'; one of the digits (0 and 1) used in binary notation.
71
5. Tables often include abbreviations and technical words that are not easy to understand. Look at this table and the explanation of Monitor A's specifications. Using the example, describe Monitor B.
The specifications of Superview (Monitor A) may be explained like this: This is a flat-panel Liquid Crystal Display. The screen size is 18.1 inches (diagonal viewable image size). You get a resolution of 1024 by 768 pixels. It offers support for 16.7 million saturated colours. This digital display has a 75 hertz refresh rate. It never flickers (the images are bright, sharp, and distortion-free). You can change the orientation of the display, adjusting your viewing angle back and forth. It has a built-in power feature that saves a lot of energy consumption.
Monitor
Type
Size
Pixel resolution
Visual display 16.7 million colours
Refresh rate 75 Hz flicker-free 85 Hz flicker-free
Tilt-and- Other swivel + features energy saver mode + anti-glare filter
A Compaq TFT 8020 Paintview
Flat-panel LCD CRT monitor
18.1"
1024 x 768
19"
1280 x1024
6. Complete the technical specs of this monitor with words from the Key Information Section.
Quick specs The new Paintview XT-85 combines a television and a computer 1 . in one display. Type of display 2 . 3. Display . Dot pitch 4 Contrast ratio 5 . Built-in TV tuner Audio Flat panel LCD 19 inches 1,280 x 1,024 pixels 0.294 mm 16.7 million colours 1,000:1 450 cd/m2 Yes Two 3-watt speakers and a 5-watt subwoofer; headphone jack
The Picture-in-Picture function allows you to watch more than one program at the same time and lets you adjust the size of each window. 72
In computing, a printer is a peripheral which produces a hard copy or printout (permanent human-readable text and/or graphics) of documents stored in electronic form, usually on physical print media such as paper or transparencies. Many printers are primarily used as local peripherals, and are attached by a printer cable or, in most newer printers, a USB cable to a computer which serves as a document source. Some printers, commonly known as network printers, have built-in network interfaces (typically wireless or Ethernet), and can serve as a hardcopy device for any user on the network. In a network, users can share a printer connected to a print server, a computer that stores the files waiting to be printed. Individual printers are often designed to support both local and network connected users at the same time. In addition, a few modern printers can directly interface to electronic media such as memory sticks or memory cards, or to image capture devices such as digital cameras, scanners; some printers are combined with scanners and/or fax machines in a single unit, and can function as photocopiers. Printers that include non-printing features are sometimes called Multifunction Printers (MFP), Multi-Function Devices (MFD), or All-In-One (AIO) printers. Most MFPs include printing, scanning, and copying among their features. A Virtual printer is a piece of computer software whose user interface and API resemble that of a printer driver, but which is not connected with a physical computer printer. A program in your computer, called the printer driver, converts data into a form that your printer can understand. A print spooler stores files to be printed when the printer is ready. It lets you change the order of documents in the queue and cancel specific print jobs. The output quality, or resolution, is measured in dpi or dots per inch. The speed of your printer is measured in pages per minute (ppm). A dot-matrix printer uses a group, or matrix, of pins to create precise dots required to shape a character. A print head containing tiny pins strikes an inked ribbon to make letters and graphics. They print text and graphics and nowadays some of them can print up to 500 characters per second (cps). They are slower than laser printers but much cheaper. This 73
impact printing technology allows shops, for example, to print multi-part forms such as receipts and invoices, so it's useful when self-copying paper is needed. It has two important disadvantages: noise and a relatively low resolution (from 72 to 180 dpi). An ink-jet (also called bubble-jet) printer generates an image by spraying tiny, precise drops of ink onto the paper. This is non-impact printing technology. The resolution ranges from 300 to 1200 dpi, suitable for small quantities or home use. This type of printer is quite fast, silent and not so expensive as a laser printer. A standard ink-jet has a three-colour cartridge, plus a black cartridge. Professional ink-jets have five-colour cartridges, plus black; some can print in wide format, ranging from 60 cm up to 5 metres (e.g. for printing advertising graphics). A laser printer uses a laser beam to fix the ink to the paper. A laser works like a photocopier it scans the image with a laser beam and transfers it to paper with a special ink powder called toner which is attracted to paper by an electrostatic charge and then fused on by a hot roller. Laser printers are fast and produce a high resolution of 1,200 to 2,400 dpi, so they are ideal for businesses and for professional graphics work. They are constantly being improved. Lasers use a page description language or PDL which describes how to print the text and draw the images on the page. The best-known languages are Adobe PostScript and HP Printer Control Language. A professional imagesetter is a typesetting printer that generates very high-resolution output (over 3540 dpi) on paper or microfilm. It's used for high-quality publications in desktop publishing. In addition, it is extremely fast. Although it produces the highest quality output, it has one important drawback: it is too expensive for homes or small offices. Thermal transfer printers use solid sticks of colored ink (similar in consistency to candle wax), which are melted and fed into a piezo crystal operated print-head which sprays the ink on a rotating, oil coated drum. The paper then passes over the print drum and the image is transferred, or transfixed, to the page. Drawbacks of the technology include high power consumption and long warm-up times from a cold state. Thermal printers work by selectively heating regions of special heat-sensitive paper. They are silent and considered to be inexpensive. Monochrome thermal printers are used in cash registers, ATMs, gasoline dispensers and some older inexpensive fax machines. Colors can be achieved with special papers and different temperatures and heating rates.
74
A plotter is a vector graphics (using geometrical primitives such as points, lines, curves, and shapes or polygon(s), which are all based on mathematical equations, to represent images in computer graphics) printing device which uses ink and fine pens held in a carriage to draw detailed designs on paper. It's used in computeraided design, maps, 3-D technical illustrations, construction plans, engineering drawings and other technical illustrations.
1. Complete the gaps choosing the right option. 1. Input-output devices allow the computer to . with its external environment. a) compute; b) command; c) communicate. 2. An I/O interface is a special . that converts input data to the internal codes. a) register; b) processor; c) plotter. 3. I / match the physical and electrical characteristics of input-output devices. a) interchanges; b) interfaces; c) interpretations. 4. Letter-quality, dot-matrix and ink-jet printers are all printers. a) line; b) page; c) character. 5. Input-output units link the computer to its external a) requirement; b) development; c) environment. 6. I / devices can be classified according to their speed, visual displays being devices. a) high-speed; b)medium-speed; c) low-speed.
2. Look at these extracts from people talking about printing jobs. Which type of printer is each person talking about? 1. Can you order some more toner for the printer on the third floor? 2. The plans for the new office building are almost ready. Shall I print a copy for the meeting ? 3. Were almost out of bar codes. Simon, can you print some more? 4. I couldnt believe it I was in the middle of printing my report and I ran out of ink! 5. As soon as the client approves this version, you need to print a high-quality colour copy for them to check. 6. Andrew, can you print off another set of address labels for me?
75
3. Complete these sentences with words from the Key Information Section. 1. The differences in . are noticeable: the more dots per inch, the clearer the image. 2. A resolution of between 600 and 2400 . ensured that even text as small as 2 pt was legible. 3. Passengers with an electronic ticket will need a .. of ticket confirmation or a boarding pass to be admitted to secured gate areas. 4. The key advance of recent years is printing speed: the latest generation of ink-jets prints blackand-white text at 15 .(..). 5. With appropriate software, you can view the images on a computer, manipulate them, or send them to a . and produce excellent quality colour copies. 6. A . is a dedicated computer that connects a printer to a network. It enables users to share printing resources. 7. A . is a utility that organizes and arranges any documents waiting to be printed. 8. In computers, a . is a program installed to control a particular type of printer.
4. Choose the most appropriate type of printer for these situations.
1. a home user who wants to print text documents and family photographs. 2. businessmen who need to print in large quantities at high quality in an office. 3. engineers who want to make detailed line drawings. 4. professional typesetters in desktop publishing (e.g. to publish magazines). 5. a company that wants to print carbon copies of bills and receipts.
5. Identify these types of printers.
1. The resolution depends on the number of pins (9, 24 or 48) 2. The quality (resolution) of the images ranges from 300 to 1,200 dots per inch (dpi) 3. Provides high quality output - a resolution of 600/2,400 (dpi) 4. Provides the highest resolution - more than 3,000 dpi 5. Provides high quality for linework (like lines and curves)
6. Find the terms which correspond to these definitions.
1. a container that holds the ink in an ink-jet printer. 2. powdered ink used in laser printers. 3. small needles that press on the inked ribbon to make the characters on paper. 76
4. technology that produces text and pictures by hammering pins against a ribbon and the paper. 5. a language that tells a printer how to print a document. 6. a peripheral combining a printer, a fax machine, a photocopier and a scanner into one device.
7. Read the advertisements for printers below, and then answer the questions. Look at the advertisements again and compare the printers. Talk about their: speed, memory, fonts, emulations, resolution, service, price, noise.
CRYSTAL LASER PRINTER II 14 pages per minute. 20 MB RAM. Two MICRO LASER XT Personal laser printer. 5 pages per minute. 4 MB RAM expandable to 64 MB. Parallel interface. 200 sheet input tray. 35 resident fonts. One-year on-site maintenance. Prints on a wide range of materials and sizes. 649 COLOUR POSTSCRIPT PRINTER COLOUR INK-JET Stunning Plug & Play colour printer. Brilliant photo quality (up to 720 dpi) and fast-drying ink. Produces 8 pages per minute in plain text and 4 ppm in colour. 150 page paper tray. Fast, friendly service. 210 STYLUS DOT-MATRIX PRINTER Dot-matrix printer with 24 pins. Prints text and graphics. 450 cps. Compatible special interface. Free unlimited hotline support for our customers. One year on-site maintenance. 179 Colour printer. 40 Adobe Postscript fonts. 36 MB RAM with a SCSI Interface for an optional 20 MB hard disk. Parallel, serial and AppleTalk interfaces. HP plotter emulation. Thermal printing system. 30-day money-back guarantee and 1 year's on-site parts and labour. 2249 TURBO LASER WRITER QR Workgroup laser printer. 15 pages per minute. 1,200 dpi for graphics. 36 MB of RAM. Includes Adobe Postscript and Hewlett Packard PCL printer languages. 75 resident fonts. Connectivity: one bi-directional parallel port, one LocalTalk port, and one Ethernet port for networks. 12 month warranty. 1150
200 sheet selectable input trays. LCD display. 80 internal scalable fonts. A resolution of 2,400 dpi. Comes with PostScript language and PCL (printer control language). Telephone hotline support. 999
1. How many laser printers are advertised here? 2. Is there a printer that operates by spraying ink droplets onto paper? 3. Which laser printer offers the highest resolution, or output quality? 4. Which one would you recommend to a friend who does not have much money? 5. Which one has more internal fonts? 6. Can you find two types of laser printer languages? 7. What connectivity features are offered by the Turbo laser Writer QR?
77
GRAMMAR PRACTICE SECTION Reported speech.
1. no tense change past simple, past perfect 2. no tense change - information is still true 3. no tense change always true 4. no change - modal verb 5. change of reference to people, places, time, things 6. tense change move back in time 7. reported question 8. reported request 9. reported command
a.
The employer asked what computer applications the candidate used.
b.
He said the hacker who illegally accessed our databases was arrested the day before.
c. d. e.
He asked the technician to debug the program. They told the manager to update the database. The CEO said that our stock control had been computerized completely.
f.
It was confirmed that the new computer equipment was improving the performance of all the departments.
g. h. i.
He said computers are getting smaller and smaller. He said there is always a bug in any program. The technician said the company should install new antivirus software.
10. passive reporting verb
j.
She pointed out that people used prototypes of computers in ancient times.
2. Report the following sentences trying to use various reporting verbs.
1. Shadow data contains the remnants of computer data that was written previously to a track. 2. In recent years flat screens have become increasingly popular. 3. Prices for flat screens are falling. 4. The world's first computer printer was a mechanically driven apparatus invented by Charles Babbage. 5. Would you mind printing this out for me? 6. Many computer systems allow the user to install or create any user interface they desire. 7. Carelessly-arranged computer screens and keyboard could lead to ergonomics problems such as eyestrain and repetitive strain injuries while using a keyboard for long periods. 8. A hacker broke into our security system last week. 9. I found the problem when I was launching this program. 78
10. As technology improved during the 1990s, the usefulness and popularity of laptops increased. 11. What basic functions does a computer perform? 12. The 2000s saw the rise of multi-core processors and flash memory. 13. Do not interrupt the spelling checker while it is running. 14. You've saved this file in the wrong directory. 15. If you buy a modem make sure it conforms to Hayes standards. 16. He reconfigured the field structure in the file.
Bend me, shape me, anyway you want me
Electronic screens as thin as paper are coming soon
Over the years, the screens on laptops, televisions, mobile phones and so on have got sharper, wider and thinner. They are about to get thinner still, but with a new twist. By using flexible components, these screens will also become bendy. Some could even be rolled up and slipped into your pocket like a piece of electronic paper. These thin sheets of plastic will be able to display words and images; a book, perhaps, or a newspaper or a magazine. And now it looks as if they might be mass produced in much the same way as the printed paper they are emulating. The crucial technological development happened recently at the Flexible Display Centre at Arizona State University. Using a novel lithographic process invented by HP Labs and an electronic ink produced by E Ink, the centres researchers succeeded in printing flexible displays onto long rolls of a special plastic film made by DuPont. To make individual screens, the printed film is sliced up into sections rather as folios for magazines or newspapers would be cut from a printed web of paper. The resulting electrophoretic screens are lightweight and consume only a fraction of the power of a typical LCD . The first trials of consumer versions could begin within a few years. Flickering beginnings Although printing flexible screens in this way will help to make them affordable, they still have a long way to go to catch LCDs. For that, two things need to happen. One is that the displays must turn from black-and-white to colour. The other is that they must be able to refresh their images at a rate fast enough to show moving pictures. Researchers at the Flexible Display Centre and elsewhere are working on ways to do that, and there seems little doubt it will happen. Yet even with their present limitations, flexible screens have some important advantages over LCDs. 79
For a start, LCDs are difficult and costly to make. Most are produced in huge, ultra-clean factories using batch processes similar to those for making silicon chips. This is a fractious, finicky process and tiny defects in the materials, or failures in the alignment of the different layers, can result in 20% or more of a batch being scrapped. Moreover, the glass means LCDs are heavy and easily broken, as anyone who has dropped a laptop knows to his cost. Another drawback is that LCDs consume a lot of power because they are lit from behind. It also means that the image can be hard to see in bright sunlight. Electrophoretic displays work in a different way, using a form of electronic ink that has been under development since the 1970s. E Inks version employs tiny capsules filled with a clear fluid containing positively charged white particles and negatively charged black ones. The capsules are arranged as pixels and electric charges applied to each pixel pull either the black or the white particles towards the top of the capsule (and the opposite colour to the bottom). Unlike an LCDs, this image does not require backlighting. Instead, the user relies on reflected light, as he would if he were reading a sheet of printed paper. Moreover, once the particles in the capsules have settled down they stay put. That means the image remains on the screen without drawing power. A further dose of electricity is required only when the image changes; when a user turns to the next page, for example. Not only does this mean that electrophoretic displays are cheaper to run, the lack of constant refreshment makes them more comfortable to readas comfortable, it is claimed, as printed paper. Colour section The one feature these screens do not yet offer is colour and, though colour versions will surely come to market, no one is yet sure which version will succeed. Electrophoretic displays can use coloured particles and filters to produce red, green and blue subpixels, but as each colour occupies only a third of a pixels area, the brightness of the image is correspondingly reduced. Liquavista, a spin -off from Philips, is trying something called electrowetting. This uses an electrical field t o modify the surface tension of coloured oils and water within pixels that are mounted on a flexible Teflon base. As each pixel is activated, the wetting properties of the oil and water change, making colours visible. Another approach is to use materials that emit light. Some firms, such as Sony, are looking at organic light-emitting diodes composed of thin films of organic molecules which generate light in response to an electric current. Photonic crystals are a further alternative. These are tiny particles that have a crystal structure which influences the flow of photons, the particles of light. By changing the structure of such a crystal slightly, using an electric charge, the colour of the light reflected by that crystal will change too. Tune the crystals appropriately and you can create different colours. 80
There are also hybrid methods, like that used by Adrian Geisow at HP Labs campus in Bristol, England. He has taken a conventional approach to generating colour, using liquid crystals and red, green and blue filters. However, he has done so in a plastic film produced in a printing-type process. The screen can be backlit, like a standard LCD, but it is capable of retaining its image because the material the liquid crystals sit on encourages the pixels to stay transparent or opaque once they have been switched. However it is eventually done, Dr Geisow is convinced that putting colour into flexible screens is what will turn them into a very big picture indeed. Read the comments to the article. Which comments do you agree with? Why? Which one(s) do you like best? What is your opinion on the article and on the technology it talks about? Do you think there is a future for it? What would you write to comment it?
Readers comments 1. Very inspiring! Can we do away with the tons and tons of newsprint tossed in the garbage bin every day? That would save the world many trees every day, and maybe even my mail slot a few useless flyers I never read. 2. I have been hearing about these flexible organic display being 'just around the corner' for at least a decade - haven't seen one yet at my local Best Buy. 3. I can see myself using this flexible display to wallpaper my home. Then in the blink of an eye, I could change the theme of my home to whatever I desired. Now all I need is some holographic furniture to go with it. 4. If its comfortable to use for lying about and waterproof for the tub it will be as good as the Economist magazine to me. If I can comment on the articles using the internet version it will be better. 5. Great, soon people will read the newspaper on these walking down sidewalks and down hallways. Everyone will bump into each other and the world will be a friendlier place. I guess these devices could save paper/trees but, once obsolete, they will just pile up as e-waste when they return to their birthplace in China. SPEAKING/WRITING PRACTICE SECTION 1. Decode the abbreviations related to computer output. Find more similar abbreviations.
CRT
LCD TV
PC
TFT
USB VGA VDU PDL dpi cpm
ppm cps
2. Describe the monitor of your computer and its performance characteristics. How can you change the picture using the controls? 81
3. Read about what you should do to protect your eyes when working on a computer. Add more recommendations to this list. Do you always follow these recommendations?
4. Describe the 'home cinema' of your dreams. Use these notes to help you.
Type of display: CRT television, LCD screen, plasma TV or video projector Screen size Video source: TV, VCR or DVD recorder Resolution (image quality) Sound capabilities
5. Describe the characteristics of the printer that you have or would like to have at home or at work. Give details about: type of printer, speed, noise, resolution, ink cartridges, price and customer support.
5. Make a report on one of the topics below.
The evolution of output technologies. Functions and technical characteristics of different output devices (especially those not described in detail in the Key Information Sections). New multi-functional generation of input-output devices. The future of output devices and technologies. 82
6. Describe how a printer works using the pictures below.
7. Describe how a VDU (LCD, plasma, CRT) works using the pictures below.
Plasma technology
CRT
83
8. Summarise the information about output devices using the scheme below to help you.
IMPACT HARD COPY
DOT-MATRIX PRINTER INK-JET PRINTER
COMPUTER
NON-IMPACT
LASER PRINTER PLOTTER
SOFT COPY
CRT/LCD VOICE
1. Each of the sets of four words below can be linked by one other word. What are the missing words?
LASER INK-JET BUFFER QUALITY DATA GRAPHICS INTERFACE DEVICE
TOUCH TEXT
SAVER CAPTURE
2. Word search Find the terms and expressions hidden in the letters below; you can read across (any direction), down or up. The clues below will help you to find all the words. 1. The smallest single unit or point of a display whose colour or brightness can be displayed. 2. A device that prints your texts or graphics on paper. 3. A group of pins a printer uses to create precise dots. 4. A substance a printer sprays onto the paper to generate an image. 5. A beam a printer uses to fix the ink to the paper. 6. The output quality, the clarity of the image. 7. A hard copy. 8. The powder attracted to paper by an electrostatic charge and then fused on by a hot roller. 9. A type of printer using ink & fine pens held in a carriage to draw detailed designs on paper. 10. A visual unit of a computer (2 different words). 84
11. An unsteady light that goes on and off quickly. 12. The part of a television or computer where the picture or information appears. 13. A type of television or computer screen that has special gas inside. 14. A small container that you put inside a printer to make it work. 15. The part of a television that produces the picture on the screen. 16. Liquid . displays are currently the most popular display device for computers. 17. . rate is the number of times in a second that a display is illuminated. 18. A small round mark or spot. 19. A picture on the screen of a television, cinema, or computer. 20. The information produced by a computer.
A C R E Y T F L T S R C E D R T A C
Q F U G R O T I N O T
A M S R J E E R C S E F I K E R Y S S B I S P L
A H Z Q N O U A
L F E
P R
V M M S P R H E G A T R I O O K E F R H X J P R I N T E R T T Y
D I
Q W E O G A I
N L
N E
D W O T L S L R L
N A I D L T V G
K O O M X U T P R E O T
X Z A D P I
A P Y F T P X E
O T B
Y R
Y U G V E
M O U
U T
HUMOR SECTION
Dangerous laser printers
85
DATA STORAGE
Computer data storage, often called storage or memory, refers to computer components, devices, and recording media that retain digital data used for computing for some interval of time. It provides one of the core functions of the modern computer, that of information retention. Hierarchy of storage
CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT REGISTERS LOGIC UNIT CASHE MEMORY INPUT-OUTPUT CHANNELS SECONDARY STORAGE MASS STORAGE DEVICE HARD DISK
PRIMARY STORAGE
MEMORY BUS
MAIN MEMORY RAM
OFF-LINE STORAGE REMOVABLE MEDIA DRIVE REMOVABLE MEDIUM (CD, DVD)
Memory usually refers to a form of semiconductor storage known as random access memory (RAM) and sometimes other forms of fast but temporary storage. Storage more commonly refers to mass storage - optical discs, forms of magnetic storage like hard disks, and other types slower than RAM, but of a more permanent nature. Primary storage is the only one directly accessible to the CPU which continuously reads instructions stored there and executes them as required. Any data actively operated on is also stored there in uniform manner. Primary storage is also called main storage or internal storage. 86
The specific functions of internal storage are to hold (store): all data to be processed; intermediate results of processing; final results of processing; all the instructions required for ongoing process. Another name for primary storage is memory, because of its similarity to a function of the human brain. But computer storage differs from human memory in important respects: it must be able to retain very large numbers of symbol combinations, without forgetting or changing any details and locate all its contents quickly upon demand. Information in computer memory is stored in the form of coded characters. The codes are based upon a binary number system that has only two possible values, 0 and 1. Each binary digit is called a bit. As the information capacity of a single bit is limited to 2 alternatives, codes are based upon combinations of bits, called binary codes. A fixed number of consecutive bits that represent a character is called a byte. The most common byte size is 8-bit byte.
Secondary storage, or storage is not directly accessible by the CPU. The computer usually uses its input/output channels to access secondary storage and transfers the desired data using intermediate area in primary storage. Secondary storage does not lose the data when the device is powered downit is non-volatile. In modern computers, hard disks are usually used as secondary storage. A very significant accesstime difference distinguishes solid-state memory from rotating magnetic storage devices: hard disks are typically about a million times slower than memory. Some other examples of secondary storage technologies are: flash memory (e.g. USB sticks or keys), floppy disks, magnetic tape, paper tape, punch cards, standalone RAM disks, and Zip drives. The secondary storage is often formatted according to a file system format to organize data into files and directories, providing also additional information (called metadata) describing the owner of a certain file, the access time, the access permissions, and other information. Most computer operating systems use the concept of virtual memory, allowing utilization of more primary storage capacity than is physically available in the system. As the primary memory fills up, the system moves the least-used chunks (pages) to secondary storage devices (to a swap file or page file), retrieving them later when they are needed. 87
1. Match the terms with the definitions.
1. primary 2. secondary 3. binary codes 4. RAM 5. bit 6. byte 7. ROM 8. capacity 9. backing store 10. formatting
a. one of the performance characteristics of storage measured in binary digits; b. memory that has random access to the information; c. combination of units of information; d. area of memory where protected programs can be read from, not written on; e. a fixed number of consecutive bits representing a character; f. initializing; setting tracks and sectors on magnetic disks g. additional information about a certain file h. part of memory having lower speed but greater capacity; i. a unit of information or binary digit; j. the most expensive part of memory having the least capacity and the fastest access time.
11. directory 12. metadata
k. a catalogue of where each piece of data is stored and how to find it l. secondary memory
2. Complete the gaps with the words from the box.
primary permanent processing secondary CPU memories location data storage
Computers are used widely for storage of data. Like us, computers have 1.. too. There are two types of 2.. in a computer, primary and secondary. 3.. storage is where the computer holds 4.. that it is currently using. This place is also known as computer memory or temporary storage. For example, you tell your computer to store two numbers after 5.. them. The computer will get these two numbers from specified location in its memory. After the ALU adds the two numbers, the result will be stored to another 6.. in the memory. 7.. storage is used to store 8.. data. For example, you are working on a word document and are planning to continue tomorrow. You cannot store the document in the primary storage because it is temporary. The document will be lost if you turn off the computer and so, it has to be saved in the secondary storage which is separated from the 9..
88
Many different forms of storage have been invented. So far, no practical universal storage medium exists, and all forms of storage have some drawbacks. Therefore a computer system usually contains several kinds of storage, each with an individual purpose. The most commonly used storage technologies are semiconductor, magnetic, and optical. The most important performance characteristics of a storage unit are: Speed, measured in cycle time. Capacity, measured by the number of machine words or binary digits. Reliability, measured by the number of failures per unit of time.
Semiconductor memory uses semiconductor-based integrated circuits to store information. A semiconductor memory chip may contain millions of tiny transistors or capacitors. Both volatile and non-volatile forms of semiconductor memory exist. In modern computers, primary storage almost exclusively consists of dynamic volatile semiconductor memory or dynamic random access memory. Since the turn of the century, a type of non-volatile semiconductor memory known as flash memory has steadily gained share as off-line storage for home computers. Removable flash memory is solid-state, rewritable memory; it is non-volatile, so it retains data when the power is turned off. This explains its popularity in small devices. Flash memory cards are found in cameras, PDAs and music players. Flash drives, also known as thumb or pen drives, are connected to a USB port of the computer. They let you save and transfer data easily. Magnetic storage uses different patterns of magnetization on a magnetically coated surface to store information. It is non-volatile. The information is accessed using one or more read/write heads which may contain one or more recording transducers. A disk drive spins the disk at high speed and reads its data or writes new data onto it. Magnetic storage takes these forms: Floppy disk, used for off-line storage. A floppy disk drive uses 3.5 inch diskettes which can only hold 1.44 MB of data; it's often called A: drive and is relatively slow. Hard disk, used for secondary storage. Most PCs have one or two internal hard disks, usually called C: or D: drive, which can hold gigabytes of data. It's used to keep the operating system, the programs and the files easily available for use. When you format a disk, or prepare it for use, its surface is divided into concentric circles called tracks. Each track is further divided into 89
a number of sectors. The computer remembers where information is stored by noting the track and sector numbers in a directory. A portable hard drive is an external unit with the drive mechanism and the media all in one sealed case. You can use it to make a backup, a spare copy of your files, or to transport data between computers. Magnetic tape data storage, used for tertiary and off-line storage. The average time required for the read/write heads to move and find data is called access time; it is measured in milliseconds (ms). Don't confuse 'access time' with 'transfer rate', the rate of transmission of data from the disk to the CPU (e.g. 15 Mb per second).
1. Complete these sentences by choosing the correct phrase from the given options.
1. The average time it takes the read/write heads to move and find data on a disk is called the seek time /transfer rate 2. Access time/ Transfer rate is another way of saying seek time. 3. Transfer rate /Seek time is the average speed required to transmit data to the CPU from the disk; it is measured in megabytes per second. 4. Once formatted, a disk's surface is organized into circular tracks/ sectors. Each of these is then divided into tracks/ sectors. 5. When a disk is formatted, a directory/ partition is created by the operating system to record the location of files. 6. If you have more than one directory/ partition on your hard drive, you can install more than one operating system.
2. Choose a term from the box to complete the sentences below.
hard disk access time transfer rate
magnetic storage backup
floppy disk drive sectors tracks
portable hard drive
1. The first rule of data storage is to make a . of all important files. 2. A . is slower than a hard drive and can only hold 1.44 MB disks. 90
3. The . inside your PC is made of aluminium alloy covered with a magnetic coating. This makes the disk itself a rigid plate, hence its name. 4. The . are circles around a disk and the . are segments within each circle. 5. This hard drive is a 60 GB IBM model with a fast . of 8 ms. 6. The . is the rate of transmission of data from the disk to the CPU. 7. This is usually described in megabytes per second. 8. Apple's iPod music player can double as a . for transporting computer data.
3. Complete this conversation in a computer shop using words or phrases from the box.
storage portable
head crash platters
holds read/write back up hard external capacity formatted
Sales assistant: Can I help you with anything? Anna: - Yes, please. I need a new (1) . drive. SA: - OK. Are you looking for an internal drive or an (2) . one? Anna: - Well, I need it for moving files between home and work. SA: - Sure. Well, you've basically got two options. If you need a lot of (3) . for secondary (4) . , then you could try this Freecom drive. It (5) . 750GB. That's probably enough to (6) . your whole computer many times vr. You'd probably have lots of space left for archiving any files that you don't need on a day-to-day basis. This one's 140. Anna: - That's a little expensive, to be honest. And I probably don't need 750GB. My home computer only has a 120GB drive! And it looks a bit heavy to carry around. SA: - In that case, you need something more (7) ..This might be what you're looking for: the ATMTHD160 Ultra-Portable. It's only 20GB, but it's light and relatively cheap - only 80. Anna: - That sounds perfect. I'll take it. Is it already (8) .? SA: - Yes, it's all ready to use. Just bear a couple of things in mind if you're carrying it between home and work a lot. Inside the drive there is a stack of metal (9) . that are used to store the information. Dont move the disk while the platters are spinning - you'll be able to hear them - or the drive could suffer a (10) . That's when the (11) . head touches the disk surface. Anna: - Right, OK. Anything else I need to know? SA: - Just a couple of things. You shouldn't unplug the drive without using the 'Remove hardware' command first. And you should check the drive regularly for viruses, especially if you're moving it between machines. Anna: - OK, well thanks for all your help. Now where do I go to pay?
91
4. Complete these technical specs from an MP4 player by choosing the correct words from the given options. Use a dictionary if necessary.
1. 1GB of solid-state flash memory storable/store/storage. 2. 1.5"true coloured/colour/colourful LCD display. 3. Screen unprotected/protector/protect for avoiding scratches. 4. View digitized/digital/digit photos as well as videos. 5. Decoding/decodes/decoder video AMV files as well as audio AA files. 6. Supportive/unsupported/supports multi music format: MP1, MP2, MP3, WMA, WMV, ASF and WAV. 7. Includes digital voice recording/recorder/record with up to 36 hours
recorder/recording/record time. 8. Building/built-in/builts FM radio. 9. Offload/upload/download files direct from the Internet. 10. Standby modular/mode/modal for power saving.
5. Complete the sentences with the right word from the group.
magnet
magnetic
magnetically
magnetism
magnetize
magnetized
1. . is the science of magnetic phenomena and properties. 2. Floppy and hard disks are considered as . storage devices. 3. Data is recorded on a disk in the form of spots called bits. 92
record
recorder
recording
recorded
1. All disks must be initialized before information can be . onto them. 2. The . heads follow the tracks and magnetize the coating along each track. 3. A disk drive works very much like a tape . that can both play and record.
fragment
fragmentation
defragmented fragmented defragmenter
1. In a .. disk, a file is stored in non- contiguous sectors. In a disk a file is stored in neighbouring sectors. 2. After you create, delete and modify a lot of files, the hard disk becomes . with bits and pieces spread all over the disk. 3. . slows down the speed at which data is accessed because the disk drive has to work harder to find the parts of a file stored in many different locations. 4. To reorganize your hard disk, you can use a disk optimizer or .; this will reorder your files into contiguous clusters.
6. Choose words from each line to make terms related to flash technology.
flash card
smart player
memory drive
based technology
state card
LAN drive
1. flash 2. solid- 3. wireless 4. USB 5. flash- 6. U3
7. Complete these product descriptions using the terms from the exercise above. 1. With the 4GB Gridfire . , you can back up, store, carry and offload large files with one affordable, convenient device. What's more, . means no moving parts, and therefore less chance of damage if the device is dropped. 2. The 2GB One-Tech . is the best choice for high-performance results from your digital camera and other handheld devices. 3. The STM . gives you the ability to carry your files and your software on a secure USB drive, by using separate partitions to. 4. The Airlink . connects your desktop PC to a network, using the latest advanced silicon chip technology. 5. With 80GB of storage capacity, the iSing . is the only device you'll need for audio and video playback on the move. 93
Optical storage, the typical optical disc, stores information in deformities on the surface of a circular disc and reads this information by illuminating the surface with a laser diode and observing the reflection. The deformities may be permanent (read only media ), formed once (write once media) or reversible (recordable or read/write media). Optical disc storage is non-volatile. Optical disks can store information at much higher densities than magnetic disks. Thus, they are ideal for multimedia applications where images, animation and sound occupy a lot of disk space. Besides, they are not affected by magnetic fields. This means that they are secure and stable, e.g. they can be transported through airport metal detectors without damaging the data. However, optical drives are slower than hard drives. While there are hard drives with an average access time of 8 ms, most CD-ROM drives have an access time of 150 to 200 ms. The following forms of optical storage are currently in common use: CD, CD-ROM, DVD, BD-ROM (read only memory): Read only storage, used for mass distribution of digital information (music, video, computer programs), you cannot change data stored on them. CD-R, DVD-R, DVD+R BD-R (recordable): Write once storage, used for tertiary and off-line storage; write-once devices which let you duplicate CDs. CD-RW, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD-RAM, BD-RE (Blue Ray) (rewritable): Slow write, fast read storage, used for tertiary and off-line storage, the disks enable you to write onto them in multiple sessions, like a hard disk and can be erased and reused many times. DVDs (digital versatile discs) are similar in size to CDs (both are 1.2 mm thick), but they differ in structure and capacity. DVDs have more tracks and more pits (tiny holes) per track, and can store from 4.7 GB to 17 GB of data, movies, high-definition sound, etc.,; so they will probably replace CDs. Ultra Density Optical or UDO is similar in capacity to BD-R or BD-RE and is slow write, fast read storage used for tertiary and off-line storage.
94
Magneto-optical disc storage is optical disc storage where the magnetic state on a ferromagnetic surface stores information. The information is read optically and written by combining magnetic and optical methods. Magneto-optical disc storage is non-volatile, sequential access, slow write, fast read storage used for tertiary and off-line storage. Consequently, MO disks are
rewritable, i.e. they can be written to, erased, and then written again. They usually come in two formats: 5.25" cartridges can hold more than 5.2 GB; 3.5" floptical disks have a capacity of 230 MB to 1.3 GB. They are ideal for back-up and portable mass storage. 3D optical data storage has also been proposed. Online data storage
Recent developments have enabled users to store their data on the internet. This is precisely what online data storage is all about. The rapid technological advancements taking place have brought the price of broadband internet down. This has been coupled with better service and better speed which has driven many people to purchase online data storage. Online data storage benefits the user in more than one way. Primarily, it is an additional and flexible source for storing data. Secondly, it also serves as a backup mechanism. Thirdly, it serves as an effective method through which users can share their data with others on the internet. Another advantage is the opportunity to expand when you need to. Once you reach the maximum limit of storage you can expand your storage capacity by purchasing additional space. This will give you more space without you being required to install any additional storage hardware. Online data storage allows the users to access their data from any location whatsoever. They can easily access their storage space wherever they find a computer and an internet connection. 95
1. Decide if the sentences are true or false.
1. Besides CDs and DVDs, there are other types of optical storage; e.g. Blu-ray and HD-DVD. 2. CDs are 120 mm in diameter and 12 mm thick. DVDs are 122 mm in diameter and 12.5 mm thick. 3. DVDs have more tracks, and the pits used to store data are smaller; they have a greater storage capacity than CDs. 4. DVDs can be played on CD players, so there's no need to invest in new hardware. 5. Blu-ray may soon become the dominant optical storage technology, although Toshiba, Microsoft and the DVD Forum are supporting HD-DVD technology instead.
2. Look back into the Key Information Section and find:
1. the CD and DVD formats that can be rewritten many times 2. the CD and DVD formats that can be written to by the user only once 3. the CD and DVD formats that can be read by a computer but not written to 4. the type of cards used in digital cameras 5. a type of drive that plugs into a USB port and lets you share photos and music with friends 6. the memory without moving parts; it is erasable, non-volatile and used in small devices 7. the expression that means to 'initialize a disk and prepare it to receive data'
3. Complete this product description with the words from the text in the box.
Portable DVD players let you watch movies or TV, play games and listen to music, wherever you are. They usually run on batteries, have a widescreen (rectangular 16:9 format) LCD and support multi-format playback, allowing you access to many file formats including DVD video, JPEG pictures, MP3 music, etc. They have two built-in stereo speakers, or headphones if you don't want to disturb other people.
The Panasonic DVD-LS91 is a top-of-the-range ., which provides pure entertainment wherever you go. It has a big 9 inch built-in . LCD, so you can really enjoy movies. The built-in stereo speakers allow you to listen along, or if you want to listen alone, just plug in a pair of . This portable machine provides . , so you can play DVD Audio/Video, CD-R/RW, DVD-RAM, DivX and MP3 files. Its compact design features a built-in rechargeable 6 hour battery pack.
96
The DVD-LS91 allows 6 hours of playback, and provides a perfect way to entertain yourself and your kids during long trips. 4. Fill in the missing letters to make a term related to optical storage. Complete these extracts from an ICT textbook using these terms. You may have to use the plural form. optical d. laser b... backward-. double-s. multi-f. Blu-r. dual l.
1. Portable DVD players usually support . playback; this means the user can watch a wider variety of different file types (DivX, MP4, etc.). 2. . differ from magnetic ones, in terms of both internal structure and storage capacity. 3. CDs and DVDs are read using a red ...... In .... discs it is blue-violet, hence the name. 4. Unlike a CD, a DVD can be . and ., giving it a capacity of up to 17GB. 5. DVD drives are . , meaning that they can play older technologies such as CD-ROMs.
5. Which device or format would be most suitable for storing these things and why?
the operating system and the programs on the home computer an electronic encyclopedia a movie in digital format, hold several movies in different languages the music tracks by your favourite artist all the files generated by a company in one day the photos taken with a digital camera
Thanks for the memory A mathematical trick may allow people to scatter their computer files across the world's hard disks
If you have lots of unused storage space on your hard disk, then why not share it with others on the internet? The benefit could be distributed storage for your own files, making them available any time via the web, even if you are nowhere near your computerindeed, even if your computer is switched off. That desideratum* is what a Zurich-based firm called Caleido is aiming to provide, with a free online storage service known as Wuala that was recently introduced to the public. Though the idea underlying is simple, Wuala requires some nifty* technology to make its distributed system work reliably. In particular, its developers, Dominik Grolimund and Luzius 97
Meisser, have used a clever mathematical trick to compensate for the fact that the participating computers will come and go from the internet in an unpredictable way. The challenge is how to minimise the number of copies of the same file that have to be distributed. Copying costs participants both storage space and bandwidth. Yet there have to be enough copies to ensure that there is at least one available most of the time. If, for example, each computer is online 25% of the time, then a quick calculation shows that you would have to copy each file to 100 different computers to ensure that 999,999 times out of a million there is at least one copy available when a user looks. But copying every file a hundred times is hugely inefficient. Instead, Mr Grolimund and Mr Meisser plan to break each file into chunks, which can be scattered liberally around the hard disks of participating computers, and then to use a mathematical trick to reconstruct the original file from those chunks. This trick, known as Reed-Solomon error correction, is employed routinely to interpret the data on DVDs, but it has not been used before in the volatile world of private computers on the internet. The first step is to convert the file (which is, regardless of what it represents, simply a long string of ones and zeros) into a mathematical function called a polynomial. This is done by splitting it into 100 fragments, which are smaller binary numbers. It is these numbers that are used to define the polynomial. One of the characteristics of a polynomial is that a few numbers can nail* it down precisely. If a simple polynomial is plotted out on a graph it forms a line. A straight line (the simplest type of polynomial) is defined by any two points on its length. A parabola can be defined by three points. The polynomials that Wuala generates can be defined by 100 pointsthough, because the polynomials used are not simple ones, these points are complex mathematical constructs, rather than straightforward numbers. All you have to do now, therefore, is select a suitable number of points from along the polynomial (these need not be the original ones) and convert their values into the appropriate mathematical constructs. Scatter these around the host computers and, when someone wants to look at the file, he need recover only 100 of them to have enough data to reconstruct the file from scratch. To have 100 points available 999,999 times out of a million it turns out that you need to scatter a total of 600 of them around. That is an amount of data equivalent to six versions of the original file, rather than the 100 that would be needed to achieve the same level of reliability if whole files were being stored. Moreover, the system needs the computers linked to it to be available for only 17% of the time, rather than 25%, for this to apply. Online storage is a growing market, especially for backing up data, where reliability is a big concern. Most commercial online-storage services use centralised servers. Although these are 98
generally reliable, they do sometimes fail. And when they do, the results are embarrassingas Amazon, an online shopping company, learnt on two occasions this year when the servers for its commercial data-storage system went down for several hours at a time. Though some people may feel squeamish* about scattering their data over hundreds of other computers (even though it will be encrypted), or storing unknown file fragments on their own, Mr Grolimund is adamant* that Caleido has learnt from other peer-to-peer file-sharing systems, and that Wuala is built to handle concerns about the illegal distribution of copyrighted or inappropriate content. If he is right, Wuala may prove that, for online data storage, it is as good to give as it is to receive.
Notes. *Desideratum-things you need or want *Nifty-well-designed, effective, easy to use *Nail down-definitely decide, arrange or complete something *Squeamish-easily shocked or upset by something unpleasant *Adamant-determined not to change your belief or decision about something
1. Answer the questions on the article
What do these numbers from the article refer to? 25 100 999,999 17 600
What do these names from the article refer to? Caleido Wuala Dominik Grolimund Zurich Reed Amazon
Luzius Meisser
Solomon
What type of storage does the article talk about? What possible problems does the author talk about? What benefits do the developers offer? What clever trick to avoid copying each file many times did the creators of Wuala invent? What are the differences between Wuala and most of the other on-line storage services? What is a polynomial? What might people using this service be worried about? How might they feel and why? Do you think there would be a market for such a service? What might that market be like? Would you agree to use Wuala? If yes, on what conditions? Do you know any storage opportunities similar to the one described in the article? Do you use them? Why/why not? 99
2. Read the comments to the article. Which comments do you agree with? Why? What is your opinion on the article and on the service it talks about? What would you write to comment it? Readers comments. 1. Storage as a Service ! Well, sounds promising. Is that safe enough? 2. Our company has also come up with some clever tricks that could greatly improve the lives of our customers. They have all failed due the understandable security paranoia - not least within IT departments, that can be exceedingly technophobic. 3. The model assumes that there is enough spare space available on hard disks, which I believe is not the case. Thanks to broadband connection and now HD content, many home computers are at their max capacity. That's the reason we go and buy external 300 Gig drives, right? 4. I can see some useful applications of this, but definitely not a complete shift from todays method. The issue for me is speed, the wait from pulling files from the net all the time would drive me crazy. No thanks, disk is cheap; Id rather just get a couple of disks and backup my own stuff. 5. Although it sounds unsecured when it splits our files in to small encrypted pieces into someone elses computer, we dont have that amount of secret personal files, right? Speed is still my main consideration. It would be great if I can upload quickly and my friend can download at the same speed. Hanging on line for four hours one day is a little forcing.
3. Find in the article all the words related to computers and IT. Try to explain their meaning with your own words (if necessary use a dictionary to help you).Use them to make your own sentences.
Passive.
1. have something done
a. The transistor that completely changed the vacuum tubes was invented in 1948.
2. passive + infinitive 3. passive + perfect infinitive 4. passive + continuous infinitive 5. present simple passive 6. past simple passive
b. All the computers have just been checked for viruses. c. By 2100 quantum computers will have been built. d. The new program is currently being tested for bugs. e. Sooner or later computers that can see will be invented. f. Computers are believed to perform thousands of computations per second. 100
7. present continuous passive
g. Steven Jobs and Stephen Wozniak are known to have set up the Apple Company.
8. past continuous passive
h. If you want to use your PC for artwork or video, you can have a powerful graphics card added to it.
9. present perfect passive
i. Computers are said to be getting smaller and more powerful.
10. past perfect passive
j. Before the invention of computers various devices had been used to make calculations.
11. future simple passive 12. future perfect passive
k. Various terminals are connected to this workstation. l. They ordered these devices to be repaired as soon as possible.
13. passive infinitive
m. When the computer crashed a new program was being installed on it.
2. Put the verbs in brackets into the correct passive form.
1. As computers count quickly, they widely (use) in business data processing. 2. Vacuum tubes to control and amplify electric signals (create) by Neumann. 3. This program (write) to help people in the use of the computer system. 4. All the current files (lose) when the system crashed and we had no backup copies. 5. A new brand of LCD screen cleaner currently (develop) by our company. 6. The new version of this software (release) next July. 7. We searched the database but your transaction (not/record). 8. A lot of techniques (believe) to be used in the design of printers. 9. These machines (not/service) for a year. 10. If you need a lot of storage, you can a bigger hard disk (fit). 11. When keyed the data (hold) in a small memory called buffer. 12. Information (put) into the computer for processing should be coded into ones and zeroes. 13. An impact printer (consider) to produce a character by impacting a font against the paper. 14. Before the computer (switch) off yesterday, all the necessary files (copy) onto a laser disc. 15. At the moment the system (check) for any unnecessary file that make it work slower. 16. The power failure occurred while the antivirus (update) so the update process (interrupt). 17. In the next century, computers (program) in natural languages like English or French. 18. The technician (expect) to be searching our database for any invalid data. 19. Many different storage technologies (invent) by men since ancient times.
101
1. Identify the storage devices in the pictures and tell about their main features.
1 2 3 4 5
2. Make a list of things that you must or mustnt do to protect your data using the clues and pictures below. Add more recommendations to this list. Which of them do you personally follow?
10-90%
high temperatures dust special marker/pen water and humidity hold the disks around the edge stack disks on top of each other disks in a protective case into the disk drive very carefully
near magnets; damage the information stored on viruses before opening files you receive from the Web or via e-mail update your anti-virus program regularly since new viruses are created everyday back-ups (spare copies) of your data passwords and security devices to protect confidential information
3. Describe the principles of magnetic and optical storage technologies using the diagrams below.
102
4. Summarize the information you learned about different forms and types of storage.
MEMORY PRIMARY STORAGE MAIN STORAGE INTERNAL STORAGE
DATA RETENTION
STORAGE SECONDARY STORAGE MASS STORAGE EXTERNAL STORAGE
fast temporary volatile directly accessible by CPU
slow permanent non-volatile accessible through input/output channels
Semiconductor - RAM data to be processed; intermediate & final results of processing; instructions required for ongoing process.
Semiconductor flash memory devices Magnetic hard disks, floppy disks, magnetic tape Optical CDs, DVDs, BDs - ROM, R, RW
5. Make a report on one of the following topics.
Evolution of storage technologies. Use of online storage in different spheres of life (medicine, police, business, libraries, etc.). The most functional storage devices and technologies (everyday life and different spheres). Storage devices and technologies that have become obsolete and reasons for this. The future of storage technologies. An ideal imaginary storage medium. 103
FUN AND GAMES SECTION Complete the crossword using terms related to data storage. ACROSS 1. a segment of a disk; a subdivision of a track on a magnetic disk or optical disc. 2. (abbreviation) the basic system; a de facto standard defining a firmware interface; boot firmware, designed to be the first code run by a PC when powered on. 3. one of the written signs that represent the numbers 0 to 9 4. memory that wont retain the stored information unless constantly supplied with electricity 5. a system of signals that represent words or letters when they are sent by machine 6. one of concentric circles into which the surface of a disk is divided 7. small storage devices connected to a USB port of a computer that let you save and transfer data quickly and easily 8. Blue-. - an optical disc storage medium for high-definition video and data storage 9. the part of a computer where information can be stored; the amount of space that can be used for storing information on a computer 10. (abbr.) part of a computer acting as a temporary storage area for data to be used immediately
1 2 21 4 22 24 25 5 6 27 8 23 11 9 10 7 31 33 3 28 30 32
12 13 14 15 16 26 29 17
18 19 20
11. the way data is kept; retaining data used for computing for some interval of time 12. a thousand bytes 13. a place in a computer where files or programs are organized 14. a stiff disk inside a computer that is used for storing information 15. a copy of a computer document, program etc, made in case the original is lost or damaged 104
16. (abbr.) a way of connecting equipment to a computer using wires so that it can work together 17. . time the time taken by a computer to find and use a piece of information in its memory 18. used to talk about video, CD, tape etc when saying what type of equipment it can be played on 19. a unit for measuring computer information, equal to eight bits 20. information about something stored on computer so that it can be looked at in the future DOWN 21. (abbr.) a type of computer disc that can store a large amount of information 13. the compactness of stored information; the storage capacity of a medium divided with a unit of length, area or volume 22. a square piece of plastic you can store information on, which you can remove from and put into a computer 23. (abbr.) the part of a computer where permanent instructions and information are stored 2. (abb.) the smallest unit on which information is stored on a computer 24. (abbr.) the study of processes and equipment for storing data and making it available 9. a disk on which data is encoded as microscopic magnetized needles on its surface 25. to remove information from a computer memory 3. a round plate on which data can be encoded 26. a part of a computer where you can connect another piece of equipment, such as a printer 27. a piece of equipment in a computer that is used to get information from a disk or to store it 28. one thousand million 29. (acronym) a piece of equipment that produces a powerful narrow beam of light that can be used in recording and reading data 30. disks that record data by burning microscopic holes in the surface of the disk with a laser 31. . memory memory which uses integrated circuits to store information 32. information on a computer that you store under a particular name 33. the total amount of stored information that a storage device or medium can hold
HUMOR SECTION
105
OPERATING SYSTEMS & GUI
An operating system (OS or O/S) is an interface (connection) between hardware and user - it determines how the user interacts with the computer; it is responsible for the management and coordination of activities and the sharing of the resources of the computer. The operating system acts as a host for applications that are run on the machine, handling the details of the operation of the hardware. This relieves application programs from having to manage these details and makes it easier to write applications. The purpose of an operating system is to organize and control hardware and software so that the device it lives in behaves in a flexible but predictable way. The operating system is started automatically when a computer is switched on, it is the first thing loaded onto the computer - without the operating system, a computer is useless. It is then used to start up and control other programs.
PERIPHERALS OPERATING SYSTEM COMPUTER (CPU, MAIN MEMORY)
APPLICATIONS/PROGRAMS
USER
Common contemporary operating systems include Microsoft Windows (designed by Microsoft and used on most PCs), Mac OS (created by Apple and used on Macintosh computers). Microsoft Windows has a significant majority of market share in the desktop and notebook computer markets, while servers generally run on Unix or Unix-like systems (found on mainframes and workstations in corporate installations, as it supports multi-users). From the very first, it was designed to be a multi-tasking system. Written in C language, Unix is the most commonly used system for advanced CAD programs. Linux is a generic term referring to Unix-like multi-tasking computer operating 106
systems based on the Linux kernel. Their development is one of the most prominent examples of free and open source software collaboration; typically all the underlying source code can be used, freely modified, and redistributed by anyone under the terms of the GNU General Public License (GPL) and other free licenses. Linux is predominantly known for its use in servers, although it is installed on a wide variety of computer hardware, ranging from embedded devices and mobile phones to supercomputers. System software helps to run the computer hardware and computer system. It includes operating systems, device drivers, diagnostic tools, servers, windowing systems, utilities, language translator, data communication programs, data management programs and more. The purpose of systems software is to insulate the applications programmer as much as possible from the details of the particular computer complex being used, especially memory and other hardware features, and such accessory devices as communications, printers, readers, displays, keyboards, etc. Application software is any tool that functions and is operated by means of a computer, with the purpose of supporting or improving the software user's work. In other words, it is the subclass of computer software that employs the capabilities of a computer directly and
thoroughly to a task that the user wishes to perform. This should be contrasted with system software (infrastructure) or
middleware (computer services/ processes integrators), which is involved in integrating a computer's various capabilities, but typically does not directly apply them in the performance of tasks that benefit the user. In this context the term application refers to both the application software and its implementation. Utility software (also known as service program, service routine, tool, utility routine or system utilities) is computer software designed to help manage and tune the computer hardware, operating system or application software by performing a single task or a small range of tasks which improve a system's performance and help users take advantage of the computer's capabilities. Utility software has long been integrated into most major operating systems. Utilities are often desk accessories that can be called up while you're working in another application. They can also be system extensions which are activated when you turn on the computer, control devices which you adjust in the control panel, or even stand-alone programs that run when you need them. 107
Utilities are available for back-up, file search, virus protection, disaster recovery, and so on. Accessibility program makes a PC easier for disabled users to use. Anti-virus utilities scan for computer viruses. Crashed dick rescuer utility is used to restore disks and corrupted files. Disk checkers can scan the contents of a hard disk to find files or areas that are corrupted in some way, or were not correctly saved, and eliminate them for a more efficiently operating hard drive. Disk cleaners can find files that unnecessary to computer operation, or take up considerable amounts of space. Disk cleaner helps the user to decide what to delete when their hard disk is full. Disk compression utilities can transparently compress/uncompress the contents of a disk, increasing the capacity of the disk. File managers provide a convenient method of performing routine data management tasks, such as deleting, renaming, cataloging, moving, copying, merging, generating and modifying data sets. Launcher applications provide a convenient access point for application software. Media player lets you watch DVDs, play music and listen to the radio on the Web. Network managers check the computer's network, log events and check data transfer. Registry cleaners clean and optimize the Windows registry by removing old registry keys that are no longer in use. System profilers provide detailed information about the software installed and hardware attached to the computer. Text and Hex Editors modify text or data of a file. These files could be data or an actual program.
1. Read the Key Information Section and find the following.
1. the difference between system software and application software 2. software that enables users and programs to communicate with hardware 3. the meaning of 'multitasking' 4. a multi-user OS used on large, powerful computer systems 5. the operating system that is freely distributed 6. the operating system designed by Apple 7. the OS created by Microsoft 8. the text-based operating system used in older PCs 9. the OS written in C language and used on minicomputers and workstations 108
2. Read the text below and complete it with the phrases in the box.
applications software
operating system
software
system software
Information provided by programs and data is known as (1) .. Programs are sets of instructions that make the computer execute operations and tasks. There are two main types of software: The (2) .. refers to all the programs which control the basic functions of a computer. They include operating systems, system utilities (e.g. an anti-virus program, a back-up utility) and language translators (e.g. a compiler- the software that translates instructions into machine code). The (3) .. refers to all those applications - such as word processors and spreadsheets - which are used for specific purposes. Applications are usually stored on disks loaded into the RAM memory when activated by the user. The (4) .. is the most important type of system software. It is usually supplied by the manufacturers and comprises a set of programs and files that control the hardware and software resources of a computer system. It controls all the elements that the user sees, and it communicates directly with the computer. In most configurations, the OS is automatically loaded into the RAM section when the computer is started up.
3. Which utility would you use to do these tasks?
1. to play and organize multimedia on your PC 2. to diagnose and repair damaged disks 3. to help computer users with sight, hearing or mobility difficulties 4. to make files smaller, so you can send them with emails 5. to help the user delete unnecessary files 6. to manage your network activity 7. to protect your system against computer viruses 8. to automatically blank out the screen after a specific interval of inactive time (so that the image does not burn into the screen)
109
An operating system is a master control program which controls the functions of the computer system as a whole and the running of application programs. Typical functions of the OS are handling input/output operations, running programs and organizing files on disks. The OS also gives access to networks and allows multitasking. All computers do not use the same operating
systems and some software is only designed to run under the control of specific operating systems. Mainframe computers usually process several application programs concurrently, switching from one to the other, for the purpose of increasing processing productivity. This is known as multiprogramming (multi-tasking in the context of microcomputers), which requires a powerful operating system incorporating work scheduling facilities to control the switching between programs. This entails reading in data for one program while the processor is performing computations on another and printing out results on yet another. In multi-user environments an operating system is required to control terminal operations on a shared access basis as only one user can access the system at any moment of time. The operating system allocates control to each terminal in turn. Such systems also require a system for record locking and unlocking, to prevent one user attempting to read a record whilst another user is updating it, for instance. The first user is allocated control to write to a record (or file in some instances) and other users are denied access until the record is updated and unlocked. Some environments operate in concurrent batch and real-time mode. This means that a 'background' job deals with routine batch processing whilst the 'foreground' job deals with real-time operations such as airline seat reservations, on-line booking of hotel accommodation, or control of warehouse stocks, etc. The real-time operation has priority, and the operating system interrupts batch processing operations to deal with real-time enquiries or file updates. The stage of batch processing attained at the time of the interrupt is temporarily transferred to backing storage. After the real-time operation has been dealt with, the interrupted program is transferred back to internal memory from backing storage, and processing recommences from a 'restart' point. The 110
operating system also copies to disk backing storage the state of the real-time system every few minutes (periodic check points) to provide a means of recovering' the system in the event of a malfunction. An operating system is stored on disk and has to be booted into the internal memory (RAM) where it must reside throughout processing so that commands are instantly available. The operating system commands may exceed the internal memory capacity of the computer in which case only that portion of the OS which is frequently used is retained internally; other modules being read in from disk as required. Previously many microcomputers functioned under the control of a disk operating system known as DOS. This operating system was developed by Microsoft in 1981 for all IBM PC compatibles. Today it's only used in old PCs. In this text-based OS, you communicate with the computer by typing commands that exist within its library. Here is a partial list of the most common commands for Microsoft's MSDOS operating system. APPAND - displays or sets the search path for data files. DOS will search the specified path(s) if the file is not found in the current path. This had some creative uses, such as running non-CD based games from the CD, with configuration/save files stored on the HD. CHDIR or CD - change current directory. Displays the current working directory when used without path. CHKDSK - verifies a hard disk or a floppy disk for file system integrity. Displays the full path and name of every file on the disk and forces full disk verification. CHOICE - allows for batch files to prompt the user to select one item from a set of single-character choices. CLS - Clears the screen. It is the equivalent to the Unix CLEAR. COPY - copies files from one location to another. The destination defaults to the current directory. EXIT - exits the current command processor. If the exit is used at the primary command, it has no effect unless in a DOS window under Microsoft Windows, in which case the window is closed and the user returns to the desktop. FC or COMP - compares two files or sets of files and displays the differences between them. MEM - displays memory usage. It is the equivalent to the Unix command FREE. REN - renames a file. Unlike the MOVE command, this command cannot be used to rename subdirectories, or rename files across drives. TREE - shows the directory tree of the current directory. DEL or ERASE deletes a directory or file. TYPE displays the text of the current directory on the screen. 111
1. Here is a list of typical tasks performed by an operating system. In each case the main verb has been omitted. Fill in the blanks from the words given (sometimes more than one may apply). execute monitor format diagnose
A typical operating system will: 1. input and output devices. 2. the status of hardware devices. 3. hardware interrupts. 4. new disks. 5. disk directories. 6. disk reading and writing operations. 7. disk errors. 8. disk commands relating to the deletion, copying, renaming, and dumping of files.
2. Match these common DOS commands with the appropriate explanation.
1. BACKUP 2. CHDIR or CD 3. CHKDSK 4. CLS 5. DEL 6. DIR:SORT 7. REN 8. TYPE 9. FIND 10. DISKCOPY
a. searches for a specific string of text in a file. b. allows a text file from the current directory to be displayed on screen. c. allows the user to change the name of a file. d. saves the contents of the hard disk to a floppy disk for security purposes. e. is used when it is necessary to change the current directory. f. clears data from the screen. g. alphabetically sorts and lists a disk directory. h. makes back-up copies of the contents of one disk to another. i. deletes a specified file from the current directory, specified drive or path. j. produces a status report of the currently logged-on disk, indicating the amount of disk space used, the available capacity (in bytes), and the number of files on disk.
112
3. Make two-word expressions by combining words from the two columns. Then match these expressions with the appropriate phrase.
1. work 2. user 3. system 4. operating 5. batch 6. device 7. application 8. multi-
a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h.
system scheduling tasking processing software utilities interface driver
1. Running several programs at the same time in an efficient manner. 2. A group of computer programs that help manage the computer's resources, acting as an interface between the computer and application programs. 3. Routine used to interface and manage a peripheral. 4. Small programs which improve a system's performance and help users. 5. The way people interact with computers. 6. Computer software that is designed for a particular use or user. 7. Planning particular tasks to be performed by a computer at particular time. 8. A type of computer system in which the computer does several jobs one after the other, without needing instructions between each job.
4. Complete the texts using the words in the boxes.
Operating systems
control
functions
MS-DOS software version Windows
MS-DOS is operating system 1 developed by Microsoft that controls and co-ordinates the basic 2 of your computer. If you are using Windows 95 or a later 3 of Windows, the functions of MS-DOS have been integrated. If you are using Windows 3.1x or do not have 4, then you are relying on 5 (or a similar product from IBM called PC-DOS) to 6 the computer. 113
commands
icons
Microsoft
mouse
multitasking
user
Windows is a 7 graphical 8 interface for the IBM PC developed by 9 Corp. that is designed to be easy to use. Windows uses 10 to represent files and devices and can be controlled using a 11 , unlike MS-DOS which requires 12 to be typed in.
filenames
interface
Internet
memory
networks
processor
Windows 95 provides support for long 13 , an 14 that's easier to use and better support for 15 and the 16 It does, however, require a faster 17 and more 18 to get good results - an absolute minimum of 8Mb and a fast 80486 are required.
communications
configure
enhanced
features
version
Windows 98 is an 19 20 of Microsoft's Windows 95 that provides more 21 and internet 22 and is easier to use and 23 .
The Graphical User Interface
The term user interface refers to the standard procedures the user follows to interact with a particular computer. A good user interface is important because when you buy a program you want to use it easily. A few years ago, the way in which users had access to a computer system was quite complex. They had to memorize and type a lot of commands just to see the content of a disk, to copy files or to respond to a single prompt. So, a user interface based on graphics and intuitive tools was designed with a single clear aim: to facilitate interaction with the computer. Nowadays most computers have a Graphical User Interface (GUI). It is a type of user interface which allows people to interact with electronic devices such as computers; hand-held devices such 114
as MP3 Players, Portable Media Players or Gaming devices; household appliances and office equipment. A GUI makes use a WIMP environment: Windows, Icons, Menus and Pointer. This type of interface is user-friendly, where system functions are accessed by selecting self-explanatory icons and items from menus. A GUI offers graphical icons (graphic images (or intuitive symbols) representing programs, documents, an object or task), and visual indicators (as opposed to textbased interfaces), typed command labels or text navigation to fully represent the information and actions available to a user. A graphical user interface saves a lot of time: you don't need to memorize commands in order to execute an application; you only have to point and click so that its content appears on the screen.
Command Line Interface - CLI Static, Direct, Recall. Graphical User Interface - GUI Responsive, Indirect, Recognition. Natural User Interface - NUI Evocative, Contextual, Intuition.
Double-clicking an icon opens a window that lets you work with different tools and menus. A window is a viewing area of the computer screen where you can see the contents of a folder, a file, or a program. Some systems allow several windows on the screen at the same time and windows can overlap each other. The window on the top is the one which is "active", the one in use. By using different windows you can work on several documents or applications simultaneously. The actions are usually performed through direct
manipulation of the graphical elements by the means of a drop-down menu, pop-up menu or pull-down menu (a list of options that appear below a menu bar when you click on an item). The tool for these manipulations is the pointer. The pointer is the arrow, controlled by the mouse, which allows you to move around the screen and choose options from menus. You operate the menu by pressing and releasing one or more buttons on the mouse. Toolbar buttons are found at the top of a window, they take you to the Home folder and others. The dock is a set of icons at the bottom of the screen that give you instant access to the things you use most. When information has to be given to the user or input by the user, a window known as a dialog box is often used. It 115
can contain a variety of elements to gather information from the user including: text boxes, dropdown list boxes, checkboxes and command buttons. A find dialog box is used to gather information from the user about the files they wish to find. All these activities take place on a desktop (the background screen that displays icons, representing programs, files and foldersdirectories or containers for documents and applications). Today, the most innovative GUIs are the Macintosh, Microsoft Windows and IBM OS/2 Warp. These three platforms include similar features: a desktop with icons, windows and folders, a printer selector, a file finder, a control panel and various desk accessories. Double-clicking a folder opens a window which contains programs, documents or further nested folders. At any time within a folder, you can launch the desired program or document by double-clicking the icon, or you can drag it to another location. The three platforms differ in other areas such as device installation, network connectivity or compatibility with application programs.
1. What do the following stand for?
1. GUI a. graphic user interface b. graphical user interface c. graphical users interface 2. OS a. operating system b. operation system c. operating systematization 3. WIMP a. windows, information, menus, pointer b. windows, icons, memory, pointer c. windows, icons, menus, pointer
2. Decide which of the expressions below best describe a graphical user interface (GUI).
user-friendly attractive complex
slow text-based graphics-based
116
3. Which elements of a GUI would you need to click on to carry out the following tasks? 1. To open a letter that youd been writing in Word. document icon / program icon 2. To launch your internet browser software. folder icon / program icon 3. To move up and down through a window. drop-down menu / scroll bar 4. To restart or shut down your computer. menu bar / hard drive icon 5. To find out how much space is left on your C: drive. program icon / hard drive icon
4. Identify these interface elements of Apple Macintosh programs.
5. Complete this extract from a wiki entry about Windows Vista.
improvement visual developed vulnerability tools networking viruses
features
Windows Vista is an operating system 1.. by Microsoft for use on personal computers. Development was completed on November 8, 2006; over the next three months it was released in stages to computer manufacturers, business customers, and shops. On January 30, 2007, it was released worldwide to the 117
general public, and was made available for purchase and download direct from Microsoft. The release of Windows Vista comes more than five years after the introduction of Windows XP. Vista contains hundreds of new and improved 2... The most significant include an updated GUI and 3.. style called Windows Aero, improved search features, new multimedia creation 4.., and completely redesigned 5.., audio, print, and display sub-systems. However, perhaps the greatest 6.. has been to security. Windows XP suffered from 7.. to 8.. and malware, and it will be interesting to see to what extent this has been addressed in Vista.
Articles: a/an, the
1. My friend is a system administrator. 2. Can you pass me a CD from that box by your side? 3. We must have a meeting in the IT department. 4. Windows 2000 is a very good program. 5. The information about this program gives us the chance to be the best. 6. Where is the laptop? 7. I really admire the Japanese for their IT development. 8. This is the best and the newest model of computers in the market.
a. We use a/an to describe something. b. We use the, if we know which one, as it was mentioned before or it is clear from the situation. c. A/an mean one, so we cannot use a/an with plurals or uncountable nouns. The is possible. d. We use a/an to refer to one of a group of things. e. We use the with nationalities and other groups.
f. We use the with superlatives. g. We use a/an to refer to something for the first time. h. We use a/an to describe someones job, but not areas of business.
2. Decide if these words (which appear in Exercise 5 of Vocabulary Practice Section 3) are countable or uncountable, depending on how they are used in this context. 1. development 2. public 3. security 4. vulnerability 5. malware 118
3. Fill in the gaps with a/an or the where necessary.
Breaking Windows Google takes its rivalry with Microsoft a step further (1) announcement came as (2) humble blog post on Googles corporate website. By promising to launch a free operating system for personal computers (PCs) later this year, (3) online giant is mounting a direct attack on Microsoft and its dominant Windows operating system. TechCrunch, a technology blog, reported the news as Google Drops A Nuclear Bomb On Microsoft. The bomb has a very long fuse, however. (4) first machines running Chrome OS, as the new software is to be called, will not be available until late next year. (5) initial version will only be suitable for netbooks, small, cheap laptops that have proved popular of late. The idea is to provide (6) compact and simple-to-use operating system that boots up in a few seconds and works securely and easily with (7) web-based applications, such as social networks and online e-mail. (8) software will combine Linux, the open-source operating system, with Chrome, Googles browser. Microsoft has not yet officially responded. Windows Vista, (9) most recent version of its operating system, has not been a success. Its forays into Googles main territory, (10) web search and (11) online advertising, have not brought (12) big gains. Yet it is much too early to count Microsoft out. It recently launched Bing, (13) new search service, which has been well received. In October, around (14) time when Google will make Chrome OS available, Microsoft will release Windows 7, (15) much-improved next iteration of its operating system. (16) firm is also spending billions of dollars on a cloud(17) global network of (18) huge data centerswhich will rival Googles infrastructure for web-based applications. Will there be (19) clear winner? Probably not in (20) foreseeable future. That is (21) good thing: the epic fight between the two giants promises to speed up innovation, which is what the recession-bound IT industry most needs.
119
Windows 2000
1. Read the text and match a heading to a paragraph.
a. Ready for the Internet b. Fast, secure and reliable c. Whats Windows 2000? d. Built-in support for new devices e. Easy to use
1 ......................................................................... Microsoft Windows 2000 is the operating system for the next generation of PCs. It offers a user-friendly interface, NT technology, integrated web capabilities, and support for mobile computers and new devices. There are two main Windows systems: Windows 2000 Professional for desktops and laptops, and Windows 2000 Server family for networks, web servers and high-performance workstations. 2 ......................................................................... Windows 2000 includes a built-in safeguard called Windows File Protection, which prevents core system files from being deleted or changed by users or applications. If a system file is altered, this feature repairs that file avoiding many system crashing found in previous versions. Windows 2000 is 25 percent faster than Windows 9x on systems with 64 MB and lets you run more programs and do more tasks at the same time than previous versions. It protects your hard drive by using encryption and decryption systems. It also supports Kerberos, an Internet standard which protects corporate networks or intranets. 3 ......................................................................... The graphical user interface has been improved. You can personalise the Start menu and display applications you use most often. You can use step-by-step wizards for numerous tasks. The Hardware Wizard lets users add and configure peripherals. The Network Connection Wizard helps you connect to networks. The Microsoft Installer helps you install, configure and upgrade software easily. With IntelliMirror Technology, based on Active Directory service, desktop administrators can easily manage and back up users data. 120
4 ........................................................................ With Internet Explorer integrated into the desktop, Windows 2000 allows you to search files and folders on your PC, find pages on your company intranet or surf the web. Internet Explorer automatically corrects mistakes on common URL conventions such as http, .com and .org. It also lets you download complete web pages with graphics for viewing off-line. NetMeeting video-conferencing software enables participants to talk to and see each other, share programs and ideas. It supports Dynamic HTML and Extensible Markup Language (XML) which help programmers create new ways of exchanging and displaying information. 5 ......................................................................... It supports the latest technologies, from digital cameras and music players to USB devices. USB (Universal Serial Bus) lets you easily connect and remove peripherals without configuring or rebooting your PC. It also offers support for storage devices such as DVD and Device Bay. Mobile users can share files between wireless devices (laptops or desktop PCs) through the IrDA (Infrared Data Association) protocol.
2. Read the text again and find:
1. the tool that protects important system files. 2. the protocol adopted for network authentication and security. 3. the web browser included with the operating system. 4. the Internet tool used to do video-conferencing. 5. the component that allows you to add and remove hardware devices without restarting the computer. 6. A popular infrared protocol used in wireless communication.
3. Vocabulary search. Find the words in the text that correspond to the following:
1. pieces of hardware 2. portable computers 3. characteristic 4. internal corporate networks
6. improve a piece of software 7. browse (the web) 8. web address 9. restarting the computer
5. set up a system in a particular 10. without cables way
121
SPEAKING/WRITING PRACTICE
1. Find the information on the topics and make a report:
1. Make a picture/a photo of interface elements and describe them. 2. Give a description of some system utilities functions. 3. Using the Internet find two operating systems designed for hand-held devices such as laptops. 4. Describe the history, the usage and distribution of Microsoft Windows Operating System. 5. What and how connects Unix and Linux? 6. The creation of Apple. Its products and their usage. 7. Do Microsoft and Apple compete? 8. Self-explanatory icons. What are they? 9. Which operating system is the most user-friendly? 10. What is an interface in other spheres of life (e.g. human relationships)? 2. Your friend is going to buy a computer, but he doesnt know much about operating systems. Write an e-mail explaining why Windows is so popular.
1. Unscramble the letters to make words related to computer operating systems and then fit the words into the puzzle to read the hidden word. Give definitions to the words you have found.
1. OESPTKD 4. AOARTLB 7. WOWIDN
2. EOITPRN 5. OIAATPLPCN 8. OINC
3. YIIUTTL 6. RREIVD 9. EORDLF
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 122
2. Find the hidden words in this square. Some appear vertically, some horizontally, and some diagonally. They may be upside-down or back to front. Use the clues below to help you. The number of letters in each word and the first letter of the word appear in brackets after the clue. The first one has been done for you.
1. a computer that is small enough to hold in the hand. (7, P) 2. an electronic pen. (6, S) 3. to erase or omit. (3, D) 4. one type of portable computer which operates with an electronic pen. (9, C) 5. the information that the computer processes. (4, D) 6. a network of lines crossing at right angles. (4, G) 7. a signal to a processor to suspend temporarily the current sequence of instructions. (9, I) 8. a pattern used as a guide for creating letters or characters. (8, T) 9. an individual dot on a computer screen. (5, P)
C L I P B O A R D T
T P U R R E E N E P
A N E T E T C D L U
A T A D E G V S V R
R I T P L R P I D A E E E E B L X T L A F M I E S N O T P M R I D O T P K L M P Y L T Y L U S A E I Y S T T R E T N I E
HUMOR SECTION
123
EXTRA HUMOUR SECTION
Computer was given to man to complete him for what he is not; science jokes to console him for what he is. So keep smiling!
PEOPLE AND COMPUTERS: INFORMATION SOCIETY
Customer Support Officer: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you? Newbie: Thanks. Im setting up an office in my den and Im thinking about buying a computer. CSO: Mac? Newbie: No, the names Lou. CSO: Your computer? Newbie: I dont own a computer. I want to buy one. CSO: Mac? Newbie: I told you, my names Lou. CSO: What about Windows? Newbie: Why? Will it get stuffy in here? CSO: Do you want a computer with Windows? Newbie: I dont know. What will I see when I look at the windows? CSO: Wallpaper. Newbie: Never mind the windows. I need a computer and software. CSO: Software for Windows? Newbie: No. On the computer! I need something I can use to write proposals and track expenses and run my business. What do you have? CSO: Office. Newbie: Yeah, for my office. Can you recommend anything? CSO: I just did. 124
Newbie: You just did what? CSO: Recommend something. Newbie: You recommended something? CSO: Yes.Newbie: For my office? CSO: Yes. Newbie: OK, what did you recommend for my office? CSO: Office. Newbie: Yes, for my office! CSO: I recommend Office with Windows. Newbie: I already have an office with windows! OK, lets just say Im sitting at my computer and I want to type a proposal. What do I need? CSO: Word. Newbie: What word? CSO: Word in Office. Newbie: The only word in office is office. CSO: The Word in Office for Windows. Newbie: Which word in office for windows? CSO: The Word you get when you click the blue W. Newbie: Im going to click your blue w if you dont start with some straight answers. What about financial bookkeeping? You have anything I can track my money with? CSO: Money. Newbie: Thats right. What do you have? CSO: Money. Newbie: I need money to track my money? CSO: It comes bundled with your computer. Newbie: Whats bundled with my computer? CSO: Money. Newbie: Money comes with my computer? CSO: Yes. No extra charge. Newbie: I get a bundle of money with my computer? How much? CSO: One copy. Newbie: Isnt it illegal to copy money? CSO: Microsoft gave us a license to copy Money. 125
Newbie: They can give you a license to copy money? CSO: Why not? THEY OWN IT! (A few days later) CSO: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you? Newbie: How do I turn my computer off? CSO: Click on START"
A customer called tech support to say her brand new computer wouldn't work. She said she unpacked the unit, plugged it in and sat there for 20 minutes waiting for something to happen. When asked what happened when she pressed the power switch, she asked, "What power switch?"
COMPUTER PROVERBS A user and his leisure time are soon parted. COMPUTER TERMS HARDWARE - Collective term for any computer-related object that can be kicked or battered. USERS - Collective term for those who stare vacantly at a monitor. Users are divided into three types: Novice, intermediate, and expert. => Novice Users - People who are afraid that simply pressing a key might break their computer. => Intermediate Users - People who don't know how to fix their computer after they've just pressed a key that broke it. => Expert Users. People who break other people's computers. Portable Computer: A device invented to force
businessmen to work at home, on vacation, and on business trips. State-of-the-art: Any computer you can't afford. Obsolete: Any computer you own.
126
LIFE BEFORE THE COMPUTER Memory was something that you lost with age. An application was for employment. A program was a TV show. A cursor used profanity. A keyboard was a piano. A web was a spiders home. A virus was the flu. A CD was a bank account. A hard drive was a long trip on the road. A mouse pad was where a mouse lived. MURPHYS LAWS OF COMPUTING No matter how good of a deal you get on computer components, the price will always drop immediately after the purchase. When you get to the point where you really understand your computer, it's probably obsolete. All components become obsolete. The speed with which components become obsolete is directly proportional to the price of the component.
Computers don't make errors-What they do they do on purpose. No matter how fantastic your latest and greatest PC is, you will be able to buy it for half the price in 12 months. The quickest way to shutdown a PC is to unplug it. A computer is only as smart as the person using it. Computers let you waste time efficiently. The people who say that computers are simple to use are the same people who tell you how to build a watch when you ask what time it is. A computer that has been on the market for 6 weeks is still usable as a boat anchor.
127
128
INPUT DEVICES
Technical support had a caller complaining that her mouse was hard to control with the dust cover on. The cover turned out to be the plastic bag the mouse was packaged in.
A customer called to say he couldn't get his computer to fax anything. After 40 minutes of troubleshooting, the technician discovered the man was trying to fax a piece of paper by holding it in front of the monitor screen and hitting the "Send" key.
Another customer called to complain that his keyboard no longer worked. He had cleaned it by filling up his bathtub with soap and water and soaking the keyboard for a day, then removing all the keys and washing them individually.
129
An exasperated caller to Computer Tech Support couldn't get her new Computer to turn on. After ensuring the computer was plugged in, the technician asked her what happened when she pushed the power button. Her response, "I pushed and pushed on this foot pedal and nothing happened." The "foot pedal" turned out to be the computer's mouse... COMPUTER PROVERBS * You can't teach a new mouse old clicks.
COMPUTER TERMS Keyboard: The standard way to generate computer errors. Mouse: An advanced input device to make computer errors easier to generate.
130
Overheard in a computer shop: Customer: "I'd like a mouse mat, please." Salesperson: "Certainly sir, we've got a large variety." Customer: "But will they be compatible with my computer?"
DATA PROCESSING
COMPUTER TERMS * BIT - A word used to describe computers, as in "Our son's computer cost quite a bit." * CHIPS - The fattening, non-nutritional food computer users eat to avoid having to leave their keyboards for meals. * EXPANSION UNIT - The new room you have to build on to your home to house your computer and all its peripherals. How computers work
- What do computers eat when they get hungry? - Chips. 131
OUTPUT DEVICES
COMPUTER TERMS * COPY - What you have to do during school tests because you spend too much time at the computer and not enough time studying. * MONITOR - Often thought to be a word associated with computers, this word actually refers to those kids who always want to see your hall pass at school. * INPUT/OUTPUT - Information is input from the keyboard as intelligible data and output to the printer as unrecognizable junk. * PRINTER - A joke in poor taste. A printer consists of three main parts: The case, the jammed paper tray, and the blinking red light. A confused caller to IBM was having trouble printing documents. He told the technician that the computer had said it "couldn't find printer." The user had also tried turning the computer screen to face the printer-but that his computer still couldn't "see" the printer.
A woman called the Canon help desk with a problem with her printer. The tech asked her if she was "running it under windows. "The woman responded, "No, my desk is next to the door. But that is a good point. The man sitting in the cubicle next to me is under a window and his printer is working fine." MURPHYS COMPUTER LAWS Any VDU, from the cheapest to the most expensive, will protect a twenty cent fuse by blowing first. The faster you need a hardcopy, the more people will be using the only office printer.
132
DATA STORAGE
COMPUTER TERMS CD-ROM - Consumer Device, Rendered Obsolete in Months DISK - What goes out in your back after bending over a computer keyboard for seven hours at a clip. FLOPPY - The condition of a constant computer user's stomach due to lack of exercise and a steady diet of junk food (see Chips). FLOPPY - The state of your wallet after purchasing a computer. MEMORY - Of computer components, the most generous in terms of variety, and the skimpiest in terms of quantity. Random Access Memory - When you can't remember how much you spent on the new dress when husband asks about it FILE - A document that has been saved with an unidentifiable name. It helps to think of a file as something stored in a file cabinet - except when you try to remove the file, the cabinet gives you an electric shock and tells you the file format is unknown.
Tech Support: "How much free space do you have on your hard drive?" Customer: "Well, my wife likes to get up there on that Internet, and she downloaded ten hours of free space. Is that enough?" Student: I forgot to make a backup copy of my brain, so everything I learned last semester was lost. A customer was asked to send a copy of her defective diskettes. A few days later a letter arrived from the customer along with photocopies of the floppies.
A technician advised his customer to put his troubled floppy back in the drive and close the door. The customer asked the tech "hold on", and was heard putting the phone down, getting up and crossing the room to close the door to his room.A technician received a call from a man
133
complaining that the system wouldn't read word processing files from his old (5-1/4") diskettes. After trouble-shooting for magnets and heat failed to diagnose the problem, it was found that the customer had labeled the diskettes, then rolled them into the typewriter to type the labels. MURPHYS COMPUTER LAWS
No matter how many resources you have, it is never enough.
Any cool program always requires more memory than you have.
Any given program will expand to fill all the available memory.
When you finally buy enough memory, you will not have enough disk space.
Disks are always full. It is futile to try to get more disk space. Data expands to fill any void.
If a program actually fits in memory and has enough disk space, it is guaranteed to crash. When putting something into memory, always remember where you put it. No matter how big a hard drive you buy, you'll need to double it in a year. A 'debugged' program that crashes will wipe out source files on storage devices when there is the least available backup.
He who laughs last, probably has a back-up.
134
OPERATING SYSTEMS
A customer comes into the computer store. "I'm looking for a mystery Adventure Game with lots of graphics. You know, something really challenging." "Well," replied the clerk, "Have you tried Windows?"
If Bill Gates had a dime for every time a Windows box crashed... Oh, wait a minute, he already does.
Millions of people believe they are animals, but I have yet to meet one that believes in Windows' stability. Even human stupidity has limits ;-)
No matter what problem you have with your computer - Its Always Microsoft's fault
System Update: A quick method of trashing ALL of your software.
135
ERROR MESSAGES FOR WINDOWS * User Error: Replace user. * Windows VirusScan 1.0 - "Windows found: Remove it? (Y/N)" * File not found. Should I fake it? (Y/N) * Error reading FAT record: Try the SKINNY one? (Y/N) * Press any key to continue or any other key to quit. * Press any key except... no, No, NO, NOT THAT ONE! * Press Ctrl-Alt-Del now for IQ test. * Close your eyes and press escape three times. * Bad command or file name! Go stand in the corner. * This will end your Windows session. Do you want to play another game?
136
WINDOWS A VIRUS?
No, Windows is not a virus. Here's what viruses do: They replicate quickly. (Okay, Windows does that) Viruses use up valuable system resources, slowing down the system as they do so. (Okay, Windows does that) Viruses will, from time to time, trash your hard disk. (Okay, Windows does that, too) Viruses are usually carried, unknown to the user, along with valuable programs and systems. (Sigh... Windows does that, too) Viruses will occasionally make the user suspect their system is too slow and the user will buy new hardware. (Yup, that's with Windows, too) Until now it seems, Windows is a virus but there are fundamental differences: Viruses are well supported by their authors, are running on most systems, their program code is fast, compact and efficient and they tend to become more sophisticated as they mature. So, Windows is *not* a virus!
137
138
1. Santiago Remacha Esteras, Elena Marco Fabre Professional English in use: ICT / Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2007. 2. Santiago Remacha Esteras Infotech: English for computer users / Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2006. 3. Paul S. Davies Information Technology Oxford/Oxford University Press, 2008. 4. Keith Boeckner, P.Charles Brown Oxford English for Computing Oxford/ Oxford University Press, 2005. 5. David Riley, Liz Greasby Check your vocabulary for computing UK/Peter Collin Publishing, 1999. 6. .., .. /.:,2005. 7. .. : / /: , 2007. 8. .. English for Computing/.: : ,2007. 9. English for Computer Science Students/.: : , 2006. 10. -: www.cambridge.org www.wikipedia.org www.economist.com www.computerland.com www.computerhumour.com www.pctechguide.com www.pearsonlongman.com
139

учебник 3 курс PDF

Încărcat de

Informații document

Descriere originală:

Titlu original

Drepturi de autor

Formate disponibile

Partajați acest document

Partajați sau inserați document

Opțiuni de partajare

Vi se pare util acest document?

Este necorespunzător acest conținut?

Drepturi de autor:

Formate disponibile

учебник 3 курс PDF

Încărcat de

Drepturi de autor:

Formate disponibile

ENGLISH FOR ICT STUDENTS

ENGLISH FOR ICT STUDENTS

PEOPLE AND COMPUTERS: INFORMATION SOCIETY

KEY INFORMATION SECTION 1

VOCABULARY PRACTICE SECTION 1

2. What negative effect of computerization do these sentences refer to?

HMD (head-mounted display)

5. Put the proper words into sentences.

repetitive tasks accuracy come to terms with (2) quantative

KEY INFORMATION SECTION 2

Computer parts and essentials.

VOCABULARY PRACTICE SECTION 2

1. Match the terms with the appropriate explanation or definition.

1. Storage device 2. Input device 3. Output device 4. Main memory 5. Processor

2... mechanical and electronic parts

3 physical units attached to the computer

KEY INFORMATION SECTION 3

Types of computer systems

VOCABULARY PRACTICE SECTION 3

2. Which type of computer do these descriptions refer to?

4. Fill in the gaps:

5. Look at the computer advertisement and find this information.

GRAMMAR PRACTICE SECTION Perfect tenses.

1. Match the sentences with the explanations.

10. past perfect continuous - emphasis on the duration of time

READING PRACTICE SECTION

Worry about computers? Me?

SPEAKING/WRITING PRACTICE SECTION

1. Discuss the following questions.

7. Write an essay on one of the following topics.

DIGITAL MAINFRAME PERSONAL

SCIENCE USER HARDWARE

COLLECT RETRIEVE ANALYSE

AGE TECHNOLOGY SYSTEM

KEY INFORMATION SECTION 1

VOCABULARY PRACTICE SECTION 1

tab escape space bar

3. Identify the keys described below.

KEY INFORMATION SECTION 2

VOCABULARY PRACTICE SECTION 2

KEY INFORMATION SECTION 3

VOCABULARY PRACTICE SECTION 3

2. Which input device would you use for these tasks?

The details detected by a scanner are not determined by its resolution.

processing player optimized controller powerful

GRAMMAR PRACTICE SECTION

1. Match the sentences with the explanations.

READING PRACTICE SECTION

SPEAKING/WRITING PRACTICE SECTION

1. Find a funny picture of an input device and give comments.

2. Find the information on the topics and make a report:

Our guide to cleaning and maintaining your keyboard.

4. Make an advertisement for a real or imaginary input computer device.

FUN AND GAMES SECTION

2. Word association: missing links.

KEY INFORMATION SECTION 1

Computer data processing system

VOCABULARY PRACTICE SECTION 1

1. Data 2. Data processing 3. Input 4. Output 5. Useful information

KEY INFORMATION SECTION 2

VOCABULARY PRACTICE SECTION 2

1. CPU 2. CU 3. ALU 4. accumulator 5. clock 6. counter 7. register