English for Technical Students. Part 1

10. ROM	and its data
	i) controls the timing of signals in the computer
	j) controls all the operations in a computer

Reading and Vocabulary.

3. You are going to read a text about computers. Check that you know these words and expressions from the text.

to carry out	to store
sequence	to deliver
to embed	to unplug
to receive	manual
data	to restart
to follow instructions	helpline
to process	to fiddle with sth
to produce information	hard disk
hardware	floppy disk
software	backing up
processing unit	to remove

4. Read the information about personal computers and choose the best heading for each paragraph (1 – 8). There is extra heading which you don‟t need to use.

A. Computer Error & Human Error

B. What Happens Inside?

C. Numerous Modern Computers

D. Organizing Files

E. Hardware and Software

F. Health Problems

G. Times of Trouble

H. The First Electronic Computers

I. Common Information about a Computer

Personal Computer

1. A personal computer is a programmable machine which is designed to sequentially and automatically carry out a sequence of arithmetic and logical operations. The first electronic computers were developed in the mid-20th century (1940 – 1945). Originally, they were the size of a large room, consuming as much power as several hundred modern personal computers (PCs).

2. Modern computers, which are based on integrated circuits, are millions to billions of times more capable than the early machines, and occupy a fraction of the space. Personal computers in their various forms are icons of the Information Age and are what most people think of as ‘computers’. However, the embedded

computers, which are found in many devices from MP3 players to fighter aircraft and from toys to industrial robots, are the most numerous.

3. A computer receives facts, which are known as data, and following instructions, it processes these facts to produce information. Computers can process vast amounts of data in a very short time. Data and information can be numbers, letters, sounds, pictures or symbols. Pictures and symbols, which a computer produces, are called graphics.

4. A computer cannot think for itself. It will do exactly as it is told – no more and no less. People often talk about ‘computer error’, but usually this means human error. If you are sent an electricity bill for millions of dollars when you only use one light bulb, it means that the computer was given the wrong instructions.

5. In order to process data computers need two things – hardware and software. Hardware is the computer’s machinery – the parts you can see and touch, like the monitor and all the electronic devices and circuits inside. Software is all the facts and the lists of instructions that a computer receives in order to carry out its tasks. All the different tasks of instructions are called programs.

6. Let’s see what goes on inside the brain of your computer – its processing

unit.

Input. Data and instructions are fed into the computer.

The control unit. Input comes here first and is sent to the correct part of the computer to be processed. When work is completed, the control unit collects the information.

The arithmetic unit. The computer carries out all its work in the arithmetic unit. The control unit and the arithmetic unit are together called the Central Processing Unit (CPU).

Memory. Data and instructions are stored here. Output. The processed data is delivered to the user.

7. If your computer stops working, first check that all your cables are properly connected. It’s funny to call a technician only to find that your dad unplugged your machine to do the vacuuming. Read your manual and try switching off and restarting the system. Most hardware and software manufacturers have a helpline you can call for advice. Don’t attempt to fiddle with electronics yourself. If your manuals are too full of jargon to understand, you can buy simpler guides that explain things more clearly.

8. Make sure that your files on the hard disk are organized into different directories so you can find them easily. You may copy the files from the hard disk onto compact, external hard, USB (Universal Serial Bus) flash disks or any other portable devices. Then if you lose any files from the hard disk, you will still have a copy of your work. This is called backing up. Try to remove unnecessary files from the hard disk. If it gets too full, data can become jumbled and your computer starts working more slowly.

5. Answer the questions.

1.What is a computer?

2.What are the differences between the first electronic and modern computers?

3.Where are embedded computers used?

4. What is called ‘computer graphics’?

5. Is ‘a computer error’ an error of a computer? Give at least one example.

6.What are hardware and software?

7.Which are the five main units of a processing unit? What are functions of each unit?

8.What will you do if your computer stops working?

9.What is the best way to organize files?

10.What is called backing up?

6. Read the statements and decide if they are true (T) or false (F). Prove your answers.

1.Hardware and software are things without which a computer can’t work.

2.It is the central processing unit that is the main part of a computer.

3.All manuals are difficult to understand.

4.If a computer stops working, the first thing to do is to call a technician.

5.Every user of a computer can see and touch its hardware.

6.Computer manufacturers can hardly have a helpline you can call for advice.

7.Different directories can help you find your files quickly.

7. Work with the partner and find English equivalents in the text above.

1.	предназначать	22. посылать, отправлять
2.	последовательно	23. счѐт за электричество на …
3. развивать		24. электрическая лампочка
4. в середине 20-ого века		25. для того чтобы
5. первоначально, сначала		26. схема, цепь
6. размер		27. задание, задача
7. мощь, энергия		28. программа
8. основывать(ся) на		29. устройство ввода информации
9. миллиард		30. устройство управления
10. способный		31. арифметическое устройство
11. занимать (место)		32. запоминающее устройство
12. доля, частица		33. устройство вывода информации
13. различный		34. должным образом, правильно
14. однако, тем не менее		35. соединять
15. самолѐт-истребитель		36. пытаться, пробовать
16. многочисленный		37. руководство
17. огромное кол-во чего-либо		38. ясно объяснять
18. именно так, точно		39. убедить(ся), убеждать(ся)

19.	не больше и не меньше	40. портативное устройство
20.	значить	41. портить(ся)
21.человеческий фактор		42. перепутывать(ся)

8. Match the words from the columns and translate the word combinations.

1. to read	a) machine
2. light	b) instructions
3. to organize	c) data
4. to connect	d) bulb
5. hard	e) information
6. to process	f) cables
7. to follow	g) a manual
8. programmable	h) a computer
9. to collect	i) files
10. to restart	j) disk
9. Match the words with a similar meaning.
1. complete	a) mistake
2. attempt	b) device
3. work	c) finish
4. remove	d) operate
5. unit	e) delete
6. error	f) try

10. Match the words with an opposite meaning.

1. unplug	a) output
2. inside	b) plug in
3. switch off	c) receive
4. input	d) outside
5. send	e) switch on
6. connect	f) disconnect

11. Complete the sentences with the words and expressions from the box.

circuits and devices	some advice	wrong instructions
directories	fiddle with	more slowly

1.Necessary files on the hard disk are organized into different ….. .

2.‘Computer error’ means that the computer was given the ….. .

3.Hardware, the computer’s machinery, includes all the electronic...… inside a computer.

4.If you need ….. , most computer manufacturers have a helpline you can call.

5.Never ….. electronic devices yourselves if you do not understand a problem.

Read a manual or call a helpline.

6.If a hard disk gets too full with files your computer starts working ….. .

12. Make sentences from the following words beginning with the word in bold.

1. does / error / computer / What / mean? / usually

2. attempt / electronics. / shouldn’t / with / yourself / to fiddle / You

3. computer / its / The / brain / processing / of / is / unit. / the

4. simple / If / problems. / can / follow / you / avoid /			instructions / a lot of / you
13. Complete the table with a suitable part of speech.
	noun	adjective		verb
	1	informative		2
	3	4		organize
	storage	5		6
	7	programmable		8
	development	9		10
	11	12		simplify

Grammar. Past Simple.

We use Past Simple to talk about actions which finished at some definite moment in the past. Past Simple is often used when we tell stories or talk about several actions happened one after the other.

1. Last year my family moved to Moscow, where my dad found a well-paid job.

2. When we came home, we were so tired that we went straight to bed.

14. Choose the words from the box and put them into Past Simple form to complete the sentences.

		not work	find	phone	decide	leave	write
		finish	find	manage	can’t	not be	need be
1.		After graduating from the university Barbara … a job in an international
		company.
2.		Yesterday we … home very early, because we … to be at school an hour
		before the lessons.
3.		When he was a lecturer in our faculty he … a lot of articles for scientific
		journals.
4.		The experiment … very successful and we … the research much earlier.
5.		The printer … work so I … give in my course paper today.

6.She … him yesterday but he … at home.

7.First they … to stay at home in summer, but later they … a cheap tour and left for Italy.

8.He … to repair his notebook by himself.

15.Write 8-10 sentences about what you did or didn‟t do yesterday.

Language Study. Relative Clauses

We can link two and more sentences with the help of which, who, that, where. Usually this relative clause is an essential part of the sentence. But sometimes it contains information that is not essential to the sentence. Relative clauses that carry inessential information are separated from the rest of the sentence by commas.

1.We bought a computer which was made in Japan. (essential information)

2.My friend studies in the university where his dad studied many years ago.

(essential information)

3.Our new lecturer, who is a famous professor, is quite young. (inessential information)

16.Find in the first three paragraphs the examples of using which. Explain its necessity in each case. Are they an essential part of the sentence?

17.Link these pairs of sentences using which. You may omit words and make whatever changes you think are necessary in the word order and punctuation of the sentences.

1.A computer does exactly as it is told. A computer cannot think for itself.

2.People often talk about ‘a computer error’.

‘A computer error’ usually means human error.

3.Hardware is the computer’s machinery.

Hardware is the monitor and all the electronic devices and circuits inside.

4.The brain of every computer is the processing unit. The processing unit consists of five main components.

5.Bad manuals are too full of jargon to understand.

Bad manuals don’t explain things clearly.

6.Files on the hard disk must be found easily.

Files on the hard disk are organized into different directories.

Writing.

18. Write the translation of paragraphs 5 and 6.

LESSON 5. TYPES OF COMPUTERS.

Lead-in.

1.Answer the questions.

1.What types of computers can you see on the pictures?

2.Can you add any other types?

1.

2.

3.

4.

Reading.

2. You are going to read the text about different types of computers. Make sure you know these words and phrases.

to imply	brand-new
to apply	retail outlet
to define	flash memory
to relate	touchscreen technology
huge	lightweight
portability	handheld computer
permanent location	workstation
storage	enhanced
versatility	entire
brethren	to diminish
pointing device	enterprise server
trackball	single
cost-effectiveness	wearable computer

3. Read the text and complete the sentences after the text with the types of computers.

10 Types of Computers.

There are a lot of terms used to describe computers. Most of these words imply the size, expected use or capability of the computer. While the term computer can apply to virtually any device that has a microprocessor in it, most people think of a computer as a device that receives input from the user through a mouse or keyboard, processes it in some fashion and displays the result on a screen.

Do you know the different types of computers?

1. PC.

The personal computer (PC) defines a computer designed for general use by a single person. While a Mac is a PC, most people relate the term with systems that run the Windows operating system. PCs were first known as microcomputers because they were a complete computer but built on a smaller scale than the huge systems in use by most businesses.

2. Desktop

A PC that is not designed for portability is a desktop computer. The expectation with desktop systems is that you will set the computer up in a permanent location. Most desktops offer more power, storage and versatility for less cost than their portable brethren.

3. Laptop

Also called notebooks, laptops are portable computers that integrate the display, keyboard, a pointing device or trackball, processor, memory and hard drive all in a battery-operated package slightly larger than an average hardcover book.

4. Netbook

Netbooks are ultra-portable computers that are even smaller than traditional laptops. The extreme cost-effectiveness of netbooks (roughly $300 to $500) means they're cheaper than almost any brand-new laptop you'll find at retail outlets. However, netbooks' internal components are less powerful than those in regular laptops.

5. PDA

Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) are tightly integrated computers that often use flash memory instead of a hard drive for storage. These computers usually do not have keyboards but rely on touchscreen technology for user input. PDAs are typically smaller than a paperback novel, very lightweight with a reasonable battery life. A slightly larger and heavier version of the PDA is the handheld computer.

6. Work station

Another type of computer is a workstation. A workstation is simply a desktop computer that has a more powerful processor, additional memory and enhanced capabilities for performing a special group of task, such as 3D Graphics or game development.

7. Server

This is a computer that has been optimized to provide services to other computers over a network. Servers usually have powerful processors, lots of memory and large hard drives. This type of computer can fill an entire room.

8. Mainframe

In the early days of computing, mainframes were huge computers that could fill an entire room or even a whole floor! As the size of computers has diminished while the power has increased, the term mainframe has fallen out of use in favor of enterprise server. You'll still hear the term used, particularly in large companies to describe the huge machines processing millions of transactions every day.

9. Supercomputer

This type of computer usually costs hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. Although some supercomputers are single computer systems, most are composed of multiple high performance computers working in parallel as a single system. The best known supercomputers are built by Cray Supercomputers.

10. Wearable computer

The latest trend in computing is wearable computers. Essentially, common computer applications (e-mail, database, multimedia, calendar/scheduler) are integrated into watches, cell phones, visors and even clothing.

1.… is more powerful than … , as it is used to perform more complex tasks.

2.… are portable types of computers whereas … are not designed for portability.

3.… is the biggest and most powerful type of computers.

4.… are the latest trend in computing.

5.… need more space to be installed than … .

6.… are much smaller than … and can be the size of a paperback novel.

4.Are the following sentences true (T) or false (F)?

1.Any device that has a microprocessor can be called a computer.

2.Desktop computers are as cheap as laptops.

3.All portable computers use touchscreen as an input device.

4.Laptops are more expensive than netbooks.

5.A workstation is the same as a desktop computer.

6.A mainframe is absolutely different from an enterprise server.

7.Supercomputers are the most powerful and expensive computers in the world.

8.Some countries produce clothing which has embedded wearable computers in it.

Grammar. Comparing and Contrast (2).

You can talk about similarities and differences of some things using

Comparative and Superlative forms of adjectives and some structures (the same as, different from, as … as…, not as/so … as … , etc.).

1.Netbooks are ultra-portable computers that are smaller than traditional laptops. (Comparative adjective)

2.The latest trend in computing is wearable computers. (Superlative adjective)

3.A Workstation is not the same as a desktop computer. (the phrase)

5.Find in the text some more examples of comparison.

6.Find 4 incorrect sentences and correct them. Mistakes are all connected with comparison.

1.Last Sunday I bought a new laptop which was much smaller the old one.

2.Engineers of this firm are as professional as those of the famous American company.

3.They wrote their better novel in the late 90s.

4.I couldn’t recognize him as he became the fattest than he was three years ago.

5.The atmosphere in the office wasn’t so relaxed as it was before this man came to work here.

6.Mobile telephone can be called the necessariest device for me.

7.He upgraded his PC and now it’s as powerful as a workstation.

7. Write your own sentences comparing different types of computers.

Speaking.

8. What type of computer is the best for students? Prepare a short talk and include the following aspects:

a)purpose

b)size

c)cost

d)ergonomic factor

e)weight and portability

f)reliability

g)connectivity

h)safety

Technical reading.

9. Read the information about laptops and choose the best heading (A- F) for each paragraph (1-5). There is one extra heading which you don‟t need to use.

A. Advantages

B. Common information

C. History

D. The latest modifications.

E. Classification

F. Disadvantages