Computer Systems Support Person

Systems support people are analyst programmers who are responsible for maintaining, updating, and modifying the software used by a company. Some specialize in software which handles the basic operation of the computers. This involves the use of machine codes and specialized low-level computer languages. Most handle applications software. May sort out problems encountered by users. Solving problems may involve amending an area of code in the software, retrieving files and data lost when a system crashes, and a basic knowledge of hardware.

Computer Systems Analyst Programmer

Creates the software programs used by computers. May specialize in the internal operating systems using low level computer language, or in applications programs. May specialize in one aspect of the work, e.g. programming, systems design, systems analysis, or cover them all. May support the system through advice and training, providing user manuals, and by helping users with any problems that arise.

Hardware Engineer

Researches, designs, and develops computers, or parts of computers and the computerized element of appliances, machines, and vehicles. Also involved in their manufacture, installation, and testing. May specialize in different areas: research and development, design, manufacturing. Has to be aware of cost, efficiency, safety, and environmental factors, as well as engineering aspects.

Network Support Person

Maintains the link between PCs and workstations connected in a network. Uses telecommunications, software, and electronic skills, and knowledge of the networking software to locate and correct faults. This may involve work with the controlling software, on printed circuit boards, software or microchips on a file server, or on cables either within or outside the building.

Task 5. Exchange obtained information with other students in your group and make notes.

Task 6. Compare your notes with the notes of other groups.

Task 7. Give the Russian equivalents to the following words and phrases from the text. Choose five of them and make up sentences of your own. Read your sentences aloud for other students to translate.

To make an analysis, employer's requirements, prepare a report on, consideration of hardware and software, standard computer packages, to write a specification, to adapt existing software, implementation and testing of a system, to act as a link between the user and the programmer, internal operations of computers, to suit the requirements, to handle operation software, to encounter problems, to retrieve lost files, computerized element of appliances and vehicles, to locate and correct faults.

Task 8. Are these statements true, false, or not mentioned in the text? Correct the false statements.

1. Systems analyst converts the software engineer's specification to a logical series of steps.

2. Systems analyst prepares a report on different opinions for using information technology.

3. Software engineer works with cables either within or outside the building.

4. Computer salesperson receives bonuses for sold computers.

5. Computer systems support persons know how to amend an area of code in the software and have basic knowledge of hardware.

6. All hardware engineers specialize in research and development.

7. Network support person can correct faults using telecommunications, software, electronic skills, etc.

Task 9. Match the words and word-combinations on the left with the definitions on the right.

requirement	a device or a piece of equipment, especially electrical used in the house, such as a cooker or washing machine
to adapt	to watch over and direct (others or their work); supervise
to oversee	existing or happening inside a person, object, organization, place or country
to implement	connection
link	to find and bring back something
internal	to concentrate one's efforts in a special activity, field, or practice
to convert	to change
to suit	to put a plan or system into operation
to specialize	to make fit for a particular need or condition; adjust
to retrieve	a thing that is needed or wanted
appliance	to satisfy

Task 10.Translate the sentences into English using active vocabulary.

1. Я хочу, чтобы вы сделали детальный анализ требований заказчика.

2. Системный аналитик описывает технические характеристики аппаратного обеспечения.

3. Пользователь не может отслеживать внутренние операции компьютера.

4. Каждый покупатель хочет, чтобы компьютер отвечал его требованиям.

5. Мы столкнулись с проблемами, когда начали использовать новое программное обеспечение.

6. Нам пришлось восстанавливать утерянные файлы после повреждения системы.

7. Завод выпускает компьютеризированные элементы бытовых приборов и автомобилей.

8. Перед тем, как исправить ошибки, нужно обнаружить их местонахождение.

LISTENING

Task 11. Listen to this recording of five people employed in computing talking about their work. Before listening make sure you understand the meaning of these words and collocations. If not, check the translation at the end of the unit.

Feasibility study, actual user, to persuade, to be worth, to keep in touch, backup, competitive market, fault, to solve the problem, cable, to work out, to try out, health and safety requirements, to find the solution, sequence, feedback.

Match each extract with the correct job from the list.

1. Hardware Engineer

2. Network Support Person

3. Operator

4. Software Designer

5. Systems Analyst Programmer

6. Systems Support Person

7. Technical Sales Manager

PROBLEM-SOLVING

Task 12. Study this job advertisement. Which of the three candidates do you think is the best applicant for the job?