2. Mind the following words and word-combination:

Recent statistics

to have a contact with co0mputer at work

to operate basic computer programs

to learn new skills

access

3. Answer the following questions.

1. Does every Briton has a computer at home today?

2. Do many people have contact with a computer at work?

3. Is the ability to operate basic computer programs a major requirement when applying for some jobs?

4. Are computers in Great Britain being used preferably in advertising and marketing?

5. Do a lot of old people often have to learn new skills to be able to stay in their jobs?

6. Is the computer the only an object of fascination in Great Britain?

7. Is having contact with computer at work and operating the new skills very important nowadays?

Lesson 11

1. Read and translate the text:

Intelligent Homes.

Control devices and networking.

Intelligent homes are controlled with different types of interfaces, devices that facilitate communication between the user and the system: physical switchers, touch screens, IR (infrared) remote controls, computers either at home or at a distance, telephony.

The different elements perform one of these two functions: they are either command initiators, e.g a brightness sensor that is programmed to send an instruction when it gets dark, or command receivers, e.g. a light that turns on when it receives an instruction sent by the sensor.

Household appliances, sound and video systems, optical and thermal sensors, etc. can be linked with wired and wireless systems. Wired LANs use different types of cables and also electrical wiring.

WLANs, wireless networks, use radio frequency systems: Bluetooth, a short-range radio system used to communicate between portable devices (laptops, PDAs, mobile phones, etc.), is now frequently used to design PANs (personal area networks) inside the home.

Intelligent systems perform such functions:

- turn on and off alarm systems and phone emergency services if needed,

- open and close door and gates, blinds or curtains,

- control heat and smoke sensors,

- control heating, air conditioning and electricity,

- detect motion and switch on and off lights,

- switch on and off hi-fi sets and home cinema, select music and programs,

- have everything ready when you wake up: the bath running, the electric kettle on, the news headlines on your computer,

- keep a list of the products in the fridge, make an order to a supermarket and suggest recipes.

1. Guess what is it?

1. A wireless standard used for PANs.

2. Touch screens, remote control and computers are different types of .............

3. The adjective which describes networks without cables.

4. A smoke sensor is an example of a command ................

5. The automatic operation of a system or process.

6. The adjective used to describe homes and devices that use IT technology.

7. A light switch can be used as a command………..

Lesson 12