To the Computing
Introduction
Dialogue I. a) Role-play the dialogue & translate it. Nancy: Peter, I wonder what does the word computing exactly mean? Peter: Well, let me think a bit. As I know, computing means calculating. Calculating is the verbal noun of the verb calculate which, in its turn, means “ to find out some result by means of arithmetic operations, i.e. by adding, by subtracting, by multiplying, or by dividing ”. In other words, it means “ to work with numbers ”. As for calculating, it means “ the process of finding out some result with the help of the four rules of arithmetic ”. Nancy: I see. I guess computing is a synonym to calculating and it also means “ the process of finding out some result with the help of four arithmetic operations: adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing ”. Am I right? Peter: Certainly, you are. It goes without saying. But be careful. There are some differences in the meanings of these two words. If you are not short of time, I can give you some examples, which will clarify the things. Nancy: No problem. I am always eager to listen to you the day and the night. Your explanations and advice are very helpful to me. Peter: Good. Suppose you've got some money from your parents and decided to buy some things. But before going to the shop you sit down with a pencil and paper and focus your attention on adding one cost to another and, at last, you have arrived to the answer that the total sum, you have calculated, does not surpass the sum you've got from your parents. So, you can go to the shop to purchase the things you want. When you do this you are computing. Nancy: But this example doesn't show clearly any difference in the meanings of the words mentioned above. Can you give more examples? Peter: Just a moment. Imagine, you stop at a street corner, looking first to the left for any coming car, then to the right, trying to decide whether to cross the street or to wait some time on the sidewalk. Here you are computing. Nancy: Sorry, Peter. But I don't count any cars, don't add, subtract, multiply, or divide them. Why do you consider I'm computing? Peter: It's a good point. Really, you are not counting or calculating here. You are computing. You know, computing means not only doing arithmetic operations, but logical operations as well. Nancy: Oh, yes. I understand it. Computing means providing both arithmetic and logical operations. Am I right? Peter: Surely. But there is one point more. Suppose you are in a wood trying to find the path that is poorly marked. It also means you are computing. You are looking for the marks which show you the right way. Nancy: Oh, thank you very much, Peter, for the explanations. Now I understand that in order to provide computing a computer must be able not only to add, subtract, multiply, or divide something, but also to perform logical operations and to look for the instructions as well. Peter: In addition, a computer machine must also take in and store data and information, display them onscreen, and do some other things. Nancy: I see now what the term computing means. Word power
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