WHAT IS A COMPUTER?

 

A computer system is a combination of five elements: hardware, software, people, procedures, data /information. Hardware can be defined as the mechanical, magnetic, electronic, and electrical devices composing a computer system. Software is the term used to describe the instructions that tell the hardware how to perform a task. Without software instructions, the hardware doesn't know what to do. People, however, are the most important component of the computer system: they create the computer software instructions and respond to the procedures that those instructions present. The basic job of the computer is the processing of information. Computers accept information in the form of instructions called a program and characters called data to perform mathematical and logical operations, and then give the results. The data are raw material while information is organized, processed, refined and useful for decision-making. Computers are used to convert data into information. They are also used to store information.

 

TASKS

1. Give Russian equivalents of the following words and word combinations. Transcribe them.

 

1. hardware (n.)

2. software (n.)

3. procedure (n.)

4. datum (pl. data) (n.)

5. mechanical (adj.)

6. magnetic (adj.)

7. electronic (adj.)

8. device (n.)

9. term (n.)

10. perform (v.)

11. task (n.)

12. create (v.)

13. basic (adj.)

14. character (n.)

15. mathematical (adj.)

16. raw (adj.)

17. process (v.) (n.)

18. useful (adj.)

19. convert (v.)

20. use (v.) (n.)

21. store (v.)

 

2. Give English equivalents of the following words and word combinations

 

1. компьютерная система

2. выполнять задачу

3. основная работа компьютера

4. обработка информации

5. принимать информацию

6. выполнять математические и логические операции (действия)

7. сырой материал

8. преобразовывать данные в информацию

 

3. Fill in the table. Translate and transcribe the words.

 

Verb	Noun
compute
combine
inform
define
compose
use
describe
instruct
perform
create
present
process
operate
organize
decide
store

 

4. Read and translate the text.

 

TEXT 2

PERSONAL COMPUTER

 

A personal computer is a small computer based on a micro­processor; it is a microcomputer. Not all microcomputers, however, are personal computers. A microcomputer can be dedicated to a single task such as controlling a machine tool or metering the injection of fuel into an automobile engine; it can be a word processor, a video game or a "pocket comput­er". That is not quite a personal computer. A personal computer is some­thing different. It is a stand-alone computer that puts a wide array of capabilities at the disposal of an individual.

The personal-computer market can be divided into four segments: business, home, science and education. The busi­ness segment is becoming the largest one. The home-computer segment utilizes most of the units for recreation (primarily for playing video games) but they also serve as powerful educational aids for children, as word processors, electronic mes­sage centers and personal-finance tools. A broad range of new applications will be made possible by software now under development. Computers intended for scientific and other technical applications tend to be more powerful than other personal computers. The education segment is potentially very large. Computer-assisted instruction involves the student in a lively interaction with subject matter in almost any field of study and allows the individual to proceed at his own pace.

The ability to work with a computer is coming to be considered a necessary basic skill and even some programming ability may soon be required in many occupations; clearly the place to acquire such skills is in elementary and secondary school.

TASKS

1. Give Russian equivalents of the following words and transcribe them:

 

1. micro­processor (n.)

2. microcomputer (n.)

3. control (v.)

4. machine (n.)

5. fuel (n.)

6. automobile (n.)

7. engine (n.)

8. capability (n.)

9. segment (n)

10.utilize (v.)

11. message (n.)

12. finance (n.)

13. interaction (n.)

 

2. Give Russian equivalents of the following words and word combinations

 

1. персональный компьютер

2. основанный на микропроцессоре

3. двигатель автомобиля

4. видеоигра

5. в распоряжении

6. рынок персональных компьютеров

7. для отдыха

8. обучающие средства

9. новые приложения (применения)

10. разрабатываемое программное обеспечение

11. вовлекать студента

12. область изучения

13. основное умение

14. способность программирования

15. начальная школа

16. средняя школа

 

3. Divide the verbs into three groups according to the reading of the ending –ed: [t], [d], [id]

 

based, dedicated, controlled, divided, utilized, served, intended, involved, allowed, proceeded, worked, considered, required, acquired.

 

4. Read and translate the text.

 

TEXT 3