Computers in our life

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READING

PRE-READING ACTIVITY

Unit 5 COMPUTERS

KEYWORDS: digital, hardware, software, console/system unit, key-board, disk-drive, connection, mainframe computer, operating system, word processing, spreadsheet, data, database, graphics, manual, key in/type in, network, intranet, compatible, hard disk, utilization, simultaneously, breakthrough, facilitate, uptake, access.

In pairs, discuss these questions.

1. Have you got a computer at home, school or work? What kind is it?

2. How often do you use it? What do you use it for?

3. How were computers used in your school?

4. How do you think computers will be used in school in the future?

Nowadays, we cannot imagine our life without computers and the fact is that they have become so important that nothing can replace them. They seem to be everywhere today. Since 1948 when the first real computer was invented our life has changed so much that we can call it real digital revolution.

Computer hardware consists of a console (system unit), a key-board, a disk-drive, a printer, a monitor, a mouse and their connections. The software consists of different programs you run on your computer. The most common programs used in business are those for word processing (writing letters, faxes, documents, contracts), spread sheets (for budget and financial analysis), database management programs (for keeping names and addresses of customers), accounting (for bookkeeping), graphics programs (for drawing charts), communications programs (for electronic mail, Internet), desktop publishing programs (for producing manuals, catalogues). The operator keys in (types in) the information which can be saved and retrieved at a later date.

Most businesses nowadays use personal computers or PCs, which are often linked together in a local network (intranet). This is a big change from the days when time had to be rented on mainframe computer. Nowadays these are only used by very large businesses, universities, or government departments.

The two most popular types of computers currently are those of IBM and Apple (the Macintosh). It was IBM who set the standard for the PC which others later imitated. That is why, in order to be able to use the widest range of software, a computer has to be IBM compatible.

The most successful software company now is Mi­crosoft with its Windows operating system. The Mi­crosoft Corporation is constantly developing the new versions of its operating system as well as other prod­ucts.

The computer manufacturers try to apply the new­est technologies producing hardware systems with the fastest processors like: Pentium IV, Celeron, Athlon, Duron and others. It is true that these newer models have a faster processor, more memory, a larger hard disk drive and a faster CD-ROM drive than previous models.

We are becoming increasingly dependent on computers. They are used in business, hospitals, crime detection and even to fly planes. What things will they be used for in future? Is this dependence on computers a good thing or should we be more suspicious of their benefits?

For the last two decades cybernetics have experienced a major breakthrough. This led to the utilization of computers at nearly all parts of our daily life, from personal computers to complicated surgery performing. Surely the uptake of this technology facilitates a lot of difficult tasks. Computers can perform many complex operations simultaneously and scientist practically can't do without them. Thanks to them people have access to enormous amount of information. Gathering data has never been simpler than now. They are not only used in laboratories but also in factories to control production. Sometimes it is computers that manufacture other computers.

Most of the daily tasks and individual experiences are time and effort consuming. These two fundamental qualities could be tremendously saved by the use of computers.

Дата добавления: 2014-12-07