SPEAKING 1: COMPUTER HISTORY AND EVOLUTION

Work in pairs or in groups with your partner(s) to discuss the following problems:

What type of computer in your opinion is the most suitable for home and office use, for specific
engineering tasks: for Computer Aided Design (CAD), for instance, or other engineering fields?
What are the most important characteristics and the functions of main memory, I/O devices, storage devices,
CPU?
What peculiar facts can you give about different computer programs and data, about CPU, the heart of
the computer? (see the article below about CPU)
What will future computer technology development result in?

Could you create a presentation on the problems above? Role-play the discussion problems in the form of a conference.
The following discourse markers may help you:
Introducing a problem

I would like to present you (to touch upon) a problem;

I like to state (maintain) the importance of this problem, to say that
this problem is very vital and extremely popular;
Id like to mention that I have studied and used a lot of information
from the following (different) sources.
Carving the main idea
Id like to present, analyze the main facts;
Its worth mentioning;
Id like to give my opinion on the problem, which concerns;
I share the authors opinion (I agree/disagree)
Summing up the presented Now Id like to draw a conclusion;
information on a problem
Id like to conclude;
summing up;
as Im running out of time Id like to summarize

CPU (CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT)

The heart of a computer is the central processing unit (CPU). In addition to performing arithmetic and logic operations on
data, it times and controls the rest of the system. Mainframe and supercomputer CPUs sometimes consist of several linked
microchips, called microprocessors, each of which performs a separate task, but most other computers require only a
single microprocessor as a CPU.
Components known as input devices let users enter commands, data, or programs for processing by the CPU. Computer
keyboards, which are much like typewriter keyboards, are the most common input devices. Information typed at the
keyboard is translated into a series of binary numbers that the CPU can manipulate.
Most digital computers store data both internally, in what is called main memory, and externally, on auxiliary storage
units. As a computer processes data and instructions, it temporarily stores information in main memory, which consists of
random-access memory (RAM). Random access means that each byte can be stored and retrieved directly, as opposed to
sequentially as on magnetic tape.
Components that let the user see or hear the results of the computer's data processing are known as output devices. The
most common one is the video display terminal (VDT), or monitor, which used a cathode-ray tube (CRT), which is
nowadays out of date, or liquid-crystal display (LCD) to show characters and graphics on a television-like screen.
Microprocessor - an integrated circuit that contains all the functions of a central processing unit of a computer.
Binary number The binary numeral system, or base-2 number system represents numeric values using two symbols, usually 0 and 1. More specifically, the usual
base-2 system is a positional notation with a radix of 2. Owing to its straightforward implementation in digital electronic circuitry using logic gates, the binary system is
used internally by all modern computers.
Main memory the only one directly accessible to the CPU. The CPU continuously reads instructions stored there and executes them as required. Any data actively
operated on is also stored there in uniform manner.
Auxiliary storage unit a device that store data for a long time without extern power, external memory device.
Cathode-ray tube (CRT) a high-vacuum tube, in which cathode rays produce a luminous image on a fluorescent screen, used chiefly in televisions and computer
terminals.
Liquid-crystal display (LCD) a form of visual display used in electronic devices, in which a layer of a liquid crystal is sandwiched between two transparent
electrodes.

LISTENING 1
TASK1 (CD 1.1)
1. Listen to four people talking about how they use computers at work. Write each speakers job in the table.
2. Listen again and write what each speaker uses their computer for.
Electrical engineer
Speaker
1
2
3
4

Job

Secretary

Librarian

composer

What they use computer for

TASK2 (CD 1.2)

1. Listen to two people making enquiries in a computer shop. Do they buy anything?
2. Listen again and complete the product descriptions.

3. Listen again and complete the extract from the conversation.

VOCABULARY 1: COMPUTER & COMPUTING

1. Match the terms with their definitions
bus
central processing
unit
operating system
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

11
12
13

computer

input device

semiconductor

digitization

mainframe

chassis

integrated circuit

memory-storage
device

hardware

software

the machines, wiring and other physical components of a computer or other electronic system:
processing hardware, storage hardware;
an electronic circuit formed on a small piece of semiconducting material: circuit board, circuit diagram,
printed circuit (board);
an electronic device (machine) which is used for storing data, organizing and finding words, numbers
and pictures, for doing calculations and for controlling other machines;
the part of a computer in which operations are controlled and executed;
a piece of computer equipment such as a keyboard which enables you to put information into a
computer;
the part of a computer in which data or program instructions can be stored for retrieval;
a distinct set of conductors carrying data and control signals within a computer system, to which pieces
of equipment may be connected in parallel;
a large high-speed computer, especially one supporting numerous workstations or peripherals;
the collection of computer programs and related data that provide the instructions telling a computer
what to do: system software, application software;
the system software that allows all the hardware and software components to work together. It
consists of a set of programs that manages all the computer's resources, including the data in main
memory and in auxiliary storage.
the frame, base of a device, equipment or a vehicle onto which the metal covering is fixed;
a material, such as silicon, which allows electricity to move through it more easily when its temperature
increases, or an electronic device made from this material;
the process of putting information into digital form, usually so that it can be processed by a digital
computer.

2. Match the following words with their synonyms (A, B):

A
Technology
Data
Software
Screen
Main memory
Chassis
Device
Communicate

B
System unit
Monitor
Exchange information
Facility
Ways to perform tasks
RAM
Programs and data
Information

3. Match a verb in A with a noun in B:

A
connect
perform
store
transmit
push
surf
calculate
computerize

B
the net
a button
the system
data
signals
the expenses
specific tasks
two computers together

4. Complete the puzzle using the clues.

a small hand-held device which is moved across a mat or flat surface to move the cursor on a
computer screen
a panel of keys that operate a computer or typewriter

e
b

a device with a screen on which words or pictures can be shown

a connection technology for attaching peripheral devices to a computer, providing fast data exchange
a computer input device containing different touch-sensitive areas

permanent software programmed into a read-only memory

h
m

WORD BUILDING: -wares

The suffix -ware refers to products of the same type. In computing, software refers to programs executed by a
computer, as opposed to hardware which concerns physical devices on which programs run. It is commonly
used to form jargon terms for different classes of software.
5. Match the words with their definitions.
freeware
shareware
1
2
3
4
5
6

malware
spyware

adware
groupware

designed to infiltrate or damage a computer (e.g. viruses, Trojan horses)

devised to display advertisements; some includes spyware
available free of charge, but protected by copyright: it differs from 'free software",
which can be changed and distributed subject to license
enables a group of people connected to a network to work on the same project
distributed similarly to freeware, except that it requires payment after a trial period
designed to monitor the actions of your computer and send this data via the Net

SPECIALIST READING 1: WHAT IS A COMPUTER?

1. Before reading, answer the following questions. This kind of information is well known and you will deal easily
with the quiz.
COMPUTER-QUIZ
Charles Babbage
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Herman Hollerith

Bill Gates

George Boole

Steven Jobs and Stephen Wozniak

Who founded Microsoft Corporation?

Who set up Apple Computers Corporation?
Who invented a tabulating machine using punched cards for computation?
Who designed the analytical engine?
Who developed logical algebra?

2. The following phrases and sentences have been removed from the text. Read the text quickly and fill in
the gaps with the suitable phrases or sentences to form a logically correct text. Mind that one extra
sentence you dont have to use is given.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

There are two different types of computers analog and digital.

People are the most important component of the computer system
The most common form of computer in use today is the embedded computer.
In addition, hardware devices can include external components...
An incredible important contribution in computer technology development
IBM made punch-card office machinery
Hardware, Software, People, Procedures, and Data.
This process is called digitization.

WHAT IS A COMPUTER?
The term computer is used to describe a device made up of a combination of electronic and electromechanical
components. Computer has no intelligence by itself and is referred to as hardware which is the computer's physical
electronic and mechanical parts. A computer system can be viewed as consisting of five most vital elements:
___________________________________________________. When one computer system is set up to
communicate with another computer system, connectivity becomes the sixth system element of the total
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
instruction called a program and characters called data to perform mathematical and logical operations, and then
give the results. The data is raw material while information is organized, processed, refined and useful for decision
making. Computer is used to convert data into information. Computer is also used to store information in the
digital form.
______________________________________________________________________. Analog computers solve
problems by using continuously changing data (temperature, pressure, voltage) rather than by manipulating
discrete binary digits (1s and 0s) as digital computers do. In current usage, the term computer usually refers to
digital computers. Hybrid computers combine elements of both types. Digital computers are generally more
effective than analog computers for three principal reasons: they are not as susceptible to signal interference; they
can convey data with more precision; and their coded binary data are easier to store and transfer than are analog
signals.
Such computers can represent any type of data, from numbers and letters to musical notes. _______________
_________________________________________.

A vague image of modern computer was first outlined in 1833 by British mathematician Charles Babbage. His
design of an analytical engine contained all the necessary elements of a modern computer: input devices, a store
(memory), a mill (computing unit), a control unit, and output devices.
The design called for more than 50,000 moving parts in a steam-driven machine as large as a locomotive. Most
of its actions were executed through the use of perforated cards: a method that was already used to control
automatic silk-weaving machines called Jacquard looms by the name of the inventor. It was one of the first
programmable devices.
In the 1880s Herman Hollerith developed a calculating machine able to count, collate, and sort information
stored on punch cards. His tabulator quickly demonstrated the efficiency of mechanical data manipulation. In
1896 Hollerith founded the Tabulating Machine Company to produce similar machines. In 1924 the company
changed its name to IBM. The most popular of operating systems which are used to run mainframes, built by the
industry leader IBM include MVS (Multiple Virtual Storage), DOS/VSE(Virtual Storage Extended), and VM(Virtual
Machine)._________________________________________________ the dominant business information system
until the late 1960s.
From 1939 to 1942, American physicists John V. Atanasoff and Clifford Berry built a computer based on the
binary numbering system. Their ABC (Atanasoff -Berry Computer) is often credited as the first electronic digital
computer. Furthermore, George Boole, a British mathematician, had already devised a complete system of binary
algebra that could be applied to computer circuits. Boolean algebra, developed in 1848, bridged the gap between
mathematics and logic by symbolizing all information as being either true or false.
_____________________________________________________________ is made by Steven Jobs and
Stephen Wozniak, the founders of the Apple II computer. It is also worth mentioning William Henry Gates III,
(known as Bill Gates), the father of Microsoft Company. The first devices that resemble modern computers date to
the mid-20th century (19401945). Early electronic computers were the size of a large room. Modern computers
are based on tiny integrated circuits and are millions to billions of times more capable while occupying a fraction of
the space. ___________________________________________________________. Embedded computers are
small, simple devices that are used to control other devices - for example; they may be found in machines ranging
from fighter aircraft to industrial robots, digital cameras, and children's toys.
The dominant operating system is the disk operating system (DOS) developed by Microsoft Corporation. Also
popular is Microsoft's Windows NT, an adjunct to DOS that provides enhanced computer graphics.

3. VOCABULARY. Replace the italicized words with the equivalents from the box:
modern
tiny

plain

invented
information

kept

productivity

presented

give commands to

different kinds

1. Software consists of the programs that instruct the hardware to perform tasks.
2. Varieties of types of integrated circuitry are used in contemporary supercomputers.
3. Embedded computers are small, simple devices, which are used to control other device.
4. Herman Hollerith, an American inventor, fabricated a calculating machine able to count, and collate information
stored on punch card.
5. A device called tabulator quickly demonstrated the efficiency of mechanical data manipulating.
6. IBM introduced its Personal Computer in 1981.

4. COMPREHENSION CHECK. Put the facts in the logical order as they are given in the text:

Steven Jobs and Stephen Wozniak, his engineer partner, founded a company named Apple Computer, Inc.
Hollerith founded the Tabulating Machine Company to produce similar machines.
Bill Gates founded Microsoft.
IBM introduced its Personal Computer (PC).
American physicists John V. Atanasoff and Clifford Berry built a computer based on the binary numbering
system.
5. Mark the following statements as true or false, correct the false ones. Find information in the text if
necessary.
True
1. A computer has an artificial intellect.
2. Connectivity can be viewed as an important element of a computer system.
3. The basic job of a computer is to encode algorithms written in a programming language.
4. Hybrid computers have elements of both analog and digital computers.
5. Hardware is used to store data.
6. American mathematician Charles Babbage was the first to outline a vague image of a modern
computer.
7. The ABC Computer was the first image of the first electronic digital computer.
8. Steven Jobs and Stephen Wozniak were the founders of the Apple II computer.
9. The dominant operating system was developed by Apple Computer Company.
10. Nowadays DOS is not the prevailing operating system.

False

GRAMMAR 1: PRESENT TENSES: SIMPLE AND CONTINUOUS (ACTIVE & PASSIVE VOICE)

1. Underline the correct form of the verb

1. When one computer system is set up / sets up / set up to communicate with another computer
system, connectivity becomes / become an important system element.
2. People are the most important component / is the most important component of the computer
system: they create / creates / are created the computer software instructions and respond to the
procedures that those instructions present.
3. Computer uses / is used / are using to convert data into information and to store information in the
digital form.
4. Nowadays computer development is rapidly progressing / rapidly progresses at both the high and
the low ends of the computing spectrum.
5. Researchers are currently developed / are currently developing microchips called digital signal
processors (DSPs).
6. Data feed / is feeding / is fed into the computer's memory.
7. The main memory holds / is holding / is held the instructions and data which are being processed /
are processed / are processing by the CPU.
8. Peripherals include /are including / are included storage devices and input/output devices.
9. Disk drives are used / is used / are using to read and write data on disks.
10. Input devices enable / are enabled / were enabled data to go into the computers memory.