Step 2. Information technology

Task 1. Pronounce correctly the following words and word combinations. Learn them by heart.

Computer-based – основанный на применении компьютера; компьютерный

hardware – аппаратное обеспечение

software – программное обеспечение

acquisition – сбор, получение, приобретение

representation – представление

storage - хранение

implementation – реализация, осуществление, ввод в эксплуатацию

to cope with – справиться

architecture – архитектура: а) способ, с помощью которого структурируется программная система, компьютерная сеть или вычислительная система.

б) computer architecture - архитектура компьютера организационная структура компьютера, включающая потоки и представление данных, интерфейсы (организацию ввода-вывода), набор команд, систему адресации, регистры, аппаратное и программное обеспечение.

problem-solving endeavor – попытка решить проблему(ы)

applied engineering sciences – прикладные технические науки

information support – информационная поддержка

to take a form – принимать форму

systems engineering processes – процессы системного проектирования

Task 2. Read and translate the text.

Information technology

Information technology is the field of engineering that involves computer-based hardware and software systems, and communication systems to enable the acquisition, representation, storage, transmission, and use of information. The successful implementation of information technology (IT) depends on the ability to cope with the overall architecture of systems, their interfaces with humans and organizations, and their relationships with external environments. It is also dependent on the ability to successfully convert information into knowledge.

Information technology is concerned with improvements in a variety of human and organizational problem-solving endeavors through the design, development, and use of technologically based systems and processes. They enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of information in a variety of strategic, tactical, and operational situations. Ideally, this is accomplished through a critical attention to the information needs of humans in problem-solving tasks and in the provision of technological aids. These include electronic communication and computer-based systems of hardware and software and associated processes. Information technology complements and enhances traditional engineering through emphasis on the information basis for engineering.

The knowledge and skills required in information technology come from the applied engineering sciences, especially information, computer, and systems engineering sciences, and from professional practice. Professional activities in information technology and in the acquisition of information technology systems range from requirements definition or specification, to conceptual and functional design and development of communication and computer-based systems for information support. They are concerned with such topics as architectural definition and evaluation. These activities include integration of new systems into functionally operational existing systems and maintenance of the result as user needs change over time. This human interaction with systems and processes, and the associated information processing activities, may take several diverse forms.

The hardware and software of computing and communications form the basic tools for information technology. These are implemented as information technology systems through use of systems engineering processes. While information technology and information systems engineering enables better designs of systems and existing organizations, it also enables the design of fundamentally new organizations and systems such as virtual corporations.

Thus, efforts in this area include not only interactivity in their working but also awareness of future technological, organizational, and human concerns so as to support transition over time to new information technology-based services.

Task 3. True or false?

1. For successful implementation of information technology the ability to cope with the overall architecture of systems is the least important factor.

2. Information technology is concerned with providing the information basis for human and organizational problem-solving efforts.

3. Information technology is absolutely self-sufficient and is not connected with other fields of science.

4. Professional activities involve integration of new systems into functionally operational existing systems and maintenance of the result.

Task 4. Answer the questions.

1. What is Information Technology?

2. What does the successful implementation of information technology depend on?

3. What are the methods of information technology? Do they facilitate traditional engineering techniques?

4. Where do the knowledge and skills required in information technology come from?

5. What are the basic tools for information technology?

Task 5. Give the English equivalents to the following word combinations using the text.

1. увеличивать эффективность;

2. информационные потребности людей;

3. технические средства;

4. связанные с этим процессы;

5. определение и оценка архитектуры;

6. проектирование и разработка;

7. взаимодействие человека с системами и процессами;

8. внедрение новой системы в существующие действующие системы;

9. взаимодействие в работе.

Task 6. Match the following words with their definitions.

1. endeavor a. the physical equipment used in a computer

system, such as the central processing unit,

peripheral devices, and memory

2. to enhance b. the programs that can be used with a particular

computer system

3. convert into c. to deal successfully with or handle a situation;

manage

4. software d. an effort to do or attain something

5. aid e. assistance; help; support

6. to cope with f. to intensify or increase in quality, value,

power, etc.; improve; augment

7. design g. any specific deed, action

8. hardware h. a plan, scheme or project

9. activity i. to change or adapt the form, character, or

function of; transform.

Task 7. Complete the sentences using the following words and word combinations:

storage, improvements, basic tools, implementation, cope with, transmission, representations, solve… problems, acquisition, support.

1. A painting by Salvador Dali is my latest … .

2. Information graphics or infographics are graphic visual …of information, data or knowledge.

3. The police were informed of a … of radioactive material.

4. The … of this plan begins next year.

5. The …. data was stopped.

6. We need to carry out some … to the computer system.

7. The local people have given us a lot of … in our campaign.

8. We discuss the … for the detection of small periodic signals in noisy data.

9. I can't … such a pile of work this weekend.

10. I know he will help you, he will … all your … .

Task 8. Retell the text using your topical vocabulary.