Unit 4. Operating systems

1. Understanding a lecture

So, just a final word to recap on operating systems. There are at least six different operating systems available for use with microcomputers. As we said, it is the operating system that determines which software can be run on the computer. For example, a system with a CP/M operating system will not be able to run the software written for an MS/DOS based system. This is because these operating systems are different.

However, operating systems themselves are not compatible with every computer. They are generally designed for specific computers and certain CPUs. In addition, just because a program is a CPU/M does not mean that it will run on any CP/M system. Programs have to be formatted for a specific computer. As you know, programs are stored on disk in the form of files, and a disk formatted (or initialised) for one system cannot usually be used on another computer. When a disk is formatted it becomes dedicated to that system. Any programs or data files stored on that disk are therefore not transferable to another system without the use of additional software called file transfer programs. Hardware in the form of a connecting (interface) cable is also required to link the machines. Fortunately the ports on the CPUs for connecting these cables have been standardised and most systems come equipped with such a port, generally called an RS-232 port.

2. Understanding discourse: Mysterious Letters

Telephone ringing

K. Hello, 725255.

T. Kaleni, hi, it’s Tariq. Sorry I can’t come to the Caribbean restaurant. I’m behind with my notes so I’ll have to stay in and try to catch up. Tell the others I’m sorry.

K. Fine, I’ll do that. But it’s a pity. Anyway, what’s the problem now?

T. Well, I seem to have the numbers under control, now it’s the mysterious letters.

K. What???

T. You Know, ROM and RAM and COM and CAM, it’s like a foreign language!

K. They’re acronyms – words made out of the initial letters of something.

T. I know that, but it’s the spelling that really bothers me. I know ROM is read only memory. How do you spell memory?

K. M-E-M-O- R- Y.

T. CAM?

K. Computer Aided Manufacture. That’s spelt …

T. How about DOS?

K. Disk Operating System. That’s D-I-S-K…

T. Have you come across EAROM?

K. Oh yes. That’s Electronically Alterable ROM.

T. How about GIGO?

K. Something you certainly need to know – Garbage in – garbage out.

T. Oh, nicecompliment. Now, today I came across MISP. Any idea? Oh Kaleni, the pips are going and I haven’t any m…

K. Microelectronics Industry Support Programme (pip pip pip…)

Unit 5. New Online Trading Information System Sees Early Successes

The rise of the Internet has transformed the markets of the world.

Long gone are the days of frantic floor-trading. In their place are the days of cyber-trading. Ukrainian traders are also doing business in cyber-space.

Under the direction of an American company called Unistar LLC, Ukraine’s Epsilon Corporation launched http://www.wallstreet.com.ua, an online trading system, in November 1999. In a few short months, the use of their system in the Ukrainian trading market has sky-rocketed.

“Shares in all the big companies, including the oblenergos and the Mykolayiv Alumina Plant, are traded via our system,” said Wallstreet.com.ua director Valery Baberza.

Unlike Western online trading sites, Wallstreet.com.ua is merely an information-based Web site allowing traders to post their offers and bids.

“For now, our Web site is only an information system,” Baberza said. “It’s not a full-fledged trading system as of yet. Most people in Ukraine don’t have the money yet to pay for such a system.”

Another problem is the high cost of an Internet connection in Ukraine. Unlike in many Western countries, in Ukraine, in addition to paying the Internet provider for basic services, you also end up paying for local phone calls when connecting to a server.