The object oriented programming paradigm entails the development of active program units called objects, each of which contains procedures describing how that object should respond to various stimuli. These internal procedures are called methods (or member functions in the C++ vernacular). The object oriented approach to a problem is to identify the objects involved and describe them and their associated methods as selfcontained units. In turn, object oriented programming languages provide statements for expressing these ideas.

To simplify the description of objects with similar yet different characteristics, most object oriented languages allow one class to encompass the properties of another through a system as inheritance.

The existence of a variety of objects with similar yet different characteristics leads to a phenomenon reminiscent of overloading, which is the use of a single symbol, such as +, for representing different operations depending on the type of its operands. Suppose that an object oriented graphics package consists of a variety of objects, each representing a shape (circle, rectangle, triangle, etc.). A particular image consists of a collection of these objects. Each object knows its size, location, and colour as well as how to respond to messages telling it, for example, to move to a new location or to draw itself on the monitor screen. To draw an image, we merely send a ‘draw yourself’ message to each object in the image. However, the routine used to draw an object varies according to the shape of the object – drawing a squire is not the same process as drawing a circle. This customized interpretation of a message is known as polymorphism; the message is said to be polymorphic.

Another characteristic associated with object oriented programming is encapsulation, which refers to restricting access to an object’s internal properties. To say that certain features of an object are encapsulated means that only the object itself is able to access them. Features that are encapsulated are said to be private. Features that are accessible from outside the object are said to be public.

Vocabulary

diverse – very different from each other and of various kinds paradigm – a type of smth, a model

to entail – to involve sth that cannot be avoided

vernacular – the language spoken in a particular area or by a particular group, especially one that is not the official or written language

to encompass – to include a large number or range of things reminiscent – reminding you of sb/sth

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to customize – to make or change sth to suit the needs of the owner

Task 3. When you read the text to decide on a suitable title, which of the following did you do?

Did you:

-read the text slowly and try to understand every word?

-read quickly and try to understand the main theme?

-underline or mark sentences that you thought were important?

-make notes about important points?

Which of these reading strategies do you think is most appropriate for this kind of task? Which do you think is least appropriate?

Task 4. Match the terms with the correct definition or explanation:

directly associated with that instance

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Task 5. Look back at the text and find the answers to these questions:

1.What advantages of using object-oriented programming are mentioned in the text?

2.What are the three key features of OOP?

3.What are called ‘methods’?

4.What approach is adopted in OOP?

5.What is ‘overloading’?

6.What information does each object contain?

7.What do you need to draw an image?

8.Is there a difference between drawing a squire and a circle?

9.What feature refers to restricting access to an object’s internal properties?

10.What features are said to be encapsulated?

Language work

The Infinitive of Purpose

Task 6. Look through the text again and find examples of the infinitive of purpose.

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Task 7. Complete these sentences. Choose from the box.

1.Algorithms are sets of rules or instructions used ……

2.Extensible markup language is used …… that are programindependent, platform-independent and able to be used with different languages.

3.Flowchart is a kind of diagram used by programmers …… in a program or by systems analysts …… in the design of a system.

4.Several programming languages, particularly COBOL, PL/I, and RPG, are commonly used ……

5.Debugging is the process of correcting computer programs ……

6.It is important …… 3 principles when dealing specifically with programming, and programming languages.

7.Libraries are often supplied by the operating system or software development environment developer ……

8.Page-description language uses tags ……

9.BASIC is a general purpose high-level programming language, originally designed ……

10.C was originally designed …… but is now considered a generalpurpose language.

Task 8. Complete these sentences using a suitable verb.

1.Bill Gates has a team of bodyguards ………. him.

2.I did not have enough time ………. the program today.

3.I came home by taxi. I did not have the energy ………. .

4.Would you like something ……….? Yes, please. A cup of coffee.

5.We need a box ………. these devices in.

6.There will be a meeting next week ………. the problem.

7.I wish we had enough money ………. the computer.

8.I saw him at the meeting but we did not have a chance ………. to each other.

9.They have just passed their exam in computer science. They are having a party ………. .

10.I cannot do all this work alone. I need somebody ………. me.

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11.Do you have much opportunity ………. your English?

12.We need more time ………. a decision.

13.You need a lot of experience ………. this job.

14.A class is a template used ……… multiple objects with similar features.

Translation

Task 9. Translate the following text into English. You may use the dictionary if it is necessary.

В середине 80-х годов в программировании возникло новое направление, основанное на понятии объекта.

Реальные объекты окружающего мира обладают тремя базовыми характеристиками: они имеют набор свойств, способны разными методами изменять эти свойства и реагировать на события, возникающие как в окружающем мире, так и внутри самого объекта. Именно в таком виде в языках программирования и реализовано понятие объекта, как совокупности свойств (структур данных, характерных для этого объекта), методов их обработки (подпрограмм изменения свойств) и событий, на которые данный объект может реагировать и которые приводят, как правило, к изменению свойств объекта.

Объекты могут иметь идентичную структуру и отличаться только значениями свойств. В таких случаях в программе создается новый тип, основанный на единой структуре объекта. Он называется классом, а каждый конкретный объект, имеющий структуру этого класса, называется экземпляром класса.

Важнейшая характеристика класса – возможность создания на его основе новых классов с наследованием всех его свойств и методов и добавлением собственных. Класс, не имеющий предшественника, называется базовым.

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Listening

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Task 10. You are going to hear a lecture about Java, an objectoriented programming language. As you listen, choose the correct answer for each question.

1.What is not mentioned about Java in the recording?

a)architecture neural

b)robust

c)meta-markup

d)high-performance

2.As a programmer you should

a)give attention to data and methods

b)take procedures into accounts

c)adjust to the new paradigm

3.Most things in Java are

a)objects

b)the primitive numeric types

c)character types

d)Boolean types

4.If you are a C++ programmer, you’ll have

a)no difficulties with Java as the syntax is similar to C++

b)difficulties with Java as the behaviour is not analogous

c)to study the object-oriented constructs in Java thoroughly

5.Java is an interpreted language because its compiler generates

a)native machine code

b)byte-codes

c)malicious code

6.Java is a secure language because

a)users cannot download code from a random site on the Internet

b)users cannot run untrusted programs

c)it provides several layers of security control

7.Java is a robust language because

a)any untrusted code cannot be loaded

b)any direct access to memory is not allowed

c)corrupted byte-codes cannot take advantage of implementation weakness in a Java interpreter

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Task 11. Read the extract from the tapescript and fill in each gap with an appropriate word.

In an object-oriented system, a class is a 1) __________ of data and methods that operate on that data. Taken together, the data and methods describe the state and 2) __________ of an object. Classes are arranged in a 3) __________, so that a subclass can 4) __________ behavior from its superclass. A class hierarchy always has a 5) __________ class; this is a class with very 6) __________ behavior.

Java comes with an 7) __________ set of classes, arranged in 8)

__________, that you can use in your programs. For example, Java 9)

__________ classes that create graphical user interface 10) __________

(the java.awt package), classes that 11) __________ input and output (the java.io package), and classes that support networking 12) __________ (the java.net package). The Object class (in the java.lang package) serves as the root of the Java class hierarchy.

Now listen again and compare your answers.

Speaking

Task 12. Work in pairs and discuss the following questions:

If you were a developer of software:

1.What kind of software package would you develop? Why?

a)educational software

b)musical software

c)multimedia application

d)an integrated package

e)a game

2.What programming language would you choose? Justify your choice.

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Unit 7. Databases

Warm-up

Task 1. Answer the following questions:

1.What is a database?

2.What are the major advantages of databases?

3.Which tasks can be performed by using a database? Make a list of possible applications.

4.What is the difference between the terms file, record and field?

Reading

Task 2. Read the text about databases and underline the basic features of a database:

Basic Features of Database Programs

With a database you can store, organize and retrieve a large collection of related information on computer. If you like, it is the electronic

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equivalent of an index filling cabinet. Here are some features and applications.

Information is entered on a database via fields. Each field holds a separate piece of information, and the fields are collected together into records. For instance, a record about an employee might consist of several fields which give his address, phone number, name etc. Records are grouped together into files which hold large amounts of information. Files can easily be updated: you can always change fields, add new records and delete old ones. With the right database software, you are able to keep track of stock, sales, market trends, orders, invoices and many more details that can make your company successful.

Another feature of database programs is that you can automatically look up and find records containing particular information. You can also search on more than one field at a time. For instance, if a managing director wanted to know all the customers that spent more than $7.000 per month, the program would search on the name field and the money field simultaneously.

A computer database is much faster to consult and update than a card index system. It occupies a lot less space, and records can be automatically stored into numerical and alphabetical order using any field.

The best packages also include networking facilities, which add a new dimension of productivity to business. For instance, managers of different departments can have direct access to a common database, which represents an enormous advantage. Thanks to security devices, you can share part of your files on a network and control who sees the information. Most aspects of the program can be protected by user defined passwords. For example, if you wanted to share an employee’s personal details, but not their commissions, you could protect the commission field.

In short, a database manager helps you control the data you have at home, in the library or in your business.

Task 3. Using the information in the text, complete these sentences:

1.A database is used to ……

2.Information is entered on a database via ……

3.With the right database software, you ……

4.Each field holds ……

5.‘Updating’ a file means ……

6.The advantages of a database program over a manual filling system are ......

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7.Access to a database can be protected by a ……

8.A database manager helps …...

Listening

inoculate - to protect a person or an animal from catching a particular disease by injecting them with a mild form of the disease

unattended – automatic

miscellaneous - consisting of many different kinds of things that are not connected and do not easily form a group

Task 4. You will hear a lecture about databases. As you listen, match the words on the left with those on the right:

Task 5. Listen again and fill in the missing information in the table below:

1.Database: electronic _____________________________________

2.Advantages: ___________________________________________

______________________________________________________

4.Main feature of database – ability to ________________________

e.g.___________________________________________________

5.Most programs allow design layout

decide textual display e.g.___________________________________________________

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6.Working database – more than a file

e.g. mail order rare-book business files include ________________

______________________________________________________

7.Relational database – capable of ___________________________

Print-out in form of _____________________________________

Other features of stationery _______________________________

advantage _____________________________________________

______________________________________________________

8.Database programs allow export of data into other programs

e.g. __________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

9.Statistical presentations gt. advantage.

Data illustrated by means of _______________________________

______________________________________________________

Speaking

Task 6. Make up a dialogue:

You are the owner of:

a bookshop

a department storea movie house

Your business is growing and you need a good database system. Discuss the problems you’re facing with a programmer and try to find a solution.

Reading

Task 7. Before reading the text, try to answer the following questions:

1.What is ‘data model’?

2.What approaches to the structuring of a data model do you know? Make a list.

3.What is the difference between these approaches?

Now read the text and check your answers.

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Data Models

Although a database is a single collection of data, the data must appear to be different when viewed from different parts of the database system. Each user of the database must see a set of data suited to the particular application. Furthermore, the logical structure of the data might be different from the way it is physically represented on backing store media.

The way around these problems is the idea of a data model. A data model is the logical structure of the data as it appears at a particular level of the database system. Each user of the database has a different data model.

Structuring the Data Model

The central decision in the design of a database system is the structure of the data model. Almost every other aspect of a database system depends on this structure. Because the database is large, and there are many relationships existing between individual data items, a satisfactory structuring of the data is very difficult to achieve. Objectives of a well structured data model include efficiency of storage, ease of transformation to other models, speed of access to data and ease of modification of the model

Three approaches to the structuring of data models are discussed. These are the hierarchical, network and relational approaches. Historically, these approaches have been developed in this order, with relational databases being the most recent, and rapidly becoming the most popular.

The Hierarchical Approach

The hierarchical approach involves creating a tree structure for the data. Different data items are stored at different levels, with some levels being 'below' others in the tree. The problem with the hierarchical approach is that not all databases fit naturally into a tree structure.

The Network Approach

In an attempt to overcome the rigidity of the hierarchical approach, the network approach to structuring a data model has been developed. In this approach, data items are linked to other data items by pointers, forming a network. Information is extracted by traversing the network in various ways.

The Relational Approach

The relational approach is the newest and most promising method of structuring a data model. Using this approach, the data is presented as a set of tables, each table representing a relationship existing between two or more data items. The model can be transformed by combining relationships via a common data item and deleting unwanted data items.

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The relational data model has the benefits of simplicity of concept, economy of storage, and a wide variety of applications which seem to fit naturally onto its structure. It is being used as the basis of fourth generation software development tools and is likely to be used extensively in fifth generation systems.

Task 8. Look through the text again and answer the questions below:

1.Why is it difficult to achieve a satisfactory structuring of the data?

2.What are the main aims of a well-structured data model?

3.One of the data models has been given the name 'hierarchical' (from 'hierarchy'). What quality or characteristic does it possess that accounts for the name?

4.What feature of the hierarchical approach was the network system designed to overcome?

5.How is data obtained from a network model?

6.How successful is the relational approach said to be?

7.What possibilities are there for the transformation of this model?

8.Mention two qualities possessed by the network data model.

9.Could you make a prediction for the future of the network model?

Speaking

Task 9. Work in pairs and discuss the following:

Suppose a software analyst, while working for a particular company, develops a data organisation that allows for efficient manipulation of that data in a particular application. He or she is then hired by another company and assigned a similar project. Should the analyst be allowed to implement the same data organisation for the second company?

You can use the following phrases:

-to express your personal opinion

In my opinion, ……

I personally believe/ think ……

Not everyone will agree with me, but …… To my mind, ……

-thinking about a problem

In a case like this, ……

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In a situation like this, ……

In this sort of situation, ……

-arguments and counter-arguments

Yes, but ……

Yes, but don’t forget …… Even so, ……

Even if that is so, …… That may be so, but …… Possibly, but ……

Writing

Task 10. Write an argumentative essay (120 – 180 words) summarizing all your ideas in Task 9. Use the information below to help you.

•An argumentative composition is always a formal, impersonal piece of writing in which you are expected to consider a topic from opposing points of view and give a balanced consideration or your opinion. Personal expressions such as I believe or I think should only be used in the final paragraph where you can give your opinion.

•A good argumentative essay (for/against) should consist of:

a)an introduction in which you state topic

b)a main body which consists of two paragraphs. The points for, with your justification, appear in one paragraph and the points against, with your justification, appear in another paragraph.

c)a final paragraph in which you sum up the arguments and give a balanced consideration or your own opinion.

•The use of linking words is absolutely necessary when writing an argumentative composition:

-To introduce points: Firstly/To begin with/In the first place, One point in favour of/against is, etc.

-To add more points: Secondly/What is more/Furthermore/Moreover, etc.

-To make contrasting points: However/On the other hand/Although/In spite of, etc.

-To conclude: To sum up, In conclusion/On balance/All things considered, etc.

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Unit 8. Database Management Systems

Warm-up

Task 1. Try to answer the following questions.

1.What does DBMS stand for?

2.What types of DBMSs from a technical standpoint do you know?

3.What is a relational database?

4.What is a network database?

5.What is a hierarchical database?

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Task 2. Read the text and fill in the gaps using the list of words below.

Database management system is a collection of programs that 1) …… you to store, modify, and extract information from a database. There are many different types of DBMSs, ranging from small systems that run on 2) …… to huge systems that run on mainframes. The following are examples of database 3) ……:

•computerized library systems

•automated teller machines

•flight reservation systems

•computerized parts inventory systems

From a technical standpoint, DBMSs can differ widely. The terms relational, network, flat, and 4) …… all refer to the way a DBMS organizes information internally. The internal organization can affect how quickly and flexibly you can extract information.

Requests for information from a database are made in the form of a 5) ……, which is a stylized question. For example, the query

SELECT ALL WHERE NAME = "SMITH" AND AGE > 35

requests all 6) …… in which the NAME 7) …… is SMITH and the AGE field is greater than 35. The set of rules for constructing queries is known as a 8) ……. Different DBMSs 9) …… different query languages, although there is a semi-standardized query language called SQL (structured query language). Sophisticated languages for managing 10) …… are called fourth-generation languages, or 4GLs for short.

The information from a database can be presented in a variety of 11) ……. Most DBMSs include a 12) …… program that enables you to 13) …… data in the form of a 14) ……. Many DBMSs also include a 15) …… component that enables you to output information in the form of graphs and charts.

Reading

Task 3. Match the terms with their definitions:

Task 4. Before reading the text, try to answer the following questions:

1.How many medical uses of a database can you think of?

2.What is the main function of DBMS?

Now compare your answers with the information in the text.

Database Management Systems

Databases are used within a medical context for many purposes. For example, they are used to hold patient details so they can be accessed from anywhere within a hospital or network of hospitals. With the recent improvements in image compression techniques, X-rays and scan output can also be held in databases and accessed in the same way.

These multi-user databases are managed by a piece of software called a database management system (DBMS). It is this which differentiates a database from an ordinary computer file. Between the physical database itself (i.e. the data as actually stored) and the users of the system is the DBMS. All requests for access to data from users – whether people at terminals or other programs running in batch – are handled by the DBMS.

One general function of the DBMS is the shielding of database users from machine code (in much the same way that COBOL shields programmers from machine code). In other words, the DBMS provides a view of the data that is elevated above the hardware level, and supports user-requests such as “Get the PATIENT record for patient Smith”, written in a high-level language.

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The DBMS also determines the amount and type of information that each user can access from a database. For, example, a surgeon and a hospital administrator will require different views of a database.

When a user wishes to access a database, he makes an access request using a particular data-manipulation language understood by the DBMS. The DBMS receives the request, and checks it for syntax errors. The DBMS then inspects, in turn, the external schema, the conceptual schema, and the mapping between the conceptual schema and the internal schema. It then performs the necessary operations on the stored data.

In general, fields may be required from several logical tables of data held in the database. Each logical record occurrence may, in turn, require data from more than one physical record held in the actual database. The DBMS must retrieve each of the required physical records and construct the logical view of the data requested by the user. In this way, users are protected from having to know anything about the physical layout of the database, which may be altered, say, for performance reasons, without the users having their logical view of the data structures altered.

Task 5. The steps below show how a DBMS deals with an access request. Find the relevant section in the text, and then put the steps in the correct order.

The DBMS:

1.inspects the mapping between the conceptual schema and the internal schema

2.checks for syntax errors

3.inspects the external schema

4.receives the request

5.performs operations on the stored data

6.inspects the conceptual schema

Speaking

Task 6. The diagram below represents a simplified database. In pairs, use the diagram to explain to your partner the following:

Student A: what a DBMS is and how it works

Student B: how an access request is processed

Try not to refer to the text. Use your own words.

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Database management system (DBMS)

Listening

Task 7. Listen to this extract from a programme called Science Made Simple, in which a hospital administrator answers questions about the hospital database. As you listen, choose the correct answer for each question.

1.How many characters of stored information are generated each year by the database at Grovemount Hospital?

a)More than 500,000.

b)More than 50,000,000.

c)More than 500,000,000.

d)More than 500,000,000,000.

2.What is not mentioned in the recording about the database at Grovemount Hospital?

a)Medical treatment.

b)Laboratory reports.

c)Drugs and supplies.

d)Staff records.

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3.How is the database organized?

a)Like all other databases.

b)Like any hospital database.

c)Differently from any other database.

4.How is information on patient stored?

a)Each patient has a named file.

b)Each patient has a record.

c)Each patient has a number of records within a personal file.

5.The file called PATIENT does not contain:

a)National Health Service number.

b)A unique identifier.

c)Date of birth.

6.What do fixed-format records contain?

a)Types of data that cannot be changed.

b)A long string of text.

c)Different types of data stored separately.

7.What happens when two people try to access the same data at the same time?

a)The database management system cancels both queries.

b)One user has to wait until the other has finished.

c)The Database Manager processes both queries at the same time and updates the database accordingly.

Task 8. Read the extract from the tapescript and fill in each gap with an appropriate word.

INTERVIEWER: I see. Now, can you tell us what happens when the database is 1) __________?

ALEX COLLINS: Yes. Each 2) __________ 3) __________ is called a transaction. When a transaction enters the system for processing, the computer must 4) __________ related data from the database. At the end of the processing, the computer stores 5) __________ data to reflect the changes caused by the transaction.

INTERVIEWER: Could you give an example?

ALEX COLLINS: Yes, of course. Each time a patient is admitted to the hospital, the database must be updated to show his or her details. This is

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obvious. However, the database must also be updated to show that there is one less bed 6) __________. This will, in turn, affect summary 7)

__________ data, such as bed 8) __________ for the month, and so on. INTERVIEWER: OK. But you have lots of different people accessing the database at the same time, don’t you?

ALEX COLLINS: It’s a 9) __________ system, yes.

INTERVIEWER: Right. But what happens if two people access the same data at 10) __________ the same time?

ALEX COLLINS: It can’t happen. In that situation, the database management system would 11) __________ access to one of the 12)

__________ only.

Now listen again and compare your answers.

Speaking

Task 9. Work in pairs and both look at the pictures on pages 107 and 108.

1.Student A: You should talk about the pictures on page 107. They show different ways of storing information. You should

a)describe the similarities and differences between them, and

b)comment on the changes that have taken place since the first database system was developed. Talk about various uses of a

database. You have about one minute.

Student B: When Student A has finished, comment on what he/she has said. Say if you agree or disagree.

2.Student B: You should talk about the pictures on page 107. They each show a way of finding the required information.

a)compare and contrast them, and

b)comment on what life would be like if there were not database management systems. Talk about different types of DBMS. You

have about one minute.

Student A: When Student B has finished, comment on what he/she has said. Say if you agree or disagree.

Writing

Task 10. Write an argumentative essay (120 – 180 words) on the topic below. Use the information in Unit 7 (Task 10, p. 56) to help you.

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In the USA, DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) records of all federal prisoners are now stored in a database for use in criminal investigations. Would it be ethical to release this information for other purposes, e.g. for genetic research? If so, for what purposes? If not, why not?

Translation

Task 11. Translate the following text into English.

Системы управления базами данных.

Базами данных называют огромные массивы данных, организованных в табличные структуры. Основными функциями систем управления базами данных являются:

•создание пустой (незаполненной) структуры базы данных;

•предоставление средств ее заполнения или импорта данных из таблиц другой базы:

•обеспечение возможности доступа к данным, а также предоставление средств поиска и фильтрации.

Многие системы управления базами данных дополнительно предоставляют возможности проведения простейшего анализа данных и их обработки. В результате возможно создание новых таблиц баз данных на основе имеющихся. В связи с широким распространением сетевых технологий к современным системам управления базами данных предъявляется также требование возможности работы с удаленными и распределенными ресурсами, находящимися на серверах всемирной компьютерной сети.

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Unit 9. Graphical User Interface

Warm-up

Task 1. Answer the following questions:

1.What does the GUI stand for?

2.How do you pronounce this abbreviation?

3.What is special about a GUI? Why were GUIs developed?

4.What common features of the GUI do you know? Can you make a list of them?

5.Why the GUI is popular among users? Give reasons.

6.What other types of user interface do you know? What are their character features?

Reading

Task 2. Read the text and compare your answers in Task 1:

Abbreviated GUI (pronounced GOO-ee). A program interface that takes advantage of the computer's graphics capabilities to make the program easier to use. Well-designed graphical user interfaces can free the user from learning complex command languages. On the other hand, many users find that they work more effectively with a command-driven interface, especially if they already know the command language.

Graphical user interfaces, such as Microsoft Windows and the one used by the Apple Macintosh, feature the following basic components:

•pointer: a symbol that appears on the display screen and that you move to select objects and commands. Usually, the pointer appears as a small angled arrow. Text-processing applications, however, use an I-beam pointer that is shaped like a capital I.

•pointing device: a device, such as a mouse or trackball, that enables you to select objects on the display screen.

•icons: small pictures that represent commands, files, or windows. By moving the pointer to the icon and pressing a mouse button, you can execute a command or convert the icon into a window. You can also move the icons around the display screen as if they were real objects on your desk.

•desktop: the area on the display screen where icons are grouped is often referred to as the desktop because the icons are intended to represent real objects on a real desktop.

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•windows: you can divide the screen into different areas. In each window, you can run a different program or display a different file. You can move windows around the display screen, and change their shape and size at will.

•menus: most graphical user interfaces let you execute commands by selecting a choice from a menu.

The first graphical user interface was designed by Xerox Corporation's Palo Alto Research Center in the 1970s, but it was not until the 1980s and the emergence of the Apple Macintosh that graphical user interfaces became popular. One reason for their slow acceptance was the fact that they require considerable CPU power and a high-quality monitor, which until recently were prohibitively expensive.

In addition to their visual components, graphical user interfaces also make it easier to move data from one application to another. A true GUI includes standard formats for representing text and graphics. Because the formats are well-defined, different programs that run under a common GUI can share data. This makes it possible, for example, to copy a graph created by a spreadsheet program into a document created by a word processor.

Many DOS programs include some features of GUIs, such as menus, but are not graphics based. Such interfaces are sometimes called graphical character-based user interfaces to distinguish them from true GUIs.

Listening

Task 3. You are going to hear a lecture about graphical user interfaces. Listen carefully and decide whether the following statements are true (T) or false (F) in relation to the information in the recording.

1.Some time ago only experts could use computers.

2.If you want to use a program easily, a good user interface is critical.

3.You have to memorize commands in order to execute an application.

4.From the first, Macintosh computers had a user-friendly interface based on graphics and intuitive tools.

5.WIMP stands for Windows, Image, Mouse and Pointer.

6.The creation of applications with a high level of consistency is impossible.

7.You can launch the desired program by clicking its icon.

8.GUIs stimulate users to be more creative and productive.

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Task 4. Read the extract from the tapescript and fill in each gap with an appropriate word.

Today, the most 1) __________ GUIs are the Macintosh, Microsoft Windows and IBM OS/2 Warp. These three platforms include similar 2) __________: a desktop with icons, windows and 3) __________, a printer selector, a file 4)

__________, a control panel and various desk 5) __________. Doubleclicking a folder opens a window which contains programs, documents or further nested folders. At any time within a folder, you can 6) __________ the desired program or document by 7) __________ the icon, or you can 8)

__________ it to another location.

The three 9) __________ differ in other areas such as device installation, network 10) __________ or compatibility with application programs.

Task 5. Study this diagram of a graphical user interface. Identify these features:

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9.ALT + PRINT SCREEN lets you ………… (copy) an image of an active window to the Clipboard.

10.Trackball enables you ………… (select) objects on the display screen.

11.Most graphical user interfaces let you ………… (execute) commands by selecting a choice from a menu.

12.Computer graphics help users ………… (understand) complex information quickly by presenting it in a clear visual form.

Task 7. Describe the function of these features using ‘enabling’ verbs:

Speaking

Task 8. Work in groups. Complete the questionnaire for yourself. Then take turns in your group to explain how to perform each of these actions. You may need these verbs:

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Writing

Task 9. Study these instructions for moving a file from one folder to another using Windows Explorer. Then write your own instructions for one of the actions in Task 7.

To move a file

1If you want to move a file that was saved in a different folder, locate and open the folder.

2Right-click the file you want to move; then click Cut on the shortcut menu.

3Locate and open the folder where you want to put the file.

4Right-click the folder; then click Paste on the shortcut menu.

Word-play

Task 10. Solve the crossword puzzle using the clues below.

Across

1.a list of options displayed on a computer screen

2.drag and ……

3.a set of instructions written in a computer language that control the behaviour of a computer

4.a label that appear on the screen when the user holds the mouse pointer over an icon in a Microsoft Windows system

5.the hardware or software that connects two systems and allows them to communicate with each other

6.a Microsoft Windows desktop component that indicates what programs are currently being used and allows the user to switch between them

7.using light for reading or storing information

8.the main output device used to display the output from a computer on a screen

9.to move data from one location to another with a mouse

10.to press and release the button on a mouse

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Down

1.the main graphical user interface background screen that dislays icons for other programs

2.optical …… recognition

3.an arrow-shaped cursor

4.the act of identifying what something is

5.a computer program designed to be used for a particular purpose

6.the layout of a document including page numbers, line spaces, margins, paragraph alignment, headers and footers, etc.

7.a stationary device that works like a mouse turned upside down

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Task 11. Translate the following text into English. You may use the dictionary if it is necessary.

Графический интерфейс пользователя

Графический интерфейс пользователя в вычислительной технике - система средств для взаимодействия пользователя с компьютером, основанная на представлении всех доступных пользователю системных объектов и функций в виде графических компонентов экрана (окон, значков, меню, кнопок, списков и т. п.). При этом, в отличие от интерфейса командной строки, пользователь имеет произвольный доступ (с помощью клавиатуры или устройства координатного ввода — вроде мыши) ко всем видимым экранным объектам.

Комбинация монитора и мыши обеспечивает наиболее современный тип интерфейса пользователя. Пользователь наблюдает на экране графические объекты и элементы управления. С помощью мыши он изменяет свойства объектов и приводит в действие элементы управления компьютерной системы, а с помощью монитора получает от нее отклик в графическом виде.

Впервые концепция графического интерфейса пользователя (ГИП) была предложена учеными из исследовательской лаборатории Xerox PARC в 1970-х, но получила коммерческое воплощение лишь в продуктах корпорации Apple Computer. В настоящее время ГИП является стандартной составляющей большинства доступных на рынке операционных систем и приложений.

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Unit 10. User Interface Guidelines

Warm-up

Task 1. Look at the pictures A and B below and discuss these questions:

1.What is a user interface?

2.What types of user interfaces do you know? What is the difference between them?

3.Can you define what type the two interfaces (pictures A and B) below belong to?

4.Can you think of any basic principles to design a user interface? Make a list.

A.

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