II. Use the following sentences in the negative and interrogative forms:

1. The results of computations were recorded in the form of tables.

2. Computers are divided into three main types depending on their size and power.

3. The instructions in the user’s program are examined by the Control Unit.

4. The program will be written in three days.

5. Minicomputers have been made possible by the development of integrated circuits.

III. Ask special questions:

1. The concept of the stored program was worked out by John von Neuman in 1945.

2. Almost every profession is deeply affected by the computer revolution.

3. A permanent storage of both data and programs is provided by storage devices.

4. His book on programming languages will be translated into English and German.

IV. Paraphrase the following sentences using the Passive Voice. Give two variants if possible:

1. The famous Russian scientist M.V. Lomonosov compiled a lot of calculating tables.

2. Storage devices provide a permanent storage of both data and programs.

3. W. Oughtred constructed the first slide-ruler in 1630.

4. They have shown us new computer classes.

5. They explained him how to solve this problem.

V. Open the brackets. Use the proper form of the verb:

1. A new model of the printer (to be shown) tomorrow.

2. The concept of the stored program (to be worked out) by J. Neuman in 1945.

3. The constituent parts of the computer (to be called) hardware.

4. A new program (to be compiled) when you called.

5. Your information (to be sent) by e-mail now.

6. Microcomputers (to be applied) since the 1970s.

7. In the first generation, the central processor (to be built) from electronic valves which were rather unreliable.

VI. Make up sentences using the Passive Voice:

1. The mouse – to design – to slide – around – your – desktop.

2. The first – transistors – to use – 1959.

3. The information – to store – already – registers.

4. Calculating tables – to compile – next week.

5. The problems – artificial intelligence – to discuss – widely – all over the world.

6. Minicomputers – usually – to find – banks – offices.

VII. Translate into English:

1. Данная статья была написана в прошлом месяце.

2. Арифмометр был изобретен П.Л. Чебышевым в 1882 году.

3. Сейчас в нашей лаборатории проводится интересный эксперимент. Я думаю, что он будет закончен к концу недели.

4. Сегодня много говорят о лазерных принтерах.

5. Эту информацию представляют с помощью бинарной системы.

6. В каком году был разработан Бейсик?

7. Когда будет переведена эта статья?

Section CReading

I. Nowadays our lives can’t be imagined without computers. What is a computer? Give your own explanation and compare your definition with the one given in paragraph 1.

II. Skim the text and name three general types of computers.

III. Study the following words and word combinations and make sure you know their translations. Use a specialized dictionary in case of any difficulties.

to process data

sequence of instructions

discrete form

digit

binary code

to store instructions

to perform a task

to utilize

IV. State the type of word-building of the following words and translate them into Russian.

computer, various, unlike, to rearrange, conversion, representation, to misunderstand, continuously

V. Read the text attentively and learn the advantages and disadvantages of 3 computer types.

5 10 15 20 25

Computer is any of various automatic electronic devices that solve problems by processing data according to a prescribed sequence of instructions. Such devices are of three general types: analog, digital and hybrid. They differ from one another in terms of operating principle, equipment design, and application. Unlike the analog computer, which operates on continuous variables, the digital computer works with data in discrete form -- i.e. expressed directly as the digits of the binary code. It counts, lists, compares, and rearranges these binary digits, or bits, of data in accordance with very detailed program instructions stored within its memory. The results of these arithmetic and logic operations are translated into characters, numbers, and symbols that can be easily understood by the human operator or into signals intelligible to a machine controlled by the computer. Digital computers can be programmed to perform a host of varied tasks. The hybrid computer combines the characteristics and advantages of analog and digital systems; it offers greater precision than the former and more control capability than the latter. Equipped with special conversion devices, it utilizes both analog and discrete representation of data. In recent years hybrid systems have been used in simulation studies of nuclear-power plants, guided-missile systems, and spacecraft, in which a close representation of a dynamic system is essential.