3. Read and translate the text: the software and the hardware

Because of extraordinary technological development during the past decades, the term computer is becoming a household word. Computer applications have expanded to such breadth that the computer is now an integral part of virtually every type of business and industrial enterprise.

The number of electronic computers used in any given field of human activity is sometimes believed to indicate the degree of its modernity. For example, the more computers scientific institute uses the more modern it is believed to be. It is not always born in mind, however, that computers alone represent only what is called the hardware, i.e. the machinery together with its subtle technical and logical design. In order that the hardware may be used effectively, another essential factor is needed: the so-called software or applied thoughts. The preparation of computer programs, the working out of the logical aspects of material to be manipulated in a computer, takes up as much, if not more, time as the actual production of the hardware and is by no mean easier. The software, as most intangible product, is not always capable of being readily evaluated. This, however, does not change the fact it is at least as decisive as the hardware in obtaining solutions to concrete scientific and technological problems.

There are two basic types of electronic computers: digital and analogue. Each type has its users in various fields. However, they have one thing in common: for their effective operation they require ingeniously thought-out software.

4. Translate into Ukrainian:

household word; computer application; expand to such breadth; industrial enterprise; the degree of modernity; hardware; software; subtle design; working out; intangible product; to be evaluated; require.

5. Say whether these statements are true or false. If some of them are false, give your version using the following expressions:

I disagree; to my mind; in my opinion; as far as I know; I think; it’s absolutely wrong; etc.

1. During the last time the term computer is becoming a household word.

2. Computers used only in research institutes.

3. The more computers scientific institute use the more modern it is believed to be.

4. Software is the machinery together with its subtle technical and logical design.

5. Hardware is the computer program or applied thoughts.

6. Software is an intangible product.

7. Only digital computers require ingeniously thought-out software.

6. Put questions to the words in bold type:

1. Electronic computers owe their birth to the discoveries of many scientists.

2. When computer sort, add, rearrange, or otherwise manipulate information, that’s called data processing.

3. One of the features that makes computers unique is that they can store information.

4. Computers store data in electronic circuits.

5. The data stored in a computer memory can be recalled, erased, or changed.

6. A microprocessor “brain” and electronic memory are the two most important parts of a computer.

7. Data comes from Latin and originally meant “something given”.