PERSONAL COMPUTER

A personal computer is a small computer based on a micro­processor; it is a microcomputer. Not all microcomputers, however, are personal computers. A microcomputer can be dedicated to a single task such as controlling a machine tool or metering the injection of fuel into an automobile engine; it can be a word processor, a video game or a "pocket comput­er". That is not quite a personal computer. A personal computer is some­thing different. It is a stand-alone computer that puts a wide array of capabilities at the disposal of an individual.

The personal-computer market can be divided into four segments: business, home, science and education. The busi­ness segment is becoming the largest one. The home-computer segment utilizes most of the units for recreation (primarily for playing video games) but they also serve as powerful educational aids for children, as word processors, electronic mes­sage centers and personal-finance tools. A broad range of new applications will be made possible by software now under development. Computers intended for scientific and other technical applications tend to be more powerful than other personal computers. The education segment is potentially very large. Computer-assisted instruction involves the student in a lively interaction with subject matter in almost any field of study and allows the individual to proceed at his own pace.

The ability to work with a computer is coming to be considered a necessary basic skill and even some programming ability may soon be required in many occupations; clearly the place to acquire such skills is in elementary and secondary school.

TASKS

1. Give Russian equivalents of the following words and transcribe them:

1. micro­processor (n.)

2. microcomputer (n.)

3. control (v.)

4. machine (n.)

5. fuel (n.)

6. automobile (n.)

7. engine (n.)

8. capability (n.)

9. segment (n)

10.utilize (v.)

11. message (n.)

12. finance (n.)

13. interaction (n.)

3. Divide the verbs into three groups according to the reading of the ending –ed: [t], [d], [id]

based, dedicated, controlled, divided, utilized, served, intended, involved, allowed, proceeded, worked, considered, required, acquired.

4. Read and translate the text.

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Date: 2015-01-02; view: 1275