Английский для пользователей компьютеров. Методические указания. Часть 1

МИНИСТЕРСТВО ОБРАЗОВАНИЯ РОССИЙСКОЙ ФЕДЕРАЦИИ ПЕНЗЕНСКИЙ ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ УНИВЕРСИТЕТ

Английский для пользователей компьютеров Методические указания

Пенза 2001

УДК 801.316.4 ББК 81.2-3 А64 Методические указания (часть 1) содержат материал для дистанционного обучения английскому языку студентов 2-3-го курса ФВТ, ФАИТ и ПСФ. Предлагаются творческие задания, рассчитанные на самостоятельную работу и представленные в программируемой форме. Задания могут быть использованы и для традиционной формы обучения. Предусмотрены ключи для самоконтроля. Методические указания разработаны на кафедре "Системы автоматизации проектирования" при участии кафедры "Иностранные языки" и предназначены для студентов специальностей 22.03.00, 22.01.00, 22.04.00, 06.13.00, 01.02.00, 21.01.00, 21.03.00. Библиогр. 7 назв. С о с т а в и т е л и : М. Л. Белобородова, Т. А. Макурина. Р е ц е н з е н т И. Л. Сергиевская, заведующая кафедрой “Иностранные языки” Пензенского артиллерийского инженерного института, кандидат педагогических наук, доцент.

Введение Настоящие методические указания предназначены для дистанционного обучения английскому языку студентов информационных специальностей. Они содержат базовые тексты и основные задания диалоговых обучающих программ (ДОП), вошедших в состав «управляющего» модуля виртуального учебного пособия под общим названием «Компьютеры». Реализация модуля предусмотрена на 2-ом этапе дистанционного обучения. Последовательная проработка заданий модуля дает возможность студентам 1) приобрести навыки самостоятельного перевода текстов по специальности, получая своевременную помощь, предусмотренную алгоритмом ДОП; 2) научиться использовать фоновые знания по специальности для принятия адекватного решения в заданной языковой ситуации; 3) приобрести навыки моделирования кратких устных и письменных сообщений по содержанию изученного материала.

UNIT 1 Power Tool for an Information Age Computers are the backbone of modern business. That is why computer literacy, that is the need to know how to input, process, store, and output data and information, has become increasingly relevant to anyone who plans to enter the business environment. Your survival in the business world of today and tomorrow depends more and more on how well you understand what a computer is, how it works, and what it can be used for. A computer system has five components: hardware, software, people, procedures, and data/information. Data comprises the unevaluated facts, concepts, or instructions processed by the computer to output information, the useful product of processing. Information is used to make decisions. People have always been extremely important to the functioning of a computer system. In the past, when computers weren't so commonplace in business, many people were able to ignore them. Today, however, it is much more difficult to avoid becoming part of a computer system. Hardware is the actual computer equipment; it has no capabilities of its own. The equipment must be used with software, the instructions that tell the computer what to do. Software is written by people. Systems software comprises the general instructions that tell the computer how to operate; applications software comprises the specific business-task-related instructions that help a user get his or her job done. Procedures are represented by documentation such as users' manuals, which tell users how to proceed. Connectivity—how separate computer systems are connected—can become a sixth component of a computer system. Computers are generally classified into one of four categories, based on seven factors: 1. Type of CPU 2. Amount of main memory the CPU can use 3. Storage capacity 4. Speed of output devices 5. Processing speed 6. Number of users that can access the computer at one time 7. Cost The smallest, slowest, and least expensive computer is the microcomputer, followed by the minicomputer, the mainframe computer, and the supercomputer.

Knowledge of a microcomputer is especially relevant for people in business today. The microcomputer's three basic hardware components are the keyboard, the monitor, and the system unit. The system unit comprises the power supply, the system board, and some storage devices such as diskette (floppy disk) drives, and a hard disk drive. Business has seen many improvements in the area of data processing since the introduction of computers. Now, data can be collected more easily, processed with much greater speed, and manipulated over and over again with ease; besides, calculations are performed not only faster but usually with greater accuracy, producing output in more usable forms. Significant progress has been made in making the computer easier to use by everyone. The impact of the computer on society can be felt in every area, including business, government, law, medicine, sports, entertainment, industry, agriculture, science, and the home. BE SURE THAT YOU UNDERSTAND THE MEANING OF THE KEY TERMS: сompatibility computer literacy connectivity mainframe computer main memory microcomputer minicomputer motherboard nonvolatile RGB (color) monitor softcopy system board system unit EXERCISES

1. Match the following words with their synonyms marked in the text with bold type: handled, includes, important, effect, basis, precision, ordinary, work on, elements.

2. Match each of the following terms to the phrase that is the most closely related: 1. data processing, 2. connectivity, 3. keyboard, 4. software package, 5. applications software, 6. documentation, 7. information, 8. system unit, 9. computer, 10. RGB (colour) monitor 11. user, 12. nonvolatile, 13. monochrome monitor, 14. data, 15. computer literacy a. Someone who does not necessarily have much technical knowledge about computers but who makes decisions based on information processed by the computer. b. Equipment made up of a combination of electronic and electromechanical components that uses software to process data c. Raw, unevaluated facts d. The product of data processing e. Most common type of input device used with computers f. Two or more computer systems being able to communicate; sixth element of a computer system. g. Said of data that is not lost when the power is turned off. h. A basic understanding of what a computer is and how it can be used as a resource. i. Output device that displays one color on a solid background. j. Processing of data into information.

k. Explains to users how to use software. l. Output device that can display text and graphics in a variety of colours. m. Main computer system cabinet where the power supply, system board, and some storage devices are housed n. Any collection of related programs to be carried out by the computer to satisfy a user's specific needs o. Term often used to describe software acquired to perform a general business function. 3 Choose the most suitable answer: 1. . … is the product of data processing. a. data b. information c. software d. a computer e. none of the above 2. The most common input device used today is the … . a. motherboard b. central processing unit c. keyboard d. system unit e. semiconductor 3. Software instructions intended to satisfy a user's specific processing needs are called … . a. systems software b. a microcomputer c. documentation d. applications software e. all of the above 4. Which of the following isn't a factor when categorizing a computer? a. amount of main memory the CPU can use b. capacity of the storage devices c. cost of the system d. where it was purchased e. speed of the output devices 5. Which of the following is the most powerful type of computer?

a. supermicro b. superconductor c. microcomputer d. supercomputer e. megaframe 6. Which of the following terms is related to a monitor? a. screen b. monochrome monitor c. RGB monitor d. video display e. all of the above 7. Which kind of storage device can be carried around? a. hard disk b. system cabinet c. diskette d. main memory e. motherboard 8. Which of the following people probably has the least amount of technical knowledge? a. programmer b. user c. systems analyst d. computer operator e. computer professional 9. Which of the following terms applies to communication between separate computer systems? a. computer literacy b. power supply c. applications software d. connectivity e. none of the above 4. Write answers to the questions: 1. What does it mean to be computer literate? 2. What does it mean to be a computer professional? 3. What are the three factors used to categorize a computer (as a microcomputer, minicomputer, mainframe, supercomputer)?

4. Why do you think many companies spend a lot of money training their employees how to use computers? 5. What is the meaning of the term connectivity? 6. Recollect the main characteristics of the first generation of computers. 7. Why is it better to have more main memory rather than less? 8. Briefly define hardware and software. 9. What is the purpose of output hardware? 10. What are a few ways that people affect computer operations? 5. Discussion: 1. Speak about the types of computers used where you work or go to school. Are microcomputers, minicomputers, mainframes, or all types being used? What are they being used for? 2. Look in a local newspaper if many current jobs require applicants to be familiar with using computers. What types of experience are required? If you were now looking for a job, which types of experience would you want to have? 6. Essays: Most people interact with a computer several times a day. Write a short report about how computers (all types) are being used around you. For example, have you ever used an automatic teller machine? Have you seen someone use a supermarket scanner? During the course of a few days, take note of how you see computers being used. In the examples you give, describe why you think a computer is used.

UNIT 2 The Computer-Based Information System A computer-based information system involves collecting data (input), processing it into information, and storing the information for future reference and output. The system, as you remember, has five basic components—hardware, software, people, procedures, and data/information—and four major phases of activity— input, processing, output, and storage. People are most directly involved during the input and output phases.

Each organization has different processing requirements, depending on the nature of its business and activities and how quickly the data needs to be processed. To accommodate these differing needs, the computer-based information system can be designed to use one or both of two basic types of processing approaches: batch and on-line. These approaches differ in terms of the methods for collecting the data for input, the amount of time that passes between data input and actual processing, and the speed with which the output is produced. In the batch approach, data recorded manually on source documents is gathered together in batches and input all at one time. In the on-line approach, data is input immediately, on a case-by-case basis, and is processed immediately. On-line processing used for immediate decision making is often called real-time processing. In many organizations, we can see a direct relationship between computer-related functions and management's organizational philosophy. As a result, organizations set up their computer facilities differently, using either a centralized, decentralized, or distributed computer facility. A centralized computer facility has all its equipment in one location. This equipment serves all the company's departments. A decentralized facility has separate computer equipment for each department in the company. A distributed facility combines aspects of both the centralized and the decentralized facilities: users have microcomputers with communication programs so that they may switch to the main computer from time to time. They have the choice of working independently or with the central computer. BE SURE THAT YOU UNDERSTAND THE MEANING OF THE KEY TERMS: batch batch entry case-by-case basis centralized computer facility computer-based information system decentralized computer facilities distributed computer facility on-line EXERCISES

1. Match the following words with their synonyms marked in the text with bold type: install, from the viewpoint of, various, by hand, place, on their own, retrieval, original, to reconcile, operation. 2. Match each of the following terms to the phrase that is the most closely related: 1. processing phase, 2. source document, 3. on-line processing, 4. computerbased information system, 5. centralized computer facility, 6. output phase, 7. input phase, 8. transaction file, 9. batch, 10. decentralized computer facility, 11. batch processing, 12. distributed computer facility. a. This type of computer facility provides support to all departments in a company. b. Data is "captured" and converted to a form that can be processed by a computer. c. All the number and character manipulation activities are done that are necessary to convert data into an appropriate form of information. d. A combination of centralized and decentralized computer facilities. e. The user is provided with all the necessary information to perform and manage day-to-day business activities as well as tactical and strategic planning. f. A system in which the user is typically concerned with collecting data, processing it into information, and storing it for future reference. g. Each department has a separate computer facility to satisfy its processing needs. h. With this approach to processing, data is input immediately, on a case-by-case basis. i. An order form from which input data is collected j. Data is collected from source documents into groups and then forwarded to a data-entry person or group who is responsible for keying it into computer-usable form. k. A group l. A temporary storage file 3. Choose the most suitable answer: 1. People typically interface with a computer-based system when: a. information must be output b. data must be input c. information must be reviewed

d. the computer needs a direction (or instruction) in order to process data e. all of the above 2. The following typically happens in the output phase of a computer-based information system: a. Data is put into the computer for processing. b. Information is produced in hardcopy and/or softcopy form. c. Mathematical calculations are performed. d. The computer is turned off. e. all of the above 3. Which of the following best describes a computer-based information system? a. a system in which a computer is used to turn data into information b. inputting data c. processing data d. performing complex mathematical calculations e. data is put into the computer for processing 4. Which of the following is an example of processing activities? a. classifying b. summarizing c. performing calculations d. sorting e. all of the above 5. Which of the following pieces of hardware is used the most in the input phase of a computer-based information system? a. printer b. diskette c. monitor d. keyboard e. main memory 6. Which of the following statements best describes the batch method of input? a. Data is processed as soon as it is input. b. Data is input at the time it is collected. c. Data is collected in the form of source documents, placed into groups, and then input to the computer. d. Source documents aren't used. e. none of the above 7. Which of the following might occur when an organization uses on-line processing?

a. b. c. d. e.

Data is acted on immediately. Master files are updated immediately. Output is produced without delay. All related files are updated. all of the above

8. The principal advantage of the centralized approach to organizing a computer facility is: a. cost-effective b. processing activities are easier to coordinate c. processing activities are easier to control d. processing standards can be enforced e. all of the above 9. Which of the following isn't a type of computer facility? a. decentralized b. centralized c. de-distributed d. distributed e. none of the above 10. Which of the following is used in the storage phase of a computer-based information system? a. magnetic tape b. keyboard c. diskette d. hard disk e. all of the above 4. Write answers to the questions:: 1. Are computers always required to turn data into information? Explain your point. 2. During which phases of a computer-based information system are users typically involved? 3. What are the five components of a computer-based information system? 4. What are the advantages of the distributed approach to organizing a computer facility? 5. What are some of the different activities computers enable users to perform easily? Can these same tasks be performed without a computer? If so, why do you think computers are often used?

6. How does batch processing differ from on-line processing? 7. What is the function of a computer facility within an organization? Describe briefly three different methods of organizing a computer facility. 5. Discussion: Determine how the computer facility at your school, work, or other business is organized. Who decided how to organize it? Does it meet the needs of the users? How does it use batch and/or on-line processing? Are there differing opinions relating to the effectiveness of the facility? Why? Why not? Conduct a minimum of two informal interviews. 6. Essays: Interview a systems analyst — a computer professional who specializes in setting up computer-based information systems — or a student specializing in systems analysis and design. Find out the many ways in which users' needs and ability to communicate affect the computer system they apply. Report your findings in an essay.

UNIT 3 Input Hardware Input hardware can be broken down into two main categories: keyboard-based and direct-entry. The keyboard, which comes in many shapes and sizes, is probably the most widely used mechanism for entering data into a computer-usable form. Many of its keys resemble typewriter keys; however, it also has special-function keys and special-purpose keys (to issue commands, among other things), cursormovement keys, and numeric keys (to enter numbers). Terminals are often used for data input. They usually consist of a keyboard, video display screen, and a communications link to a main computer. Terminals can be dumb, smart, or intelligent. A dumb terminal is used only to input data; it cannot do any processing on its own. A smart computer is used to input data, but it also has some limited processing capabilities. An intelligent computer can input and receive data as well as do its own processing. Common types of terminals are the

point-of-sale (POS) terminal, the financial transaction terminal, the executive workstation, and the microcomputer used as a terminal. Data is also input using dedicated data entry systems such as key-to-tape and key-to-disk. These systems do nothing but input and store data. Direct-entry input devices do not use a keyboard. Popular direct-entry data input devices today include: (1) card readers for microcomputer systems, (2) scanning devices and fax machines, (3) bar code readers, (4) optical mark readers, (5) MICR (magnetic-ink character recognition readers), (6) smart cards, (7) voice input devices, and (8) light pens, mice, touch screens, and digitizers (sometimes called pointing devices). Most data that is input into a computer-usable form is not processed immediately; instead it is held on storage media until needed for processing. These media include paper and magnetic tape and disk — magnetic media being the most widely used today. Punched cards and paper tape were the first paper-based input media, but they are not used much anymore. Today, specialized input devices are being used frequently to read data recorded by hand, typed, or typeset on paper documents. The conversion of data into a computer-usable form is a vital part of a computerbased information system. Input control procedures are needed to safeguard the data's integrity and to ensure the production of complete and accurate information. BE SURE THAT YOU UNDERSTAND THE MEANING OF THE KEY TERMS: bar code dedicated data entry function keys key-to-disk key-to-tape optical mark smart touch screen EXERCISES

1. Suggest the Russian equivalents to the following terms. Consult dictionaries, or specialists, if necessary: bar code reader, executive desktop, workstation, financial transaction integrated workstation, fax machine, intelligent termina, keypunch machine, light pen, magnetic-ink character recognition (MICR), optical character recognition (OCR),

optical mark reader (OMR), point-of-sale (POS) terminal, voice input device, voice recognition system 2. Match the following words with their synonyms marked in the text with bold type: kept, specialized, often, look like, changing, usual (2), to input, instruction, basic. 3. Match each of the following terms to the phrase that is the most closely related: 1. bar code reader, 2. cursor, 3. keyboard, 4. input controls, 5. dumb terminal, 6. executive workstation, 7. digitizer, 8. fax machine, 9. dedicated data entry system, 10. intelligent terminal, 11. card reader, 12. magnetic-ink character, 13. touch screen, 14. mouse, 15. portable terminal a. Type of scanner that "reads" text and graphics and transmits them over telephone lines. b. A user can carry this to hook up to a central computer from a remote location c. Terminal that can input and receive data, as well as allow users to edit and process data d. Input component entirely dependent for all of its capabilities on the computer system to which it is connected e. Group of terminals connected to a main computer that do nothing but input and store data, using tape or disk f. Hardware device that reads the holes in punched cards'and transfers the appropriate signals as input to the computer g. Allows the user to touch hardware to instruct the computer to perform specialized tasks h. Hand-held input device that is rolled across the desktop to move the cursor on the screen i. Specialized input device often used for mapmaking j. Input devices used to read the data stored in the form of magnetic bars into a computer k. Sophisticated electromechanical component designed to create special standardized electronic codes when a key is pressed I. This appears on the video display to mark where the next character will be positioned after it is typed in m. Safeguards used to ensure that data has been accurately input to the computer system n. Technology used by banks to keep track of data stored on the large volumes of checks that are input daily

o. Terminal that typically includes desk-management, communications, and dataprocessing capabilities. 4. Choose the most suitable answer: 1. Which of the following is considered a direct-entry input device? a. optical scanner b. mouse c. light pen d. digitizer e. all of the above 2. Which of the following types of input media is used much less now than in the 1960s? a. hard disk b. punched cards c. magnetic tape d. floppy disk e. all of the above 3. Which of the following is required when more than one person uses a central computer at the same time? a. terminal b. light pen c. digitizer d. mouse e. none of the above 4. Which of the following typically uses a keyboard for input? a. desktop terminal b. point-of-sale terminal c. financial transaction terminal d. executive workstation e. all of the above 5. Which of the following types of terminals is entirely dependent for all its capabilities on the computer system to which it is connected? a. smart terminal b. dumb terminal c. microcomputer d. intelligent terminal

e. none of the above 6. Which of the following is an advantage of magnetic input media? a. high speed b. flexibility in accessing data c. low cost d. reusability e. all of the above 7. Which of the following is used only for data entry and storage, and never for processing? a. mouse b. dumb terminal c. microcomputer d. dedicated data entry system e. all of the above 8. Which of the following are often used to ensure that data has been accurately input to the computer? a. keyboards b. light pens c. digitizers d. input controls e. none of the above 9. Which of the following is not a direct-entry input device? a. keyboard b. light pen c. digitizer d. optical scanner e. none of the above 10. Which of the following would you most likely use at home as well as in the office connected to a central computer? a. dumb terminal b. point-of-sale terminal c. financial transaction terminal d. microcomputer e. mainframe computer 5. Answer the following questions in written: 1. What is the difference between a dumb terminal and an intelligent terminal?

2. What is the function of a dedicated data entry system? 3. What procedures might be carried out by a company to ensure data has been input accurately? 4. What kind of input device is necessary to input bar code information to the computer? 5. What are some of the current limitations of voice input technology? 6. Describe three direct-entry input devices that are being used today. 7. Describe the different types of keys on a standard microcomputer keyboard and their functions. 8. What is the purpose of a key-to-disk system? 9. What are portable terminals? Why do many business users find it necessary to use them? 10. What capabilities do executive, or integrated, workstations typically have? 6. Discussion: Using current computer publications, research voice recognition input systems. Who is using them? For example, manufacturing? Government? Advertising? Travel industry? In what types of computers? Is the required hardware expensive? Do you think such systems are becoming very common nowadays? 7. Essay: Interview the manager of a store that uses point-of-sale terminals. Who manufactures the hardware? How expensive is it? What type of computer is connected to a series of POS terminals? Have the employees had any trouble using the terminals? What information about users' needs did the manager collect to help set up the current system in the store?

UNIT 4 Storage Hardware Storage and storage needs must be properly evaluated if a business is to run smoothly. The requirements for storage capacity, speed of data retrieval, size, cost, complexity of equipment, and so on, vary from business to business.

Basically there are two types of storage: primary storage (also called main memory, internal memory, or memory), where data is volatile, and secondary storage (also called auxiliary storage), where data is nonvolatile. If data is volatile, it is lost when the power to the computer is turned off; nonvolatile data remains intact. In storage, data is represented using a binary code, a system of combinations of binary digits (bits)—0, meaning "off" (no magnetic spot present), and 1, meaning "on" (magnetic spot present). Two common binary coding schemes are the American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) and the Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code (EBCDIC). ASCII is typically used to represent data on microcomputers, and EBCDIC is used on larger computers. Data is stored in files, which can be understood by means of the data storage hierarchy. A file is a collection of records; a record is a collection of fields, which comprise a collection of bytes. A byte, or a character, is a collection of 8 bits. A nineth bit—the parity bit—may be added as an error-checking device. Files can be categorized as follows: (1) transaction file, (2) master file, (3) report file, (4) output file, (5) history file, and (6) backup file. The three methods used to store and retrieve data in files are: sequential, direct, and indexed sequential. In the sequential method, data can be retrieved only in the order in which it is stored. All records must be read to get to the data you want. Direct access avoids that problem by allowing you to go straight to the data you want. Key fields are used by the computer as identifiers to locate the data. The indexed sequential method allows both sequential and direct access through the use of an index set up by the computer according to key fields and locations on the storage media. Your business needs should determine the type of storage and retrieval method you use. Introduced in the early 1950s, magnetic tape quickly overcame the limitations of punched cards as a storage medium. On magnetic tape, data is stored only in sequential fashion using either the ASCII or EBCDIC coding schemes. Unfortunately, data put on tape can't be reorganized or altered without creating a new tape. Because of their limitation, direct access storage media were developed for microcomputers, including diskettes, hard disks, hard cards, and optical disks. The direct access storage media used with the larger computers include removable disk packs, fixed disks, and disk cartridges. Data is stored on disk surfaces in sectors and tracks. Higher track density (tracks per inch) and higher recording density (bits per inch) both result in greater amounts of data per disk. Storage capacity is measured in thousands of bytes

(kilobyte—K), millions of bytes (megabyte—MB), billions of bytes (gigabyte— GB), and trillions of byte (terabyte—TB). The disk devices used on larger computers are typically capable of storing a greater amount of data in a smaller amount of space than those used for microcomputers. Microcomputer storage technology is rapidly advancing, however, so the difference in storage capacity may not last.

BE SURE THAT YOU UNDERSTAND THE MEANING OF THE KEY TERMS: field history file output file parity bit recording density report file EXERCISES

1. Match the following words with their synonyms marked in the text with bold type: directly, set, evaluated, manner, power-dependent, specify, changed, show, classified, pattern, lead to, removed, to find, differ. 2. Match each of the following terms to the phrase that is the most closely related. 1. binary code, 2. ASCII, 3. backup file, 4. byte, 5. diskette, 6. write/pritect notch, 7. read/write head, 8. hard disk, 9. EBCDIC, 10. sequential storage and retrieval, 11. removable disk pack, 12. tracks, 13. gigabyte, 14. cartridge-tape drive, 15. sector, 16. direct acsess. a. This hardware device is a more efficient alternative to diskettes for backing up the contents of hard disks. b. Storage device typically used with mainframe computers c. Pie-shaped "wedge" used for storage reference purposes d. Unit of measurement approximately equal to a character e. A billion bytes f. Circular bands used for storage purposes g. When this is covered, data cannot be written onto a diskette

h. Copy of an original file i. Scheme for encoding data using a series of binary digits j. Data-retrieval method best used in situations in which only a few records in a file need to be accessed k. Direct access storage device used with microcomputers that has a much greater storage capacity than diskettes l. Coding scheme widely used to represent data in microcomputers m. Inexpensive storage device used with microcomputers n. This coding scheme is widely used to represent data in mainframe computers. o. This component of a disk drive can convert magnetic spots to electrical impulses, and vice versa. p. With this approach, data is retrieved in the sequence in which it was recorded, 3 Choose the most suitable answer: 1. Which of the following is a unit of measurement used with computer systems? a. byte b. megabyte c. gigabyte d. kilobyte e. 2. a. b. c. d. e.

all of the above Why do so many microcomputers today have hard disks? can be moved easily from one computer to another inexpensive very high storage capacity they are a sequential access storage device all of the above

3. Hard disks and diskettes are: a. sequential-access storage devices b. direct access storage devices c. rarely used with microcomputers d. capable of storing terabytes of data and information e. none of the above 4. Which of the following is the most appropriate unit for measuring the storage capacity of a hard disk?

a. b. c. d. e. 5. a. b. c. d. e. 6.

a. b. c. d. e. 7. a. b. c. d. f. 8. a. b. c. d. e.

byte megabyte bit terabyte none of the above Which of the following statements is false? Secondary storage is nonvolatile. Primary storage is volatile. Secondary storage contains data for immediate processing. When the computer is turned off, data and instructions stored in primary storage are erased. all of the above Which of the following storage and retrieval methods would be well suited to your processing requirements, if you only need to retrieve records one at a time, and there is no fixed pattern to the requests for data and records? direct sequential indexed sectors indexed direct none of the above Which of the following is true? Fields are composed of bytes. Files are composed of records. Fields are composed of characters. Records are composed of fields. all of the above Which of the following is not used for astorage purposes with mainframe computers? removable disks fixed disks mass storage systems diskettes none of the above

4. Write answers to the questions: 1. What is the difference between primary and secondary storage? 2. What are the advantages of a hard disk over a diskette?

3. How is data represented in primary and secondary storage devices? 4. What is a mass storage system? 5. How can you damage your diskette? 6. What is the significance of the terms track and sector? 7. What happens to the data saved in secondary storage when the power to a compute is turned off? 8. How does the direct access storage and retrieval method relate to diskettes and hard disks? 9. Why does transferring data between a microcomputer and a mainframe computer require special hardware and software? 10. Define what a file is by describing the data storage hierarchy. 5. Discussion: 1. What type(s) of storage hardware is currently being used in the computer you vsti school or at work? What is the storage capacity of this hardware? Would you recommend alternate storage hardware be used? Why? Why not? 2. You want to purchase a hard disk for use with your microcomputer. Because you don't care how much money the hard disk costs, you are going to buy one with the highest storage capacity you can find. Using newspapers, magazines, find a hard disk you would like to buy. What is its storage capacity? It average access time? How much does it cost? Who is the supplier? Is it an external or an internal drive? 5. Essays: Research one of the newer storage technologies described above. How is this technology being applied now? How do you think it will be applied in the future?

UNIT 5 Processing Hardware If you are "tuned in" to the amount of processing power in your computer, you won't fall into the trap that many people do. We mean that of buying a software program that won't run on your computer, or expecting the computer to do something it isn't capable of doing. The most important processing

hardware component is the central processing unit (CPU), which comprises the control unit and the arithmetic/logic unit (ALU). CPUs used to be made of vacuum tubes, magnetic cores, and transistors, which were all relatively expensive, slow, and unreliable by today's standards. Today CPUs are manufactured from silicon; one wafer from a silicon ingot can hold hundreds of chips, called microprocessors. The electric circuitry that forms the CPU is etched onto the surface of the chip. The control unit of the CPU is responsible for directing and coordinating most of the computer system activities. It uses machine language to run the show. Unfortunately, the binary codes that make up machine language differ among machines, which creates a problem of incompatibility. The arithmetic/logic unit (ALU) performs all arithmetic and logical (comparison) functions (plus, minus, times, divide by, equal to, less than, greater than, not equal to). Registers are special temporary storage locations within the CPU that very quickly accept, store, and transfer data and instructions that are being used immediately. The number and types of registers in a computer vary according to the computer's design To get data and instructions moving among the various components of the system, the computer needs buses. The wider the bus, the more data it can carry at one time. The cycle that the computer goes through to fetch and execute one instruction is called the machine cycle. In the instruction cycle part of the machine cycle, an instruction is retrieved from main memory and is decoded in the CPU. The time it takes to do this is called I-time. In the execution cycle, the instruction is executed and the result is stored. The time this takes is E-time. An internal clock in the CPU sets the speed of the machine cycle, which is measured in MHz— megahertz, or millions of cycles per second. A computer system could not operate without main memory, also called internal memory, primary memory, primary storage, random access memory (RAM), or simply memory. In general, main memory is used to store a copy of the main software program that controls the general operation of the computer; to store a copy of the business application software you are using; to temporarily store data that has been input from the keyboard or other storage device until it is ready for processing; and to temporarily store data that has been produced as a result of processing until it is ready for output or secondary storage. In a microcomputer, main memory, or RAM, chips are usually found in banks of nine on the

motherboard. A character's 8 bits are stored in a row of chips; the ninth chip holds the parity bit, which is a 1 or a 0 based on whether the parity scheme is odd or even. The parity scheme is used to check for errors produced by interferences with the electrical current. If you have a microcomputer that needs to have its RAM expanded beyond 640 K to handle new types of software, you can purchase an add-on board, also called an expanded memory board, to "plug in" to the motherboard. In general, a ROM chip stores instructions necessary to tell a computer what to do when it is first turned on. These instructions are installed by the manufacturer and generally cannot be changed by the user. Certain types of ROM chips give users added flexibility. Programmable read-only memory (PROM) chips allow you to put your own data and programs on them. Erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) chips can be changed by using a special ultraviolet light device; however, you have to take EPROM chips out of the computer to change the data and programs on them. Electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) chips can be changed without taking them out of the computer. The processing power of a computer can be determined using the following factors: (1) addressing scheme, (2) register size, (3) data bus, (4) clock speed, and (5) the instruction set BE SURE THAT YOU UNDERSTAND THE MEANING OF THE KEY TERMS: add-on memory board addressing scheme clock closed architecture open architecture EXERCISES

1. Match the following words with their synonyms marked in the text with bold type: keeps, depending upon, to retrieve, cells, purchasing, builds up, receive, costly, in accordance with, move, for some time. 2. Match each of the following terms to the phrase that is the most closely related 1.machine language, 2. central processing unit, 3. machine cycle, 4.RAM, 5.open architecture, 6. main memory, 7. arithmetic/logic unit, 8. add-on memory board 9. ROM, 10. microprocessor, 11. register, 12. clock speed, 13. semiconductor,

14. control uni, 15.bus a. The only language that the CPU can understand b. If a computer was designed using this approach, you can upgrade it with more RAM and add graphics and communications capabilities. c. Read-only memory d. Electronic pathway e. Temporary storage location within the CPU f. Random access memory g. The "brain" of the computer h. Instruction cycle and execution cycle together i. Hardware component responsible for directing and coordinating most of the computer system activities j. Storage area outside the CPU where data and instructions needed by the CPU are held temporarily k. Material used in chips to form electric circuits l. CPU circuitry of a microcomputer m. Refers to the speed with which a computer performs operations n. Technology developed so microcomputers could use more than 640 K main memory o. Hardware component of the CPU that performs mathematical calculations and logical comparisons 3. Choose the most suitable answer: 1. Which of the following holds data and processing instructions temporarily until the CPU needs it? a. ROM b. control unit c. main memory d. coprocessor chips e. none of the above 2. Which of the following are the two main components of the CPU? a. control unit and registers b. registers and main memory c. control unit and ALU d. ALU and bus

e. none of the above 3. Which of the following is used for manufacturing chips? a. control bus b. control unit c. parity chips d. semiconductors e. none of the above 4. Which of the following is the most characteristic of ROM? a. It is measured in megabytes. b. It is volatile. c. It performs mathematical calculations. d. Instructions are stored there permanently. e. none of the above 5. Which of the following hardware components is the most volatile? a. ROM b. RAM c. PROM d. EPROM e. EEPROM 6. Which of the following is used to check for errors in RAM chips? a. ROM chip b. microprocessor chip c. parity chip d. EPROM chip e. none of the above 7. Which of the following are used to quickly accept, store, and transfer data and instructions that are being used immediately by the CPU? a. microprocessors b. registers c. ROM chips d. data buses e. none of the above 8. Why is the width of a data bus so important to the processing speed of a computer? a. The narrower it is, the greater the computer's processing speed. b. The wider it is, the more data that can fit into main memory. c. The wider it is, the greater the computer's processing speed.

d. The wider it is, the slower the computer's processing speed. e. The data bus isn't important to the processing speed of a computer. 9. Which of the following terms is the most closely related to main memory? a. nonvolatile b. permanent c. control unit d. temporary e. none of the above 10. Which of the following affects processing power? a. data bus capacity b. addressing scheme c. clock speed d. register size e. all of the above 4. Write answers to the questions: 1. What is the purpose of main memory? 2. What is the difference between the traditional ROM chip and some of the newer ROM-type chips (PROM, EPROM, EEPROM)? 3. What is the difference between a computer with closed architecture and one with open architecture? 4. What is the purpose of a parity chip? 5. What led to the development of add-on memory boards? 6. What is a microprocessor? a semiconductor? 7. Is it faster to retrieve data from main memory than from a disk storage device? Why, if yes? 8. What are the main factors affecting the processing power of a computer? 9. What would be a good indication that two computers are incompatible? Why is knowing this important to you? 1. What is the function of the control unit in a computer system? Does every computer require one? 5 Discussion 1. Advances are made almost every day in microprocessor chip technology. What are some of the most recent advances? In what computers are these chips being used? How might these advances affect the way we currently use

microcomputers? Research the latest advances by reviewing the most current computer magazines and periodicals. 2. Research the current uses of and the latest advances in ROM technology. How do you think ROM technology will affect the way we currently use microcomputers? Will we see a lessened need for storage media? 6. Essays If your school or university has an information department with a computer system, interview a staff member about how the factors of processing speed, capacity, and cost affected the department's decision to buy its equipment. Are they still happy with it? КЛЮЧИ Unit 1. 2. a.11 b.9 c.14 d.7 e.3 f.2 g.12 h.15 i.13 j.1 k.6 l.10 m.8 n.4 o.5 3. 1b 2c 3c 4d 5d 6e 7c 8b 9e Unit 2. 2. a.5 b.7 c.1 d.12 e.6 f.4 g.10 h.3 i.2 j.11 k.10 l.8 3. 1e 2b 3a 4e 5d 6c 7e 8e 9c 10e Unit 3. 3. a.8 b.15 c.10 d.9 e.5 f.11 g.13 h.14 i.7 j.1 k.3 l.2 m.4 n.12 o.6 4. 1e 2b 3a 4e 5b 6e 7e 8d 9a 10d Unit 4. 2. a.11 b.8 c.15 d.4 e.13 f.12 g.6 h.3 i.1 j.16 k.14 l.2 m.5 n.9 o.7 p.10 3. 1e 2c 3b 4a 5b 6a 7e 8d Unit 5. 2. a.1 b.5 c.9 d.15 e.11 f.4 g.2 h.3 i.14 j.6 k.13 l.10 m.12 n.8 o.7 3. 1c 2c 3d 4d 5b 6c 7d 8c 9d 10e

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