English Language Learner Resource for IT Students with Exercises

Daniela Lucia Ene

English Language Learner Resource for IT students with exercises

Contents

Everyday Uses of Computer…………………………………………………3

Early History of Computers………………………………………………...13

Computer Architecture……………………………………………………..23

Computer Software………………………………………………………...36

Computer Hardware………………………………………………………...46

Computer Memory……………………………………………………….....63

Central Processing Unit (CPU)……………………………………………..73

Key to Exercises...... 82

List of Irregular Verbs…………………………………………………....88

Dictionary of Computing Terms………………………………………..97

Bibliography……………………………………………………………...109

Everyday Uses of computers

1. We use computers in many different areas of life. Think about different situations we use computers.

2. Read the following text:

Computers are part of our everyday lives and they have an effect on almost everything we do. It is often pointed out that computers, like hammers, saws or washing machines are just tools; they are not interesting as such, but rather what you can do with them. This seems like a fair and reasonable statement to make, and it is probably also the case for those of us who use computers in our everyday life for tasks such as writing documents, calculate budgets, or any kind of ‘slave’-labor that the computer can help us with. There are many uses of computers in everyday life. The following outline some of them. Computers make all modern communication possible. They operate telephone switching systems, coordinate satellite launches and operations, help generate special effects for movies, and control the equipment in all phases of television and radio broadcasts. Local-area networks (LANs) link the computers in separate departments of businesses or universities, and larger networks, such as the Internet, permit modems telecommunication devices that transmit data through telephone lines to link individual computers to other computers anywhere in the world. Journalists and writers

3 now use word processors to write books and articles, which they then submit to publishers on magnetic disks or through telephone lines. The data may then be sent directly to computer-controlled typesetters, some of which actually design the layout of printed pages on computer screens. Computers are used by scientists and researchers in many ways to collect, store, manipulate, and analyze data. Running simulations is one of the most important applications. Data representing a real-life system is entered into the computer, and the computer manipulates the data in order to show how the natural system is likely to behave under a variety of conditions. In this way scientists can test new theories and designs or can examine a problem that does not lend itself to direct experimentation. Computer-aided design, or CAD programs enable engineers and architects to design three-dimensional models on a computer screen. Chemists may use computer simulation to design and test molecular models of new drugs. Some simulation programs can generate models of weather conditions to help meteorologists make predictions. Flight simulators are valuable training tools for pilots. Computers have opened a new era in manufacturing and consumer- product development. In the factory, computer-assisted manufacturing, or CAM programs help people plan complex production schedules, keep track of inventories and accounts, run automated assembly lines, and control robots. Dedicated computers are routinely used in thousands of products ranging from calculators to airplanes. Government agencies are the largest users of mainframes and supercomputers. They use computers for hundreds of tasks, including research, breaking codes and interpreting data from satellites. Computers are also essential for taking the census, maintaining criminal records, and other tasks.

Computers have proved to be valuable educational tools. Computer- assisted instruction, or CAI, uses computerized lessons that range from simple drills and practice sessions to complex interactive tutorials. These programs have become essential teaching tools in medical schools and military training centers, where the topics are complex and the cost of human teachers is extremely high. Educational aids, such as some encyclopedias and other major reference works, are available to personal-computer users either on magnetic disks or optical discs or through various telecommunication networks. Video games are one of the most popular applications of personal computers. The constantly improving graphics and sound capabilities of personal computers have made them popular tools for artists and musicians. Personal computers can display millions of colors, can produce images far clearer than those of a television set, and can connect to various musical instruments and synthesizers. Painting and drawing programs enable artists to create realistic images and animated displays much more easily than they could with more traditional tools. Different programs allow photographers and filmmakers to transform photographic images into any size and shape they can imagine. High-speed supercomputers can insert life-like animated images into frames of a film so smoothly that movie-goers cannot distinguish real actors from computer-generated images. Musicians can use computers to create multiple-voice compositions and to play back music with hundreds of variations. Speech processors even give a computer the ability to talk and sing.

(Based on Everyday uses of computers, http://www.citycol.com)

Vocabulary switching systems (s) = schemă de conexiune; sistem de comutare operation (s) = operaţie, calcul; acţiune definită de o singură instrucţiune/de un singur element logic equipment (s) = echipament, echipare, înzestrare, utilaj, aparatură, instalaţie broadcast (s, vb) = emisiune (radiofonică, televizată); a difuza (programe radiofonice etc.) local-area network (LAN) (s) = reţea de calculatoare locală network (s) = reţea; plasă; schemă; circuit; grătar; zăbrele modem (s) = modem, adaptor de linie; dispozitiv care permite transmiterea datelor la distanţe mari fără erori data (s) = date, informaţii; indici processor (s) = processor; parte a unui calculator care execută instrucţiuni, formează şi citeşte adrese; aparatură/instalaţie de prelucrare submit (vb) = a supune o chestiune spre cercetare; a prezenta; a invoca; a înainta o cerere; a propune; a se resemna; a se supune magnetic disk (s) = disc magnetic, placă de oţel acoperită cu material magnetizabil typeset (vb) = a dactilografia; a culege caractere design (s, vb) = plan; proiect; desen; schiţă; schemă; proiectare; construcţie; sinteză; concepţie; model; a proiecta; a executa un proiect/plan, a desena; a calcula layout (s) = aşezare, organizare în pagină; trasare, amplasare print (s, vb) = înregistrare; fotografie; copie, gravură, tipar; literă de tipar, publicaţie tipărită; urmă, amprentă; a copia, a imprima, a tipări screen (s) = display, ecran

6 running (s) = rulare/prelucrare a unui program într-un sistem de calcul simulation (s) = modelare; simulare, tehnică de realizare a experimentelor cu ajutorul calculatorului application (s) = aplicaţie, aplicare, folosire, utilizare; cerere, solicitare; domeniu de aplicare to lend oneself (vb) = a se preta la computer-aided design (CAD) = proiectare asistată de calculator enable (vb) = a face capabil să; a autoriza, a împuternici computer-assisted manufacturing (CAM) = prelucrare/fabricaţie asistată de calculator keep track of (expr) = a se menţine informat, la curent cu assembly line (s) = line/bandă rulantă de asamblare/de montaj mainframe (s) = calculator de mare viteză şi capacitate de stocare, deservind pe rând mai mulţi utilizatori census (s) = recensământ computer-assisted instruction (CAI) = instruire/învăţare cu ajutorul calculatorului drill (s) = exerciţiu, fomare, instruire tutorial (s) = tutorial, program care ofera instrucţiuni pentru folosirea unui program sau a softului display (s, vb) = reproducere, indicator, afişare; reprezentare, expunere; imagine, indicator panoramic; a expune, a prezenta, a arăta synthesizer (s) = dispozitiv de sintetizare, sintetizator insert (s) = a insera, a introduce

3. Match each word with the correct definition:

1. processor a) a task which a computer performs or a problem which a computer solves 2. local-area network (LAN) b) a flat circular piece of material coated with a substance, allowing signals and data to be stored magnetically 3. magnetic disk c) a hardware or software device that is able to manipulate or modify data according to instructions 4. application d) a device that allows data to be sent over telephone lines by converting binary signals from a computer into analog sound signals which can be transmitted over a telephone line. 5. mainframe e) a network where the various terminals and equipment are all within a short distance of one another, e.g. in the same

building, and can be interconnected by cables. 6. display f) large-scale high-power computer system that can handle high-capacity memory and backing storage devices as well as a number of operators simultaneously 7. modem g) a device on which information or images can be presented visually

4. Make sentences putting the given words into a correct order:

1. It is like hammers, saws tools or washing often pointed out that computers, machines are just. 2. Computers are writing documents, calculating budgets used for tasks such as, or any kind of ‘in our everyday life slave’-labor. 3. They operate coordinate satellite launches and operations telephone generate special effects for movies switching systems, help, and control and radio the equipment in television broadcasts. 4. Larger that transmit networks to link individual permit modems telecommunication devices data anywhere in the world through telephone lines computers to other computers. 5. In many ways are used to collect, store, manipulate by computers scientists and researchers, and analyze data.

6. Or CAD programs three-dimensional on a computer models enable engineers and architects to design Computer-aided design screen. 7. Help of inventories and accounts people plan schedules, keep track computer-assisted manufacturing, or CAM programs, run automated complex production assembly lines, and control robots. 8. Computer-assisted simple drills and practice sessions that range instruction, or CAI, uses from to complex computerized lessons interactive tutorials. 9. The sound capabilities have made improving graphics and of personal computers them popular tools for artists constantly and musicians. 10. Different photographers and filmmakers programs imagine allow to transform into any size and shape they can photographic images.

5. Fill in the gaps using words or groups of words from the box below: designs broadcasts graphics simulations computer-generated typesetters assembly lines switching systems layout magnetic disks

They operate telephone 1)………… ………….., coordinate satellite launches and operations, help generate special effects for movies, and control the equipment in all phases of television and radio 2)……………... The data may then be sent directly to computer-controlled 3)…………….., some of which actually design the 4)……………. of printed pages on computer screens. Running 5)……………… is one of the most important applications. Scientists can test new theories and 6)……………….. or can examine a problem that does not lend itself to direct experimentation. In the factory, computer-assisted manufacturing, or CAM programs help people plan

10 complex production schedules, keep track of inventories and accounts, run automated 7)………….. ……………., and control robots. Educational aids, such as some encyclopedias and other major reference works, are available to personal-computer users either on 8)…………. ……………. or optical discs or through various telecommunication networks. The constantly improving 9)……………….. and sound capabilities of personal computers have made them popular tools for artists and musicians. High-speed supercomputers can insert life-like animated images into frames of a film so smoothly that movie-goers cannot distinguish real actors from 10)……………. …………… images.

6. Discuss the following questions:

1. In what other ways are computers used at home or at work? Give a few examples of how you use your own computers. 2. Do you think people depend on computers nowadays?

7. Choose one of the areas from the words bellow and discuss what you can do with computers in that area: school/universities, entertainment, factories and industry. Use the following ideas for your discussion: entertainment: download music, burn CDs and DVDs, play games, take photos, watch movies, listen to MP3s, listen to the radio, watch TV on the computer school/universities: access the internet, search the Web, prepare exams, write documents and presentations, do research

11 factories and industry: design products, control industrial robots, control assembly lines, keep record of materials and equipment

8. Translate the first two paragraphs starting with “Computers are part of our everyday lives ……” into your own language. Look carefully at the tenses before you start. What tense is mainly used in the text

Early History of Computers

1. Computers have been around for quite a few decades and they have changed so rapidly that many people cannot keep up with changes. Do you know how the modern computer began?

2. Read the following text:

The history of computers starts out about 2000 years ago, at the birth of the abacus, a wooden rack holding two horizontal wires with beads strung on them. When these beads are moved around, according to programming rules memorized by the user, all regular arithmetic problems can be done. Blaise Pascal is usually credited for building the first digital computer in 1642. It added numbers entered with dials and was made to help his father, a tax collector. A century later, Thomas of Colmar created the first successful mechanical calculator that could add, subtract, multiply, and divide. While Thomas of Colmar was developing the desktop calculator, a series of very interesting developments in computers was started in Cambridge, England, by Charles Babbage a mathematics professor. In 1812, Babbage realized that many long calculations, especially those needed to make mathematical tables, were really a series of predictable actions that were constantly repeated. From this he suspected that it should be possible to do these automatically. He had the idea of constructing of what would now be called a general purpose, fully program-controlled, automatic mechanical

13 digital computer. Babbage called this idea an Analytical Engine. The ideas of this design showed a lot of foresight, although this couldn’t be appreciated until a full century later. Towards automated computing was the development of punched cards, which were first successfully used with computers in 1890 by Herman Hollerith and James Powers, who worked for the US Census Bureau. They developed devices that could read the information that had been punched into the cards automatically, without human help. Because of this, reading errors were reduced dramatically, work flow increased, and, most importantly, stacks of punched cards could be used as easily accessible memory of almost unlimited size. Furthermore, different problems could be stored on different stacks of cards and accessed when needed. The start of World War II produced a large need for computer capacity, especially for the military. In 1942, John P. Eckert, John W. Mauchly and their associates at the Moore school of Electrical Engineering of University of Pennsylvania decided to build a high - speed electronic computer to do the job. This machine became known as ENIAC (Electrical Numerical Integrator And Calculator). The size of ENIAC’s numerical “word” was 10 decimal digits, and it could multiply two of these numbers at a rate of 300 per second, by finding the value of each product from a multiplication table stored in its memory. ENIAC was therefore about 1,000 times faster then the previous generation of relay computers. ENIAC used 18,000 vacuum tubes, about 1,800 square feet of floor space, and consumed about 180,000 watts of electrical power. Fascinated by the success of ENIAC, the mathematician John Von Neumann undertook, in 1945, an abstract study of computation that showed that a computer should have a very simple, fixed physical structure, and yet be able to execute any kind of computation by means of a proper

14 programmed control without the need for any change in the unit itself. Von Neumann contributed a new awareness of how practical, yet fast computers should be organized and built. Von Neumann made a special type of machine instruction, called a Conditional control transfer - which allowed the program sequence to be stopped and started again at any point. It stored all instruction programs together with data in the same memory unit, so that, when needed, instructions could be arithmetically changed in the same way as data. As a result of these techniques, computing and programming became much faster, more flexible, and more efficient with work. The first generation of modern programmed electronic computers to take advantage of these improvements was built in 1947. This group included computers using Random - Access - Memory (RAM), which is a memory designed to give almost constant access to any particular piece of information. Physically, they were much smaller than ENIAC. Some were about the size of a grand piano and used only 2,500 electron tubes, a lot less then required by the earlier ENIAC. The first - generation stored - program computers needed a lot of maintenance, reached probably about 70 to 80% reliability of operation (ROO) and were used for 8 to 12 years. This group of computers included EDVAC and UNIVAC the first commercially available computers. The EDVAC's concept of storing different programs on punched cards instead of rewiring computers led to the computers that we know today.

(Based on A Brief History of the Computer, http://www.jeremymeyers.com)

Vocabulary abacus (n) = abac(ă), dispozitiv de calcul cu bile mobile, numărătoare; grafic, nomogramă rack (n) = grătar, grilaj; gratii; pat de şine; cremalieră; lamă cu dinţi, greblă beads (n) = mărgele, şirag de mărgele string, strung , strung (vb) = a lega cu sfoară;a pune coardă la (o vioară etc.); a încorda (arcul); (fig.) a încorda (nervii); a înşira (mărgele) digital (adj) = digital; numeric; cifric dial (n)= cadran; scară; scală; ecran circular cu cifre; disc cu numere desktop calculator (n) = calculator de birou automatic (adj) = automat(ic); (adv.) în mod automat mechanical (adj) = mecanic; (adv.) în mod mecanic add (vb) = a aduna; a mări; a adăuga la subtract (vb) = a scădea multiply (vb) = a înmulţi; a multiplica; a reproduce divide (vb) = a despărţi; a împărţi; a dezbina; a învrăjbi; a viza; a grada program(me) (n) = program, altgoritm exprimat într-un limbaj de programare; set de instrucţiuni compuse pentru rezolvarea unei probleme engine (n) = motor; maşină foresight (n) = previziune; grijă; precauţie computing (n) = calcul, operaţie/proces matematic (ă) device (n) = dispozitiv; aparat; mecanism; instrument; plan; schemă; proiect; mijloc; procedeu punched card (adj. + n) = cartelă perforată punch (vb) = a puncta; a perfora, a găuri; a ştanţa stack (n) = stivă; zonă a memoriei alocată pentru stocare temporară; serie ordonată de date cu acces numai la ultima

memory (n) = memorie; echipament sau subsistem pentru păstrarea/stocarea/înmagazinarea informaţiei high – speed (adj) = de viteză mare integrator (n) = integrator, dispozitiv/schemă/circuit de integrare numeric(al) (adj) = numeric; cifric; digital decimal (adj) = zecimal; fracţie zecimală, număr zecimal digit (n)= cifră, unitate binară, digit; poziţie store (vb) = a înmagazina, a memora, a acumula, a depozita multiplication table = tabla înmulţirii vacuum tube (n) = tub electronic cu vid square foot (n) = picior pătrat (unitate de suprafaţă) electrical power (adj + n) = energie electrică computation (n) = calcul; estimaţie, evaluare; numărare; operaţie aritmetică awareness (n) = conştientizare, conştienţă; stare de atenţie sequence (n) = secvenţă, succesiune (de date); structură de executare a unui program , set de instrucţiuni plasate într-o anumită ordine electron tube (n) = tub electronic (RAM) Random- Access - Memory = memorie cu acces aleatoriu/imediat/direct maintenance (n) = întreţinere; conservare; păstrare; susţinere; menţinere, mentenanţă rewire (vb) = a recabla reliability of operation (n) = securitate de serviciu, securitate/siguranţă în funcţionare

3. Match each word with the correct definition:

1 desktop calculator a) a complete set of instructions which direct a computer to carry out a particular task

2 stack b) small microcomputer system that can be placed on a desk

3 RAM c) temporary storage for data, registers or tasks where items are added and retrieved from the same end of the list.

4 program(m)e d) memory that allows access to any location in any order, without having to access the rest first

5 memory e) a small piece of card which contains holes representing various instructions or data

6 sequence f) storage space in a computer system or medium that is capable of retaining data or instructions

7 punch card g) a number of items or data arranged as a logical, ordered list

4. Make sentences putting the given words into a correct order:

1. Digital computer is Blaise Pascal for the first building credited in 1642 usually. 2. Divide that could created successful subtract mechanical Thomas of Colmar calculator add the first multiply and. 3. Calculations repeated realized long were a series of Babbage predictable actions that really that many were constantly. 4. Devices developed they that read the information that human had been punched without into the cards automatically could help. 5. To build high - speed in 1942, John P. Eckert John W. Mauchly and decided a computer to do electronic the job their associates. 6. ENIAC 1,800 square feet used about of floor vacuum space and about 180,000 watts of power consumed 18,000 tubes electrical. 7. Awareness yet contributed organized practical a new built of how Von Neumann fast computers should be and. 8. In improvements 1947 the first of modern computers to take programmed advantage of these were electronic built generation. 9. Random - Access - Memory (RAM) which this constant included designed group piece to computers using is a memory any particular give of information almost access to.

10. The concept EDVAC's of storing on punched the computers cards instead of rewiring programs that we computers led to know different today.

5. Fill in the gaps using words from the box below: multiplication table digital punched cards maintenance digits sequence abacus desktop calculator machine beads

The history of computers starts out about 2000 years ago, at the birth of the (1)……….. a wooden rack holding two horizontal wires with (2)……….. strung on them. Blaise Pascal is usually credited for building the first (3)………… computer in 1642. While Thomas of Colmar was developing the (4)……….., a series of very interesting developments in computers was started in Cambridge, England, by Charles Babbage a mathematics professor. Towards automated computing was the development of (5)……….. ……….., which were first successfully used with computers in 1890 by Herman Hollerith and James Powers. In 1942, John P. Eckert, John W. Mauchly and their associates decided to build a high - speed electronic computer to do the job. This 6)………….. became known as (ENIAC (Electrical Numerical Integrator And Calculator). The size of ENIAC’s numerical “word” was 10 decimal (7)……….., and it could multiply two of these numbers at a rate of 300 per second, by finding the value of each product from a (8)………. ………. stored in its memory. Von Neumann made a special type of machine instruction, called a Conditional control transfer - which allowed the program (9)…………. to be stopped and started again at any point. The first - generation stored - program computers needed

20 a lot of (10)…………., reached probably about 70 to 80% reliability of operation (ROO) and were used for 8 to 12 years.

6. Discuss the following questions:

1. Why do you think people have been preoccupied in creating calculus devices? 2. Why do you think computers have changed so rapidly in the last decades?

7. Your school is considering replacing all the office PCs with laptops. Write an email to one of your teachers to explain the benefits of laptops for the students.

8. Choose the best word:

1. To turn on the computer, ______the "Start" button. a. touch b. press c. switch 2. I have to ______a computer screen for eight hours a day. a. see b. look at c. watch 3. Switch off your computer, and ______it from the wall socket. a. de-plug b. unplug c. non-plug 4. The printer has ______of ink. a. finished b. ended c. run out 5. Please ______the CD ROM. a. insert b. introduce c. inject 6. The batteries in my digital camera are nearly dead. They need ______.

a. to change b. exchanging c. changing 7. Unfortunately, my scanner isn't ______at the moment. a. working b. going c. doing

9. Translate the last two paragraphs starting with “Fascinated by the success……” into your own language. Look carefully at the tenses before you start. What tense is mainly used in the text?

Computer Architecture

1. What do you think computer architecture is?

2. Read the following text:

The term “architecture” in computer literature can be traced to the work of Lyle R. Johnson and Frederick P. Brooks, Jr., members in 1959 of the Machine Organization department in IBM’s main research center. Johnson had the occasion to write a proprietary research communication about Stretch, an IBM-developed supercomputer for Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory; in attempting to characterize his chosen level of detail for discussing the luxuriously embellished computer, he noted that his description of formats, instruction types, hardware parameters, and speed enhancements aimed at the level of “system architecture” – a term that seemed more useful than “machine organization.” Subsequently Brooks, one of the Stretch designers, started Chapter 2 of a book (Planning a Computer System: Project Stretch, ed. W. Buchholz, 1962) by writing, “Computer architecture, like other architecture, is the art of determining the needs of the user of a structure and then designing to meet those needs as effectively as possible within economic and technological constraints.” Later the computer world would employ the term in many less-explicit ways. The first mention of the term architecture in computer literature is in a 1964 article describing

23 the IBM System/360. The article defines architecture as the set of “attributes of a system as seen by the programmer, i.e., the conceptual structure and functional behavior, as distinct from the organization of the data flow and controls, the logical design, and the physical implementation.” In computer engineering, computer architecture is the conceptual design and fundamental operational structure of a computer system. It is a blueprint and functional description of requirements (especially speeds and interconnections) and design implementations for the various parts of a computer — focusing largely on the way by which the central processing unit (CPU) performs internally and accesses addresses in memory. It may also be defined as the science and art of selecting and interconnecting hardware components to create computers that meet functional, performance and cost goals. Computer architecture comprises at least three main subcategories. Instruction set architecture, or ISA, is the abstract image of a computing system that is seen by a machine language (or assembly language) programmer, including the instruction set, memory address modes, processor registers, and address and data formats.  Microarchitecture, also known as Computer organization is a lower level, more concrete, description of the system that involves how the constituent parts of the system are interconnected and how they interoperate in order to implement the ISA.  System Design which includes all of the other hardware components within a computing system such as: 1. system interconnects such as computer buses and switches 2. memory controllers and hierarchies 3. CPU off-load mechanisms such as direct memory access 4. issues like multi-processing.

Once both ISA and microarchitecture has been specified, the actual device needs to be designed into hardware. This design process is often called implementation. Implementation is usually not considered architectural definition, but rather hardware design engineering. Implementation can be further broken down into three pieces:  Logic Implementation/Design - where the blocks that were defined in the microarchitecture are implemented as logic equations.  Circuit Implementation/Design - where speed critical blocks or logic equations or logic gates are implemented at the transistor level.  Physical Implementation/Design - where the circuits are drawn out, the different circuit components are placed in a chip floor-plan or on a board and the wires connecting them are routed. For CPUs, the entire implementation process is often called CPU design. More specific usages of the term include more general wider-scale hardware architectures, such as cluster computing and Non-Uniform Memory Access (NUMA) architectures. The exact form of a computer system depends on the constraints and goals for which it was optimized. Computer architectures usually require standards, cost and memory capacity. Sometimes other considerations, such as features, size, weight, reliability, expandability and power consumption are factors as well.

 (Based on Computer Architecture, http://www.bookrags.com)

Vocabulary flow (s) = debit, flux, proces tehnologic proprietary (adj) = brevetat, de proprietate enhancement (s) = sporire, intensificare, exagerare subsequently (adv) = pe urmă, după aceea economic (adj) = economic, rentabil engineering (s) = inginerie, tehnologie, (asistenţă) tehnică computer architecture (s) = arhitectura calculatorului blueprint (s) = copie heliografică; plan de detaliu/de execuţie; fotocopie (prin cianotipie) central processing unit (CPU) = unitate centrală de prelucrare (a datelor/informaţiilor) perform (vb) = a face, a executa, a efectua, a funcţiona; a juca, a interpreta un rol memory address (s) = adresă a memoriei instruction set architecture (ISA) = arhitectura setului de instrucţiuni assembly language (s) = limbaj de asamblare (în care instrucţiunile se află în corespondenţă biunivocă cu instrucţiunile-maşină) mode (s) = mod; formă/regim de funcţionare register (s) = registru, numărător; contor, sumator, totalizator; circuit/dispozitiv de memorare; locaţie specială de stocare hardware (s) = elemente componente ale unui calculator electronic; material bus (s) = canal; magistrală de transmisie switch (s, vb) = conjunctor; întrerupător, disjunctor; comutator; a conecta, a lega; a comuta; a cupla, a schimba viteza, a ambreia

26 controller (s) = controler, combinator; regulator hierarchy (s) = ierarhie, multinivel access (s) = acces la informaţie; intrare a informaţiei processing (s) = procesare; transformare; preparare; pregătire; prelucrare a datelor implementation (s) = îndeplinire, executare (a unui program) block (s) = bloc (de date/locaţii), schemă, diagram circuit (s) = circuit, schemă; ciclu, contur gate (s) = poartă; circuit-poartă; admisie, intrare transistor (s) = tranzistor, element semiconductor cu trei electrozi (folosit ca amplificatory sau dispozitiv de comutare) chip (s) = pastilă, substrat al unui circuit integrat; aşchie de siliciu microelectronică floor-plan (s) = plan de amplasare board (s) = panou, tablou; placă de circuit imprimat wire (s) = sârmă, conductor, conduct; cablu route (s, vb) = traseu al liniei; a trasa, a conduce, a călăuzi, a dirija cluster (s, vb) = grupă; fascicule, ciorchine, acumulare computer cluster (s) = grup legat de calculatoare

3. Match each word with the correct definition:

1 central processing unit (CPU) a) a special location within a CPU that is used to hold data and addresses to be processed in a machine code operation 2. a reserved memory location used for special storage purposes 2 architecture b) a programming language using mnemonics to code instructions which will then be converted to machine code. 3 assembly language c) a group of circuits that performs the basic functions of a computer, made up of three parts, the control unit, the arithmetic and logic unit and the input/output unit. 4 register d) an electronic semiconductor device which can control the current flow in a circuit

5 bus e) the layout and interconnection of a computer’s internal hardware and the logical relationships between CPU,

memory and other devices 6 chip f) a communication link consisting of a set of leads or wires which connects different parts of a computer hardware system, and over which data is transmitted and received by various circuits in the system. 2. a central source of information that supplies several devices 7 transistor g) a device consisting of a small piece of a crystal of a semiconductor onto which are etched or manufactured a number of components such as transistors, resistors and capacitors, which together perform a function

4. Make sentences putting the given words into a correct order:

1. He “system architecture” noted that his instruction types description of formats, hardware parameters, and aimed at the level speed enhancements of. 2. Computer the needs architecture the user of a structure is the art of determining of.

3. In computer engineering, is and computer architecture fundamental operational the conceptual design structure of a computer system. 4. It may as the science and art of also be performance and cost goals defined selecting and interconnecting to create computers that meet hardware components functional,. 5. Instruction set architecture, is computing system or ISA, that is seen by a machine language (or assembly language) the abstract image of a programmer. 6. Microarchitecture the constituent of the system parts is a that involves how of the system are lower level description interconnected. 7. Implementation is but rather usually not architectural definition considered, hardware design engineering. 8. Logic the blocks Implementation is the as logic equations design where that were defined in the microarchitecture are implemented. 9. Computer standards, cost require architectures usually and memory capacity. 10. Sometimes, are factors such as features, size, weight, reliability, other considerations expandability and power consumption as well.

5. Fill in the gaps using words or groups of words from the box below: central processing unit processor registers designing hardware flow modes economic architecture implementation blueprint

The term 1)…………. in computer literature can be traced to the work of Lyle R. Johnson and Frederick P. Brooks, Jr., members in 1959 of the Machine Organization department in IBM’s main research center. Computer architecture, like other architecture, is the art of determining the needs of the user of a structure and then 2)………………. to meet those needs as effectively as possible within 3)………………. and technological constraints. The article defines architecture as the set of “attributes of a system as seen by the programmer, i.e., the conceptual structure and functional behavior, as distinct from the organization of the data 4)………………. and controls, the logical design, and the physical implementation.” It is a 5)………………and functional description of requirements (especially speeds and interconnections) and design implementations for the various parts of a computer — focusing largely on the way by which the 6)……………… ………………… …………….. performs internally and accesses addresses in memory. Instruction set architecture, or ISA, is the abstract image of a computing system that is seen by a machine language (or assembly language) programmer, including the instruction set, memory address 7)………….. , and 8)…………. ……………….address and data formats. Once both ISA and microarchitecture has been specified, the actual device needs to be designed into 9)…………………. This design process is often called 10)…………………...

6. Discuss the following questions: 1. When was the term “architecture” introduced in computer science literature? 2. What is ISA and System Design?

7. Read the advertisement and translate the technical specification into your own language:

Lenovo H320 4041-1JU Desktop PC The Lenovo H320 4041-1JU Desktop PC features an Intel® Core™ i3 processor for smart performance and plenty of memory and storage space to handle all your home computing needs. At just half the size of a standard desktop computer, you can fit the Lenovo H320 4041-1JU Desktop PC into smaller spaces around the home, or simply leave more room on your desk. With the Lenovo Enhanced Experience for Windows® 7, the affordable Lenovo H320 4041-1JU Desktop PC delivers fast boot and shutdown, rich multimedia capabilities and easy system maintenance tools.

Specifications Lenovo H320 4041-1JU Desktop PC Memory Type: DDR3

Memory Speed: PC3-8500

Memory Speed MHz: 1066MHz

Total Memory Size: 4GB

Lifestyle: Home & Student

Condition: New

Operating Systems: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit

Platform: PC

Orientations Allowed: Vertical

Form Factor: Desktop

PS/2 Connectors: 1 - Mouse

1 - Keyboard

LAN Ports: 1 - RJ-45 Ethernet Connector

USB Ports (Total): 2x USB 2.0 (Front)

4x USB 2.0 (Back)

Audio Out Jacks: 1 - Headphone

Microphone Jacks: 1

VGA Ports: 1

HDMI Ports: 1

Processor Brand: Intel

Processor Class: Core i3

Processor Number: i3-550

Processor Speed: 3.20GHz

Processors Onboard: 1

Hard Drives Included: 1

Capacity: 1TB

Hard Drive Types: Hard Disk Drive

Speed: 7,200RPM

Optical Drive Type: DVDRW

Supplemental Media Type: Media Reader

Capacity: 7-in-1

Media Types: Compact Flash (CF)

Memory Stick PRO

Secure Digital (SD)

SDHC Card

Compact Flash Il

MultiMediaCard (MMC)

Graphics Description: Integrated Graphics

GPU/VPU: Intel HD Graphics

WiFi Data Transfer Rate: up to 300Mbps

WiFi Description: Wireless LAN 802.11 b/g/n

WiFi Standards Supported: 802.11b

802.11g

802.11n

LAN Data Transfer Rate: 10/100/1000Mbps

LAN Description: Gigabit Ethernet

LAN Interface Type: RJ-45

LAN Ports: 1

Office 2010 preloaded; purchase a Productivity Applications: product key to activate.

Mouse Type: Standard

Connection Type: USB

Keyboard Type: Standard

Width: 15.7"

[1] To provide the most accurate specifications, the specifications listed are based upon the manufacturer's exact Specification Notes: model specification as published on the manufacturer's website, and the manufacturer's product documentation.

8. Translate the last three paragraphs of the Computer Architecture text starting with “Once both ISA and microarchitecture has been specified ……” into your own language. Look carefully at the tenses before you start.

Computer Software

1. What operating system does your own computer use? What version? Why do you prefer this version?

2. Read the following text:

Software or computer software is that part of a computer system which consists of encoded information, as opposed to the physical computer equipment (hardware) which is used to store and process this information. The term is roughly synonymous with computer programs but is more generic in scope. Software is a program that enables a computer to perform a specific task, as opposed to the physical components of the system (hardware). This includes application software such as a word processor, which enables a user to perform a task, and system software such as an operating system, which enables other software to run properly, by interfacing with hardware and with other software. The term "software" was first used in this sense by John W. Tukey in 1957. But the theory that is the basis for most modern software had been previously proposed by Alan Turing in 1935. The concept of reading different sequences of instructions into the memory of a device to control computations was invented by Charles Babbage as part of his difference engine.

Computer software is so called in contrast to computer hardware, which encompasses the physical interconnections and devices required to store and execute (or run) the software. In computers, software is loaded into RAM and executed in the central processing unit. At the lowest level, software consists of a machine language specific to an individual processor. A machine language consists of groups of binary values signifying processor instructions (object code), which change the state of the computer from its preceding state. Software is an ordered sequence of instructions for changing the state of the computer hardware in a particular sequence. It is usually written in high-level programming languages that are easier and more efficient for humans to use (closer to natural language) than machine language. High-level languages are compiled or interpreted into machine language object code. Software may also be written in an assembly language, essentially, a mnemonic representation of a machine language using a natural language alphabet. Assembly language must be assembled into object code via an assembler. Software has historically been considered an intermediary between electronic hardware and data, which latter entity the hardware processes according to the sequence of instructions defined by the software. As computational math becomes increasingly complex, the distinction between software and data becomes less precise. Data has generally been considered as either the output or input of executed software. However, data is not the only possible output or input. For example, (system) configuration information may also be considered input, although not necessarily considered data (and certainly not applications data). The output of a particular piece of executed software may be the input for another executed piece of software. Therefore, software may be considered an interface between hardware, data, and/or (other) software.

Practical computer systems divide software into three major classes: system software, programming software and application software, although the distinction is arbitrary, and often blurred. System software helps run the computer hardware and computer system. It includes operating systems, device drivers, diagnostic tools, servers, windowing systems, utilities and more. Programming software usually provides tools to assist a programmer in writing computer programs and software using different programming languages in a more convenient way. The tools include text editors, compilers, interpreters, linkers, debuggers, and so on. An Integrated development environment (IDE) merges those tools into a software bundle, and a programmer may not need to type multiple commands for compiling, interpreting, debugging, tracing, and etc., because the IDE usually has an advanced graphical user interface, or GUI. Application software allows humans to accomplish one or more specific (non-computer related) tasks. Typical applications include industrial automation, business software, educational software, medical software, databases and computer games. A program may not be sufficiently complete for execution by a computer. In particular, it may require additional software from a software library in order to be complete. Such a library may include software components used by stand-alone programs, but which cannot be executed on their own. Platform software includes the basic input-output system (often described as firmware rather than software), device drivers, an operating system, and typically a graphical user interface which, in total, allow a user to interact with the computer and its peripherals (associated equipment).

Application software is what most people think of when they think of software. Typical examples include office suites and video games. Application software is often purchased separately from computer hardware. Applications are almost always independent programs from the operating system, though they are often tailored for specific platforms.

(Based on Computer Software, http://www.uacoders.com)

Vocabulary software (s) = soft; ansamblu de programare, proceduri şi reguli de folosire a unui calculator electronic; exemple de programe şi operaţii ce aparţin unui calculator roughly (adv) = aproximativ generic (adj) = general, generic interface (s) = (dispozitiv de) interfaţă encompass (vb) = a conţine; a înconjura load (s, vb) = introducere de date; sarcină, încărcătură; a încărca, a alimenta binary (adj) = binar, dual, diadic code (s, vb) = cod, cifru, semnal; succesiune de cifre ale unui sistem de numeraţie, corespunzătoare simbolurilor unui alfabet; a codifica, a cifra compile (vb) = a întocmi, a redacta, a compila mnemonics (s) = abreviere a numelui unei instrucţiuni sau unei operaţii în cod de maşină via (prep) = prin, via, în direcţia assembler (s) = ansamblor (program de conversie în cod maşină); traductor/convertor analogic/numeric blurred (adj) = estompat, confuz

39 diagnostic (s) = diagnosticare, stabilire a erorilor, defecţiunilor server (s) = server, calculator care îşi oeferă serviciile altor calculatoare din reţea Windows (s) = program multisarcină cu un mediu “graphical user interface” care rulează pe calculatoare insulate (vb) = a izola merge (vb) = a uni, a îmbina bundle (s) = legătură, mănunchi debug (vb) = a corija; a pune la puct; a corecta; a depana graphical user interface (GUI) = interfaţă utilizator-grafică database (s) = bază de date, mulţime de date organizată referitoare la un set anumit de aplicaţii library (s) = colecţie (de programe) stand-alone (application) = aplicaţie pentru un singur post de lucru /pentru un calculator independent (neconectat la reţea) platform (s) = platformă; post de comandă purchase (vb) = a cumpăra, a achiziţiona

1. Match each word with the correct definition:

1. software a) an interface between an operating system or program and the user that uses graphics or icons to represent functions or files and allow the software to be controlled more easily. 2. mnemonics b) an integrated collection of

files of data stored in a structured form in a large memory, which can be accessed by one or more users at different terminals 3. graphical user interface (GUI) c) a shortened form of a word, function or operation that is helpful as a reminder 4. database d) any program or group of programs which instructs the hardware on how it should perform, including operating systems, word processors and applications programs 5. server e) a sequence of computer instructions 6. Windows f) a dedicated computer which provides a function to a network 7. code g) a trade name for a family of operating systems developed by Microsoft that interacts with users through a Graphical User Interface.

4. Make sentences putting the given words into a correct order:

1. Software is as opposed to that enables a physical components computer to perform a program a specific task, the of the system (hardware). 2. In into RAM computers, is loaded in the software central processing and executed unit. 3. A machine change the state of language consists of signifying processor instructions (object code), which the computer from groups of binary values its preceding state. 4. Software is in a particular sequence of instructions for an ordered sequence state of the computer changing the hardware. 5. Software in an, essentially, a mnemonic may also be written representation of a machine language using a natural assembly language language alphabet. 6. Software an intermediary between electronic historically hardware and has been considered data. 7. The output piece of be the input for of may another of executed software executed a particular piece software. 8. Practical programming software into three major classes computer systems software: system software, and divide application software. 9. Programming writing software usually tools to assist a provides programmer in computer programs. 10. Application humans software to one or more accomplish specific allows tasks.

5. Fill in the gaps using words from the box below: encompasses servers input-output store drivers stand-alone RAM engineering binary encoded

Software or computer software is that part of a computer system which consists of 1)……………….. information, as opposed to the physical computer equipment (hardware) which is used to 2)………………….. and process this information. In computer science and software 3)……………….., computer software is all computer programs. Computer software is so called in contrast to computer hardware, which 4)…………………..the physical interconnections and devices required to store and execute (or run) the software. In computers, software is loaded into 5)………………… and executed in the central processing unit. A machine language consists of groups of 6)…………………values signifying processor instructions (object code). System software includes operating systems, device 7)……………… diagnostic tools, 8)………………… , windowing systems, utilities and more. Such a library may include software components used by 9)……………….programs, but which cannot be executed on their own. Platform software includes the basic 10)……………………. system (often described as firmware rather than software), device drivers, an operating system, and typically a graphical user interface.

6. Discuss the following questions: 1. Which application do you use most often on your computer? Give reasons for your answer.

2. Name and discuss the most important software quality factors from the following list: understandability, completeness, consistency, maintainability, usability, reliability structuredness, efficiency.

7. Find out about the software your colleagues use at home. Ask about programs, databases, web browsers, etc.

8. Choose the correct word to fill in the spaces

1. Turn on your computer. It will usually take a few minutes to ______. a. boot itself b. boot up c. get booted 2. Windows XP, Macintosh OSX and Linux are ______. a. operating systems b. operating tools c. operators 3. Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat and CorelDraw are programs or ______. a. applicators b. appliers c. applications 4. To open Microsoft Word, click on the ______. a. picture b. symbol c. icon 5. In Windows, the icon is just a ______to the application. If you delete the icon, the application will still be on your computer. a. connector b. shortcut c. link 6. If the computer crashes, you can try pressing the ______button. a. restart b. recommence c. replay 7. When I've finished using my computer, I always ______. a. close it down b. shut it down c. shut it off 8. If I leave my computer on without using it, after a while it goes into ______mode. a. stand down b. waiting c. standby

9. Translate the first two paragraphs starting with “Software or computer software is that part of a computer system ……” into your own language. Look carefully at the tenses before you start.

Computer Hardware

1. What are the main components and features of your computer system?

2. Read the following text:

Computer hardware is the physical parts of a computer, as distinguished from the computer software or computer programs and data that operate within the hardware. The hardware of a computer is infrequently changed, in comparison with software and data which are "soft" in the sense that they are readily created, modified or erased on the computer. Firmware is special software that rarely, if ever, needs to be changed and so is stored on hardware devices such as read-only memory (ROM) where it is not readily changed (and therefore is "firm" rather than just "soft"). Most computer hardware is not seen by normal users because it is enclosed as embedded systems in automobiles, microwave ovens, electrocardiograph machines, compact disk players, and many other household appliances. In other words, an embedded system is a special-purpose computer system, which is completely encapsulated by the device it controls. A typical personal computer consists of a chassis in desktop or tower shape and the following parts:  Motherboard or a system board with slots for expansion cards and holding parts including: . Central processing unit (CPU).

. Random Access Memory (RAM) - for program execution and short term data storage, so the computer does not have to take the time to access the hard drive to find something. More RAM can contribute to a faster PC. . Buses (a bus is a subsystem that transfers data or power between computer components inside a computer or between computers): o PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect standard) bus o PCI Express or AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port also called Advanced Graphics Port) bus o ISA (Industry Standard Architecture) bus is a computer bus standard for IBM compatibles (outdated) o USB (Universal Serial Bus) provides a serial bus standard for connecting devices.  Power supply - a case that holds a transformer, voltage control and fan.  Storage controllers of IDE - Integrated Drive Electronics (or ATA – Advanced Technology Attachment, i.e. a standard interface for connecting storage devices such as hard discs and CD-ROM drives inside personal computers), SATA (Serial ATA is a computer bus technology primarily designed for transfer of data to and from a hard disc), SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) or other type, that control hard disc, floppy disc, CD-ROM and other drives. The controllers sit directly on the motherboard (on-board) or on expansion cards.  Video display controller that produces the output for the computer display.  Computer bus controllers (parallel, serial, USB,) to connect the computer to external peripheral devices such as printers or scanners.

 Some type of a removable media writer: . CD - the most common type of removable media, cheap but fragile: o CD-ROM Drive o CD Writer . DVD (sometimes known as "Digital Versatile Disc" or "Digital Video Disc") is an optical disc storage media format that can be used for data storage, including movies with high video and sound quality. o DVD-ROM Drive o DVD Writer o DVD-RAM Drive. . Floppy disk. . Zip drive (a medium-capacity removable disk storage system) . Tape drive (also known as a streamer, is a peripheral device that reads and writes data stored on a magnetic tape) - mainly for backup and long-term storage.  Internal storage - keeps data inside the computer for later use: . Hard disk (a non-volatile data storage device) - for medium-term storage of data. . Disk array controller (a computer hardware device which provides secondary storage services to computer systems, often in large servers).  Sound card - translates signals from the system board into analog voltage levels, and has terminals to plug in speakers.  Networking - to connect the computer to the Internet and/or other computers: . Modem – for dial-up connections

. Network card – for Cable internet, and/or connecting to other computers.  Other peripherals. In addition, hardware can include external components of a computer system. The following are either standard or very common.  Input or Input devices . Text input devices (Keyboard) . Pointing devices (Mouse) . Gaming devices (Joystick, Gamepad) . Image, Video input devices (Image scanner, Webcam – i.e. a real time camera whose images can be accessed using the WWW, instant messaging, or a PC video calling application) . Audio input devices (Microphone, Headset)  Output or Output devices . Image, Video output devices (Printer, Monitor) . Audio output devices (Speakers)

(Based on Hardware, http://en.ecdlweb.org)

Vocabulary software (s) = ansamblu de programare, proceduri şi reguli de folosire a unui calculator electronic; soft firmware (s) = microprograme, microinstrucţiuni; soft integrat, program rezident în memoria fixă a sistemului cu microprocessor read-only memory (ROM) = memorie programabilă numai pentru citire; memorie permanentă, fixă

49 embedded (adj) = inclus; inserat compact disk (s) = disc compact appliance (s) = dispozitiv, aparat household (s) = domestic, gospodăresc chassis (s) = support motherboard (s) = placă de bază slot (s) = fantă card (s) = cartelă, cartelă perforată pentru înregistrarea informaţiei hard disc drive (HDD) = unitate de disc fix/dur personal computer (PC) = calculator personal power (s) = putere; energie; capacitate; randament Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) = interconectare a componentelor periferice (permiţând transferul rapid între diferite periferice conectate la o magistrală locală sau între processor şi periferice) Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) = port grafic accelerat Universal Serial Bus (USB) = ansamblu de magistrală şi tip de conector utilizat pentru transmiterea de date; de cele mai multe ori, USB-ul este folosit pentru conectarea unor periferice la un calculator sau pentru interconectarea a două dispozitive electronice case (s) = cutie, carcasă power supply (s) = alimentare de la reţea; bornă/record la reţea; sursă de energie transformer (s) = transformator electric voltage (s) = tensiune electrică; voltaj fan (s) = ventilator Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) = tehnologie în care majoritatea operaţiilor de control pentru hard disc sunt integrate chiar în unitatea propriu-zisă

Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA) = tehnologie în care operaţia de control aparţine unităţii de hard disc drive (s) = comandă, acţionare, antrenare compact disk-read only memory (CD-ROM) = disc compact (de stocare a informaţiilor) care nu poate fi decât citit Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) = interfaţă pentru dispozitivele care se conectează la calculator, care permite transferul de date Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) = standard de interfaţă pentru sisteme mici de calculatoare floppy disc (s) = disc magnetic subţire şi flexibil output = ieşire (a unor rezultate/a unui circuit/a unui sistem) serial (adj) = serial, set de elemente successive ale unei informaţii Digital Video Disc sau Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) = mediu de stocare optic care vine ca succesor al CD-ului, cu o capacitate de aproape 7 ori mai mare, însă cu un mod diferit de scriere a informaţiei pe disc streamer (s) = dispozitiv de stocare în masă a datelor back-up (adj) = de rezervă array (s) = sistem, reţea; şir; serie; matrice signal (s) = semnal; informaţie referitoare la schimbarea stării unui fenomen analog (adj) = analogic terminal (s) = (echipament) terminal, echipament destinat comunicării între echipament şi sistemul de calcul plug (s) = fişă, fişă de conectare; priză speaker (s) = difuzor, traductor electroacustic peripheral (s, adj) = periferic; de circumferinţă input (s) = intrare, introducere; alimentare keyboard (s) = tastatură

51 mouse (s) = dispozitiv periferic care poate deplasa cursorul pe ecranul unui calculator joystick (s) = dispozitiv pentru specificarea coordonatelor unui punct scanner (s) = scanner, dispozitiv electronic care citeşte şi transformă o imagine sau un desen în valori digitale pentru a fi prelucrate pe calculator web cam(s) = cameră video conectată la un site care permite vizitatorilor să vadă imagini în direct World Wide Web (WWW) = o colecţie de nenumărate site-uri şi pagini care formează parte a Internetului microphone (s) = microfon headset (s) = cască printer (s) = imprimantă monitor (s) = monitor

3.Match each word with the correct definition:

1. hard disc drive (HDD) a) hard disk drive technology in which the controller is part of the disk drive rather than being part of the main computer or located on the motherboard. 2.Accelerated Graphics Port b) a unit used to store and (AGP) retrieve data from a spinning hard disk on the commands of a computer 3.Universal Serial Bus (USB) c) a dedicated bus between a graphics controller and main memory that allows data to be transferred very quickly without using the main processor. 4.Advanced Technology d) a standard defining a high- Attachment (ATA) speed serial interface that transfers data and allows peripherals to be connected to a computer 5.Small Computer System e) a collection of the millions of Interface (SCSI) websites and webpages that together form the part of the Internet that is most often seen by users.

6.Digital Video Disc or Digital f) a standard high-speed parallel Versatile Disc (DVD) interface used to connect computers to peripheral devices (such as disk drives and scanners) 7.World Wide Web (WWW) g) a way of storing multiple Gb of data on a CD-ROM type disc.

4. Make sentences putting the given words into a correct order:

1. Computer the physical parts of a computer hardware is computer software or distinguished from the computer programs. 2. Firmware is that is stored on special software such as read-only hardware devices memory (ROM). 3. Computer is enclosed hardware as microwave ovens, in automobiles, electrocardiograph machines, embedded systems compact disc players. 4. Motherboard and holding parts is a with slots for expansion system board cards. 5. Using RAM to take the time the computer does not have to access to find something the hard drive. 6. A computer components bus that transfers is a between inside a computer or subsystem data or power between computers. 7. Serial primarily designed ATA is a technology for transfer computer bus of data to and from a hard disc.

8. DVD for data storage is an optical format that can be used disc storage media. 9. Sound translates signals card from into analog voltage levels the system board. 10. Disk secondary storage services array controller provides, often in large servers to computer systems.

5. Fill in the gaps using words from the box below: embedded programmable older facilitates tasks particular control combination encapsulated common

An embedded system is a special-purpose computer system, which is completely 1)…...... by the device it controls. An 2) ……………..system has specific requirements and performs predefined 3) ……………….., unlike a general-purpose personal computer. An embedded system is a programmed hardware device. A 4) ………………. hardware chip is the “raw material” and it is programmed with 5) …………………applications. This is to be understood in comparison to 6) …………………systems with full functional hardware or systems with general purpose hardware and externally loaded software. Embedded systems are a 7) ………………...of hardware and software which 8) ……………………… mass production and variety of applications. The most 9) ……………………… form of computers in use today is the embedded computers used to control another devices. Embedded computers 10) …………………… machines from fighter planes to digital cameras.

6. Discuss the following questions:

1. Do you know the technical specifications of you computer? Would you like to upgrade your computer? If so, what kind of computer would you like to get? 2. Which peripherals do you use most often? Why?

7. Work in pairs. One of you wants to buy a computer and the other is the shop assistant. Use the prompts and the product description below to create a conversation.

a. Acer Aqua 10.1" AOD255E-13438 Notebook PC with Intel Atom N455 Processor and Window 7 Starter

Key Features and Benefits: Intel Atom N455 processor 1.66GHz, 512KB L2 Cache 1GB DDR3 SDRAM system memory Allows you to do the computer basics of web surfing, emails and documents 160GB SATA hard drive Store 106,000 photos, 45,000 songs or 84 hours of HD video and more 10/100 Fast Ethernet, 802.11b/g/n Wireless LAN Connect to a broadband modem with wired Ethernet or wirelessly connect to a Wi- Fi signal or hotspot with the 802.11b/g/n connection built into your Acer aqua 10.1" netbook PC 10.1" WSVGA Acer CrystalBrite LED backlit display Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3150 with 64MB of dedicated video memory, supporting Microsoft DirectX 9

Additional Aspire One Netbook Computer Features:  0.3-megapixel webcam  2-in-1 memory card reader  3 x USB 2.0 ports, 1 x VGA port, 1 x headphone/speaker/line-out jack, 1 x microphone-in jack, 1 x RJ-45 Ethernet port, 1 x DC-in  3-cell lithium-ion battery, up to 4 hours battery life

Software:

 Genuine Microsoft Windows 7 Starter (To learn more about the features of Windows 7  Microsoft Office Starter 2010: Includes reduced functionality versions of Microsoft Word and Excel, with advertising. PowerPoint or Outlook are NOT included. Purchase Office 2010 today and get the most out of your new PC. (To learn more about the features of Office 2010,  McAfee Internet Security Suite Trial  Acer Crystal Eye, Acer Video Conference Manager  Acer eRecovery Management

Support and Warranty:

 1-year International Traveler's limited warrant

b. Toshiba Satellite L675-S7108 Laptop Intel® Core i3-380M Processor, 500GB hard drive, 4GB system memory, and 17.3" HD TruBrite LCD display

Specifications

Face Recognition, Eco Utility, LED Backlit Display, Dual-core Extras: Processor, Dolby® Advanced Audio™, 6-Cell Li-ion Battery Pack, PC Health Monitor, EPEAT™ Gold Compliant, Energy Star

Compliant, HDMI port, Webcam and Mic, Memory Card Reader, Numeric 10-key Pad, Touch pad with Multi-touch, eSATA USB Combo Port Processor: Intel® ">Core™ i3-380M Processor Operating Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit) System: Memory: 4GB DDR3 1066MHz memory Display Size: 17.3" widescreen Display HD+ TruBrite® LED Backlit display Type: Display 16:9 aspect ratio, Supports 720p content, 1600x900 Resolution: Graphics Mobile Intel® HD Graphics Engine: Graphics 64MB-1696MB dynamically allocated shared graphics memory Memory: Total 500GB Storage: Hard Drive: 500GB HDD (5400rpm) Optical DVD-SuperMulti (+/-R double layer) with Labelflash™ drive Drive: Optical DVD-SuperMulti (+/-R double layer) with Labelflash™ drive Drives: supporting up to 11 formats Webcam: Webcam and microphone built into LCD bezel Wireless: Wi-Fi® Wireless networking (802.11b/g/n) Inputs and Premium US keyboard with 10-key pad (Black), touch pad on/off, Controls: touch pad pointing device with multi touch control Security and Security Cable Lock Slot, HDD Recovery, TOSHIBA Supervisor Protection: Password Utility, Password Security

Modem: No Modem port LAN: 10/100 Ethernet LAN Standard stereo speakers, Microphone jack (mono), Headphone jack Audio: (stereo) AC Adapter: 65W (19V 3.42A) Auto-sensing, 100-240V / 50-60Hz input Battery: Li-Ion (48Wh, 6-Cell) Battery Life: Up to 4.53 hours PC Express No PC Express Slot Slot: SmartCard No SmartCard Reader slot Reader: Media: Memory Card Reader USB Ports: 2-USB (2.0) ports, 1-eSATA/USB combo port HDMI: HDMI output port TOSHIBA Web Camera Application, Corel® Label@Once, TOSHIBA Media Controller, Microsoft® Silverlight™ , TOSHIBA Bulletin Board™, TOSHIBA ReelTime™, TOSHIBA Laptop Checkup, TOSHIBA PC Health Monitor, WildTangent® Orb™ Games Console, TOSHIBA Face Recognition, TOSHIBA Recovery Disk Creator, TOSHIBA Disc Creator, TOSHIBA eco Utility™, Google® Chrome, TOSHIBA App Place, Toshiba Online Backup Software: (30-day trial subscription), TOSHIBA HDD/SSD Alert, Norton Internet Security™ 2011 (30-day trial) , Microsoft® Windows Live Essentials including Photo Gallery, Messenger, Mail, Writer and Movie Maker. , Microsoft® Office Starter 2010 (Reduced functionality Word® and Excel® with advertising) , Microsoft® Windows Media Player 12, TOSHIBA Service Station, TOSHIBA BookPlace™ Weight: Starting at 6.61 lbs.

Color: Fusion® Finish in Helios Grey Standards: Energy Star Qualified, RoHS Compliant, EPEAT™ Gold

c. Dell Inspiron 15.6" i15R-1157 Laptop PC with Intel Core i3-380M Processor & Windows 7 Home Premium

Key Features and Benefits: Intel Core i3-380M processor 2.53GHz, 3MB Cache 4GB DDR3 system memory Gives you the power to handle the most power-hungry applications and tons of multimedia work 500GB SATA hard drive Store 333,000 photos, 142,000 songs or 263 hours of HD video and more 8x multi-format DVD burner Watch DVD movies on your Dell black 15.6" laptop PC; read and write CDs and DVDs in multiple formats Intel Centrino Wireless-N 1000 WLAN Wirelessly connect to a Wi-Fi signal or hotspot with the 802.11n Wi-Fi connection built right into your PC 15.6" diagonal HD WLED widescreen display Intel HD Graphics Additional Dell Notebook Computer Features: Built-in 1.3MP Webcam 7-in-1 digital media card reader 4 x USB 2.0 ports, 1 x HDMI port 6-cell lithium-ion battery Dell Wireless 365 Bluetooth technology Software: Genuine Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit Edition

Microsoft Office Starter 2010 (purchase of product key required to activate full suite) McAfee SecurityCenter with anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall (30-day trial) Backup and Restore options built into Windows allow you to create safety copies of your most important personal files so you're always prepared for the worst. Support and Warranty: 1-year limited warranty with mail-in service Restore discs are no longer included with PCs. We recommend you use the installed software to create your own restore and backup DVD the first week you use the Dell black 15.6" laptop PC.

8. Translate the following paragraphs into your own language. Look carefully at the tenses before you start.

In the past twenty years, there has been a dramatic increase in the processing speed of computers, network capacity and the speed of the internet. These advances have paved the way for the revolution of fields such as quantum physics, artificial intelligence and nanotechnology. These advances will have a profound effect on the way we live and work, the virtual reality we see in movies like the Matrix, may actually come true in the next decade or so. Scientists are trying to use nanotechnology to make very tiny chips, electrical conductors and logic gates. Using nanotechnology, chips can be built up one atom at a time and hence there would be no wastage of space, enabling much smaller devices to be built. Using this technology, logic gates will be composed of just a few atoms and electrical conductors (called nanowires) will be merely an atom thick and a data bit will be represented by the presence or absence of an electron.

Scientists aim to use nanotechnology to create nanorobots that will serve as antibodies that can be programmed. This will help to protect humans against pathogenic bacteria and viruses that keep mutating rendering many remedies ineffective against new strains. Nanorobots would overcome this problem by reprogramming selectively to destroy the new pathogens. Nanorobots are predicted to be part of the future of human medicine. (Article Source: http://www.geeks.com)

Computer Memory

1. What do you know about the memory of a computer? What does RAM stand for?

2. Read the following text:

In computing, memory refers to the state information of a computing system, as it is kept active in some physical structure. The term "memory" is used for the information in physical systems which are fast (i.e. RAM), as a distinction from physical systems which are slow to access (i.e. data storage). By design, the term "memory" refers to temporary state devices, whereas the term "storage" is reserved for permanent data. Advances in storage technology have blurred the distinction a bit —memory kept on what is conventionally a storage system is called "virtual memory". Colloquially, computer memory refers to the physical devices used to store data or programs (sequences of instructions) on a temporary or permanent basis for use in an electronic digital computer. Computers represent information in binary code, written as sequences of 0s and 1s. Each binary digit or "bit" may be stored by any physical system that can be in either of two stable states, to represent 0 and 1. Such a system is called bistable. This could be an on-off switch, an electrical capacitor that can store or lose a charge, a magnet with its polarity up or down, or a surface that can have a pit or not. Today, capacitors and transistors, functioning as tiny

63 electrical switches, are used for temporary storage, and either disks or tape with a magnetic coating, or plastic discs with patterns of pits are used for long-term storage. Computer memory is usually meant to refer to the semiconductor technology that is used to store information in electronic devices. Current primary computer memory makes use of integrated circuits consisting of silicon-based transistors. There are two main types of memory: volatile and non-volatile. Volatile memory is computer memory that requires power to maintain the stored information. Current semiconductor volatile memory technology is usually either static RAM or dynamic RAM. Static RAM exhibits data remanence, but is still volatile, since all data is lost when memory is not powered. Whereas, dynamic RAM allows data to be leaked and disappear automatically without a refreshing. This difference accounts for the substantial price difference between the two types of memory, and consequently renders SRAM an impractical choice for system memory. Non-volatile memory is computer memory that can retain the stored information even when not powered. Examples of non-volatile memory include read-only memory, flash memory, most types of magnetic computer storage devices (e.g. hard disks, floppy discs and magnetic tape), optical discs, and early computer storage methods such as paper tape and punched cards. Proper management of memory is vital for a computer system to operate properly. Modern operating systems have complex systems to properly manage memory. Failure to do so can lead to bugs, slow performance, and at worst case, takeover by viruses and malicious software. Improper management of memory is a common cause of bugs.

 In arithmetic overflow, a calculation results in a number larger than the allocated memory permits.  A memory leak occurs when a program requests memory from the operating system and never returns the memory when it is done with it. A program with this bug will gradually require more and more memory until the program fails as it runs out.  A segmentation fault results when a program tries to access memory that it has no permission to access. Generally a program doing so will be terminated by the operating system.  Buffer overflow means that a program writes data to the end of its allocated space and then continues to write data to memory that belongs to other programs. This may result in erratic program behavior, including memory access errors, incorrect results, a crash, or a breach of system security. They are thus the basis of many software vulnerabilities and can be maliciously exploited. Virtual memory is a system where all physical memory is controlled by the operating system. When a program needs memory, it requests it from the operating system. The operating system then decides what physical location to place the memory in. This offers several advantages. Computer programmers no longer need to worry about where the memory is physically stored or whether the user's computer will have enough memory. It also allows multiple types of memory to be used. For example, some memory can be stored in physical RAM chips while other memory is stored on a hard drive. This drastically increases the amount of memory available to programs. The operating system will place actively used memory in physical RAM, which is much faster than hard disks. When the amount of RAM is not sufficient to run all the current programs, it can result in a situation

65 where the computer spends more time moving memory from RAM to disk and back than it does accomplishing tasks. Virtual memory systems usually include protected memory, but this is not always the case. Protected memory is a system where each program is given an area of memory to use and is not permitted to go outside that range. Use of protected memory greatly enhances both the reliability and security of a computer system. Without protected memory, it is possible that a bug in one program will alter the memory used by another program. This will cause that other program to run off of corrupted memory with unpredictable results. If the operating system's memory is corrupted, the entire computer system may crash and need to be rebooted. At times programs intentionally alter the memory used by other programs. This is done by viruses and malware to take over computers. Protected memory systems almost always include virtual memory as well.

(Based on Computer Memory, http://en.wikipedia.org)

Vocabulary state (s) = stare; poziţie; structură; regim; situaţie; condiţie; constituţie; caracter blur (s) = a estompa, a umbri virtual memory/storage (s) = memorie virtuală/care permite exsitenţa unui spaţiu de adresare practic nelimitat binary code (s) = cod binary/ cu două poziţii stabile binary digit (s) = cifră binară; bit (element/unitate de informaţie binară) bit (s) = bit, cifră binară

66 bistable (s) = (element) bistabil (cu două stări stabile) capacitor (s) = condensator electric pit (s) = adâncitură; canal coating (s) = acoperire, înveliş protector, manta, protecţie volatile memory (s) = memorie neremanentă/al cărei conţinut este pierdut la deconectarea alimentării remanence (s) = remanenţă; magnetizare reziduală exhibit (vb) = a etala, a expune, a arăta whereas (conj) = pe când, în timp ce leak (vb) = a curge, a se pierde account for (vb) = a răspunde de non-volatile memory (s) = memorie (cu acces aleatoriu) permanentă/de durată/nevolatilă/remanentă/ al cărei conţinut nu este pierdut la deconectarea alimentării bug (s) = perturbare (inferenţă nedorită în timpul funcţionării calculatorului) buffer (s) = zonă tampon a memoriei interne, memorie intermediară overflow (s) = depăşire (a posibilităţii de reprezentare corectă a unui rezultat; a capacităţii de memorare

3. Match each word with the correct definition:

1.virtual memory a) code using different patterns of binary digits represent various symbols and elements 2.volatile memory b) a storage medium or memory that retains data even when the power has been switched off 3.non-volatile memory c) a system of providing extra main memory by using a disk drive as if it were RAM 4. binary code d) referring to a device or circuit that has two possible states, on and off 5.bug e) memory or storage medium which loses data stored in it when the power supply is switched off 6.buffer f) an error in a computer program which makes it run incorrectly (informal) 7.bistabil g) a circuit that isolates and protects a system from damaging inputs from driven circuits or peripherals

4. Make sentences putting the given words into a correct order:

1. Computer physical devices refers to the used memory to store data in an electronic or programs digital computer. 2. Computers in binary code information, written as represent sequences of 0s and 1s. 3. Current silicon-based makes use of integrated circuits consisting of transistors. 4. Volatile that requires to maintain memory is computer memory power the stored information. 5. Current is usually either static RAM or semiconductor volatile memory technology dynamic RAM. 6. Non-volatile that can retain memory is computer memory even when not the stored information powered. 7. Proper of memory is management vital to operate for a computer system properly. 8. Virtual where all physical memory is memory is a system controlled by the operating system. 9. Use of both the reliability and enhances security of a computer protected memory system. 10. If the may crash is corrupted, the entire computer system and operating system's memory need to be rebooted.

5. Fill in the gaps using words or groups of words from the box below: binary code overflow dynamic bit breach static leak erratic memory semiconductor

In computing, 1)…………………………….refers to the state information of a computing system, as it is kept active in some physical structure. Computers represent information in 2)………………. ………………., written as sequences of 0s and 1s. Each binary digit or 3)………………….may be stored by any physical system that can be in either of two stable states, to represent 0 and 1. Computer memory is usually meant to refer to the 4)…………………technology that is used to store information in electronic devices. Current semiconductor volatile memory technology is usually either 5)………………RAM or 6)………………… RAM. A memory 7)……………………….. occurs when a program requests memory from the operating system and never returns the memory when it is done with it. Buffer 8)…………………. means that a program writes data to the end of its allocated space and then continues to write data to memory that belongs to other programs. This may result in 9)…………… program behavior, including memory access errors, incorrect results, a crash, or a 10)…………………of system security.

6. Discuss the following questions: 1. What is virtual memory and non-virtual memory? 2. Give examples of proper management of memory.

7. Make notes about the features of the computer that you would most like to have. Think about the following features: CPU, speed, monitor, hard disk,

70 software, ports and card memory slots. You may use the following sentence structure to speak about your ideal computer: It’s got….. It’s very fast. It runs at…… The standard Ram memory is……..and it’s expandable…… The hard disk can hold……….. I need a large, flat LCD screen……… As for the Internet,……………………

8. Translate the following paragraphs about the future of computer technology. Look carefully at the tenses before you start.

In the last two decades advances in computing technology, from processing speed to network capacity and the internet, have revolutionized the way scientists work. Virtual Reality technologies are moving ahead as fast as most of the modern day science like alternative energy, BioTech, Nanotech, Super Computers, or Artificial Intelligence. Some say that by the end of this century, you will have sat in your living room, ate your dinner and drunk red wine sitting at Jesus' Last Supper, you'll have blasted off with the Space Shuttle, watched the Roman Gladiators in a 2200 year old stadium or sat down with the past President of your choice for coffee. All in virtual reality and it will be so real, you'll forget where you actually are. So, what technologically advanced hardware will you need to accomplish this, what sort of computer hardware will your living room have in it? Well, you'll have a few holographic projection units, several large flat panel screens of very thin material which will double as your wallpaper. You will have a special scent machine that will deliver the aroma that fits the

71 scene; I hope you are not planning on milking cows in your virtual reality living room! You will also have a modern day sound synthesizer with something similar to today's surround sound units. The first generation of this highly evolved technology will include helmets and a good amount of augmented reality technologies. But the later versions will not require the cumbersome helmet display units. Lastly, you will want to have a cool wardrobe of clothing that can camouflage itself for the scene. Indeed, you will become a character in your own virtual reality movie. You can be anything, go anywhere, live any life, without leaving home.

(Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

1. What is the main function of a computer’s processor?

2. Read the following text:

The central processing unit (CPU) is the portion of a computer system that carries out the instructions of a computer program, and is the primary element carrying out the computer's functions. The central processing unit carries out each instruction of the program in sequence, to perform the basic arithmetical, logical, and input/output operations of the system. This term has been in use in the computer industry at least since the early 1960s. The form, design and implementation of CPUs have changed dramatically since the earliest examples, but their fundamental operation remains much the same. Early CPUs were custom-designed as a part of a larger, sometimes one-of-a-kind, computer. However, this costly method of designing custom CPUs for a particular application has largely given way to the development of mass-produced processors that are made for one or many purposes. This standardization trend generally began in the era of discrete transistor mainframes and minicomputers and has rapidly accelerated with the popularization of the integrated circuit (IC). The IC has allowed increasingly complex CPUs to be designed and manufactured to tolerances on the order of

73 nanometers. Both the miniaturization and standardization of CPUs have increased the presence of these digital devices in modern life far beyond the limited application of dedicated computing machines. Modern microprocessors appear in everything from automobiles to cell phones and children's toys. The fundamental operation of most CPUs, regardless of the physical form they take, is to execute a sequence of stored instructions called a program. The program is represented by a series of numbers that are kept in some kind of computer memory. There are four steps that nearly all CPUs use in their operation: fetch, decode, execute, and writeback. The first step, fetch, involves retrieving an instruction (which is represented by a number or sequence of numbers) from program memory. The location in program memory is determined by a program counter (PC), which stores a number that identifies the current position in the program. In other words, the program counter keeps track of the CPU's place in the program. After an instruction is fetched, the PC is incremented by the length of the instruction word in terms of memory units. Often the instruction to be fetched must be retrieved from relatively slow memory, causing the CPU to stall while waiting for the instruction to be returned. The instruction that the CPU fetches from memory is used to determine what the CPU is to do. In the decode step, the instruction is broken up into parts that have significance to other portions of the CPU. The way in which the numerical instruction value is interpreted is defined by the CPU's instruction set architecture (ISA). Often, one group of numbers in the instruction indicates which operation to perform. The remaining parts of the number usually provide information required for that instruction, such as operands for an addition operation. Such operands may be given as a

74 constant value (called an immediate value), or as a place to locate a value: a register or a memory address, as determined by some addressing mode. In older designs, the portions of the CPU responsible for instruction decoding were unchangeable hardware devices. However, in more abstract and complicated CPUs and ISAs, a microprogram is often used to assist in translating instructions into various configuration signals for the CPU. This microprogram is sometimes rewritable so that it can be modified to change the way the CPU decodes instructions even after it has been manufactured. After the fetch and decode steps, the execute step is performed. During this step, various portions of the CPU are connected so they can perform the desired operation. If, for instance, an addition operation was requested, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) will be connected to a set of inputs and a set of outputs. The inputs provide the numbers to be added, and the outputs will contain the final sum. The ALU contains the circuitry to perform simple arithmetic and logical operations on the inputs. If the addition operation produces a result too large for the CPU to handle, an arithmetic overflow flag in a flags register may also be set. The final step, writeback, simply "writes back" the results of the execute step to some form of memory. Very often the results are written to some internal CPU register for quick access by subsequent instructions. In other cases results may be written to slower, but cheaper and larger, main memory. Some types of instructions manipulate the program counter rather than directly produce result data. These are generally called "jumps" and facilitate behavior like loops, conditional program execution (through the use of a conditional jump), and functions in programs. Many instructions will also change the state of digits in a "flags" register. These flags can be used to influence how a program behaves, since they often indicate the outcome of various operations. For example, one type of "compare" instruction considers

75 two values and sets a number in the flags register according to which one is greater. This flag could then be used by a later jump instruction to determine program flow.

(Based on Central Processing Unit, http://en.wikipedia.org/ )

Vocabulary carry out (vb) = a executa, a îndeplini, a duce la bun sfârşit primary (adj) = primar, principal custom-designed (adj) = personalizat particular (adj) = particular, specific trend (s) = tendinţă, orientare integrated circuit (s) = circuit integrat (indivizibil şi nereparabil); complex de circuite electronice într-o singură capsulă manufacture (vb) = a fabrica, a confecţiona tolerance = toleranţă; eroare/deviaţie/abatere permisă nano- (pref) = nano, prefix pentru a exprima 10-9 dintr-o unitate increase (vb) = a creşte, a spori beyond (prep, adv) = dincolo de, după, mai presus de; de partea cealaltă cell phone (s) = telefon celular fetch (s, vb) = fracţiune din ciclul unui calculator în care se determină locaţia instrucţiunii următoare; a apela; a lua, a extrage (caractere de memorie) decode (vb) = a decodifica, a descifra execute (vb) = a executa write back (vb) = a rescrie retrieve (vb) = a restabili, a reface, a regăsi, a recâştiga program(me) counter (s) = numărător de program, registru de control

76 increment (s) = increment; spor, creştere, mărire; majorare length (s) = lungime; durată; distanţă stall (vb) = a opri, a bloca operand (s) = operand, dată implicată în efectuarea operaţiilor cu calculatoarele numerice; număr operator; mărime de calcul arithmetic logic unit (ALU) = unitate aritmetică şi logică (a unui sistem de calcul) circuitry (s) = schemă electrică, ansamblu de circuite flag (s) = marcaj, reper, indicator, symbol de identificare /care indică prezenţa sau absenţa unei informaţii subsequent (adj) = care urmează, următor set (vb, s) = a regla, a fixa, a lega, a aranja, a monta, a pune, a introduce, a ajusta, a stabili; set, grup de obiecte, direcţie, sens jump (s) = salt; discontinuitate loop (s) = ciclu, grup de instrucţiuni, cale închisă într-un graf; buclă (repetare a unui grup de instrucţiuni într-un program)

3. Match each word with the correct definition:

1.arithmetic logic unit (ALU) a. a procedure or series of instructions in a computer program that are performed again and again until a test shows that a specific condition has been met or until the program is completed 2.fetch b.circuit made up of components all of which are formed on one small piece of semiconductor by means of etching and chemical processes 3.integrated circuit c.section of the CPU that performs all arithmetic and logical functions. 4.loop d.a way of showing the end of field or of indicating something special in a database; a method of reporting the status of a register after a mathematical or logical operation 5.program(me) counter e.a command that retrieves the next instruction from memory 6.operand f.a register in a CPU that contains the location of the next instruction to be processed. 7.flag g.the data in a computer instruction which is to be operated on by the operator

4. Make sentences putting the given words into a correct order:

1. The central of a computer program processing unit is the portion that carries out the of a computer system instructions. 2. Early custom-designed CPUs were part of a as a larger computer. 3. Modern automobiles appear in everything from to microprocessors and children's cell phones toys. 4. The stored instructions fundamental to execute of most CPU is a sequence operation of called a program. 5. There decode are execute that nearly all CPUs use in four steps their operation: fetch, and writeback. 6. The program of the CPU's place in keeps track the counter program. 7. In the decode step, is broken up into parts that have the instruction to other portions significance of the CPU. 8. During the perform execute step, are connected so they can the various portions of the CPU desired operation. 9. The ALU to perform simple arithmetic and logical operations the circuitry on the contains inputs. 10. The writeback the results step "writes back" of the some form execute step to of memory.

5. Fill in the gaps using words or groups of words from the box below: standardization output operands incremented circuitry sequence flags stall arithmetic logic unit custom-designed

The central processing unit carries out each instruction of the program in 1)…………………………, to perform the basic arithmetical, logical, and input/ 2)……………………….. operations of the system. Early CPUs were 3)…………………………….. as a part of a larger, sometimes one-of-a- kind, computer. Both the miniaturization and 4)……………………………..of CPUs have increased the presence of these digital devices in modern life far beyond the limited application of dedicated computing machines. After an instruction is fetched, the PC is 5)……………………………..by the length of the instruction word in terms of memory units. Often the instruction to be fetched must be retrieved from relatively slow memory, causing the CPU to 6)……………………………. while waiting for the instruction to be returned. The remaining parts of the number usually provide information required for that instruction, such as 7)……………………………for an addition operation. If, for instance, an addition operation was requested, an 8)……………… ……………… ……………….. will be connected to a set of inputs and a set of outputs. The ALU contains the 9)……………………………. to perform simple arithmetic and logical operations on the inputs. Many instructions will also change the state of digits in a 10)……………………….. register.

6. Discuss the following questions:

Give the definition of a CPU. What are the four steps of a CPU?

7. A friend has asked you to recommend a computer that suits his needs. He needs to be able to access the Internet, play games and work with graphics, music and video files. Write an email describing its technical features and saying why you recommend it.

8. Translate the second and the third paragraph starting with “Early CPUs were custom-designed ……” into your own language. Look carefully at the tenses before you start.

Key to Exercises

Unit 1 Ex. 3. 1. c; 2. e; 3. b; 4. a; 5. f; 6. g; 7. d; Ex. 4. 1. It is often pointed out that computers, like hammers, saws or washing machines are just tools. 2. Computers are used in our everyday life for tasks such as writing documents, calculating budgets, or any kind of ‘slave’-labor. 3. They operate telephone switching systems, coordinate satellite launches and operations, help generate special effects for movies, and control the equipment in television and radio broadcasts. 4. Larger networks permit modems telecommunication devices that transmit data through telephone lines to link individual computers to other computers anywhere in the world. 5. Computers are used by scientists and researchers in many ways to collect, store, manipulate, and analyze data. 6. Computer- aided design, or CAD, programs enable engineers and architects to design three-dimensional models on a computer screen. 7. Computer-assisted manufacturing, or CAM programs help people plan complex production schedules, keep track of inventories and accounts, run automated assembly lines, and control robots. 8. Computer-assisted instruction, or CAI, uses computerized lessons that range from simple drills and practice sessions to complex interactive tutorials. 9. The constantly improving graphics and sound capabilities of personal computers have made them popular tools for artists and musicians. 10. Different programs allow photographers and filmmakers to transform photographic images into any size and shape they can imagine.

Ex. 5. 1. switching systems; 2. broadcasts; 3. typesetters; 4. layout; 5. simulations; 6. designs; 7. assembly lines; 8. magnetic disks; 9. graphics; 10. computer-generated.

Unit 2 Ex. 3. 1.b; 2.c; 3.d; 4.a; 5.f; 6.g; 7.e Ex. 4. 1. Blaise Pascal is usually credited for building the first digital computer in 1642. 2. Thomas of Colmar created the first successful mechanical calculator that could add, subtract, multiply, and divide. 3. Babbage realized that many long calculations were really a series of predictable actions that were constantly repeated. 4. They developed devices that could read the information that had been punched into the cards automatically, without human help. 5. In 1942, John P. Eckert, John W. Mauchly and their associates decided to build a high - speed electronic computer to do the job. 6. ENIAC used 18,000 vacuum tubes, about 1,800 square feet of floor space, and consumed about 180,000 watts of electrical power. 7. Von Neumann contributed a new awareness of how practical, yet fast computers should be organized and built. 8. The first generation of modern programmed electronic computers to take advantage of these improvements were built in 1947. 9. This group included computers using Random - Access - Memory (RAM), which is a memory designed to give almost constant access to any particular piece of information. 10. The EDVAC's concept of storing different programs on punched cards instead of rewiring computers led to the computers that we know today. Ex. 5. 1.abacus; 2. beads; 3. digital; 4. desktop calculator; 5. punched cards; 6. machine; 7. digits; 8. multiplication table; 9. sequence; 10. maintenance. Ex. 8. 1. b; 2. b; 3. b; 4. c; 5. a; 6. c;7. a.

Unit 3 Ex. 3. 1. c; 2. e; 3. b; 4. a; 5. f; 6. g; 7. d; Ex. 4. 1. He noted that his description of formats, instruction types, hardware parameters, and speed enhancements aimed at the level of “system architecture”. 2. Computer architecture is the art of determining the needs of the user of a structure. 3. In computer engineering, computer architecture is the conceptual design and fundamental operational structure of a computer system. 4. It may also be defined as the science and art of selecting and interconnecting hardware components to create computers that meet functional, performance and cost goals. 5. Instruction set architecture, or ISA, is the abstract image of a computing system that is seen by a machine language (or assembly language) programmer. 6. Microarchitecture is a lower level description of the system that involves how the constituent parts of the system are interconnected. 7. Implementation is usually not considered architectural definition, but rather hardware design engineering. 8. Logic Implementation is the design where the blocks that were defined in the microarchitecture are implemented as logic equations. 9. Computer architectures usually require standards, cost and memory capacity. 10. Sometimes other considerations, such as features, size, weight, reliability, expandability and power consumption are factors as well. Ex. 5. 1. architecture; 2. designing; 3. economic; 4. flow; 5. blueprint; 6) central processing unit; 7. modes; 8. processor registers; 9. hardware; 10. implementation.

Unit 4 3. 1.d; 2.c; 3.a; 4.b; 5.f; 6.g; 7.e 4. 1. Software is a program that enables a computer to perform a specific task, as opposed to the physical components of the system (hardware). 2. In

84 computers, software is loaded into RAM and executed in the central processing unit. 3. A machine language consists of groups of binary values signifying processor instructions (object code), which change the state of the computer from its preceding state. 4. Software is an ordered sequence of instructions for changing the state of the computer hardware in a particular sequence. 5. Software may also be written in an assembly language, essentially, a mnemonic representation of a machine language using a natural language alphabet. 6. Software has historically been considered an intermediary between electronic hardware and data. 7. The output of a particular piece of executed software may be the input for another executed piece of software. 8. Practical computer systems divide software into three major classes: system software, programming software and application software. 9. Programming software usually provides tools to assist a programmer in writing computer programs. 10. Application software allows humans to accomplish one or more specific tasks. 5. 1.encoded; 2. store; 3. engineering; 4. encompasses; 5. RAM; 6. binary; 7. drivers; 8. servers; 9. stand-alone; 10. input-output 8. 1. b; 2. a; 3. c; 4. c; 5. b; 6.a; 7. b; 8. c.

Unit 5 3. 1.b; 2.c; 3.d; 4.a; 5.f; 6.g; 7.e 4. 1. Computer hardware is the physical parts of a computer, distinguished from the computer software or computer programs. 2. Firmware is special software that is stored on hardware devices such as read-only memory (ROM). 3. Computer hardware is enclosed as embedded systems in automobiles, microwave ovens, electrocardiograph machines, compact disc players. 4. Motherboard is a system board with slots for expansion cards and holding parts. 5. Using RAM the computer does not have to take the time to

85 access the hard drive to find something. 6. A bus is a subsystem that transfers data or power between computer components inside a computer or between computers. 7. Serial ATA is a computer bus technology primarily designed for transfer of data to and from a hard disc. 8. DVD is an optical disc storage media format that can be used for data storage. 9. Sound card translates signals from the system board into analog voltage levels. 10. Disk array controller provides secondary storage services to computer systems, often in large servers. 5.1. encapsulated; 2. embedded; 3. tasks; 4. programmable; 5. particular; 6. older; 7. combination; 8. facilitates; 9. common; 10. Control

Unit 6 3. 1. c; 2. e; 3. b; 4. a; 5. f; 6. g; 7. d; 4. 1.Computer memory refers to the physical devices used to store data or programs in an electronic digital computer. 2. Computers represent information in binary code, written as sequences of 0s and 1s. 3. Current primary computer memory makes use of integrated circuits consisting of silicon-based transistors. 4. Volatile memory is computer memory that requires power to maintain the stored information. 5. Current semiconductor volatile memory technology is usually either static RAM or dynamic RAM. 6. Non-volatile memory is computer memory that can retain the stored information even when not powered. 7. Proper management of memory is vital for a computer system to operate properly. 8. Virtual memory is a system where all physical memory is controlled by the operating system. 9. Use of protected memory enhances both the reliability and security of a computer system. 10. If the operating system's memory is corrupted, the entire computer system may crash and need to be rebooted.

5. 1. memory; 2. binary code; 3. bit; 4. semiconductor; 5. static; 6. dynamic; 7. leak; 8. overflow; 9. erratic; 10. breach.

Unit 7 3. c; 2. e; 3. b; 4. a; 5. f; 6. g; 7. d; 4. 1. The central processing unit (CPU) is the portion of a computer system that carries out the instructions of a computer program. 2. Early CPUs were custom-designed as a part of a larger computer. 3. Modern microprocessors appear in everything from automobiles to cell phones and children's toys. 4. The fundamental operation of most CPU is to execute a sequence of stored instructions called a program. 5. There are four steps that nearly all CPUs use in their operation: fetch, decode, execute, and writeback. 6. The program counter keeps track of the CPU's place in the program. 7. In the decode step, the instruction is broken up into parts that have significance to other portions of the CPU. 8. During the execute step, various portions of the CPU are connected so they can perform the desired operation. 9. The ALU contains the circuitry to perform simple arithmetic and logical operations on the inputs. 10. The writeback step "writes back" the results of the execute step to some form of memory. 5. 1.sequence; 2. output; 3. custom-designed; 4. standardization; 5. incremented; 6. stall; 7. operands; 8. arithmetic logic unit; 9. circuitry; 10. flags.

List of Irregular Verbs

Infinitive Past Simple Past Participle

abode / abided / to abide abode / abided (a se supune) abidden to alight alit / alighted alit / alighted (a aprinde) to arise arose arisen (a se ridica) to awake awoke awoken (a se trezi) to be was/were been (a fi) to bear bore born / borne (a naşte) to beat beat beaten (a bate) to become became become (a deveni) to begin began begun (a începe) to behold beheld beheld (a zări) to bend bent bent (a îndoi) to bet bet bet (a paria) to bid bade bidden (a licita) to bid bid bid (a invita/pofti) to bind bound bound (a lega) to bite bit bitten (a muşca) to bleed bled bled (a sângera)

88 to blow blew blown (a sufla) to break broke broken (a sparge) to breed bred bred (a creşte) to bring brought brought (a aduce) broadcast / broadcast / to broadcast (a difuza) broadcasted broadcasted to build built built (a construi) to burn burnt / burned burnt / burned (a arde) to burst burst burst (a izbucni) to bust bust bust (a da buzna) to buy bought bought (a cumpăra) to cast cast cast (a arunca) to catch caught caught (a prinde) to choose chose chosen (a alege) to clap clapped / clapt clapped / clapt (a aplauda) to cling clung clung (a se agăţa) to clothe clad / clothed clad / clothed (a îmbrăca) to come came come (a veni) to cost cost cost (a costa) to creep crept crept (a se furişa) to cut cut cut (a tăia) to dare dared / durst dared (a îndrăzni) to deal dealt dealt (a împărţi) to dig dug dug (a săpa) to dive dived / dove dived (a se scufunda) to do did done (a face)

89 to draw drew drawn (a desena) to dream dreamt / dreamed dreamt / dreamed (a visa) to drink drank drunk (a bea) to drive drove driven (a conduce) to dwell dwelt dwelt (a locui) to eat ate eaten (a mânca) to fall fell fallen (a cădea) to feed fed fed (a hrăni) to feel felt felt (a simţi) to fight fought fought (a lupta) to find found found (a găsi) to fit fit / fitted fit / fitted (a potrivi) to flee fled fled (a fugi) to fling flung flung (a arunca) to fly flew flown (a zbura) to forbid forbade / forbad forbidden (a interzice) forecast / forecast / to forecast (a prezice) forecasted forecasted to foresee foresaw foreseen (a prevedea) to foretell foretold foretold (a prevesti) to forget forgot forgotten (a uita) to forgive forgave forgiven (a ierta) to forsake forsook forsaken (a abandona) to freeze froze frozen (a îngheţa) to frostbite frostbit frostbitten (a degera) to get got got/gotten (a lua)

90 to give gave given (a da) to go went gone/been (a merge) to grind ground ground (a măcina) to grow grew grown (a creşte) to handwrite handwrote handwritten (a scrie cu mâna) to hang hung/hanged hung/hanged (a spânzura) to have had had (a avea) to hear heard heard (a auzi) to hide hid hidden (a ascunde) to hit hit hit (a lovi) to hold held held (a ţine) to hurt hurt hurt (a durea) to input input / inputted input / inputted (a introduce) to keep kept kept (a ţine) to kneel knelt / kneeled knelt / kneeled (a îngenunchea) to knit knit / knitted knit / knitted (a tricota) to know knew known (a şti) to lay laid laid (a aşeza) to lead led led (a conduce) to lean leant / leaned leant / leaned (a sprijini) to leap leapt / leaped leapt / leaped (a sări) to learn learnt / learned learnt / learned (a învăţa) to leave left left (a pleca) to lend lent lent (a împrumuta) to let let let (a lăsa) to lie lay lain (a minţi)

91 to light lit lit (a aprinde) to lose lost lost (a pierde) to make made made (a face) to mean meant meant (a însemna) to meet met met (a întâlni) to melt melted molten / melted (a topi) (a induce în to mislead misled misled eroare) to mistake mistook mistaken (a greşi) to misunderstand misunderstood misunderstood (a înţelege greşit) to mow mowed mown (a cosi) (a descoperi to overdraw overdrew overdrawn contul) (a auzi fără să to overhear overheard overheard vrea) to overtake overtook overtaken (a depăşi) to pay paid paid (a plăti) to prove proved proven/proved (a dovedi) to put put put (a pune) to quit quit quit (a renunţa) to read read read (a citi) to rid rid / ridded rid / ridded (a scăpa) to ride rode ridden (a călări) to ring rang rung (a suna) to rise rose risen (a se ridica) to rive rived riven / rived (a se despica)

92 to run ran run (a alerga) (a tăia cu to saw sawed sawn / sawed ferăstrăul) to say said said (a spune) to see saw seen (a vedea) to seek sought sought (a căuta) to sell sold sold (a vinde) to send sent sent (a trimite) to set set set (a pune) to sew sewed sewn / sewed (a coase) to shake shook shaken (a scutura) to shave shaved shaven / shaved (a bărbieri) to shear shore / sheared shorn / sheared (a tunde) to shed shed shed (a vărsa) to shine shone shone (a străluci) to shoe shod shod (a încălţa) to shoot shot shot (a împuşca) to show showed shown (a arăta) to shrink shrank shrunk (a micşora) to shut shut shut (a închide) to sing sang sung (a cânta) to sink sank sunk (a scufunda) to sit sat sat (a sta) to slay slew slain (a ucide) to sleep slept slept (a dormi) to slide slid slid / slidden (a aluneca)

93 to sling slung slung (a arunca) to slink slunk slunk (a se furişa) to slit slit slit (a despica) to smell smelt / smelled smelt / smelled (a mirosi) to sneak sneaked / snuck sneaked / snuck (a se furişa) to sow sowed sown (a semăna) to speak spoke spoken (a vorbi) to speed sped / speeded sped / speeded (a se grăbi) to spell spelt / spelled spelt / spelled (a silabisi) to spend spent spent (a cheltui) to spill spilt / spilled spilt / spilled (a vărsa) to spin span / spun spun (a învârti) to spit spat / spit spat / spit (a scuipa) to split split split (a împărţi) to spoil spoilt / spoiled spoilt / spoiled (a răsfăţa) to spread spread spread (a împrăştia) to spring sprang sprung (a izvorî) to stand stood stood (a sta în picioare) to steal stole stolen (a fura) to stick stuck stuck (a înfige) to sting stung stung (a înţepa) to stink stank stunk (a puţi) to stride strode / strided stridden (a umbla) to strike struck struck / stricken (a lovi) to string strung strung (a lega cu sfoară) to strip stript / stripped stript / stripped (a dezbrăca)

94 to strive strove striven (a se strădui) to swear swore sworn (a înjura) to sweat sweat / sweated sweat / sweated (a transpira) to sweep swept / sweeped swept / sweeped (a mătura) to swell swelled swollen (a se umfla) to swim swam swum (a înota) to swing swung swung (a se legăna) to take took taken (a lua) to teach taught taught (a preda) to tear tore torn (a rupe) to tell told told (a spune) to think thought thought (a gândi) to thrive throve / thrived thriven / thrived (a prospera) to throw threw thrown (a arunca) to thrust thrust thrust (a izbi) to tread trod trodden (a călca) to undergo underwent undergone (a îndura) to understand understood understood (a înţelege) to undertake undertook undertaken (a prelua) to upset upset upset (a supăra) to vex vext / vexed vext / vexed (a necăji) to wake woke woken (a trezi) to wear wore worn (a purta) to weave wove woven (a ţese) to wed wed / wedded wed / wedded (a căsători) to weep wept wept (a plânge)

95 to wend wended / went wended / went (a se îndrepta) to wet wet / wetted wet / wetted (a uda) to win won won (a câştiga) to wind wound wound (a întoarce) to withdraw withdrew withdrawn (a retrage) to withhold withheld withheld (a reţine) to withstand withstood withstood (a rezista) to wring wrung wrung (a răsuci) to write wrote written (a scrie)

(Based on: http://verbe.ro)

Dictionary of Computing Terms

A abacus (s) = abac(ă), dispozitiv de calcul cu bile mobile, numărătoare; grafic, nomogramă access (s) = acces la informaţie; intrare a informaţiei Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) = port grafic accelerat add (vb) = a aduna; a mări; a adăuga la Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA) = tehnologie în care operaţia de control aparţine unităţii de hard disc ALU (arithmetic and logic unit) = unitate aritmetică şi logică (a unui sistem de calcul) analog (adj) = analogic analytic(al) (adj) = analitic appliance (s) = dispozitiv, aparat application (s) = aplicaţie, aplicare, folosire, utilizare; cerere, solicitare; domeniu de aplicare array (s) = sistem, reţea; şir; serie; matrice assembler (s) = ansamblor (program de conversie în cod maşină); traductor/convertor analogic/numeric assembly language (s) = limbaj de asamblare (în care instrucţiunile se află în corespondenţă biunivocă cu instrucţiunile-maşină) assembly line (s) = line/bandă rulantă de asamblare/de montaj array – serie, sistem, reţea automatic (adj) = automat(ic); în mod automat

B binary (adj) = binar, dual, diadic binary code = cod binary/ cu două poziţii stabile binary digit = cifră binară; bit (element/unitate de informaţie binară) bit (s) = bit, cifră binară bistable (s) = (element) bistabil (cu două stări stabile) board (s) = panou, tablou; placă de circuit imprimat block (s) = bloc (de date/locaţii), schemă, diagramă blueprint (s) = copie heliografică; plan de detaliu/de execuţie; fotocopie (prin cianotipie) buffer (s) = zonă tampon a memoriei interne, memorie intermediară bug (s) = perturbare (inferenţă nedorită în timpul funcţionării calculatorului) bus (s) = canal; magistrală de transmisie

C capacitor (s) = condensator electric card (s) = cartelă, cartelă perforată pentru înregistrarea informaţiei cell phone (s) = telefon celular central processing unit (CPU) = unitate centrală de prelucrare (a datelor/informaţiilor) chip (s) = pastilă, substrat al unui circuit integrat; aşchie de siliciu microelectronică circuit (s) = circuit, schemă; ciclu, contur circuitry (s) = schemă electrică, ansamblu de circuite cluster (s, vb) = grupă; fascicule, ciorchine, acumulare coating (s) = acoperire, înveliş protector, manta, protecţie

98 code (s, vb) = cod, cifru, semnal; succesiune de cifre ale unui sistem de numeraţie, corespunzătoare simbolurilor unui alfabet; a codifica, a cifra compact disk (s) = disc compact compact disk-read only memory (CD-ROM) = disc compact (de stocare a informaţiilor) care nu poate fi decât citit compile (vb) = a întocmi, a redacta, a compila computer architecture (s) = arhitectura calculatorului computer-assisted instruction (CAI) = instruire/învăţare cu ajutorul calculatorului computer cluster (s) = grup legat de calculatoare computation (s) = calcul; estimaţie, evaluare; numărare; operaţie aritmetică computer-aided design (CAD) = proiectare asistată de calculator computer-assisted instruction (CAI) = instruire/învăţare cu ajutorul calculatorului computer-assisted manufacturing (CAM) = prelucrare/fabricaţie asistată de calculator computing (s) = calcul, operaţie/proces matematic (ă) controller (s) = controler, combinator; regulator custom-designed (adj) = personalizat

D data (s) = date, informaţii; indicia database (s) = bază de date, mulţime de date organizată referitoare la un set anumit de aplicaţii decimal (adj) = zecimal; fracţie zecimală, număr zecimal decode (vb) = a decodifica, a descifra

99 design (s, vb) = plan; proiect; desen; schiţă; schemă; proiectare; construcţie; sinteză; concepţie; model; a proiecta; a executa un proiect/plan, a desena; a calcula desktop calculator (n) = calculator de birou device (s) = dispozitiv; aparat; mecanism; instrument; plan; schemă; proiect; mijloc; procedeu diagnostic (s) = diagnosticare, stabilire a erorilor, defecţiunilor dial (s)= cadran; scară; scală; ecran circular cu cifre; disc cu numere digit (s) = cifră, unitate binară, digit; poziţie digital (adj) = digital; numeric; cifric display (s, vb) = reproducere, indicator, afişare; reprezentare, expunere; imagine, indicator panoramic; a expune, a prezenta, a arăta divide (s) = a despărţi; a împărţi; a dezbina; a învrăjbi; a viza; a grada drive (s) = comandă, acţionare, antrenare Digital Video Disc sau Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) = mediu de stocare optic care vine ca succesor al CD-ului, cu o capacitate de aproape 7 ori mai mare, însă cu un mod diferit de scriere a informaţiei pe disc

E electrical (adj) = electric (în general, referitor la echipamente) electrical power (adj + n)= energie electric electronic (adj) = electronic electron tube (s) = tub electronic engine (s) = motor; maşină engineering (s) = inginerie, tehnologie, (asistenţă) tehnică equipment (s) = echipament, echipare, înzestrare, utilaj, aparatură, instalaţie execute (vb) = a executa

100

F fan (s) = ventilator fetch (s, vb) = fracţiune din ciclul unui calculator în care se determină locaţia instrucţiunii următoare; a apela; a lua, a extrage (caractere de memorie) firmware (s) = microprograme, microinstrucţiuni; soft integrat, program rezident în memoria fixă a sistemului cu microprocessor flag (s) = marcaj, reper, indicator, symbol de identificare /care indică prezenţa sau absenţa unei informaţii flip-flop (circuit) – circuit flip-flop, bistabil, basculant floor-plan (s) = plan de amplasare floppy disc (s) = disc magnetic subţire şi flexibil flow (s) = debit, flux, proces tehnologic

G gate (s) = poartă; circuit-poartă; admisie, intrare game (s) = joc graphical user interface (GUI) = interfaţă utlizator-grafică

H hard disc drive (HDD) = unitate de disc fix/dur hardware (s) = elemente componente ale unui calculator electronic; material headset (s) = cască hierarchy (s) = ierarhie, multinivel high – speed (adv) = de viteză mare

101

Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) = tehnologie în care majoritatea operaţiilor de control pentru hard disc sunt integrate chiar în unitatea propriu-zisă implementation (s) = îndeplinire, executare (a unui program) increment (s) = increment; spor, creştere, mărire; majorare input (s) = intrare, introducere; alimentare insert (s) = a insera, a introduce instruction (s) = instrucţiune (dintr-un program) instruction set architecture (ISA) = arhitectura setului de instrucţiuni integrator (s) = integrator, dispozitiv/schemă/circuit de integrare integrated circuit (s) = circuit integrat (indivizibil şi nereparabil); complex de circuite electronice într-o singură capsulă interface (s) = (dispozitiv de) interfaţă

J joystick (s) = dispozitiv pentru specificarea coordonatelor unui punct jump (s) = salt; discontinuitate

K keyboard (s) = tastatură

L layout (s) = aşezare, organizare în pagină; trasare, amplasare length (s) = lungime; durată; distanţă load (s, vb) = introducere de date; sarcină, încărcătură; a încărca, a alimenta loop (s) = ciclu, grup de instrucţiuni, cale închisă într-un graf; buclă (repetare a unui grup de instrucţiuni într-un program) library (s) = colecţie (de programe)

102 local-area network (LAN) (s) = reţea de calculatoare locală

M magnetic disk (s) = disc magnetic, placă de oţel acoperită cu material magnetizabil mainframe (s) = calculator de mare viteză şi capacitate de stocare, deservind pe rând mai mulţi utilizatori manufacture (vb) = a fabrica, a confecţiona mechanical (adj) = mecanic; în mod mecanic memory (s) = memorie; echipament sau subsistem pentru păstrarea/stocarea/înmagazinarea informaţiei memory address (s) = adresă a memoriei microphone (s) = microfon mnemonics (s) = abreviere a numelui unei instrucţiuni sau unei operaţii în cod de maşină mode (s) = mod; formă/regim de funcţionare modem (s) = modem, adaptor de linie; dispozitiv care permite transmiterea datelor la distanţe mari fără erori monitor (s) = monitor motherboard (s) = placă de bază mouse (s) = dispozitiv periferic care poate deplasa cursorul pe ecranul unui calculator multiply (vb) = a înmulţi; a multiplica; a reproduce multiplication table = tabla înmulţirii

N network (s) = reţea; plasă; schemă; circuit; grătar; zăbrele nano- (pref) = nano, prefix pentru a exprima 10-9 dintr-o unitate

103 non-volatile memory (s) = memorie (cu acces aleatoriu) permanent/de durată/nevolatilă/remanentă/ al cărei conţinut nu este pierdut la deconectarea alimentării numerical (adj) = numeric; cifric; digital

O operand (s) = operand, dată implicată în efectuarea operaţiilor cu calculatoarele numerice; număr operator; mărime de calcul operation (s) = operaţie, calcul; acţiune definită de o singură instrucţiune/de un singur element logic output = ieşire (a unor rezultate/a unui circuit/a unui sistem) overflow (s) = depăşire (a posibilităţii de reprezentare corectă a unui rezultat; a capacităţii de memorare

P peripheral (s, adj) = periferic; de circumferinţă Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) = interconectare a componentelor periferice (permiţând transferul rapid între diferite periferice conectate la o magistrală locală sau între processor şi periferice) printer (s) = imprimantă personal computer (PC) = calculator personal pit (s) = adâncitură; canal platform (s) = platformă; post de comandă plug (s) = fişă, fişă de conectare; priză power (s) = putere; energie; capacitate; randament power supply (s) = alimentare de la reţea; bornă/record la reţea; sursă de energie

104 print (s, vb) = înregistrare; fotografie; copie, gravură, tipar; literă de tipar, publicaţie tipărită; urmă, amprentă; a copia, a imprima, a tipări processing (s) = procesare; transformare; preparare; pregătire processor (s) = processor; parte a unui calculator care execută instrucţiuni, formează şi citeşte adrese; aparatură/instalaţie de prelucrare program(me) (s) = program, altgoritm exprimat într-un limbaj de programare; set de instrucţiuni compuse pentru rezolvarea unei probleme program(me) counter (s) = numărător de program, registru de control program(m)ing (s) = programare, activitate de elaboare a unui produs program punched card (adj. + s) = cartelă perforată punch (s) = a puncta; a perfora, a găuri; a ştanţa

R Random- Access - Memory (RAM) = memorie cu acces aleatoriu/imediat/direct read-only memory (ROM) = memorie programabilă numai pentru citire; memorie permanentă, fixă register (s) = registru, numărător; contor, sumator, totalizator; circuit/dispozitiv de memorare; locaţie specială de stocare reliability of operation (s) = securitate de serviciu, securitate/siguranţă în funcţionare remanence (s) = remanenţă; magnetizare reziduală route (s, vb) = traseu al liniei; a trasa, a conduce, a călăuzi, a dirija rewire (vb) = a recabla running (s) = rulare/prelucrare a unui program într-un sistem de calcul

105 scanner (s) = scanner, dispozitiv electronic care citeşte şi transformă o imagine sau un desen în valori digitale pentru a fi prelucrate pe calculator screen (s) = display, ecran sequence (s) = secvenţă, succesiune (de date); structură de executare a unui program , set de instrucţiuni plasate într-o anumită ordine serial (adj) = serial, set de elemente successive ale unei informaţii Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) = interfaţă pentru dispozitivele care se conectează la calculator, care permite transferul de date server (s) = server, calculator care îşi oeferă serviciile altor calculatoar din reţea set (vb, s) = a regla, a fixa, a lega, a aranja, a monta, a pune, a introduce, a ajusta, a stabili; set, grup de obiecte, direcţie, sens signal (s) = semnal; informaţie referitoare la schimbarea stării unui fenomen simulation (s) = modelare; simulare, tehnică de realizare a experimentelor cu ajutorul calculatorului slot (s) = fantă Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) = standard de interfaţă pentru sisteme mici de calculatoare software (s) = ansamblu de programare, proceduri şi reguli de folosire a unui calculator electronic; soft speaker (s) = difuzor, traductor electroacustic spreadsheet (s) = software pentru analizarea informaţiilor cuprinse în tabele stack (s) = stivă; zonă a memoriei alocată pentru stocare temporară; serie ordonată de date cu acces numai la ultima stall (vb) = a opri, a bloca stand-alone (application) = aplicaţie pentru un singur post de lucru /pentru un calculator independent (neconectat la reţea)

106 state (s) = stare; poziţie; structură; regim; situaţie; condiţie; constituţie; caracter store (vb) = a înmagazina, a memora, a acumula, a depozita streamer (s) = dispozitiv de stocare în masă a datelor subtract (vb) = a scădea switch (s, vb) = conjunctor; întrerupător, disjunctor; comutator; a conecta, a lega; a comuta; a cupla, a schimba viteza, a ambreia switching systems (s) = schemă de conexiune; sistem de comutare synthesizer (s) = dispozitiv de sintetizare, sintetizator

T template (s) = model, şablon, (zonă a memoriei) terminal (s) = (echipament) terminal, echipament destinat comunicării între echipament şi sistemul de calcul tolerance = toleranţă; eroare/deviaţie/abatere permisă transfer (s) = transfer, trecere, transmitere, translaţie; mutare a datelor între diferite componente ale unui calculator; lansare forţată în execuţie a unui program (căruia i s-a transferat controlul) transformer (s) = transformator electric transistor (s) = tranzistor, element semiconductor cu trei electrozi (folosit ca amplificator sau dispozitiv de comutare) typeset (vb) = a dactilografia; a culege caractere tutorial (s) = tutorial, program care ofera instrucţiuni pentru folosirea unui program sau a softului

U Universal Serial Bus (USB) = ansamblu de magistrală şi tip de conector utilizat pentru transmiterea de date; de cele mai multe ori, USB-ul este

107 folosit pentru conectarea unor periferice la un calculator sau pentru interconectarea a două dispozitive electronice

V vacuum tube (s) = tub electronic cu vid virtual memory/storage = memorie virtuală/care permite exsitenţa unui spaţiu de adresare practic nelimitat volatile memory = memorie neremanentă/al cărei conţinut este pierdut la deconectarea alimentării voltage (s) = tensiune electrică; voltaj

W web cam(s) = cameră video conectată la un site care permite vizitatorilor să vadă imagini în direct Windows (s) = program multisarcină cu un mediu “graphical user interface” care rulează pe calculatoare wire (s) = sârmă, conductor, conduct; cablu World Wide Web (WWW) = o colecţie de nenumărate site-uri şi pagini care formează parte a Internetului write back (vb) = a rescrie

108

Bibliography

Grammar and Vocabulary Books

Boeckner, Keith; Brown, P. Charles, Oxford English for Computing, Oxford University Press, United Kingdom, 1993; Dooley, Jenny; Evans, Virginia, Grammmarway with answers 3, Express Publishing, United Kingdom, 1999; Esteras, Santiago Remacha, Infotech: English for Computer Users. Students Book, 3rd edition, Cambridge University Press, United Kingdom, 2003; Glendinning, Eric H.; McEwan, John; Basic English for Computing, Oxford University Press, United Kingdom, 2002; Marks, Jonathan, Check Your English Vocabulary for Computers and Information Technology, 3rd edition, A & C Black Publishers, London, 2007; Proca, Rada, Gramatica Practică a Limbii Engleze, vol. 1, Polirom, 2008; Vitkova, Galina, Computer English for Intermediates, Pragues, 2006;

Dictionaries Collin, S. M. H., Dictionary of Computing, 5th edition, Bloomsbury Publishing, London, 2004 Niculescu, Grabiela, et all, Dictionar tehnic englez-român, Editura Tehnică, Bucureşti, 2004

Internet Sources

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