UNIT 2 Computer applications

I. READING

Read the text and write the answers for questions 1 and 2, decide whether questions 3 and 4 are T (true) or F (false), and circle the best answer for question 5.

Questions:1. Where are tiny computers used?

2. What does connectivity enable computers and software to do?

Computers Make the World Smaller and SmarterThe ability of tiny computing devices to control complex operations has transformed the way many tasks are performed, ranging from scientific research to producing consumer products. Tiny ‘computers on a chip’ are used in medical equipment, home appliances, cars and toys. Workers use handheld computing devices to collect data at a customer site, to generate forms, to control inventory, and to serve as desktop organizers.Not only is computing equipment getting smaller, it is getting more sophisticated. Computers are part of many machines and devices that once required continual human supervision and control. Today, computers in security systems result in safer environments, computers in cars improve energy efficiency, and computers in phones provide features such as call forwarding, call monitoring, and call answering.These smart machines are designed to take over some of the basic tasks previously performed by people; by so doing, they make life a little easier and a little more pleasant. With small computing devices available for performing smart tasks like cooking dinner, programming the DVD recorder, and controlling the flow of information in an organization, people are able to spend more time doing what they often do best- being creative. Computers can help people work more creatively.Connectivity enables computers and software that might otherwise be incompatible to communicate and to share resources. Now that computers are proliferating in many areas and networks are available for people to access data and communicate with others, personal computers are becoming interpersonal PCs.

3. Desktop organizers are programs that require desktop computers.4. Computers are sometimes used to monitor systems that previously needed human

supervision.5. The word ‘performing’ in paragraph 3 has the same meaning as:

A. coordinating B. executing C. running6. Change the following verbs in the text above into Past participle.

VERBs Infinitive VERBs PP

1. control

2. transform

3. generate

4. improve

5. design

6. take over

7. spend

8. communicate

9. share

10. proliferate

7. Use some of the verbs in the table above to fill in these sentences (give the correct forms of the verbs)E.g: Tiny computers are used to ....................................complex operations control

a. Internet connection permits people to ………………………. and ………………………………….resources.

b. Smart computers ………………………..to take over some of the work performed by people.

c. Car energy efficiency ………………………by computers.d. People ………………..more time doing what they can do best.e. Nowadays computers are ………………………..in almost every area of life.

II. GRAMMAR: Change these sentences into passive, using suggested words

1. Large organizations use mainframes to process enormous amounts of data.

T F

T F

Mainframes ……….

2. In business, they design models and test products with the help of computers.

In business, models ………..

3. Pilots control airplanes via the computer system.

Airplanes ……….

Now use the suggested words to make complete sentences

4. video files / usually / be/ stored / .avi, .mov and .mpg / formats

5. networks / be / linked together / telephone lines / fibre-optic cables

6. Speech software/ allow/ you/ use commands/ launch programs/ navigate around

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