21. Ответьте на вопросы:

1. Why did only computer professionals manage computers in the past?

2. What do today’s users need to know about computers?

3. What can computerized learning programs combine?

4. What have personal computers given teachers?

5. How long have researchers used computers in science and medicine?

22. Переведите следующие словосочетания:

Computer-based communication systems; electronic mail systems; e-mail messages; computerized security systems, electric appliances; phone’s numbered dialing buttons; interactive video entertainment; computerized entertainment center; computer-based technologies; FAX machines; business environment; cable TV programs; computer applications.

23. Прочтите и переведите текст.

TEXT C

COMPUTER-BASED COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS

Computer-based communications sys­tems have significantly enhanced our ability to communicate with each other. In the last few decades, computer-based technologies led to a redesign of our tele­phone systems, and new technologies have created new ways to convey infor­mation.

FAX machines and computers that can communicate with FAX ma­chines now quickly send copies of docu­ments across the country or across the world.

Even our traditional methods of send­ing mail have changed because of the computer. Computers are now used to prepare memos, letters, and business in­formation. New programs can create much more attractive documents that in­clude graphics and varieties of text styles and sizes.

In addition, many computer users now send mail electronically. Electronic mail (e-mail) systems are computer-based systems that provide individual computer users with an “address” to which computer messages can be sent. Once sent by the computer, the e-mail message will arrive almost instanta­neously at its destination, where it will be stored until the addressee uses a comput­er to access it. Individuals can also send and receive e-mail through subscriber services. E-mail systems are one of the fastest-growing uses of computers. Today, they are becoming common in business and in education.

Over the last few decades, almost every business, whether large or small, has “computerized.” And every aspect of busi­ness — from sales to product delivery — now involves the use of a computer. In marketing, the computer is used to main­tain information about customers and ac­counts. In manufacturing, the computer is used to keep track of raw materials, production, and inventory. Computers are now so common in business that they are used to track a company’s products from their design to their delivery. And most large businesses now have a special de­partment to manage the computers and the flow of computerized business infor­mation. In today’s competitive business environments, decisions about which types of computers and computer pro­grams to use are often closely related to the overall success of the company.

Our private homes represent one of the last places in our society to be significantly changed by the computer. While government offices, schools, hospitals and businesses have found advantageous applications for computers, many homes have not. Some have predicted that the next great surge in new computer applications will be for our homes.

They say we will soon be ordering our groceries, our auto service, our cable TV programs, or our Sunday papers simply by choosing an option from a menu of choices on the computer’s screen.

Today, there are already computerized security systems in many homes. Some homebuilders have installed systems in houses that use a computer to control the lights, the heat, and ever the electric appliances. In some homes, these computerized systems can be controlled by calling the house from any phone and typing in number se­quences using the phone’s numbered dialling buttons.

Now, many computer experts be­lieve that the computer will finally find its way into our homes as part of a uni­fied information and entertainment system. If the technologies of televi­sion, computers, and electronic games come together, they will provide a new form of interactive video entertain­ment. This may take the form of con­tinually available television broadcasts that can be stored inside your comput­erized entertainment centre, letting you determine what you want to see when you want to see it.

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