The early years

(1) Until the late 1970s, the computer was viewed as a massive machine that was useful to big business and big government but not to the general public. Computers were too cumbersome and expensive for private use, and most people were intimidated by them. As technology advanced, this was changed by a distinctive group of engineers and entrepreneurs who rushed to improve the designs of then current technology and to find ways to make the computer attractive to more people. Although these innovators of computer technology were very different from each other, they had a common enthusiasm for technical innovation and the capacity to foresee the potential of computers. This was a very competitive and stressful time, and the only people who succeeded were the ones who were able to combine extraordinary engineering expertise with progressive business skills and an ability to foresee the needs of the future.

(2) Much of this activity was centered in the Silicon Valley in northern California where the first computer-related company had located in 1955. That company attracted thousands of related businesses, and the area became known as the technological capital of the world. Between 1981 and 1986, more than 1000 new technology-oriented businesses started there. At the busiest times, five or more, new companies started in a single week. The Silicon Valley attracted many risk-takers and gave them an opportunity to thrive in an atmosphere where creativity was expected and rewarded.

(3) Robert Noyce was a risk-taker who was successful both as an engineer and as an entrepreneur. The son of an Iowa minister, he was informal, genuine, and methodical. Even when he was running one of the most successful businesses in the Silicon Valley, he dressed informally and his office was an open cubicle that looked like everyone else's. A graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), he started working for one of the first computer-related businesses in 1955. While working with these pioneers of computer engineering, he learned many things about computers and business management.

(4) As an engineer, he co-invented the integrated circuit, which was the basis for later computer design. This integrated circuit was less than an eighth of an inch square but had the same power as a transistor unit that was over 15 inches square or a vacuum tube Unit that was 6.5 feet square. As a businessman, Noyce co-founded Intel, one of the most successful companies in the Silicon Valley and the first company to introduce the microprocessor. The microprocessor chip became the heart of the computer, making it possible for a large computer system that once filled an entire room to be contained on a small chip that could be held in one's hand.

IX. Письменно ответьте на вопросы.

1) What did people think about computers till 1970s?

2) Who helped in development of computers?

3) What became the basis for later computer design?

Вариант 3

I. Перепишите следующие предложения. Определите по грамматическим признакам, какой частью речи являются слова, оформленные окончанием -s и какую функцию это окончание выполняет, т. Е. Служит ли оно:

а) показателем 3 - го лица единственного числа в Present Indefinite;

б) признаком множественного числа имени существительного;

в) показателем притяжательного падежа имени существительного (см. образец выполнения 1)

Переведите предложения на русский язык.

1. A well known scientists works at this plant.

2. The workers' hostel is within 20 minutes walk from the plant.

3. Local public libraries are not substitute.

4. We hear the sounds of a child’s voice.

5. She works much and usually gets many good marks.

II. Переведите следующие предложения, содержащие разные формы сравнения, и переведите их на русский язык.

1. Не is one of the most dangerous criminals in the world.

2. That's the funniest story I've ever heard.

3. This book is not so interesting as that one.

4. My brother is not as tall as you are.

5. Better late than never.

6. He was the eldest in the family.

III. Заполните пропуски глаголами to be, to have в Present, Past, Future Indefinite. Переведите предложения на русский язык.

1. John … absent from class today.

2. She … a good tennis player.

3. The secretary … a new typewriter.

4. She … in the same class as Nick last year.

5. There … a new club in our town next year.

IV. Перепишите следующие предложения, определите в них видо - временные формы глаголов и укажите их инфинитив, переведите предложения на русский язык.

1. The children go to school in morning.

2. My friend lives in the city.

3. They will go to the theatre tomorrow.

4. Yesterday I met Mary at the Ministry.

5. Your friends were smoking in the corridor when we saw them.

6. We’ll be discussing this question tomorrow morning.

7. I didn’t ring him up before I had finished the work.

V. Употребите нужную форму местоимений: личные, притяжательные, вопросительные, ука­зательные, относительные.

1. (You, your) . . . sister is young.

2. (We, us) … always walk to school together.

3. You take care of (your, yours) … things and I'll take care of (my, mine) ….

4. (this, these, those) .... chair is very comfortable.

VI. Перепишите и письменно переведите предложения на русский язык, обращая внимание на перевод неопределенных местоимений и их производных.

1. I didn't say anything. Not a word.

2. Everybody wanted to get Yuri Gagarin's autograph.

3. Every­thing I have belongs to you.

4. Is there anybody in the canteen?

VII. Перепишите следующие предложения, подчеркните в каждом из них модальный глагол и его эквивалент. Переведите предложения на русский язык.

1. Can't you remember that I have returned the book to you?

2. People must always feel awkward in such cases.

3. I see no reasons why you shouldn't master this language within a year.

4. You may have to pay on these goods.

5. You needn't go there.

VIII. Прочтите и устно переведите текст. Письменно переведите 1-3 абзацы.