Английский для пользователей компьютеров. Ч.2. Белобородова М.Л - 11 стр.

How is it currently being used?
Is this technology typically used with microcomputers? Mainframe computers?
All types of computers?
Write a short report on the topic.
7. Essays:
1. If you could buy any printer you want to be used with your microcomputer,
what type (make, model, etc.) would you choose? Does the printer need to be
small (to fit in a small space)? Does it need to print across the width of wide
paper (11 inch X 14 inch)? In color? On multicarbon forms? Analyze what
your needs might be and choose a printer (if necessary, make up what your
needs might be). Review some of the current computer publications for articles
or advertisements relating to printers. What is the approximate cost of the
printer you would buy? Your needs should be able to justify the cost of the
printer.
2. Prepare an outline that indicates all the factors a user should consider when
    he or she is preparing to buy a printer.

                                   UNIT 7
           APPLICATIONS SOFTWARE AND SYSTEMS SOFTWARE
Software plays a critical role in computer-based information systems because
hardware would be useless without it. Software comprises the instructions that
tell the hardware what to do. If possible, you should first select the software
that meets your information needs, then choose compatible hardware.
Software can be divided into two major categories — systems software and
applications software. Applications software is a collection of related programs
designed to perform a specific task—to solve a particular problem for the user.
Systems software starts up (boots) the computer and functions as the principal
coordinator of all the hardware components and applications software
programs.
Many off-the-shelf applications software packages are available to the user,
and reviews of these packages can be found in several types of publications,
including popular computer magazines. The six major categories of
applications software are general business management, industry-specific,
special disciplines, education, personal/home management, and general-
purpose for the user. In the category of general-purpose software, the main
types of software you will encounter in an average business are:
   1. Word processing software, which enables the user to easily insert, delete,
     and move words, sentences, and paragraphs automatically and also to
     change the appearance of the written material.
   2. Electronic spreadsheet software, with which the user can conveniently
     develop reports involving the use of extensive mathematical, financial,
     statistical, and logical processing.
   3. Database management systems (DBMS) software, which allows the user