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The minis were received so well that computer manufacturers produced even
smaller units - called microcomputers or micros. Most of the microcomputer's main
circuitry is in the form of a small silicon chip, smaller than your fingernail. The chip
is called a microprocessor.
You also hear terms like small business computer and personal computer. A
small business computer is a mini or micro that is usually found in smaller firms, and
provides the computational support.
Exercise 1. Answer the questions.
1. What were the four basic sizes of computers?
2. Where were they applied?
3. What do you know about mainframes?
Exercise 2. Give definitions to the terms:
mainframe, supercomputer, minicomputer, microcomputer, microprocessor, small
business computer.
Almost all of them are now obsolete. Why does computer-related
terminology get out-of-date so quickly?
Exercise 3. Topics for discussion.
What do you think about necessity of using computers?
Can you do without your personal computer today?
TEXT 8
DISCUSSIONS AND ESSAYS
The English writer Arthur Clarke, being a pessimist, predicted the destruction of
our world as a result of intelligent machines' activity independent of human will.
He said: "The first invention of a superintelligent machine will be the last
invention mankind will be allowed to make".
Comment on the quotation. What do you think? Do you hold that pessimistic view
of technological progress? Give your reasons.
WRITTEN TRANSLATION
Fancy that!
Some facts from the history of the computer industry.
Starting Time of Translation _____________
But for the cancellation of a research grant, the computer could have been
invented in the early nineteenth century. Charles Babbage's "grantsmanship" was not
equal to his mathematical genius, and his funding from the English government ran
out in 1833. Despite the support of Lady Ada Byron, daughter of the famous poet,
Babbage never completed his model.
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