Basic english for information technology

Basic English for IT - FITHOU Hanoi open university Faculty of Information technology Basic English for information technology Nguyen Thi Lan Phuong Pham Phuong Thao ™ Hanoi – August 2012 Introduction Basic English for IT - FITHOU Nowadays English is one of the most common languages in the world It is widely used in every sphere of life, especially in Information Technology The aim of this book is to provide a basic knowledge of how English is used in Information Technology (IT) This book is designed particularly for the students in the Faculty of Information Technology of Hanoi Open University (FITHOU), who will use English not only for communicating but also for studying, researching and working in the future It is a highly recommended material for those who want to improve their English proficiency in order to acquire a better basic knowledge in both English and English for IT There are 10 units covering major aspects of Information Technology using a variety of relevant materials taken from reliable sources such as specialized books and magazines With the purpose of helping students to acquire the basic computing knowledge and English for IT, the emphasis is on developing reading and writing skills Instruction on grammar and specialized language structures are also provided throughout the units The book also includes a very useful glossary, review questions as well as the answer keys and many teaching notes It is designed as a user-friendly book with a clear layout, with many photos and graphics to illustrate the topics and better assist students in their study The authors have devoted a lot of time and effort in compiling this book Nevertheless, the book cannot escape from some shortcomings and the authors would like to apologise for any deficiencies found by readers The authors would highly appreciate users’ comments and remarks for further improvements in the next edition Finally, the authors would like to express a sincere gratitude to Professor Thai Thanh Son, the former Dean of FITHOU for his valuable support in completion of this book We hope that all teachers and students will find this book an interesting and useful resource CONTENTS Basic English for IT - FITHOU Page UNIT Introduction to the Computers 1.1 Definition of Computer 1.2 Computer Types 1.3 Parts of an Information System Language work: Describing Functions UNIT 12 14 15 16 17 21 23 25 27 27 28 31 Types of Removable Memory Removable storage Language work: Linking words UNIT 10 Storage and Memory 4.1 Main Memory 4.2 Types of Main Memory 4.3 Computer memory and computer storage 4.4 Units of memory UNIT Input and Output Devices 3.1 Input devices 3.2 The keyboard entry 3.3 Output devices Language work: Classifying UNIT The Central Processing Unit 2.1 What is a Central Processing Unit? 2.2 How the CPU works 2.3 Definition of a microprocessor Language work: Describing components UNIT 34 36 Software 6.1 Definition of Software 6.2 Basic types of Software Language work: -Ing forms 38 39 42 Page UNIT System software and Application software 7.1 System software 7.1.1 Operating System 7.1.2 Utility programs 7.2 Application Software Language work: Making Definitions UNIT 44 44 46 50 56 Programming 8.1 Introduction to programming 58 Basic English for IT - FITHOU 8.1.1 Interpreters 8.1.2 Compilers 8.2 Programming Languages Language work: Linking Problems and Solutions Practice UNIT 59 59 66 67 Networks 9.1 Definition of Computer Networks 9.2 Basic networking Language work: Predicting Consequences UNIT 10 58 69 70 74 The Internet and Electronic Commerce 10.1 The Internet and The Rise of The World Wide Web 10.2 Definition of e-Commerce 10.3 Benefits of e- Commerce 10.4 Barriers to Business and Consumer Target Markets Language work: Up- &-up verbs Vocabulary Further Practice Sample tests References 76 81 81 82 83 84 87 125 149 Unit 1: Introduction to the Computers Basic English for IT - FITHOU 1.1 Definition of Computer A computer may be defined as an electronic machine, which accepts data from an input device and processes it by performing arithmetical and logical operations in accordance with a program of instructions and returns the results through an output unit 1.2 Computer Types In this unit you will learn about different types of computers and what makes them unique Computers were not always things you could carry around with you, or even have in your bedroom Sixty years ago, computers (such as ENIAC) were as big as entire apartments They were difficult to use and not very powerful by today's standards They also cost a lot of money to build and operate So computers were only used by large organizations such as governments, international corporations, and universities Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, computers captured the public's imagination in literature, films, and TV More and more companies wanted computers, even if they didn't always have a good reason to own one As a result, computers gradually became smaller, cheaper, and more practical to own This was thanks in part to companies like IBM, which mass-produced computers for the first time and promoted them to medium and large businesses to things like payroll, accounting, and other number-crunching tasks In the 1970s and 1980s a new type of computer started to gain in popularity It was called the PC or personal computer For the first time in history, computers were now for everyone The PC started a revolution which affects nearly everything we today The ways we work, play, communicate, and access information have all been radically reshaped due to the invention and evolution of the PC PCs are everywhere you look today At home, at the office, and everywhere in between Many people still mistakenly believe the term PC is synonymous with a desktop computer running Windows This is not really true Really, any computer you use by yourself for general purposes could be called a PC You probably already own at least one of these types of PCs: -laptop -desktop computer - PDA or personal digital assistant - workstation Basic English for IT - FITHOU Besides PCs, there are other types of computers you probably see at work or school These include: - file servers - web servers But not all types of computers are so obvious as the ones above There are still other kinds of computers that fit inside of other devices and control them These computers are known as embedded systems Embedded systems can be found in traffic lights, TV sets, refrigerators, coffee machines and many more devices Embedded systems are typically controlled by inexpensive, specialized processors which can only handle very specific tasks Types of computers go in and out of fashion as times changes Older kinds of computers which were very popular in the 20th century (1900's) are now referred to as legacy systems These include: - mainframes - minicomputers - IBM clones Mainframe Minicomputer IBM clone New types of computers are always coming out and replacing or augmenting existing computer types Examples of new types of computers emerging would be netbooks, tablet PCs, and even wearable computers As you complete this unit, you will learn to differentiate between different computer types Keep in mind that the lines between computer types are constantly being blurred This phenomenon is known as convergence 1.3 Parts of an Information System Basic English for IT - FITHOU The way to think about a microcomputer is a part of an information system and not only as an equipment An information system has five parts: -People: They comprise mostly of end users These are people who use microcomputers to meet their needs for information -Procedures: These are rules or guidelines for people to follow when using software, hardware, and data Typically, these procedures are documented in manuals written by specialists for particular organizations -Software: It is another name for a program A program is step –by-step instructions that tell the computer how to its work The purpose of software is to convert data, that is, unprocessed facts into information (processed facts) As such there are types of software: Application software and System software Application software may be described as end-user software, System software enables the application software to interact with the computer, System software is referred to as background software -Hardware: The hardware consists of the physical equipment: keyboard, monitor, system unit and other devices Hardware is controlled by software It actually processes the data to create information It falls into categories: -input devices, system unit, secondary storage, output devices and communication devices Other extra parts called peripheral components or devices include mouse, printers, modems, scanners, cards (sound, color, and video) and so on Thus hardware is divided into four basic categories: +input: keyboard and other devices +processing: microprocessor chips and memory +storage: floppy and hard disk drives +output : displays, monitors, printers and chips -Data: Basic English for IT - FITHOU Data consists of the raw, unprocessed facts Examples of raw facts are hours worked After data is processed through the computer it is called information An example of such information is the total wages for a week’s work Useful Vocabulary: convergence The evolution of devices towards common functionality The iPhone is a good example of convergence It has all the features of a PDA, mobile phone, and an MP3 player in one package embedded system a computer using a relatively slow and specialized processor and ROM chip, normally used to control a particular device such as a washing machine or an MP3 player Nearly all electronics you can buy today are controlled by embedded systems laptop a portable computer with a built-in screen, integrated keyboard, and battery power; also called a 'notebook' As laptop computers have become more powerful and affordable, they are steadily replacing the more traditional desktop computer legacy system an older computer system that continues to be used because an organization does not wish to redesign it with a more modern device Mainframes and minicomputers used to be cutting edge; now they are known as legacy systems Net book a small laptop with less powerful components meant for surfing the web, reading email, and other basic tasks I wanted to play Call of Duty while I was traveling, but the graphics card in my netbook could only handle Solitaire Basic English for IT - FITHOU PC ( personal computer) a computer designed for use by one person at a time When people use the term 'PC', they are often referring to a desktop computer running Windows PDA(personal digital assistant) a handheld computer about the size of wallet used as an organizer, web browser, game machine, mobile phone, or message recorder; also known as a hand-held computer The modern traveling businessman depends on his PDA to organize all his contacts and appointments print server a physical or software device connecting and facilitating a network with a printer The secretary could not get a hard copy because the print server was broken router a specialized computer which connects two networks The DSL router allowed the entire office to share a single Internet connection 10 server a type of computer intended primarily for central distribution of data to other computers on the same network Because servers hold a large amount of centralized data, it is critical to have daily backup routines in place 11 supercomputer refers to only the most powerful class of computer, typically designed to perform specialized tasks such as weather prediction, governmental financial calculations, or space research A typical supercomputer may have up to 100 processors and have speeds measured in tens of gigaflops 11 tablet PC a portable computer shaped in the form of a notebook and capable of advanced handwriting recognition via the use of a stylus or on-screen keyboard Bill Gates predicted the rise of the tablet PC in 2001, but not much happened until Apple announced the iPad in 2010 12 workstation a high quality computer, typically with lots of RAM, plenty of CPU power, and a high quality video card The engineer waited for his new workstation to arrive before beginning his latest 3D-modeling project It was that processor intensive A ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS: Basic English for IT - FITHOU What is a computer? How many types of computers are there? List them What does the hardware of a computer system consist of? What is the hardware? What is the software? B LANGUAGE WORK: DESCRIBING FUNCTIONS Questions Answers X is a device for + Ving… What does X do? X is/ are used to V… What is X (used) for? What is the function of X? X is/ are used for Ving… X + V ( in the Present Simple tense) The function of X is to V… The function of X is Ving… This is a device which… This is a device which is used to V… X + (work) by Ving E.g: A mouse is a device for controlling the cursor and selecting items on the screen C PRACTICE: Describe the function of the following components using the given words and structures above router / be/ a specialized computer / which / connect / two networks …………………………………………………………………………………………… PDA / be used as / organizer / web browser / game machine, mobile phone, or message recorder / also known / hand-held computer 10 Basic English for IT - FITHOU 152 One of your cables was _ ( = not connected) A clean B disengaged C unplugged 153 Your computer is _ with a virus A sick B infected C infiltrated 154 _ can gather data from a user's system without the user knowing it A Spyware B software C shareware 155 It is _ to download these programs ( = You are not allowed to download these programs.) A illegal B illogical C legal 156 If you have any problems _ ( = setting up, customizing) the operating system, please let me know A confiscating B commending C configuring 157 That program won't be able to open files with that _ A extension B expansion C extraction 158 Please _ ( = restart) your computer A reboot B re-initiate C rework 159 I've _ the problem ( = I have found the source of the problem.) A named B identified C inspected 160 It's not a major _ = It's not a big problem A subject B release C issue 161 Everyone knows that _ ( = the time when a server/site are down) is costly A downtime B downsize C brainstorming 162 As a project manager, I have to _ all technology related expenses A justify B juggle C jump 163 That appears to be a _ solution, but there's always a risk that it might not come together in production A work B work-based C workable 164 The last project I was working on had a tight deadline, so once decisions were made, we couldn't _ ( = go back and change them) A backtrack B move backwards C rework 165 Well, it' explicitly in the guidelines that we are to avoid this A state B said C stated 166 On my team, everyone knows what they're supposed to There is no _ A ambiguous B ambiguity C ambitious 167 I use Critical Path Analysis to _ and manage complex projects A schedule B stall C sketch 168 We're going to have to _ ( = change) our plans a little bit A altar B alter C falter 169 Before we assign tasks, we have to _ them A indent B identify C implant 170 It's my job to ensure that all the work is done to _ A specifics B speculation C specification(s) 137 Basic English for IT - FITHOU 171 We'll have to talk to the ( = programmers) about that A developers B designers C deliverables 172 The search has to be added before the end of the month A functionality B formality C family 173 Let's take a look at all our ( = crucial/critical) tasks A highly-strung B big –priority C high-priority 174 For the past five years, I've been managing of IT professionals A 10-person team B a 10- person team C a 10-persons team 175 A good IT project manager should know about every stage of the software development life cycle A proceeds B percentage C process 176 I've created a list of deliverables with their delivery dates A required B inquired C reserved 177 The last project did not go well because there was no logical work structure A brake-down B break-out C brake 178 Jim, how's the of the new database going? A impersonation B immersion C implementation 179 This is definitely the most appropriate ( = way to things) A action item B course of action C action course 180 It's Nancy's responsibility to monitor logs of all submitted changes and their A state B status C storage II Make all the changes and additions necessary to produce complete sentences from the following sets of words and phrases A computer /be/ device /process/ data according / set / instructions known / program/ The most common/input devices/the mouse/the keyboard// A chip/be electronic device/composed/silicon element/contain/a set/integrated circuit// Device driver/be/software component/that permit/computer system/communicate/a device// ADSL/be/technology for/increase/the speed/transmission on telephone lines// A modem/be device that/convert/digital signal/analogue signal/ vice versa// Compiler /be/ program / take/ human read/ code /turn it / machine readable code The bit/be/the basic unit for/store/data/computer memory// A printer/be/device that/produce information/paper output// 10 The two parts/the central processing unit/the control unit/the arithmetic logic unit// 11 main reason/install/more memory/allow/computer/process data/fast// 12 manage/computer/resources/important function/operating system// 13 computer speech/vision/free/user/have/sit/front/key board/screen// 14 Feed/all these component/with / steady supply /energy/be/ another component/ call/ the power supply 15 most/program/use/instruction/store/sequence/memory// 16 BIOS /be/ normal/ a ROM program / controls the base function/ the computer / video, hard drives, floppy drives, keyboard,/ mouse 17 Application software/refer/all/applications/that/use/specific purposes// 138 Basic English for IT - FITHOU 18 Operating system/comprise/a set/programs and files/control/hardware and software resources/computer system 19 System utilities/small/program /improve/performance/system// 20 Many word processor/include/ability/show exactly how the text/appear/paper// 21 GPU /be/a special/ coprocessor /sit/ on the motherboard / graphic card /a computer which /handle// graphical calculations / 3D modelling and games 22 Function/CPU/be/execute/program/instruction/and coordinate/activities/all the other units// 23 Output device/enable/us/extract/finished product/the system// 24 NIC/be/ wire/ increasingly wireless PCI / USB device / connects / computer / a network 25 Technology/use/scanners/similar/that in photocopiers// 26 system software/refer/all programs/control/basic function/computer// 27 Most people/connect/the Internet by/use/network connection or/Internet service provider// 28 A network/be/group/computer/that/be/connect/share resources// 29 Computer memory/be/closely associate/with the central processing unit/but separate/it// 30 Interpreter /be/ program /read/high-level programming languages/, convert/ them /machine code, / sends them/the processor /execution 31 Plug and play /be/ term /use/ describe the technology where/ peripheral device /be automatic/ recognized/ and configure/ when it/be/detected 32 File Transfer Protocol (FTP) /be/Internet standard protocol/transfer files/computers// 33 Laser printers can/quite expensive and /be therefore often/share/networks// 34 The arithmetic –logical unit/be/the part/the CPU where arithmetic and decisionmaking operation/be/do// 35 Data/be/transfer/from the internal memory/the arithmetic-logical unit along channels/know/bus// 36 The role/operating system/be/communicate /direct/the hardware// 37 Main function /ALU/be/perform/mathematical calculation/comparison// 38 Personal Information Manager (PIM) be/ generic name / programs / keep your contacts,/ lists, reminders, email,/ much / together in one place.// 39 Many/domestic/appliance/could/communicate/users/use multimedia/Internet// 40 Rich Text Format ( RTF) /be/ open standard/ encode/ formatted document/ easy transfer / applications // III Correct the mistakes There is ONE grammatical mistake in each of the following sentences Underline the mistake and correct it as in the following example Storage devices provide a permanent store of both data and programs storage 1.An operating system is a set of programs that lie between applications software and the computer hardware 2.Multimedia systems are known for their education and entertainment 139 Basic English for IT - FITHOU value 3.A computer is a device that processes data according to a set of instruction known as a program Large amounts of data store in data warehouses are often used for data mining Users can also connect to wide area networks (WANS) as well, which is just large LANS spread out over several physical locations 6.At the heart of an OS is the kernel, which is lowest level, or core, of the operating system 7.It is certainly that people will vote in elections online 8.Computers keep become smaller and more powerful, allowing people to use them more extensively 9.The early computers needed a great deal of power compared by today’s microprocessor-driven computers 10.Desktop publishing is the same like electronic publishing 11 Bluetooth is an open wireless protocol for exchanging data; primary used for connecting mobile devices to computers 12 The CPU is actually a number of interconnecting processing units that are responsible for one aspect of the CPU’s function 13 C is a compiled, procedural language developed in 1972 by Dennis Ritchie to use in the UNIX operating system 14 The main function of the CPU is perform arithmetic and logical operations on data taken from memory 15 There are two basic kinds of software you need to learn about as an IT professional The first is closed source or proprietary software, which you are not free modify and improve 16 An infector is something that transmit a computer virus 17 A programmer designs, write and tests programs for performing various tasks on a computer 18 Learning to use a computer is not as difficulty as learning to program 19 Different people prefer different input devices for same task For instance, many graphic artists prefer to use a stylus and graphics tablet rather than a mouse 20 Multitasking allows the CPU process the tasks of several programs at the same time 21 A microprocessor is make from a thin slice of semi -conducting material, usual silicon 22 Sector are pie-shaped blocks that interconnect each of the tracks 23 Input mean the information we put in the computer for processing 24 A personal computer is a very popular and usefully computer 25 Modern computers have features for detect errors and for correcting them as well 26 Software programs are normally written and compile for certain hardware platforms It is very important that the software is compatible 140 Basic English for IT - FITHOU with all the components of the computer 27 Peripherals are devices outside the computer but linked with it 28 Removable storage enables the user change the media and to transfer it to another computer 29 The function of RAM is to hold data read or write to it by the processor 30 The function of memory is to hold the instructions and data used in the processor 31 Peripherals normally have no function when not connected to a computer They connect over a wide array with interfaces 32 Although access to the system can be controlled, network are more vulnerable to viruses 33 Smart cards prevent unauthorised users from access systems 34 Storage devices are used to store data and programs that are not being use by the processor 35 Busses and ports are general term for connectivity components with connect the different parts of the PC together 36 Using thin clients allows you to reduce full computers connecting to each other in a network 37 Rent the applications from an ASP, users can reduce the cost and use them when necessary 38 A GUI lets you use a computer without knowing any operating system command 39 In a window, the vertical scroll bar allows you to navigate a document quick 40 Cut and paste lets you to transfer data between files IV Fill in each blank with ONE suitable word or phrase from the table below You may have to change the form of words to complete the passage physical any ports properly some peripheral expansion peripherals driver ALU microprocessor drive connected gates portable Hardware includes any…1…… device that is connected to your computer and is controlled by your computer’s… 2…….This includes equipment that was….3… to your computer when it was manufactured, as well as…….4…….equipment that you added later Modems, disk drives, CD-ROM drives, printers, network adapters, keyboards and display adapter cards are all examples of devices Devices can be connected to your computer in several ways Some devices, like network adapters and sound cards are connected to…… 5…… inside your computers Other devices, like printers and scanners, are connected to………6… on the outside your computers Some devices, known as PC Cards, connect only to PC Card slots on a ……7….computer 141 Basic English for IT - FITHOU For a device to work….8……with Windows 2000, software known as a device……9…… must be loaded onto the computer Each device has its own unique device driver, which is typical supplied by the device manufacturer However…….10… device drivers are included with Windows 2000 binary attached the stands which types connected picture paper files ASCII for used an size document written read address to Electronic mail, or e-mail, allows computer users locally and worldwide …… 11…… exchange messages Each user of e-mail has a mailbox………12… to which messages are sent Messages sent through e-mail can arrive with a matter of seconds A powerful aspect of e-mail is the option to send electronic…… 13…… to a person’s e-mail address Non-ASCII files, known as ……14… files, may be……15….to e-mail messages These files are referred to as MIME attachments MIME… 16… for Multimedia Internet Mail Extension, and was developed to help e-mail software handle a variety of file….17…… For example, a…….18… created in Microsoft Word can be attached to … 19… e-mail message and retrieved by the recipient with the appropriate e-mail program Many e-mail programs, including Eudora, Netscape Messenger, and Microsoft Outlook Express, offer the ability to read files……20 …….in HTML, which is itself a MIME type memory subdivided recovering transferred spelling storage magnetic failure rotated server Storage devices in the form of a disk or tape are used to store the programs and data that are not being used Note that the American…… 21…… of disk is commonly used, although the British spelling, disc, is sometimes used Before a program or data can be used, it must be … 22…… from the storage device to the main RAM ………23…… Hard disks consist of a set of magnetic coated metal disks that are vacuum-sealed inside a case to keep out the dust The ………24… Surfaces of the disks are formatted using a read/write head to provide magnetic storage areas These storage areas form concentric circles called tracks and each track is …… 25… into sections called sectors The disks are ……….26 ………at high speed and read from or written to by the read/write head that moves across the surface of the disks In ……… 27…… computers, hard disks can be connected together and made to operate as one unit using RAID (a redundant array of inexpensive disks) This can speed up the system and provide a way of ……….28…… data if the system crashes (fails suddenly and completely, usually referring to the …… 29…… of a hard disk) There is a variety of optical……… 30 devices that use laser light to read or write to a disk, including: CD-ROMs (compact disk read only memory) CD-R (recordable compact disk) CD-RW (rewritable compact disk), DVD (digital versatile disk-previously known as digital video disk) used connected information for calls lines reservation computer memory including 142 Basic English for IT - FITHOU Railway companies use large 31… systems to control ticket reservations and to give immediate…… 32… on the status of their trains The computer system is ……33…… by private telephone lines to terminals in major train stations, and ticket reservations for customers are make through these phone…….34…… The passenger’s name, type of accommodation, and the train schedule is put into the computer’s ………35………… On a typical day, a railway’s computer system gets thousands of telephone……36… about reservations, space on other railways, and requests …….37… arrivals and departures A big advantage of the railway computer ticket…… 38… system is its rapidity because a cancelled booking can be sold anywhere in the system just a few seconds later Railway computer systems are not ….39… for reservations alone They are used for a variety of other jobs…….40… train schedules, planning, freight and cargo loading, meal planning, personnel availability, accounting, and stock control main generate banks lives libraries quickly tests graphics computer barcode Computers are part of our everyday…… 41…… They have an effect on almost everything you When you buy groceries at a supermarket, a …….42…… is used with laser and ……….43…… technology to scan the price of each item and present a total Barcoding items (clothes, food and books) require a computer to ….44… the barcode labels and maintain the inventory Most televisions advertisements and many films use …… 45… produced by a computer In hospitals, beside terminals connected to the hospitals……46…… computers allow doctors to type in orders for blood……47…… and to schedule operations … 48 …… use computers to look after their customers’ money In ………49……… and bookshops, computers can help you find the book you want as……50… as possible digital that electronically thereby sound embedded applications extensively scanners variety People use computers in a wide…….51… of ways In business, computers track inventories with bar codes and …… 52, check the credit status of the customers, and transfer funds …….53…… In home, tiny computers… 54… in the electronic circuitry of most appliances control the indoor temperatures, operate home security systems, tell the time, and turn videocassette recorders on and off Computers in automobiles regulates the flow of fuel, …… 55…….increasing gas mileage Computers also entertain, creating digitized sound on stereo systems or computer-animated features from a ….56…… encoded laser disc Computer programs, or …… 57…… , exist to aid every level of education, from programs…… 58… teach simple addition or sentence construction to advanced calculus, educator use computers to track grades and prepare notes; with computer control projection units, they can add graphics,…… 59… and animation to their lectures Computers are used … 60…… in scientific research to solve mathematical problems, display complicated data normally control electrical system carried components so that main capability permanently 143 Basic English for IT - FITHOU Motherboard, in computer science, the ……… 61…… circuit board in a computer The most important computer chips and other electronic……….62…… that give function to a computer are located on the motherboard The motherboard is a printed circuit board that connects the various elements on it through the use of trace, or ……63….pathways The motherboard is indispensable to the computer and provides the main computing ….64…… Personal computers….65… have one central processing unit (CPU), or microprocessor, which is located with other chips on the motherboard The manufacturer and model of the CPU chip……66….by the motherboard is a key criterion for designating the speed and other capabilities of the computer The CPU in many personal computers is not…67… attached to the motherboard, but is instead plugged into a socket….68… it may be removed and upgraded Motherboards also contain important computing components, such as the basic output/input …….69…., which contain the basic set of instruction require to ….70…… the computer when it is first turned on V Find the correct term for each of the following definitions or explanations: No Definitions/Explanations a computer using a relatively slow and specialized processor and ROM chip, normally used to control a particular device such as a washing machine or an MP3 player a type of computer intended primarily for central distribution of data to other computers on the same network a specialized computer which connects two networks 10 11 Term refers to only the most powerful class of computer, typically designed to perform specialized tasks such as weather prediction, governmental financial calculations, or space research a data storage technique using a pattern of markings on a disc that can be read by a laser; examples include CD-ROM, and DVD-ROM technology a type of computer memory known for being volatile (temporary) and fast a type of memory which is manufactured with permanent contents which cannot be modified a type of storage using integrated circuits to store data; examples include RAM, ROM, and flash memory a hardware peripheral designed to 'scan' products into an inventory tracking system a peripheral used primarily to enter data into a computer the ability of a computer to convert spoken words from a user into usable data 144 Basic English for IT - FITHOU 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 This is normally a ROM program that controls the base functionality of the computer such as video, hard drives, floppy drives, keyboard, and mouse The main computational section of a computer that interprets and executes instructions Any computer processor or nowadays a portion of the main CPU which assists the main processor by performing a highly specialized task a component of a computer which is designed to convert a binary image stored in memory to a display medium a specialized coprocessor sitting on the motherboard or graphic card of a computer which handles the graphical calculations such as 3D modeling and games an electronic device constructed from microscopic transistors and other circuit elements on a single integrated circuit; popular manufactures of these devices include Intel, AMD, and IBM The main printed circuit board in a computer that carries the system buses It is equipped with sockets to which all processors, memory modules, plug-in cards, daughter boards, or peripheral devices are connected; also known as a 'mainboard' a wired or increasingly wireless PCI or USB device that connects a computer to a network A relatively fast and convenient computer technology allowing the connection of many peripherals such as digital cameras, scanners, external hard drives, etc; this is a much faster replacement for the old serial bus technology a collection of integrated circuits designed to help the motherboard perform certain tasks such as control components an output screen which contains visual information; some variants include: LED lights, CRT or LCD monitors, and virtual reality goggles this is an electronic device that can convert digital signals into analog signals in order to transmit and receive data over a wire a peripheral device that produces a hard copy, normally paper, from data stored in a computer a storage medium popular in modern computers; one of these can hold approximately 650 MB of data A USB device used for portable data storage, typically 64 MB or higher; also known as a USB drive, jump drive, and even a key drive a physical transmission device or storage device of information an optical read-only disc storage media format used for data or movie storage with same dimensions as a standard DVD or 145 Basic English for IT - FITHOU 29 30 31 32 CD; holds up to 50 GB or times the storage of a DVD software in which the license stipulates that the user cannot see, edit, or manipulate the source code of a software program to end a program or a process before its completion capable of being used with or connected to other devices or components without modification a person who uses a product or service on a computer 37 data programmed into a hardware device which provides its basic functionality; normally in the form of an EPROM software distributed without cost by the developer which normally cannot be modified or sold without permission a program in which the code is distributed allowing programmers to alter and change the original software as much as they like a person who writes or modifies computer programs or applications The act of deleting information from a file system or database 38 a text-only link between a computer and its operator 39 45 a method of packing data in order to save disk storage space or download time software which converts the data from a component or peripheral into data that an operating system can use a set of strict rules for controlling read, write, and execute access to a file or directory This is a icon based computer interface designed to be easier to learn and use than earlier command line interfaces Windows and Mac OS are the most common examples of this type of interface a file which does not appear by default in a directory listing; normally for security reasons or to spare confusion in end users the fundamental part of an operating system responsible for providing access to the machine's hardware to terminate a connection to a computer or network 46 concurrent execution of two or more tasks by a processor 47 a GUI or CLI software link between the computer and operator; also provides a framework for productivity software such as an office suite, web browser, or programming languages a software program which mimics the performance of a hardware device in order to run securely or independent of the actual hardware 33 34 35 36 40 41 42 43 44 48 146 Basic English for IT - FITHOU 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 a collection of integrated productivity programs normally including at least: spreadsheet, word processor, database, and presentation maker a popular open source office suite initiated by Sun Microsystems designed to compete specifically with MS Office software which can be distributed freely and evaluated for a limited period of time concise, clean, and clear code which allows other developers to understand and extend it a program that reads high-level programming languages, converts them to machine code, and sends them to the processor for execution any programming language that allows modeling of real-world object and concepts a measure of how easily programs can be moved to a new system without having to make any changes a central high speed network that connects smaller, independent networks the coding or tagging syntax used to write documents read by web browsers a private network contained within an organization, that typically uses Internet protocols and standard web browsers a global hypertext system operating on the Internet that enables electronic communication of text and multimedia A document cross-reference technique enabling the retrieval of a related document or resource simply by clicking on an underlined word or image Messages that are sent electronically via computer networks a set of standards or rules which govern communication between computers and peripherals a collection of bits normally sent through a network that contains data surrounded by error correction information any computer or other device connected to network a device or software program designed to prevent unauthorized access to a network a type of computing in which a computational task is divided into subtasks that execute on a collection of networked computers a computer network in which the functions are divided between clients and servers that store, process, and transmit the information a small computer network normally contained within one room or building 147 Basic English for IT - FITHOU 69 70 software applications that facilitate shared work on documents and information a networking model where every computer can server as both a client and a server; used primarily to reduce sever bottlenecks and reduce costs 148 Basic English for IT - FITHOU References Basic English for Computing, Eric H Glendinning & John McEwan English for Information Technology, John McEwan Computer System –Fundamental – Genetic Computer School, Singapore Infotech – English for computer users (Forth edition), Santiago Remacha Esteras English for IT-Online , Larry Zoumas businessenglishsite com/ I.T and other compute related-work 149 Basic English for IT - FITHOU 150 Basic English for IT - FITHOU 151 ... book is to provide a basic knowledge of how English is used in Information Technology (IT) This book is designed particularly for the students in the Faculty of Information Technology of Hanoi... convergence 1.3 Parts of an Information System Basic English for IT - FITHOU The way to think about a microcomputer is a part of an information system and not only as an equipment An information system... proficiency in order to acquire a better basic knowledge in both English and English for IT There are 10 units covering major aspects of Information Technology using a variety of relevant materials