18 what kind of os was used in the early 80s
18 what kind of os was used in the early 80s
Английский_МУ_Акулина_Информационные тех. Учебное пособие для развития навыков устной речи на английском языке для студентов факультета информационных технологий и компьютерных систем
application software operating system software system software
the basic functions of а computer (e.g. operating systems, programming software, device drivers and utilities).
specific tasks. Typical applications include word processing, databases, educational programs, email and video games.
1. What kind of OS was used in the early 80’s text-based or graphics-based?
2. What is the contribution of Macintosh computers to the development of graphic environments?
3. What does the acronym WIMP stand for?
4. How do you run а program on а computer with а graphical interface?
5. What is multitasking?
6. Which multi-user OS is used on large, powerful computers?
7. What is the benefit of using open-source software, for example Linux?
8. Which Microsoft platform is used for pocket PCs, mobiles and portable media centres?
GUI operating system
The term user interface refers to the standard procedures that the user follows in order to interact with а computer. In the late 1970’s and early 80’s, the way users accessed computer systems was very complex. They had to memorize and type а 1ot of commands just to see the contents of а disk, to сору files or to respond to а single prompt. In fact, it was only experts who used computers, so there was no need for а user-friendly interface.
In 1984, Apple produced the Macintosh, the first computer with а mouse and а graphical user interface (GUI). Macs were designed with one clear aim: to facilitate interaction with the computer. А few years later, Microsoft launched Windows, another operating system based on graphics and intuitive tools. Nowadays, computers аге used by all kinds of people, and as а result there is а growing emphasis on accessibility and user-friendly systems.
The most popular operating systems are:
Mаc OS — created by Apple and used on Macintosh computers.
Windows Mobile — used on most PDAs and smartphones (PDAs incorporating mobile phones).
Раlm OS — used on Раlm handheld devices.
Английский методичка. Учебное пособие для развития навыков устной речи на английском языке Омск Издательство Омгту 2009 удк 004 811. 111(075)
application software operating system software system software
the basic functions of а computer (e.g. operating systems, programming software, device drivers and utilities).
specific tasks. Typical applications include word processing, databases, educational
programs, email and video games.
6. nested folders
7. launch a program
1. What kind of OS was used in the early 80’s text-based or graphics-based?
2. What is the contribution of Macintosh computers to the development of graphic environments?
3. What does the acronym WIMP stand for?
4. How do you run а program on а computer with а graphical interface?
5. What is multitasking?
6. Which multi-user OS is used on large, powerful computers?
7. What is the benefit of using open-source software, for example Linux?
8. Which Microsoft platform is used for pocket PCs, mobiles and portable media centres?
GUI operating system
The term user interface refers to the standard procedures that the user follows in order to interact with а computer. In the late 1970’s and early 80’s, the way users accessed computer systems was very complex. They had to memorize and type а 1ot of commands just to see the contents of а disk, to сору files or to respond to а single prompt. In fact, it was only experts who used computers, so there was no need for а user-friendly interface.
In 1984, Apple produced the Macintosh, the first computer with а mouse and а graphical user interface (GUI). Macs were designed with one clear aim: to facilitate interaction with the computer. А few years later, Microsoft launched Windows, another operating system based on graphics and intuitive tools. Nowadays, computers аге used by all kinds of people, and as а result there is а growing emphasis on accessibility and user-friendly systems.
The most popular operating systems are:
The Windows family – designed by Microsoft and used on most PCs. The most recent version is Windows Vista.
Mаc OS – created by Apple and used on Macintosh computers.
Unix – а multi-user system, found on mainframes and workstations in corporate installations.
Linux – open-source software dеvеlоpеd under the GNU General Public License. This meansanybody can сору its source соdе, change it and distribute it. It is used in computers, appliances and small devices.
Windows Mobile – used on most PDAs and smartphones (PDAs incorporating mobile phones).
Раlm OS – used on Раlm handheld devices.
R1M – used on BlackBerry communication devices. Developed by Research In Motion.
The Symbian OS – used by some phone makers, including Nokia and Siemens.
These computer platforms differ in areas such as device installation, network connectivity or compatibility with application software.
GUI operating systems
The term “user interface” refers to the standard procedures that the user follows in order to interact with a computer. In the late 1970s and early 80s, the way users accessed computer systems was very complex. They had to memorize and type a lot of commands just to see the contents of a disk, to copy files or to respond to a single prompt. In fact, it was only experts who used computers, so there was no need for a user-friendly interface.
When computers were first introduced in the 1940s and 50s, every program written had to provide instructions that told the computer how to use devices such as the printer, how to store information on a disk, as well as how to perform several other tasks not necessarily related to the program. The additional program instructions for working with hardware devices were very complex, and time-consuming. Programmers soon realized it would be smarter to develop one program that could control the computer’s hardware, which other programs could have used when they needed it. With that, the first operating system was born.
Today, operating systems control and manage the use of hardware devices such as the printer or mouse. They also provide disk management by letting you store information in files. The operating system also lets you run programs such as the basic word processor. Lastly, the operating system provides several of its own commands that help you to use the computer.
DOS is the most commonly used PC operating system. DOS is an abbreviation for disk operating system. DOS was developed by a company named Microsoft. MS-DOS is an abbreviation for “Microsoft DOS”. When IBM first released the IBM PC in 1981, IBM licensed DOS from Microsoft for use on the PC and called it PC-DOS. From the users’ perspective, PC-DOS and MS-DOS are the same, each providing the same capabilities and commands.
The version of DOS release in 1981 was 1.0. Over the past decade, DOS has undergone several changes. Each time the DOS developers release a new version, they increase the version number.
Windows NT (new technology) is an operating system developed by Microsoft. NT is an enhanced version of the popular Microsoft Windows 3.0, 3.1 programs. NT requires a 386 processor or greater and 8 Mb of RAM. For the best NT performance, you have to use a 486 processor with about 16 Mb or higher. Unlike the Windows, which runs on top of DOS, Windows NT is an operating system itself. However, NT is DOS compatible. The advantage of using NT over Windows is that NT makes better use of the PC’s memory management capabilities.
OS/2 is a PC operating system created by IBM. Like NT, OS/2 is DOS compatible and provides a graphical user interface that lets you run programs with a click of a mouse. Also like NT, OS/2 performs best when you are using a powerful system. Many IBM-based PCs are shipped with OS/2 preinstalled.
In 1984, Apple produced the Macintosh, the first computer with a mouse and a graphical user interface (GUI). Macs were designed with one clear aim: to facilitate interaction with the computer. A few years later, Microsoft launched Windows, another operating system based on graphics and intuitive tools. Nowadays, computers are used by all kinds of people, and as a result there is a growing emphasis on accessibility and user-friendly systems.
A GUI makes use of a WIMP environment: windows, icons, menus and pointer. The background of the screen is called the desktop, which contains labeled pictures and icons. These icons represent files or folders. Double-clicking a folder opens a window which contains programs, documents, or more nested folders. When in folder, a user can launch a program or document by double-clicking the icon, or drag it to another location. When running a program PC opens a window that lets one work with different tools. All the programs have a high level of consistency, with similar toolbars, menu bars, buttons and dialogue boxes. A modern OS also provides access to networks and allows multitasking, which means running several programs — and do various tasks — at the same time.
The most popular operating systems are:
•The Windows family — designed by Microsoft and used on most PCs. The most recent version is Windows Vista.
•Mac OS — created by Apple and used on Macintosh computers.
•Unix — a multi-user system, found on mainframes and workstations in corporate installations.
•Linux — open-source software developed under the GNU General public License. This means anybody can copy its source code, change it and distribute. It is used in computers, appliances and small devices.
•Windows Mobile — used on most PDAs and smartphones (PDAs incorporating mobile phones).
•Palm OS — used on Palm handed devices.
•RIM — used on BlackBerry communication devices. Developed by Research In Motion.
•The Symbian OS — used by some phone makers, including Nokia and Siemens.
These computer platforms differ in areas such as device installation, network connectivity or compatibility with application software.
X. Translate these terms into Russian. Use the dictionary or the Internet to help you.
User interface, procedure, tools, desktop, nested folders, launch a program, source code.
XI. Read the text again and decide which adjectives in the list describe a GUI best.
User-friendly; slow; accessible; text-based; intuitive; complex; graphics-based.
XII. Answer the questions.
1. What kind of OS was used in the early 80s: text-based or graphics-based? 2. What was the contribution of Macintosh computers to the development of graphic environments? 3. What does acronym WIMP stand for? 4. How do you run a program on a computer with a graphical interface? 5. What is multitasking? 6. Which multi-user OS is used on large, powerful computers? 7. What is the benefit of using open-source software, for example Linux? 8. Which Macintosh platform is used for pocket PCs, mobiles and portable media centers? 9. What does user-friendly mean? 10. Do you think most OS are user-friendly? Give your reasons.
Lesson 3. Software
I. Read and memorize the following words and word combinations:
to distinguish — отличать, различать, выделять, проводить различие
to encompass — охватывать, включать, заключать (в себе)
to signify — выражать, показывать, означать, быть признаком
to insulate — отделять, обособлять
to precede — предшествовать, предварять
to blur — делать неясным, затуманивать
to accomplish — совершать, выполнять, исполнять
arbitrary — условный, случайный, произвольный
accessory — дополнительный, вспомогательный, сопутствующий
feature — признак, черта, свойство, особенность, характеристика
debugger — программа отладки
ordered sequence of instructions — упорядоченная последовательность инструкций
II. Read and translate the text.
Computer software or just software is a general term used to describe a collection of computer programs, procedures and documentation that perform some tasks on a computer system. Software includes websites, programs, video games etc. that are coded by programming languages like C, C++, etc. “Software” is sometimes used in a broader context to mean anything which is not hardware but which is used with hardware, such as film, tapes and records.
Computer software is so called to distinguish it from computer hardware, which encompasses the physical interconnections and devices required to store and execute (or run) the software. At the lowest level, software consists of a machine language specific to an individual processor. A machine language consists of groups of binary values signifying processor instructions which change the state of the computer from its preceding state. Software is an ordered sequence of instructions for changing the state of the computer hardware in a particular sequence. It is usually written in high-level programming languages that are easier and more efficient for humans to use (closer to natural language) than machine language. High-level languages are compiled or interpreted into machine language object code.
Practical computer systems divide software systems into three major classes: system software, programming software and application software, although the distinction is arbitrary, and often blurred.
System softwarehelps run the computer hardware and computer system. It includes: device drivers, diagnostic tools, operating systems, servers, utilities, windowing systems. The purpose of systems software is to insulate the applications programmer as much as possible from the details of the particular computer complex being used, especially memory and other hardware features, and such accessory devices as communications, printers, readers, displays, keyboards, etc.
Programming softwareusually provides tools to assist a programmer in writing computer programs, and software using different programming languages in a more convenient way. The tools include: compilers, debuggers, interpreters, linkers, text editors.
Application softwareallows end users to accomplish one or more specific (non-computer related) tasks. Typical applications include: industrial automation, business software, computer games, databases, educational software, medical software and etc. Businesses are probably the biggest users of application software, but almost every field of human activity now uses some form of application software.
System software – системное программное обеспечение (в отличие от прикладного); programming software – программное обеспечение для программирования; application software – прикладная программа; прикладное программное обеспечение; программа специального применения; utility– утилита (сервисная программа, обслуживающая программа, облегчающая работу с компьютером или пользование какими-либо другими программами)
III. Give the Russian equivalents.
To be used in a broader context; to distinguish from; to encompass the physical interconnections; to store and execute (or run); software preceding state; as much as possible; to insulate from; hardware features; accessory devices; to assist a programmer; groups of binary values; ordered sequence of instructions; high-level programming languages; closer to natural language; system software; programming software; application software; device drivers; diagnostic tools.
IV. Give the English equivalent.
Программное обеспечение для программирования; прикладная программа; вспомогательные устройства; делать неясным; системное программное обеспечение; упорядоченная последовательность инструкций; произвольный; отличать от; характеристика; программа отладки; предшествующий; компилятор; текстовый редактор; выполнять некоторые задачи; заключать (в себе).
V. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate form from the box.
To divide, to be used, to be written; to be coded,to encompass, to provide |
1.It ____to describe a collection of computer programs. 2.Theseapplications ____.industrial automation, business software, educational software, medical software and etc. 3.Computer systems ____software systems into three major classes. 4.Programming softwareusually ____tools to assist a programmer in writing computer programs. 5. Programs, video games ____by programming languages. 6.Software usually ____in high-level programming languages.
VI. Answer the following questions.
1. What is computer software? 2. What does software encompass? 3. What does hardware include? 4. What are high level languages oriented to? 5. What major classes are software systems divided into? Characterize them shortly.
VII. Give a brief summary of the above text.
A Brief History of Operating Systems
Operating systems provide a set of functions and links needed to control and synchronize computer hardware. These are used by most application programs on a computer. The first computers had no operating system. Every program needed the full hardware specification to run correctly and perform standard tasks, and its own drivers for peripheral devices. Considering the hardware system was evolving and becoming more complex, app programs became a necessity.
If we take a look back to the first computer, the Z1, made in 1936–1938, this computer ran without an operating system. Only 20 years later did we have the first ever operating system when General Motors produced NAA I/O back in 1956 for its IBM 704.
This was mainly due to the need for integration into the corporate world.
In the 1960s Bell labs started working on the origins of UNIX, the first multi-tasking and multi-user functionality operating system. The first version was available in the 70s. Unlike the general operating system like that used in GM, where if someone wanted to change a set of functions on a mainframe, they would have to format all the functions of the operating system and start again. This was a big leap forward. Many operating systems today trace their origins back to UNIX, namely: Linux, Mac OS X, Android, iOS, Chrome OS.
In 1977 The Apple II series was born. This is a family of home computers which was the first highly successful micro-computer designed by Steve Wozniak. It was an 8-bit computer with the first color-graphics.
The original OS was in ROM (read-only memory) alongside Integer basic which was originally based on cassette. Once the disk had been implemented in 1978, Shepardson Microsystems commissioned the first Disk Operating System (DOS).
Apple Dos 3.3 was the final and most popular version of the software.
In 1981 May MS-DOS was launched by Microsoft and started on the basis of 86-DOS by a company called “Seattle computer products” which was created by Tim Patterson. The original copy of MS-DOS took only 6 weeks to build as it was identical to Digital Research CP/M which was a similar version of the product.
MS-DOS was launched, shipped and used for the IBM personal computer, which was also licensed to IBM but called PC-DOS.
NeXTSTEP is a multi-tasking, object-oriented operating system developed by NeXT Computer. This was initially used in the late 80s and early 90s for it’s trademarked workstation computer NeXTcube. NeXT Computer was the platform that created the Electronic AppWrapper which was the first commercial electronic software distribution catalog that collectively managed encryption and provided digital rights for application software and digital media.
The AppWrapper gave birth to what we know today as the app store.
After Apple purchased NeXT they went on to create systems like macOS, IOS, and WatchOS to name a few. In addition, many of Apple’s features and apps came directly from NeXT.
In December 1987, OS/2 was released. OS/2 is a series of computer operating systems, created initially by both Microsoft and IBM. After the fallout from the two companies, after the incorrect positioning of OS/2 and Microsoft 3.1 in 1992, both companies severed their relations.
OS/2 was initially intended as a protected mode protector of PC-Dos.
On May 22, 1990, Microsoft Windows launched Windows 3.0. The graphical environment was the 3rd major release.
Windows 3.0 became a rival to Apple Macintosh and Commodore Amiga on the GUI (graphical user interface) front.
On September 17, 1991, Linux released its operating system kernel. Which is the base for it’s UNIX like open source OS.
Linux is a free OS which is widely known for its distributions such as Ubuntu and it’s commercial use like that of Redhat Hat enterprise Linux.
Linux is the leading OS on servers and on mainframe computers, also the only OS used on Top500 supercomputers. Linux has the largest installed base of all general purpose operating systems.
On April 22nd, 1992, Microsoft launched Windows 3.1x, which is a 16-bit operating environment. Windows 3.1 introduced several enhancements throughout its lifespan to the MS-DOS-based platform namely; expanded support for multimedia, improved system stability, Workgroup networking, and TrueType fonts.
On August 24, 1995, Windows 95 was released by Microsoft as the first operating system in the 9x family (versions released after 1995 and until 2000). The major change was 32-bit operating environments and it’s plug and play features.
On June 25, 1998, Microsoft launched Windows 98, which sported a hybrid 16 bit and 32 bit GUI which makes it a graphical operating system. It is an unchanging product and has a boot-stage that runs on MS-DOS. This Windows OS is part of the 9x family.
On March 6, 2008, iPhone OS 1 was the first iOS for Apple’s mobile operating system. No official name was given to the system. Apple stated that the iPhone ran on a version of its desktop operating system macOS, then known as Mac OSX. When Apple released the iPhone software development kit (iPhone SDK), it then named the operating system as iPhone OS which later on became iOS.
On September 23, 2008, Android was released. Android is a Mobile OS which was developed by Google. Based on the Linux Kernel and other Open Source software. It is designed mainly for Touchscreen devices although there are other renditions of the OS. Android is IOS’s first major competitor.
On October 22, 2009, Microsoft launched Windows 7 internationally to the public.
Windows 7 was intended to be an upgrade of Windows Vista, its predecessor and addressed Vista’s poor critical reception while maintaining its hardware and software compatibility.
New features were also added to the OS such as Libraries, HomeGroup — a file sharing system, support for multi-touch input, “Action Center” interface for an overview of maintenance information and system security, and edits were made to the User Account Control to make it less intrusive.
On May 2011 Google launched Chrome OS which is a Linux Kernel based OS. It is a free software which uses the Google Chrome web browser as it’s a primary user interface (UI). and supports web applications.
Its User Data runs directly off of the cloud, making it the first OS to be cloud-based.
After reviewing some of the most well-known operating systems through the generations, it is evident that there has been a huge advancement in the world of operating systems and how these systems have become more user-friendly and graphics-oriented in order to deliver the best product for engagement to the end user.
Looking at all the OS predecessors there is a lot more to expect in the future.
We are currently on the precipice of AI, robotics, and blockchain and these sectors will lead us towards different dimensions of Operating Systems.
What is Linux and why is it so popular?
Linux is an operating system (very much like UNIX) that has become very popular over the last several years.
Linux is as much a phenomenon as it is an operating system. To understand why Linux has become so popular, it is helpful to know a little bit about its history. The first version of UNIX was originally developed several decades ago and was used primarily as a research operating system in universities. High-powered desktop workstations from companies like Sun proliferated in the 1980s, and they were all based on UNIX. A number of companies entered the workstation field to compete against Sun: HP, IBM, Silicon Graphics, Apollo, etc. Unfortunately, each one had its own version of UNIX and this made the sale of software difficult. Windows NT was Microsoft’s answer to this marketplace. NT provides the same sort of features as UNIX operating systems — security, support for multiple CPUs, large-scale memory and disk management, etc. — but it does it in a way that is compatible with most Windows applications.
The entry of Microsoft into the high-end workstation arena created a strange dynamic. The proprietary operating systems owned by separate companies and the lack of a central authority in the UNIX world weaken UNIX, but many people have personal problems with Microsoft. Linux stepped into this odd landscape and captured a lot of attention.
The Linux kernel, created by Linus Torvalds, was made available to the world for free. Torvalds then invited others to add to the kernel provided that they keep their contributions free. Thousands of programmers began working to enhance Linux, and the operating system grew rapidly. Because it is free and runs on PC platforms, it gained a sizeable audience among hard-core developers very quickly.
In general, Linux is harder to manage than something like Windows, but offers more flexibility and configuration options.
1. Say what you have learnt from the text about Linux as an operating system.
2. Translate the 2-nd paragraph in writing.
3. Select the topical sentences in each paragraph of the text.
4. Summarise the text.
VIII. Read and translate the text. Do the assignments following it.
How Windows Vista works
Windows has changed considerably since then. In the last 20 years, Microsoft has released numerous full-fledged versions of the operating system. Sometimes, newer versions are significantly different from older ones, such as the change from Windows 3.1 to Windows 95. Other new releases have seemed more like enhancements or refinements of the older ones, such as the multiple consumer versions of the OS released from 1995 to 2001.
Microsoft’s newest version of its operating system is Windows Vista. For many users, upgrading to Vista won’t seem as dramatic as the upgrade from 3.1 to Windows 95. But Windows Vista has a number of new features, both in the parts that you can see and the parts that you can’t.
At its core, Windows Vista is still an operating system. It has two primary behind-the-scenes jobs:
· Managing hardware and software resources, including the processor, memory, storage and additional devices.
· Allowing programs to work with the computer’s hardware.
If all goes well, this work is usually invisible to the user, but it’s essential to the computer’s operation.
1. Say what you have learnt from the text about Windows Vista.
2. Ask your group-mates 10 questions on the text.
3. Select the topical sentences in each paragraph of the text.
4. Retell the text.
IX. Read and translate the text.
GUI operating systems
The term “user interface” refers to the standard procedures that the user follows in order to interact with a computer. In the late 1970s and early 80s, the way users accessed computer systems was very complex. They had to memorize and type a lot of commands just to see the contents of a disk, to copy files or to respond to a single prompt. In fact, it was only experts who used computers, so there was no need for a user-friendly interface.
When computers were first introduced in the 1940s and 50s, every program written had to provide instructions that told the computer how to use devices such as the printer, how to store information on a disk, as well as how to perform several other tasks not necessarily related to the program. The additional program instructions for working with hardware devices were very complex, and time-consuming. Programmers soon realized it would be smarter to develop one program that could control the computer’s hardware, which other programs could have used when they needed it. With that, the first operating system was born.
Today, operating systems control and manage the use of hardware devices such as the printer or mouse. They also provide disk management by letting you store information in files. The operating system also lets you run programs such as the basic word processor. Lastly, the operating system provides several of its own commands that help you to use the computer.
DOS is the most commonly used PC operating system. DOS is an abbreviation for disk operating system. DOS was developed by a company named Microsoft. MS-DOS is an abbreviation for “Microsoft DOS”. When IBM first released the IBM PC in 1981, IBM licensed DOS from Microsoft for use on the PC and called it PC-DOS. From the users’ perspective, PC-DOS and MS-DOS are the same, each providing the same capabilities and commands.
The version of DOS release in 1981 was 1.0. Over the past decade, DOS has undergone several changes. Each time the DOS developers release a new version, they increase the version number.
Windows NT (new technology) is an operating system developed by Microsoft. NT is an enhanced version of the popular Microsoft Windows 3.0, 3.1 programs. NT requires a 386 processor or greater and 8 Mb of RAM. For the best NT performance, you have to use a 486 processor with about 16 Mb or higher. Unlike the Windows, which runs on top of DOS, Windows NT is an operating system itself. However, NT is DOS compatible. The advantage of using NT over Windows is that NT makes better use of the PC’s memory management capabilities.
OS/2 is a PC operating system created by IBM. Like NT, OS/2 is DOS compatible and provides a graphical user interface that lets you run programs with a click of a mouse. Also like NT, OS/2 performs best when you are using a powerful system. Many IBM-based PCs are shipped with OS/2 preinstalled.
In 1984, Apple produced the Macintosh, the first computer with a mouse and a graphical user interface (GUI). Macs were designed with one clear aim: to facilitate interaction with the computer. A few years later, Microsoft launched Windows, another operating system based on graphics and intuitive tools. Nowadays, computers are used by all kinds of people, and as a result there is a growing emphasis on accessibility and user-friendly systems.
A GUI makes use of a WIMP environment: windows, icons, menus and pointer. The background of the screen is called the desktop, which contains labeled pictures and icons. These icons represent files or folders. Double-clicking a folder opens a window which contains programs, documents, or more nested folders. When in folder, a user can launch a program or document by double-clicking the icon, or drag it to another location. When running a program PC opens a window that lets one work with different tools. All the programs have a high level of consistency, with similar toolbars, menu bars, buttons and dialogue boxes. A modern OS also provides access to networks and allows multitasking, which means running several programs — and do various tasks — at the same time.
The most popular operating systems are:
•The Windows family — designed by Microsoft and used on most PCs. The most recent version is Windows Vista.
•Mac OS — created by Apple and used on Macintosh computers.
•Unix — a multi-user system, found on mainframes and workstations in corporate installations.
•Linux — open-source software developed under the GNU General public License. This means anybody can copy its source code, change it and distribute. It is used in computers, appliances and small devices.
•Windows Mobile — used on most PDAs and smartphones (PDAs incorporating mobile phones).
•Palm OS — used on Palm handed devices.
•RIM — used on BlackBerry communication devices. Developed by Research In Motion.
•The Symbian OS — used by some phone makers, including Nokia and Siemens.
These computer platforms differ in areas such as device installation, network connectivity or compatibility with application software.
X. Translate these terms into Russian. Use the dictionary or the Internet to help you.
User interface, procedure, tools, desktop, nested folders, launch a program, source code.
XI. Read the text again and decide which adjectives in the list describe a GUI best.
User-friendly; slow; accessible; text-based; intuitive; complex; graphics-based.
XII. Answer the questions.
1. What kind of OS was used in the early 80s: text-based or graphics-based? 2. What was the contribution of Macintosh computers to the development of graphic environments? 3. What does acronym WIMP stand for? 4. How do you run a program on a computer with a graphical interface? 5. What is multitasking? 6. Which multi-user OS is used on large, powerful computers? 7. What is the benefit of using open-source software, for example Linux? 8. Which Macintosh platform is used for pocket PCs, mobiles and portable media centers? 9. What does user-friendly mean? 10. Do you think most OS are user-friendly? Give your reasons.
Lesson 3. Software
I. Read and memorize the following words and word combinations:
to distinguish — отличать, различать, выделять, проводить различие
to encompass — охватывать, включать, заключать (в себе)
to signify — выражать, показывать, означать, быть признаком
to insulate — отделять, обособлять
to precede — предшествовать, предварять
to blur — делать неясным, затуманивать
to accomplish — совершать, выполнять, исполнять
arbitrary — условный, случайный, произвольный
accessory — дополнительный, вспомогательный, сопутствующий
feature — признак, черта, свойство, особенность, характеристика
debugger — программа отладки
ordered sequence of instructions — упорядоченная последовательность инструкций
II. Read and translate the text.
Computer software or just software is a general term used to describe a collection of computer programs, procedures and documentation that perform some tasks on a computer system. Software includes websites, programs, video games etc. that are coded by programming languages like C, C++, etc. “Software” is sometimes used in a broader context to mean anything which is not hardware but which is used with hardware, such as film, tapes and records.
Computer software is so called to distinguish it from computer hardware, which encompasses the physical interconnections and devices required to store and execute (or run) the software. At the lowest level, software consists of a machine language specific to an individual processor. A machine language consists of groups of binary values signifying processor instructions which change the state of the computer from its preceding state. Software is an ordered sequence of instructions for changing the state of the computer hardware in a particular sequence. It is usually written in high-level programming languages that are easier and more efficient for humans to use (closer to natural language) than machine language. High-level languages are compiled or interpreted into machine language object code.
Practical computer systems divide software systems into three major classes: system software, programming software and application software, although the distinction is arbitrary, and often blurred.
System softwarehelps run the computer hardware and computer system. It includes: device drivers, diagnostic tools, operating systems, servers, utilities, windowing systems. The purpose of systems software is to insulate the applications programmer as much as possible from the details of the particular computer complex being used, especially memory and other hardware features, and such accessory devices as communications, printers, readers, displays, keyboards, etc.
Programming softwareusually provides tools to assist a programmer in writing computer programs, and software using different programming languages in a more convenient way. The tools include: compilers, debuggers, interpreters, linkers, text editors.
Application softwareallows end users to accomplish one or more specific (non-computer related) tasks. Typical applications include: industrial automation, business software, computer games, databases, educational software, medical software and etc. Businesses are probably the biggest users of application software, but almost every field of human activity now uses some form of application software.
System software – системное программное обеспечение (в отличие от прикладного); programming software – программное обеспечение для программирования; application software – прикладная программа; прикладное программное обеспечение; программа специального применения; utility– утилита (сервисная программа, обслуживающая программа, облегчающая работу с компьютером или пользование какими-либо другими программами)
III. Give the Russian equivalents.
To be used in a broader context; to distinguish from; to encompass the physical interconnections; to store and execute (or run); software preceding state; as much as possible; to insulate from; hardware features; accessory devices; to assist a programmer; groups of binary values; ordered sequence of instructions; high-level programming languages; closer to natural language; system software; programming software; application software; device drivers; diagnostic tools.
IV. Give the English equivalent.
Программное обеспечение для программирования; прикладная программа; вспомогательные устройства; делать неясным; системное программное обеспечение; упорядоченная последовательность инструкций; произвольный; отличать от; характеристика; программа отладки; предшествующий; компилятор; текстовый редактор; выполнять некоторые задачи; заключать (в себе).
V. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate form from the box.
To divide, to be used, to be written; to be coded, to encompass, to provide |
1.It ____to describe a collection of computer programs. 2.Theseapplications ____.industrial automation, business software, educational software, medical software and etc. 3.Computer systems ____software systems into three major classes. 4.Programming softwareusually ____tools to assist a programmer in writing computer programs. 5. Programs, video games ____by programming languages. 6.Software usually ____in high-level programming languages.
VI. Answer the following questions.
1. What is computer software? 2. What does software encompass? 3. What does hardware include? 4. What are high level languages oriented to? 5. What major classes are software systems divided into? Characterize them shortly.
VII. Give a brief summary of the above text.