Computers Then and Now

The world first electronic computer was build at the University of Pennsylvania in 1946, although computer-like machine was build in the 19^th century. Computers were sold commercially for the first time in the 1950s, and a lot of progress has been made since then. Computers are now much smaller and more powerful, and they can be bought much more cheaply.

Computers are used in many fields – in education, medicine, science, for example. They can be used to forecast the weather or to control robots which make cars. A lot of difficult calculations can be done very quickly on a computer.

A computer can’t think – it must be told exactly what to do. And they don’t make mistakes. Stories are heard sometimes about computers paying people much money or sending them bills for things they don’t buy. These mistakes are made by the programmers. Some years ago, a computer-controlled rocket belonging to the USA went out of control and had to be destroyed. The accident was caused by a small mistake in one line of the programme. This mistake cost the USA $ 18 million.

Progress is being made all the time. Today people know more about computers then they used to. And many believe we can look forward to the day when even our household jobs like cleaning will be done by computer-controlled robots.

B. Ответьте на следующие вопросы:

1. How have computers been changed since 1950s?

2. Where are computers used?

3. What will computers be used for in the near future?

4. Could you give any examples when mistakes were made by the programmers? (from your experience or using the information from the text).

13. A. Просмотрите следующий текст и определите его основную идею.

The Bicycle

When standard bicycles were invented in the late 19^th century, long skirts were worn by most women riders and women’s bicycles were made without crossbars. Some makers still leave off the crossbar on women’s bikes, even though long skirts aren’t used by women cyclists nowadays. But standard bikes without crossbars are not as strong, so they should be avoided if you want to ride hard and fast.

Racing bikes are much more streamlined than standards and sometimes are built specially to suit a particular rider. They are very light and can be carried easily. Their tyres and wheels are designed for quick changes.

The small wheel bicycle is good in city traffic and can be folded up so that it can be put in the back of a car. The seat and handlebars can be adjusted to fit any size of rider. But the small wheels and high seats make riding hard work on long trips.

B. Дополните следующие утверждения:

1. The first women’s bicycles were invented without crossbars.

2. Nowadays long skirts aren’t used by women cyclists.

3. Standard bikes without crossbars should be avoided.

4. Racing bikes are much more streamlined than standard ones.

5. The small wheel bicycle is good in city traffic.

PART VI

MODALITY

МОДАЛЬНОСТЬ

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