ADVANTAGES OF COMPUTER DATA PROCESSING

Computer-oriented data processing systems or just computer data processing systems are not designed to imitate manual sys­tems. They should combine the capabilities of both humans and computers. Computer data processing systems can be designed to take advantage of four capabilities of. computers.

1. Accuracy. Once data have been entered correctly into the
computer component of a data processing system, the need for
further manipulation by humans is eliminated, and the possibility of error is reduced. Computers, when properly pro­grammed, are also unlikely to make computational errors. Of course, computer systems remain vulnerable to the entry by humans of invalid data.

2. Ease of communications. Data, once entered, can be trans­
mitted wherever needed by communications networks. These
may be either earth or satellite-based systems. A travel reservations system is an example of a data communications network. Reservation clerks throughout the world may make an enquiry about transportation or lodgings and receive an almost instant response. Another example is an office communications system
that provides executives with access to a reservoir of date, called
a corporate data base, from their personal microcomputer work
stations.

3.Capacity of storage. Computers are able to store vast
amounts of information, to organize it, and to retrieve it in ways
that are far beyond the capabilities of humans. The amount of data that can be stored on devices such as magnetic discs is constantly increasing. All the while, the cost per character of data stored is decreasing.

4.Speed. The speed, at which computer data processing sys­tems can respond, adds to their value. For example, the travel reservations system mentioned above would not be useful if cli­ents had to wait more than a few seconds for a response. The response required might be a fraction of a second.

Thus, an important objective in the design of computer data processing systems is to allow computers to do what they do best and to free humans from routine, error-prone tasks. The most cost-effective computer data processing system is the one that does the job effectively and at the least cost. By using comput­ers in a cost-effective manner, we will be better able to respond to the challenges and opportunities of our post-industrial, in­formation-dependent society.

Ответьте на вопросы, используя информацию текста.

1. What capabilities should data-processing systems combine when designed? 2. What are the main advantages of comput­ers? 3. What do you know of computers accuracy? 4. What is the function of communication networks? 5. Give examples of a data communication network. 6. What do you understand by capacity storage? 7. What other values of computer data pro­cessing systems do you know? 8. What is an important objec­tive in the design of computer data processing systems? 9. What is the most effective computer data processing system? 10. What is the best way of responding to the challenges and opportuni­ties of our post-industrial society?

11. Найдите в тексте английские эквиваленты следующих
словосочетаний:

Система обработки информации компьютером; систе­ма ориентирования на обработку данных компьютером; сочетать возможности человека и машины; ограничивать управление; вряд ли допустят ошибку; оставаться уязви­мым; недопустимые данные; легкость осуществления свя­зи; сеть передачи информации; системы, основанные на использовании спутников; служащие по резервированию жилья; получить мгновенный ответ; наводить справки; хранилище данных; корпоративная база данных; объем памяти; запоминать огромное количество информации; извлекать информацию; добавить значимости; упомяну­тый выше; доля секунды; подверженный ошибкам; эконо­мически оправданный,

12. Вспомните значение новых слов и догадайтесь о зна­чении их производных.

То eliminate: elimination; eliminable; eliminator; unlimited.

To respond: respondent; response; responsible; irresponsible; responsibility.

Accuracy: inaccuracy; accurate; inaccurate; accurately.

Correctly: correct; incorrect; to correct; correction; correc­tional; corrective; corrector.

Vulnerable: invulnerable; vulnerability; invulnerability.

Invalid: valid; invalidity; validity;

Access: accessible; inaccessible; accessibility; inaccessibility

 

COMPUTER SYSTEMS: AN OVERVIEW

1. Ознакомьтесь с терминами текста 1.

architecture — архитектура; структура

architect — разработчик архитектуры (систе­мы, структуры)

unit — устройство; модуль; блок; элемент; со­ставная часть

accessory equipment — вспомогательные уст­ройства

engineering background — техническая под­готовка, квалификация

analyst — аналитик; системный разработчик

product line — серия (компьютерных) продуктов

manufacturer — изготовитель; произво­дитель; разработчик

application programmer — при­кладной программист

to simulate — моделировать; имитировать

voltage — напряжение

pressure — давление, сжатие

digital computer— цифровой компь­ютер

hybrid computer — смешанного типа, аналого-цифровой компьютер

discrete— дискретный; отдельный

continuous quantity — непрерывная величина

on-going process —продолжающийся, постоянный, не­прерывный процесс

to rely — основываться на ч.-л.; полагаться

to install — устанавливать; размещать; монтиро­вать; настраивать

household appliances — домашние приборы / устройства

microwave oven— микроволновая печь

indoor climate control system — система регуляции тем­пературы в доме