UNIT 9

MULTIMEDIA

Task 1 Discuss these questions.

1. What different types of contents are combined in multimedia applications?

2. How many products can you think of that incorporate multimedia? Make a
list.
3. Can you think of any actual or potential applications of multimedia in industry?
4. Do you think multimedia systems will ever become as popular as conventional
audio-visual systems?

Task 2 Read the text below and match the subtitles (1-4) with each
paragraph (a-d).

1. Sound, Music, MIDI

2. Products full of pictures, action and sound
3. Creating and editing movies
4. The potential of multimedia

MULTIMEDIA MAGIC

…………………………….
Multimedia applications are used in all sorts of fields. For example, museums, banks
and estate agents often have information kiosks that use multimedia; companies produce
training programs on optical discs; business people use Microsoft PowerPoint to create
slideshows: and teachers use multimedia to make video projects or to teach subjects like
art and music. They have all found that moving images and sound can involve viewers
emotionally as well as inform them, helping make their message more memorable.
The power of multimedia software resides in hypertext, hypermedia and interactivity
(meaning the user is involved in the program). If you click on a hypertext link, you can
jump to another screen with more information about a particular subject. Hypermedia
is similar, but also uses graphics: audio and video as hypertext elements.
…………………………………………..
As long as your computer has a sound card, you can use it to capture sounds in digital
format and play them back. Sound cards offer two important capabilities: a built-in stereo
synthesizer and a system called MIDI, or Musical Instrument Digital Interface, which allows
electronic musical instruments to communicate with computers. A Digital Audio Workstation
(DAW) lets you mix and record several tracks of digital audio.
You can also listen to music on your PC, or transfer it to a portable MP3 player. MP3 is
short for MPEG audio layer 3, a standard format that compresses audio files. If you want to
create your own MP3 files from CDs, you must have a CD ripper, a program that extract
music tracks and saves them on disk as MP3s.
 Audio is becoming a key element of the Web. Many radio stations broadcast live over
the Internet using streaming audio technology, which lets you listen to audio in a continuous
stream while it is being transmitted. The broadcast of an event over the Web, for example a
concert, is called a webcast. Be aware that you won't be able to play audio and video on the
Web unless you have a plug-in like RealPlayer or QuickTime.
……………………………………………
Video is another important part of multimedia. Video computing refers to recording,
manipulating and storing video in digital format. If you wanted to make a movie on your
computer, first you would need to capture images with a digital video camera and then
transfer them to your computer. Next, you would need a video editing program like iMovie
to cut your favourite segments, resolution-sequence the clips and add transitions and other
effects. Finally, you could save your movie on a DVD or post it on websites like YouTube
and Google Video.
…………………………………….
Multimedia is used to produce dictionaries and encyclopedias. They often come on
DVDs, but some are also available on the Web. A good example is the Grolier Online
Encyclopedia, which contains thousands of articles, animations, sounds, dynamic maps
and hyperlinks. Similarly, the Encyclopedia Britannica is now available online, and a
concise version is available for iPods, PDAs and mobile phones. Educational courses on
history, science and foreign languages are also available on DVD. Finally, if you like
entertainment, you'll love the latest multimedia video games with surround sound, music
sound tracks, and even film extracts.

Task 3 Match the words (1-5) with the definitions (a-e).

a. the process of manipulating video images

1. hypertext b. text with links which take you to other pages
c. a technique for playing sound and video files while they’re
2. hypermedia
downloading
3. streaming d. a live even broadcast over the Internet?
4. webcast e. a form of enriched multimedia which allows an interactive and
dynamic linking of visual and audio elements
5. video editing

Task 4 Read this text to find the answers to these questions.

1 What does MP3 stand for?

2 What is the difference between MP3 and WAV files?
3 What kind of sound does MP3 strip out?
4 What kind of information is included in the tag?
 UNDERSTANDING MP3

The name comes from MPEG (pronounced EM-peg), which stands for the Motion
Picture Experts Group. MPEG develops standards for audio and video compression.
MP3 is actually MPEG Audio Layer 3.
MP3 competes with another audio file format called WAV. The key difference is that
MP3 files are much smaller than WAV files. An MP3 file can store a minute of sound per
megabyte, while a WAV file needs 11 or 12 megabytes to hold the same amount. How
does MP3 achieve this compression? CDs and audio files don't reproduce every sound
of a performance. Instead, they sample the performance and store a discrete code for
each sampled note. A CD or WAV file may sample a song 44,000 times a second,
creating a huge mass of information.
By stripping out sounds most people can't hear, MP3 significantly reduces the
I
information stored. For instance, most people can't hear notes above a frequency of
16kHz, so it eliminates them from the mix. Similarly, it eliminates quiet sounds masked
by noise at the same frequency. The result is a file that sounds very similar to a CD, but
which is much smaller: An MP3 file can contain spoken word performances, such as
radio shows or audio books, as well as music. It can provide information about itself in a
coded block called a tag. The tag may include the performer's name, a graphic such as an
album cover, the song’s lyrics, the musical genre, and a URL for more details.

Task 5 Read the rest of this text to find the answers to questions:

1. How do you play MP3 files?

2. What does the Windows Media Player file do with an MP3 file?
3. What is a standalone player?
4. What special features can players offer?
5. What information can you obtain by clicking on the track info button?
6. What does a skin enable you to do?
7. How do you play music from a CD-ROM on an MP3 player?
8. What hardware and software do you need to make your own audio CDs?

PLAY MP3 FILES

Most machines today have enough processing power and memory to play MP3s
immediately. Simply download an MP3 file like any other and click on it in Windows
Explorer. The Windows Media Player will decode the file and route the signals to your
soundcard and then to your speakers.
Other MP3 features include:
Players.
Most standalone players have many features beyond Windows' default Media Player.
To control what music you play, players let you group songs into playlists and
randomize the selections. To control how the music sounds, they offer spectrum
analyzers, graphic equalizers, and frequency displays..
Track info.
A track info button gives you the information on the MP3 file’s tag. Other buttons may
take you to a music library where you can organize your MP3 files by performer or genre.
Skins or themes.
These programs are designed to change the appearance of the most popular players.
They’re akin to the wallpaper that alters the look of the Windows desktop. With a skin, a
player can become a jukebox, a car dashboard, or a Star Trek tricorder. Think of them as
easily interchangeable faceplates.
Rippers and encoders.
A ripper is a program that rips songs from a CD in your CR-ROM drive and turns
them into WAV files. An encoder converts WAV files into MP3 files or vice versa. Many
MP3 players incorporate rippers and encoders and can do both steps in one.
Recorders
With a writeable CD-ROM drive, a recorder program lets you create your own audio
CDs.

Task 6 Match each cause and effect. Then link them with an –ing clause.

CAUSE
1. Computers with MIDI interface boards can be connected to MIDI instruments.
2. Each side of a DVD can have two layers.
3. MP3 removes sounds we can't hear.
4. You can download single tracks.
5. Each MP3 file has a tag.
6. MP3 players contain several devices.
7. You can download a skin program.
8. You can legally download some music
EFFECT

a. This permits extra information to be stored on the performer and other track
details.
b. You can create your own compilation.
c. This allows you to sample a new group before buying their CD.
d. This gives an enormous storage capacity.
e. This allows the music being played to be stored by the computer and displayed on
i
the monitor.
f. This enables you to change the appearance of your player.
g. These allow you to control the way the music sounds.
h. This produces much smaller files.
 Task 7 Explain how each of these actions happen.

1. MP3 reduces the information stored.

2. You can alter the look of your MP3 player.
3. You can 'rip' the audio information from a CD.
4. You can convert a WAV file to MP3 format.
5. You can view the lyrics, notes and author data.
6. You can control how the music sounds.
7. You can access many free and legal music files for downloading.
8. You can play MP3 files through your sound system.

Task 8 Study the diagram, Fig. 1 , which illustrates how MIDI operates. Then
link each set of sentences into one complex sentence to form a
continuous paragraph. You may add, omit and change words.

1. Most modern music is mixed.

This uses computers.
2. Musicians record their music into a computer system.
This system is called a Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI).
3. MIDI was developed as a standard interface.
MIDI is for linking music synthesizers and instruments.

MODEM To connect to the net for all

PC that free software you’re dreaming
about. Connects to the COM port.

SPEAKERS
SOUNDCARD Put into a free lot Connects the
at the back of the PC and provides speaker out on
the interface to the keyboard. your soundcard.

MIDI KEYBOARD For playing the sounds

on the card or triggering its own sounds if it has
them (i.e a MIDI synth)

4. Computers can be connected to MIDI instruments.

These computers are fitted with MIDI interface boards.
This allows the music to be stored on computer.
This allows the music to be displayed on the monitor.
The music is being played.
5. The music can be displayed as a musical score.
The music can be edited.
This uses all the features of a mixing desk.
6. The music can also be printed out from the computer.
The music is being played.
7. MIDI doesn’t transmit any sound.
It transmits simple binary information.
8. The information is called a MIDI message.
The message encodes sound as 8-bit bytes of digital information.
9. The most common messages consist of instructions.
The instructions tell the receiving instrument to play a note for a specific duration
of time.
10. The instructions also contain details of how loud to play that note.
The instructions contain a number.
The number indicates which instrument to play.
Number 67 is a saxophone.
 UNIT 10
COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS

Task 1 Discuss these questions.

1. What is an ICT (Information & Communications Technologies) system?

2. How many types of ICT system can you think of? Make a list.
3. How can a PC be connected to another computer?

Task 2 Label the pictures (1-7) with the ICT systems and services in the
box.

Fax GPS Call centre Digital radio

Wearable computer Digital TV Teletext
Task 3 Complete these sentences with words and phrases from Task 2 then
read the text to check your answers.

1. Digital Audio Broadcasting, or DAB is the technology, behind ….., DAB is

intended to replace FM in the near future.
2. …………. are designed to be worn on the body or integrated into the user's
clothing.
3. Most existing TV sets can be upgraded to ……….. by connecting a digital
decoder.
4. My grandfather is 75 and he still watches ……….. on TV to find out share
prices, weather forecasts and sports results.
5. I work in a ………….. I receive incoming calls with information inquiries. I also
make outgoing calls for telemarketing.
6. Please complete this form and send it by……… or normal mail.
7. I have a …….. navigation system in my car but I don't use it very often. My
town is small and I know it well.

CHANNELS OF COMMUNICATION

What are telecommunications?

Telecommunications refer to the transmission of signals over a distance for the
purpose of communication. Information is transmitted by devices such as the telephone,
radio, television, satellite, or computer networks. Examples could be two people speaking
on their mobile phone, a sales department sending a fax to a client, or even someone
reading the teletext pages on TV. But in the modern world, telecommunications mainly
means transferring information across the Internet, via modem, phone lines or wireless
networks.
Because of telecommunications, people can now work at home and communicate
with their office by computer and telephone. This is called teleworking. It has been
predicted that about one third of all work could eventually be performed outside the
workplace. In call centres, assistance or support is given to customers using the telephone,
email or online chats. They are also used for telemarketing, the process of selling goods
and services over the phone
Digital TV and radio
In recent years, TV and radio broadcasting has been revolutionized by developments in
satellite and digital transmission. Digital TV is a way transmitting pictures by means of
digital signals, in contrast to the analogue signals used by traditional TV. Digital TV offers
interactive services and pay multimedia - that is, it can transmit movies and shows to TV
sets or PCs on a pay-per-view basis. It is also widescreen, meaning programmes are
broadcast in a native 16:9 format instead of the old 4:3 format. Digital TV provides a better
quality of picture and sound and allows broadcasters to deliver more channels.
Digital Terrestrial TV is received via a set-top box, a device that decodes the signal
received through the aerial. New technologies are being devised to allow you to watch
TV on your mobile. For example, DMB (Digital Multimedia Broadcasting) and DVB-H
(Digital Video Broadcast-Handheld) can send multimedia (radio, TV and data) to mobile
devices.
 Audio programs (music, news, sports, etc.) are also transmitted in a digital radio
format called DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting).
Mobile communications
Thanks to wireless connectivity, mobile phones and BlackBerrys now let you check
your email, browse the Web and connect with home or company intranets, all without
wires.
The use of GPS in cars and PDAs is widespread, so you can easily navigate in a
foreign city or find the nearest petrol station. In the next few years, GPS chips will be
incorporated into most mobile phones.
Another trend is wearable computers. Can you imagine wearing a PC on your belt
and getting email on your sunglasses? Some devices are equipped with a wireless
modem, a keypad and a small screen; others are activated by voice. The users of
wearable technology are sometimes even called cyborgs! The term was invented by
Manfred Clynes and Nathan Kline in 1960 to describe cybernetic organisms - beings
that are part robot, part human.

Task 4 Read the text again and find the following.

1. the device that allows PCs to communicate over telephone lines

2. the practice of working at home and communicating with the office by phone and
computer
3. the term that refers to the transmission of audio signals (radio) or audiovisual
signals (television)
4. five advantages of digital TV over traditional analog TV
5. two systems that let you receive multimedia on your mobile phone
6. the term that means without wire
7. devices that deliver email and phone services to users on the move
8. the meaning of the term cyborg

Task 5 Link each set of sentences to make one sentence. You may omit,
change or add words as required. Then form your sentence into
two paragraphs to make a description of how the GPS works and
its uses.

1. The GPS was developed by the US military.

It was designed to pinpoint locations.
The locations could be any where in the world.
2. It consists of 24 earth-orbiting satellites.
The satellites are 17,000 km above the earth.
3. Each satellite broadcasts a coded radio signal.
The signal indicates the time and the satellite's exact position.
4. The satellites have atomic clocks.
The clocks are accurate to one second every 70,000 years.
 5. A GPS receiver contains a microprocessor.
The microprocessor compares signals.
The signals are from at least three satellites.
The microprocessor calculates the latitude, longitude and altitude of the receiver.
6. GPS has many uses apart from military uses.
GPS can be used for orienting hikers.
GPS can be used for aiding the navigation of ships.
GPS can be used for tracking trucks and buses.
GPS can be used for locating stolen cars.

Task 6 Rank these predictions according to how certain the speakers

are. Put the most certain at the top of your list and the least
certain at the bottom. Some predictions can have equal ranking.

1. Smart phones will revolutionise the way we communicate.

2. Smart phones may revolutionise the way we communicate.
3. It's likely Smart phones will revolutionise the way we communicate.
4. It's unlikely Smart phones will revolutionise the way we communicate.
5. It's expected Smart phones will revolutionise the way we communicate.
6. It's probable Smart phones will revolutionise the way we communicate.
7. It's possible Smart phones will revolutionise the way we communicate.
8. Smart phones will certainly revolutionise the way we communicate.

Study this list of certainty expressions:

MORE CERTAIN Verbs Adverbs Adjectives

will, will not certainly certain
likely, unlikely expected
probably probable
could, may, might possibly possible

LESS CERTAIN

Task 7 Make statements about these predictions for the next 5 years.
Use the certainty expressions above. For example:

All school children in my country will have mobile phones.

I think it’s unlikely that all school children will have mobile phone but it’s
probable that many of the older pupils will have them.

1. ATM machines will use iris recognition rather than PlN numbers. You will get
access to your account by looking at the machine.
2. People will vote in elections online,
3. Taxis will be robot-controlled.
 4. TV journalists will be able to 'transmit what they see by using sensors in
their optic nerves.
5. There will be more robots than people in developed countries.
6. Most computers will be voice-controlled.
7. Mobile phones will replace computers as the commonest way to access the
internet.
8. English will no longer be the commonest language for websites.
9. Email will be replaced by a voice-based system.
10. Computers will become more powerful.

Task 8 Find the answers to these questions in the following text.

1. How many channels does an ISDN system commonly use?

2. What types of wireless systems are named in the text?
3. What do PCs connected to a satellite system use to send data?
4. What types of cables are used in cable network systems?
5. What may need to be upgraded when using a shielded DSL system?
6. Compared to the downstream bandwidth, the upstream bandwidth in an ADSL line
is:
a. larger
b. smaller
c. the same
7. Which type of broadband service is the cheapest?

BROADBAND COMMUNICATIONS

Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN)

ISDN services can be carried over existing telephone network infrastructure to
terminal adapters (TAs) in the client machine. A common ISDN interface standard has a
digital communications line consisting of three independent channels: two Bearer (B)
channels, each at 64Kbit/s, and one Data (D) channel at 16Kbit/s. The D channel is used
to carry signaling and supervisory information to the network, while the B channels carry
the data and can be linked to provide a 128Kbit/s data channel.
Wireless connections
The wireless alternatives come in two forms: satellite and cellular. Satellite systems
require the use of a modem to maintain the upload. Downstream bandwidth is provided
via a dedicated satellite dish, connector hardware and proprietary software.
Cellular systems use assigned radio frequencies and are based around a network of
transmitters that are arranged in a celluIar network, much like cellular mobile phone
systems.
The cable alternative
Cable companies can also offer affordable broadband services over copper coaxial or
fibre infrastructure networks. The connection is shared by several customers on a
branch, so actual connection rates are variable, unlike ISDN and DSL.
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)
DSL technology capitalises on the existing network of copper infrastructure, but
allows digital signals to be carried rather than analogue. It allows the full bandwidth of
the copper twisted-pair telephone cabling to be utilised.
With splitter-based services, the DSL signal is pulled out from the phone line as it
enters your premises and is wired separately to a DSL modem. This involves additional
hardware and installation by the service provider at the customer site. The shielded
option involves no installation, but the telephone company's equipment and some of
your equipment might need upgrading.
With Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL), most of the duplex bandwidth is
devoted to the downstream direction, with only a small proportion of bandwidth being
available for upstream. Much Internet traffic through the client's connection, such as
Web browsing, downloads and video streaming, needs high downstream bandwidth, but
user requests and responses are less significant and therefore require less on the
upstream. In addition, a small proportion of the downstream bandwidth can be devoted
to voice rather than data, allowing you to hold phone conversations without requiring a
separate line.
DSL-based services are a very low-cost option when compared to other solutions
offering similar bandwidth, so they can be made available to the customer at extremely
competitive prices.

Task 9 Re-read the text to find the answers to these questions.

1. Match the terms in Column A with the statements in Column B.

Column A Column B

a ISDN 1. DSL system that separates the digital signals from

b TA the analogue signals
c Data channel 2. Device installed on a PC to allow it to receive
d Bearer channel ISDN signals
e DSL 3. Integrated Services Digital Network
f Splitter-based services 4. Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line
g ADSL 5. Digital channel used to carry ISDN data
6. Digital channel used to carry ISDN signaling and
supervisory information to the network
7. Digital Subscriber Line

2. Mark the following statements as True or False:

a. ISDN can only operate over a special digital telephone line.
b. Two ISDN channels can be combined to give the user double the
bandwidth.
c. Computers connected to a satellite system do not need a modem.
 d. Cellular networks work in a similar way to mobile phone systems.
e. DSL systems require a special digital telephone line.
f. DSL systems use analogue signals.
g. You need a separate line to hold normal phone conversations on an
ADSL system.

Task 10 Listen to this expert talking about future developments in

computing. Note down his predictions. Then listen again and
note the certainty expressions he uses.

Task 11 The recording was made in 2000. Has the situation changed
today? Discuss in groups.
 UNIT 11
NETWORKS

Task 1 Discuss these questions.

1. What is a computer network?

2. What are the benefits of using networks?

Task 2 A. Look at the FAQs (i-vi) without reading the whole text. Try to
answer as many of the questions as you can.
B. Read the whole text and answer these questions.

1. What dose PAN stand for?

2. What is a network protocol?
3. How do you log on to an Internet Service Provider?
4. WiMAX is a type of wireless network. What is it used for?
5. What equipment do you need to set up a wireless LAN?
6. What are the advantages and disadvantages of wireless networks?

NETWORKING FAQs

i. How many types of network are there?

Networks are classified according to different criteria:
• Geographical area: PANs (Personal Area Networks) typically include a laptop, a
mobile phone and a PDA; LANs cover a building; MANs (Metropolitan Area Networks)
cover a campus or a city; WANs (Wide Area Networks) cover a country or a continent.
• Architecture: In a client-server network, a computer acts as a server and stores and
distributes information to the other nodes, on clients. In a peer-to-peer network, all the
computers have the same capabilities - that is, share files and peripherals without
requiring a separate server computer.
• Topology, or layout: In a bus network, all the computers are connected to a main
cable, or bus. In a star network, all data flows through a central hub, a common
connection point for the devices in the network. In a ring network, all devices are
connected to one another in a continuous loop, or ring.
• Network protocol: This is the language, or set of rules, that computers use to
communicate with each other. Networks use different protocols. For instance, the
Internet use TCP/IP.
ii How do I install a wired modem router?
A modem router is a device that connects your computer or home LAN to the Internet.
• Plug one end of the phone cord directly into a phone jack, and the other end into the
ADSL port on the router.
• Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into your computer's network port and the other
end into an Ethernet port on the router.
• Turn on your computer. To set up, or configure, the router, you'll need to input some
parameters, for example your ISP's name and phone number.
NOTE: A router has various Ethernet ports, so you can connect various PCs to the
router via Ethernet cables. If you already have a hub or switch connecting a LAN, you
only need one cable to connect the hub to the router.
iii How do I log on to the Internet Service Provider?
You need to type in your username and password. Once you are online, you can get
email, look for information on the Web, look up IT words in dictionaries, try out new
software, and sign up for RSS feeds, newslettes, etc. It is important that you remember
to log off after using the Internet. An open line increases the risk of viruses, and
hackers might break into your computer to steal confidential data.
iv What is wireless networking?
Wired networks are linked by Ethernet cables, phone lines and high speed fibre optic
cables. Wireless networks, however, use electromagnetic waves, such as radio waves,
to transmit data. These are the main types of wireless networks:
• Satellites - for long distances
• WiMAX- for connecting Wi-Fi hotspots
• Wi-Fi - for medium-range distance
• Bluetooth - tor short distances
• GSM - for mobile phones
v What do I need to set up a home wireless LAN?
You'll need computers equipped with a wireless adapter or wireless card, a wireless
access point (a wireless router) and a broadband internet connection.
vi Which is better, a wired or wireless LAB?
Wire LANs are more difficult to install, but they are cheaper, faster and more reliable.
Wireless networks let you move, or roam, from one access point to another, but they
are less secure and subject to interference.

Task 3 Do this quiz.

1. This network typically consists of two or more local area network, covering a
large geographical area.
a. LAN b. WAN c. Intranet
 2. This type of network does not have a dedicated server; all the computers are
independent.
a. a. peer-to-peer b. client-server c. Metropolitan Area Network
3. On this topology, all devices are connected to the same circuit, forming a
continuous loop.
a. star b. ring c. bus
4. The language used by computers to communicate with each other on the
Internet is called
a. Ethernet b. ADSL c. TCP/IP
5. Which cables are used to transfer information for the Internet over long
distances at high speeds?
a. fibre optic cables b. Ethernet cables c. telephone lines
6. Which device allows several computers on a local network to share an internet
connection?
a. router b. an ADSL port c. an Ethernet port
7. Which device serves as a common connection point for devices in a wireless
network?
a. wireless adapter b. wired router c. wireless access point
8. Bluetooth is a wireless technology that uses radio waves to transmit data over
a. long distance b. medium-range distance c. short distance

Task 4 Before reading the text below, match these words and phrases
with their definitions.

1. protocol a. analyse the syntax of a string of input symbols

2. bulletin board b. a teleconferenclng system allowing users to read
3. user interface messages left by other users
4. make a query c. agreement governing the procedures used to exchange
5. parse information between co-operating computers
6. synchronous d. means of communication between a human user and a
computer system
e. taking place at exactly the same time as something
else
f. request a search

Task 5 Read quickly through the text below, then match each paragraph
with the appropriate summary.

a Network uses, past and present

b Row distributed systems work
c Networks and the future
d What networks are and how they operate
e The growth of networks, past and present
 COMPUTER NETWORKS
Computer networks link computers by communication lines and software protocols,
allowing data to be exchanged rapidly and reliably. Traditionally, networks have been
split between wide area networks (LANs). A WAN is a network connected over long-
distance telephone lines, and a LAN is a localized network usually in one building or a
group of buildings close together. The distinction, however, is becoming blurred. It is
now possible to connect up LANs remotely over telephone links so that they look as
though they are a single LAN.
Originally, networks were used to provide terminal access to another computer and
to transfer files between computers. Today, networks carry e-mail, provide access to
public databases and bulletin boards, and are beginning to be used for distributed
systems. Networks also allow users in one locality to share expensive resources, such
as printers and disk-systems.
Distributed computer systems are built using networked computers that co-operate
to perform tasks. In this environment each part of the networked system does what it is
best at. The high-quality bit-mapped graphics screen of a personal computer or
workstation provides a good user interface. The mainframe, on the other hand, can
handle large numbers of queries and return the results to the users. In a distributed
environment, a user might use his PC to make a query against a central database. The
PC passes the query, written in a special language (e.g. Structured Query Language-
SQL), to the mainframe, which then parses the query, returning to the user only the
data requested. The user might then use his PC to draw graphs based on the data By
passing back to the user's PC only the specific information requested, network traffic is
reduced. If the whole file were transmitted, the PC would then have to perform the
query itself, reducing the efficiency of both network and PC.
In the 1980s, at least 100,000 LANs were set up in laboratories and offices around
the world. During the early part of this decade, synchronous orbit satellites lowered the
price of long-distance telephone calls, enabling computer data and television signals to
be distributed more cheaply around the world. Since then, fibre--optic cable has been
installed on a large scale, enabling vast amounts of data to be transmitted at a very
high speed using light signals.
The impact of fibre optics will be considerably to reduce the price of network
access. Global communication and computer networks will become more and more a
part of professional and personal lives as the price of microcomputers and network
access drops. At the same time, distributed computer networks should improve our
work environments and technicaI abilities.

Task 6 Read this summary of the text and fill in the gaps using the list of
words below.

Computer networks link computers locally or by external communication lines and

software …………….., allowing data to be exchanged rapidly and reliably. The
……………… between local area and wide area network is, however, becoming
unclear. Networks are being used to perform increasingly diverse tasks, such as
carrying e-mail, providing access to public databases, and for ……………… Networks
also allow users in one locality to share resources.
 Distributed systems use networked computers. PCs or ..…………… provide the
user ……………. Mainframes process …………. and return the results to the users. A
user at his PC might make a query against a central database. The PC passes the
query, written in a special language, to the mainframe, which then ……………….. the
query, returning to the user only the data requested. This allows both the network and
the individual PC to operate efficiently.
In the 1980s, at least 100,000 ………….. were set up world-wide. As ……………
orbit satellites have lowered the price of long- distance telephone calls, data can be
transmitted more cheaply. In addition, …………. cable has been installed on a large
scale, enabling vast amounts of.data to be transmitted at a very high speed using light
signals. This will considerably reduce the price of network access, making global
networks more and more a part of our professional and personal lives. Networks
should also improve our work ……… and technical abilities.

distinction fibre-optic protocols synchronous

distributed systems LANs queries workstations
environments parses screen handling

Task 7 Look back in the text and find words that have a similar meaning
to:

1. unclear
2. place
3. carry out
4. cost
5. world-wide

Task 8 Now look back in the text and find words that have a similar
meaning to:

1. disparate
2. conflict
3. preventing
4. tiny
5. increase

Task 9 Complete these sentences with the correct form of a phrasal

verb below

carry out - take up – set up – sign up - find out - try our - fill in – make up -

1. To join the club, ………. this form and send it to our office.
2. The CPU ………. all the basic operations on the data.
3. Digital music ……….. a lot of space - about 10 MB for every minute of stereo sound.
4. Thousands of networks ……….. the Internet.
5. You can use newsgroup to …………. about the latest trends, customer needs, etc.
 Task 10 Match the questions (1-6) with the answers (a-f)

1. Why was the hacker arrested?

2. Is it OK to log on to my bank account using public computers in a cybercafé?
3. How do I set up an internet connection at home?
4. Can I download software from your site?
5. How can I add video to instant messaging?
6. What I need to do to sign up for a Yahoo email account?

a. Yes, but always remember to log off after you've ended your session.
b. Yes, you can even try the programs out for a period before you buy them.
c. Because he broke into a computer system and stole confidential data.
d. Simply install this program and plug the webcam into your computer.
e. You need to install the software for your route. Follow the instruction
provided by your ISP. Probably in the form of a .pdf file on a CD.
f. You have to create a username and password and then give some personal
details.

Task 11 Complete these definitions with the correct participle of the

verb given in brackets.

1. A gateway is an interface (enable) dissimilar networks to communicate.

2. A bridge is a hardware and software combination (use) to connect the
same type or networks.
3. A backbone is a network transmission path (handle) major data traffic.
4. A router is a special computer (direct) messages when several networks
are linked.
5. A network is a number of computers and peripherals (link) together.
6. A LAN is a network (connect) computers over a small distance such as
within a company.
7. A server is a powerful computer (store) many programs (share by all the
clients in the network.
8. A client is a network computer (use) for accessing a service on a server.
9. A thin client is a simple computer (comprise) a processor and memory,
display, keyboard, mouse and hard drives only.
10. A hub is an electronic device (connect) all the data cabling in network.

Task 12 Link these statements using a relative clause with a participle.

1. a The technology is here today.

b It is needed to set up a home network.
 2. a You only need one network printer.
a. It is connected to the server.
3. a. Her house has a network.
a. It allows basic file-sharing and multi-player gaming.
4. a. There is a line receiver in the living room.
b. It delivers home entertainment audio to speakers.
5. a. Eve has designed a site.
b. It is dedicated to dance.
6. a. She has built in links.
b. They connect her site to other dance sites.
7. a. She created the site using a program called Netscape Composer.
b. It is contained in Netscape Communicator.
8. a. At the centre of France Telecom is a network.
b. It is accessed through a Palm Pilot-style control pad.
9. a. The network can simulate the owner's presence.
b. This makes sure vital tasks are carried out in her absence.
10. a. The house has an electronic door-keeper.
b. It is programmed to recognise you.
c. This gives access to family only.

Task 13 Read the following texts. Match each text with the correct
illustration.

(a) (b)

(c) (d)
Star
In the star configuration, the central computer performs all processing and control
functions. All access devices are linked directly to the central computer. The star
configuration has two major limitations. First of all, the remote devices are unable to
communicate directly. Instead, they must communicate via the central computer only.
Secondly, the star network is very susceptible to failure, either in the central
computer or the transmission links.

Switched
The central switch, which could be a telephone exchange is used to connect
different devices on the network directly. Once the link is established, the two devices
communicate as though they were directly Iinked without interference from any other
device. At the end of the session, the connection is closed, freeing capacity for other
users and allowing access to other devices. Multiple switches can be used to create
alternative transmission routes.

Ring
Each device is attached to a network shape as a continuous loop. Data proceeds
in only one direction and at a constant speed round the loop. Devices may send
information only when they are in control of the 'token'. The token is a package of
data which indicates which device has control. The receiving device picks up the
token, then clears it for another’s use once it has received the message. Only one
device may send data at any given moment, and each device must be working for
the network to function.

Bus/Ethernet
A bus network consists of one piece of cable terminated at each end to which all
devices are connected. In a bus-based network, each device is able to broadcast a
message when it has detected silence for a fixed period of time. All devices receive
the broadcast and determine from the content of the message whether it was
intended for them. The only problem occurs when two devices try to send at the
same time. When a sending device detects another’s transmission, it aborts its own.

Task 14 These are answers to questions about the texts. Write the
questions.

1. To connect different devices on the network directly.

2. No, it goes in only one direction round the loop.
3. No, only one device may send data at any given moment.
4. From the content of the message.
5. It cancels its own transmission.
Task 15 The columns below describe characteristics of the bus and ring
configurations. Which column refers to which configuration? How
did you decide?

A B
varied time response calculable time response
easy expression difficult reconfiguration
fault-tolerant fault-intolerant
simple more complex

Task 16 Work in two groups, A and B. Group A, list all the advantages
of a network. Group B, list all the disadvantages. Then together
consider how the disadvantages can be minimised.

Group A Advantages of a nerwork Group B Disadvantages of a nerwork

Task 17 Using the list you compiled in Task 8, describe the advantages
and disadvantages of networks. Try to link some of the
advantages and disadvantage as in these examples.

Advantages Disadvantages
Allow data to be shared. Permit viruses to spread quickly.
Users can share software on the server Server failure means no one can work.

1. Although networks allow data to be shared, they permit viruses to spread

quickly.
2. Users can share software on the server; however server failure means that no
one can work.
 UNIT 12
JOBS IN ICT

Task 1 Complete these definitions with jobs from the box

software engineer systems programmer applications programmer

help desk technician DTP operator hardware engineer webmaster
network administrator computer security specialist blog administrator

3. A …………….. designs and develops IT devices.

4. A …………….. writes computer programs.
5. A ……………… edits and deletes posts made by contributors to a blog.
6. A ………….. uses page layout software to prepare electronic files for publication.
7. A ………….. manages the hardware and software that comprise a network.
8. A …………. designs and maintains websites.
9. A …………… works with companies to build secure computer systems.
10. A ………….. helps end-users with their computer problems in person, by email
or over the phone.

Task 2 Read the two job advertisements and tick () the most important
qualities and abilities (1-10) for each job. Add more to the list if
you can. Which three things do you think are most important for
each job?

Senior programmer DTP operator

1. logical reasoning
2. patience and tenacity
3. being good with figures
4. imagination
5. self-discipline
6. accuracy
7. leadership skills
8. efficiency
9. creativity
10. drawing skills
 DIGITUM-UK
SENIOR PROGRAMMER required by DIGITUM-UK, a leading supplier of business
systems to the insurance industry.
You will be able to work on the full range of software testing, debugging and imple-
mentation. At least two-year experience of COBOL or C++ is necessary.
As we are active in Europe, fluency in French, Italian or another European
language is desirable.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn now skills and develop your career.
Send your CV to CHRIS SCOTT, PERSONNEL MANAGER, DIGITUM-UK, 75
PARKS STREET, LONDON SW 14 3DE
You can visit our website at www.digitum-uk.com

DTP operator
required for a leading financial magazine.
We are looking for a bright, competent QuarkXPress operator with at least three years’
experience in design and layout. Skills in Photoshop, Freehand or Illustrator an advantage.
Ability to work in a team and to tight deadlines is vital.
Please apply in writing, with CV and samples of your work, to Tom Parker, Production
Manager, Financial Monthly, Stocton Street, London EC1A 4WW or apply online:

APPLY NOW

Task 3 Look at the online profile of Bill Graham. Which of the job above is
most appropriate for him?

Bill Graham 22 years old

Professional summary
I graduated in 2004 with A level in English, Art and Maths, and went on to do a course in
graphic design and page layout at Highland Art School. Since 2006 I’ve been a graphic
designer for PromoPrint, a company specializing in publishing catalogues and promotional
material, and have used Adobe InDesign and other DTP software.
Task 4 Work in groups of three: A, B and C. Read your text and complete
this table. You may not find information for each section of your
table.

A B C
1. job title
2. nature of work
3. formal qualifications
4. personal qualities
5. technical skills
6. how to get started
7. how to make progress

How to become a programming expert

The primary requirements for being a good programmer are nothing more than a
good memory, an attention to detail, a logical mind and the ability to work through a
problem in a methodical manner breaking tasks down into smaller, more manageable
pieces.
However; it's not enough just to turn up for a job interview with a logical mind as
your sole qualification. An employer will want to see some sort of formal qualification
and a proven track record. But if you can show someone an impressive piece of
software with your name on it, it will count for a lot more than a string of academic
qualifications.
So what specific skills are employers looking for? The Windows market is booming
and there's a demand for good C, C++, Delphi, Java and Visual Basic developers,
Avoid older languages such as FORTRAN and COBOL unless you want to work as a
contract programmer.
For someone starting out, my best advice would be to subscribe to the programming
magazines such as Microsoft Systems Journal. Get one or two of the low-cost 'student'
editions of C++; Visual Basic and Delphi. Get a decent book on Windows
programming. If you decide programming is really for you, spend more money on a
training course.

How to become a Computer Consultant

The first key point to realise is that you can't know everything. However you mustn't
become an expert in too narrow a field. The second key point is that you must be
interested in your subject. The third key point is to differentiate between contract work
and consultancy. Good contractors move from job to job every few months. A
consultant is different. A consultant often works on very small timescales - a few days
here, a week there, but often for a core collection of companies that keep coming back
again and again.
There's a lot of work out there for people who know Visual Basic, C++, and so on.
And there are lots of people who know it too, so you have to be better than them.
Qualifications are important. Microsoft has a raft of exams you can take, as does
Novell, and in my experience these are very useful pieces of paper. University degrees
are useless. They merely prove you can think, and will hopefully get you into a job
where you can learn something useful. Exams like Microsoft Certified Systems
Engineer are well worth doing. The same goes for NetWare Certification. However, this
won't guarantee an understanding of the product, its positioning in the market, how it
relates to other products and so on. That's where the all-important experience comes
in.
Here's the road map. After leaving university you get a technical role in a company
and spend your evenings and weekends learning the tools of your trade - and getting
your current employer to pay for your exams. You don't stay in one company for more
than two years. After a couple of hops like that, you may be in a good position to move
into a junior consultancy position in one of the larger consultancy companies. By the
age of 30, you've run big projects, rolled out major solutions and are well known.
Maybe then it's time to make the leap and run your own life.

How to become an IT Manager

IT managers manage projects, technology and people. Any large organisation will
have at least one IT manager responsible for ensuring that everyone who actually
needs a PC has one and that it works properly. This means taking responsibility for the
maintenance of servers and the installation of new software, and for staffing a help-
desk and a support group.
Medium to large companies are also likely to have an IT systems manager. They
are responsible for developing and implementing computer software that supports the
operations of the business. They're responsible for multiple development projects and
oversee the implementation and support of the systems. Companies will have two or
three major systems that are probably bought off the shelf and then tailored by an in-
house development team.
Apart from basic hardware and software expertise, an IT manager will typically have
over five years' experience in the industry. Most are between 30 and 45. Since IT
managers have to take responsibility for budgets and for staff, employers look for both
of these factors in any potential recruit.
Nearly all IT managers have at least a first degree if not a second one as well.
Interestingly, many of them don't have degrees in computing science. In any case, the
best qualification for becoming a manager is experience. If your personality is such that
you're unlikely to be asked to take responsibility for a small team or a project, then you
can forget being an IT manager. You need to be bright, communicative and be able to
earn the trust of your teams. Most of this can't be taught, so if you don't have these
skills then divert your career elsewhere.

Task 5 For which of the careers described are these statements true?
More than one career may match each statement.

1. You may work for only a few days or a week for a company.
2. It's a good idea to buy books on languages such as C++.
3. You are responsible for developing and implementing the software a company
needs to run its operations.
4. You need to be able to break down a problem into a number of smaller tasks.
5. It's worth paying for a training course if you get serious about this career.
 6. Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer is a useful qualification for your career.
7. Your objective is to become self-employed.
8. It's important you have the right personality to lead a team.

Task 6 Study these requirements for different jobs in computing advertised

on the Internet. Then describe the requirements using the methods
studied in this unit.

1. Systems Manager 2. 2. Support Analyst: IBM 3. Programmer

Programmer Mainframe MVS
 technical specialist  IBM MVS support  3 yrs exp. SAP Basic
 min. 2 yrs work in systems technician Technical Environment
programming  1 yr exp. of VTAM, NCP,  Team player with strong
 plus exp. of Netview/ SSP, NPM, IBM 3745- analytical and problem-
automation design & 900 hardware solving skills
support  authorized to work in the  ability to communicate
EU issues and solutions and
manage time effectively

4. Webmaster 5. Cisco Technician 6. IS Manager

 strong Unix experience  CCNA qualified  knowledge of NT and
 able to use HTML.  excellent skills in the Netware
DHTML, and JavaScript surrounding technologies  experience of ERP
 knowledge of Shell Scripts  min. 2 yrs work in support systems implementation
 very strong managerial
skills

Task 7 Study these job requirements. Then try to match the requirements
to the list of jobs which follows.

1 2 3
 at least 5 years (2 at  able to manage, lead and  proven track record in the
senior level) in: Unix, develop a team delivery of e-solutions in
SYBASE or ORACLE,  knowledge of C, C++, banking environment
NT or Windows 2000, Delphi  knowledge of Unix, NT
Terminal Server,  experience of object-oriented and Oracle
TGP/IP, Internet design within a commercial  willingness to travel
 strong project environment internationally
management (2 years)  ability to deliver software
 willingness to travel projects against agreed
abroad schedules and within
agreed estimates
4 5 6
 minimum 4 years  minimum of 18 months  experience of NT,
lifecycle commercial experience of Exchange, SQL Server,
development experience Web development Monitoring Software,
 demonstrable skills  knowledge of HTML, Java, Verta, TCP/IP
using VB, RDBMS ASP  solid grasp of networking
 able to develop core s/w  full portfolio of URLs as  2 to 5 years experience in
 excellent examples a network environment
communication skills
[Type here]

a. Visual Basic Developer

b. IT Engineer (Network & Database)
c. Web Developer
d. Network Support
e. E-commerce Consultant
f. Team Leader

Task 8 Study the C.V of Paul W Cair. Then write your own C.V in the
same way. For the purpose of this task, you can invent experience
and assume you have passed all your examinations.

CURRICULUM VITEA
Paul W Cair

Personal details
Date of birth 30/5/79
Address 7 Linden Crescent, Stonebridge EH21 3TZ
Email [email protected]
Education
1991-1995 Standard grades in Maths, English, Spanish,
Computer Studies, Geography, Science, James
High School
1996-1997 HNC in Computing Maxwell College
1997-1999 HND in Computing Support Maxwell College
Work experience
1999 – present IT support consultant Novasystems
Novasystems is an IT company that provides a
complete range of computing services for its corporate
clients.
My experience includes:
 advising clients on IT issues and strategies
 database design
 network administration and implementation
I have knowledge of these areas:
 Windows 2000 Server/Professional
 Office 97, 2000
 TCP/IP Networking
 Windows NT4 Server/Workstation
Hobbies and interest Volleyball
Referees
1. Academic Dr. L. Thin, IT Department, Maxwell College
2. Work Ms. Y Leith, Personnel Officer, Novasystems
[Type here]

Task 9 Find the answers to these questions in the following text.

1. What advice is given for someone who is stuck in a computing support job?
2. What questions should you ask yourself if you are thinking of getting extra
training?
3. What computer program is mentioned in the text?
4. Name two ways of studying that are mentioned in the text.
5. What two factors will be affected by your level of experience?
6. Why is it important to become used to answering exam questions?
7. What factors help you decide whether the course will be suitable or cost
effective? .
8. What happens if you don't upgrade your certification?

BECOMING CERTIFIED

Suppose you're a support engineer. You're stuck in a job you don't like and you
want to make a change. One way of making that change is to improve your market
ability to potential employers by upgrading your skill-set. If you're going to train yourself
up however, whose training should you undertake? If you need certificates, whose
certificates should they be? Even if you get those certificates, how certain can you be
that your salary will rise as a result? One solution is the range of certifications on offer
from Microsoft.
Microsoft offers a large array of certification programmes aimed at anyone from the
user of a single program such as Microsoft Word, to someone who wants to become a
certified support engineer. There are a myriad of certificates to study for too. If you're
the proud holder of any of those qualifications, then you're entitled to call yourself a
Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP).
Once you've decided which track you want to take, you should consider just how
qualified you already are in terms of experience and knowledge. Will you need to go
and take some courses with a training company, or are you the type who can make
good use of self-study materials? How much time do you genuinely have to devote
towards this? Will your employer pay for your course? Will it grant you leave to go and
do the course - assuming you can find one - on either a full-time or part-time basis?
[Type here]

The key question here is experience. This will not only influence the amount of
work you'll have to do to get up to speed for the exams, it could also mean the
difference between passing or failing the exam.
While you're busy learning all you need to know for your certification, the practice
exams are an absolute godsend. They show you the type of questions you'll encounter,
and they familiarize you with the structure of the exam. This is essential if you want to
pass: the exams have time limits, and you need to get used to answering the requisite
number of questions within the allotted time. It's as simple as that.
If you decide a training course will help you out, don't let the title of a course alone
convince you that it will be suitable or cost effective. Find out exactly what the course
offers and whether there are pre-requisites for attendants. You should also find out
what the training company is prepared to do if attendants don't have the minimum
knowledge necessary to be on the course.
As exams are replaced by 'updated' ones, you need to upgrade your certification to
stay current. Ultimately it's your responsibility to make sure you stay up to date. If you
don't, you lose your certification until you take an update.
As a support engineer, you get the satisfaction of knowing that you passed a tough
test, and the happy knowledge that your network manager is sweating a bit over the
fact that you could be head-hunted at any time.
QUALIFICATIONS
 Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) . ..
MCSEs design, install, support and troubleshoot information systems. MCSEs are
network gurus, support technicians and operating system experts.
 Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD)
MCSDs use development tools and platform to create business solutions.
 Microsoft Certified Product Specialist (MCPS)
MCPSes know all about at least one Microsoft operating system. Some also specialise
ill other Microsoft products, development tools or desktop applications.
 Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT)
MCTs teach others about Microsoft products using the Microsoft Official Curriculum at
Microsoft Authorised Technical Education Centres.
[Type here]

Task 10 Re-read the text to find the answers to these questions.

1. Which qualification would be most useful if you wanted to do each of the

following:
a. be an operating system expert
b. troubleshoot systems
c. teach computing
d. design business solutions

2. Mark the following statements as True or False:

a. Microsoft offers a large range of certification programmes to study.
b. You must get an advanced certificate before you can call yourself a Microsoft
Certified Professional.
c. All Microsoft training courses involve a period of full-time study.
d. Practice exams allow you to become familiar with the structure of the exams.
e. You can decide on the suitability of a course by its title.
f. It is your responsibility to make sure that your certification is kept up to date.
g. Gaining a certificate is likely to make you more attractive to other employers.