Operating systems

1 When computers were first introduced in the 1940's and 50's, every programme 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 programme.

2 The additional programme instructions for working with hardware devices were very complex and time-consuming". Programmers soon realized it would be smarter to develop one programme that could control the computer's hardware, which others programmes could have used when they needed it. They created the first operating system.

3 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 programmes such as the basic word processor. Lastly, the operating system provides several of its own commands that help you to use the computer.

4 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.

5 Windows 98 makes the way you and your computer interact easy. Most everyday tasks are now easier to accomplish than ever before. For example, the second mouse button has become a powerful weapon. The old Windows 3.0 Programme Manager and File Manager have been replaced. The desktop tools that replace them are very like those found on a Macintosh. For example, there is a Recycle Bin that makes it easier to recover accidentally deleted files.

Задание 2. Ответьте на вопросы к тексту.

1 What instructions are provided in every programme?

2 What do operating systems control and manage?

Задание 3. Определите видовременную форму сказуемого, переведите предложения на русский язык.

1 The radio was invented by Popov.

2 The text will be written by this girl.

3 The machines have been created by our engineers.

4 All experiments will have been done in June.

5 A long cable is being laid there.

6 The film was being demonstrated in the evening.

Задание 4. Преобразуйте предложения в Passive Voice соответствующего времени.

Образец: Workers build the house. The house is built by workers.

1 The doctor has brought the medicine.

2 Workers use equipment for testing.

3 The isolation protected cables against corrosion.

4 The engineers are creating new possibilities.

5 We were booking tickets.

Задание 5. Перепишите предложения, поставив вместо пропусков much или many.

1 … projects are created by these engineers.

2 They saw … old houses near the lake.

3 This equipment needs … power.

4 The man paid … money for this work.

5 Al. Bell has read… books about electricity.

Вариант 10

Задание 1. Прочитайте и переведите текст.

Дата добавления: 2015-07-20