Basic data processing operations

Five basic operations are characteristic of all data process­ing systems: inputting, storing, processing, outputting, and con­trolling. They are defined as follows.

Inputting is the process of entering data, which are collected facts, into a data processing system. Storing is saving data or information so that they are available for initial or for additional processing. Processing represents performing arithmetic or log­ical operations on data in order to convert them into useful in­formation. Outputting is the process of producing useful infor­mation, such as a printed report or visual display.

Английский язык. Основы компьютерной грамотности 46

Controlling is directing the manner and sequence in which all of the above operations are performed.

Data storage hierarchy

It is known that data, once entered, are organized and stored in successively more comprehensive groupings. Generally, these groupings are called a data storage hierarchy. The general group­ings of any data storage hierarchy are as follows.

1) Characters, which are all written language symbols: let­ters, numbers, and special symbols. 2) Data elements, which are meaningful collections of related characters. Data elements are also called data items or fields. 3) Records, which are collections of related data elements. 4) Files, which are collections of re­lated records. A set of related files is called a data base or a data bank.

3. Просмотрите текст еще раз. Ответьте на вопросы, ис­пользуя информацию текста 1.

1. What is processing? 2. What is data processing? 3. What does the term of data processing system mean? 4. What basic operations does a data processing system include? 5. What is inputting / storing / outputting information? 6. What do you understand by resources? 7. How did ancient Egyptians convert facts into useful information? 8. When were mechanical aids for computation developed? 9. What does data storage hierarchy mean? 10. What are the general groupings of any data storage hierarchy?

* 4. Найдите в тексте английские эквиваленты следующих словосочетаний:

Системы обработки информации; определение (терми­на) обработки данных; совокупность фактов; последова­тельность действий; преобразование входных данных в полезную информацию; включать ресурсы; завершить об­работку данных; обеспечивать ввод информации в компь­ютер; ленты принтера; расходовать в большом количестве; размещать компьютерное оборудование; нуждаться (тре­бовать) в приспособлениях; явление современной жизни; на протяжении доисторического периода; превращать ин­формацию в выражения; регистрировать отливы и прили­вы; прогнозировать урожай зерновых культур; механичес-

47 Unit 4. Data Processing Concepts

кие средства вычисления; ввод данных; хранение данных; первоначальная обработка данных; дополнительная обра­ботка; выдача полезной информации; напечатанное сооб­щение; зрительное отображение; последовательность запо­минания информации; записанные символы языка; элементы информации; база данных; набор взаимосвязан­ных файлов.

5. Переведите следующие цепочки существительных:

Data resource; storage resource; network resource; security resource; system resource.

Communication facilities; data base facilities; display facil­ities; management facilities.

Distance control; device control; keyboard control; position control; program control.

Computer storage; laser storage; file storage; disk storage; data storage hierarchy.

Character sequence; instruction sequence; message se­quence; pulse sequence.

Batch file; catalog file; data file; help file; input file; output file; menu file; user file.

Command input; data input; disk input; file input; keyboard input; program input.

6. Подберите к терминам, данным в левой колонке, опре­
деления, представленные справа.

1. Computer ' a) the set of instructions that direct

the operations of computers;

2. Computer literacy • b) a part of a computer, entering

data into the device;

3. A program c) facts unorganized but able to be

organized;

4. Data d) the output of a data processing

system;

5. Data processing. e) possessing sufficient knowledge

of how computers work and what they can do to use them as problem-solving tools;

6. Data processing • f) a series of operations that results

in the conversion of data system into useful information;

Английский язык. Основы компьютерной грамотности 48

7. Input.g) an electronic device performing

calculations on numerical data;

8. Output h) an electronic device accepting

the data processing results from the computer and displaying them;

9. Useful information i) a set of related files;

10. Data bank j) the resources required to accom-

plish the processing of data. These resources are personnel, material, facilities and equip­ment.

7. Проанализируйте неличные формы глагола и правиль­но переведите предложения.

1. Data are processed to become useful information. 2. We use the term data processing to include the resources applied for processing of information. 3. Resources required for accom­plishing the processing of data are called data processing sys­tem. 4. Processing is a series of operations converting inputs into outputs. 5. Facilities are required to house the computer equip­ment. 6. Egyptians used the information to predict crop yields.

7. Information to be put into the computer for processing should
be coded into ones and zeroes. 8. Processing is operations on data
to convert them into useful information. 9. The first machines
designed to manipulate punched card data were widely used for
business data processing. 10. Hollerith built one machine to
punch the holes and the other to tabulate the collected data.

8. Ознакомьтесь с терминами текста 2.

manual ['maenjusl] — ручной, выполняемый вручную to take advantage of smth — воспользоваться ч.-л.

capability [,keip9'bihti] — способность; возможность; характеристика

accuracy ['sekjurasr] — точность; правильность; четкость (изображения)

correctly [ks'rektli] — правильно; верно

to eliminate [e'hmmeit] — устранять; удалять; отменять; ликвидировать

49 Unit 4. Data Processing Concepts

to make errors ['ersz] — допускать ошибки (погрешно­сти)

error-prone — подверженный ошибкам

to remain vulnerable [n'mein 'vAlnorabl] — оставаться уяз­вимым, чувствительным

invalid data [m'vashd] — неверные, неправильные, недо­пустимые данные

communications networks — сети передачи данных; сети связи

travel ['traevsl] — перемещение; прохождение; путь; ход

instant response ['instant n'spons] — мгновенный ответ (реакция)

to respond [n'spond] — отвечать; реагировать

access ['aeksas] —доступ; обращение; обращаться, иметь доступ

capacity of storage [ks'paesiti ev 'stond3] — объем (емкость) памяти

to retrieve [n'trkv] — извлекать, выбирать (данные); вос­станавливать (файл)

value ['vaslju] — значение; величина; значимость; цен­ность; оценка; оценивать

objective [sb'd3ektiv] — цель; требование; целевая фун­кция

cost-effective ['kost I'fektiv] — экономичный; экономи­чески оправданный

challenge ['tfaelmd3] — трудность; препятствие; представ­лять трудность

9. Прочтите текст и скажите, каковы основные достоин­ства компьютеров. Переведите текст.

Text 2. 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

Английский язык. Основы компьютерной грамотности 50

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 possi­
bility of error is reduced. Computers, when properly pro­
grammed, 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 reserva­
tions 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 con­
stantly increasing. All the while, the cost per character of data
stored is decreasing.

4. Speed. The speed, at which computer data processing sys­
tems can respond, adds to their value. For example, the travel
reservations system mentioned above would not be useful if cli­
ents 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.

51 Unit 4. Data Processing Concepts

10. 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 зна­
чении 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.

Английский язык. Основы компьютерной грамотности 52

13. Преобразуйте предложения, содержащие модальные
глаголы, в а) прошедшее время; б) будущее время.

1. Computers can replace people in dull routine work. 2. The program is a set of instructions that may also include data to be processed. 3. Computer-controled robots must increase the pro­ductivity of industry. 4. They can help in making different de­cisions. 5. The pupils may work with computers at the lessons. 6. Electric pulses can move at the speed of light. 7. Storage de­vices must have capacities for the input, output data and pro­grams and for intermediate results. 8. Business minicomputers can perform to 100 million operations per second. 9. In order to solve scientific problems researchers must deal with the lan­guage of science — mathematics. 10. Programmers must write application programs in a way that computers can understand.

14. Составьте на русском языке аннотации к текстам,
предложенным ниже. Обратите внимание на то, что
стиль аннотаций, как правило, имеет безличностный
характер. Выберите и используйте при работе следую­
щие клише:

Статья (текст) посвящена проблеме/ вопросу... В начале статьи

— речь идет о...;

— дается определение...;

— обосновывается значимость...;

— привлекается внимание к...
Далее

— описывается...;

— рассказывается...;

— рассматривается...;

— излагается...
В частности,

— отмечается, например,...;

— подробно излагается...;

— описывается схема...;

— указывается...;

— доказывается мысль...
Наконец

— раскрывается...
В заключение

— приводятся примеры

53 Unit 4. Data Processing Concepts

Подытоживая сказанное, следует отметить... Как мне кажется, статья может представлять инте­рес для... Думается, статья может оказаться полезной для...

1. The ENIAC (1943-1946)

The first all-electronic computer, the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator (ENIAC) was developed at the Moore School of Electrical Engineering of the University of Pennsyl­vania. It was developed as a result of a military need. J.Presper Eckert and John Mauchly proposed the machine to solve the problem of calculating firing tables for new weapons.

The ENIAC weighed 90 tons, its 18.000 vacuum tubes de­manded 140 kilowatts of electric power. Although it was fully electronic, the ENIAC had two major shortcomings: it could store and manipulate only a very limited amount of informa­tion, and its programs were wired on board. Since its programs were hardwired — that is, the programs operating the comput­er were established by physically changing the patterns of the wires interconnecting the vacuum tubes — the machine was not so flexible in operation. These limitations made it difficult to detect errors and to change the programs. And yet, the project was successful and the ENIAC was used for many years to solve ballistic problems.

2. The EDVAC (1946-1952)

Although the idea of an automatic computing engine oc­curred first to Charles Babbage in 1832, it was more than a cen­tury later, in 1945, that John von Neumann set out the princi­ples that fixed the pattern of computer design.

Dr.John von Neumann, professor of mathematics at the Prinston Institute of Advanced Study, together with P.Eckert, J.Mauchly and Goldstine became a project member of a new improved computer, the Electronic Discrete Variable Comput­er (EDVAC). Von Neumann was a major contributor to the project as he developed the concept of storing instructions as well as data in the memory of the computer. As a result it be­came possible to replace the writing board, which so seriously handicapped the operation of the ENIAC.

Von Neumann is also given a share of the credit for intro­ducing the idea of storing both instructions and data in a bina­ry code instead of decimal numbers or human-readable words.

Английский язык. Основы компьютерной грамотности 54

3. The UNIVAC 1(1951)

P.Eckert and J.Mauchly left the EDVAC project to form their own company and built the UNIVAC I computer. UNIVAC stands for UNI\fersal Automatic Computer. The first UNIVAC was installed in the Census Bureau in 1951, and it was used continuously for 10 years. From the University laboratories the computer finally entered the wider world in 1951 with the in­vention of first UNIVAC I. It was the first digital computer which was not "one of a kind", it was produced in quantity.

In 1952 IBM (International Business Machine) introduced the 701 commercial computer. Although limited in storage ca­pacity by modern standards, the 701 could add a column of 10-digit numbers as tall as the Empire State Building in one sec­ond. Very soon improved models of the UNIVAC I and other 701-series machines were introduced. In 1953 IBM produced the IBM 650 which used a magnetic drum for storage and was popular with business and science.

15. Поменяйтесь вариантами и выполните письменно пе­ревод предложенных выше текстов.

TESTS

1. Подберите вместо пропусков подходящее по смыслу слово

1. Computer data_____ system frees humans from routine

error-prone tasks.

a) counting; b) computing: c),processing

2. Computers can store vast amount of information to orga-

nize it and______ it.

a) to travel; b) to retrieve; c) to respond

3. The entered data can be transmitted by____ networks.

a) communications; b) conversions; c) procession

4. The possibility of_____ is reduced if data were correct-

ly put into the data processing system, a) character; b) access; c) error

5. Computer data processing systems can____ at a frac­
tion of a second.

a) receive; b) respond; c) retrieve

55 Unit 4. Data Processing Concepts

6. Computer systems are vulnerable to the entry of____

data.

a), invalid; b) invariable; c) invisible

7. As soon as data were entered into the system correctly, the

human_____ is limited.

a) computation; b) information; ^manipulation

8. The amount of data stored on magnetic discs is constant-

ly______ •

a) decreasing; b>increasing; c) eliminating

2. Согласуйте слова в левой колонке с их интерпретацией, предложенной справа.

1. Inputting a) saving information for further pro-

cessing;

2. Character. b) the process of producing useful in-

formation;

3. Database c) meaningful collections of related

characters;

4. Data elements d) the most common input device;

5. Controlling ^e) the part of the computerthat receives

and stores data for processing;

6. Outputting f) directing the sequence of the opera-

tions performed;

7. Memory - g) >a written language symbol;

8. Record h) a collection of related data elements

9. Keyboard i) a set of related facts;

10. Storing j) the process of entering collected into

a data processing system;

Unit 5

COMPUTER SYSTEMS: AN OVERVIEW

1. Ознакомьтесь с терминами текста 1.

architecture ['aki'tektfs]— архитектура; структура

architect ['akitekt] — разработчик архитектуры (систе­мы, структуры)

unit ['jmnit] — устройство; модуль; блок; элемент; со­ставная часть

accessory equipment [sek'sesan] — вспомогательные уст­ройства

engineering background ['baekgraund]— техническая под­готовка, квалификация

analyst ['aenshst] — аналитик; системный разработчик product line — серия (компьютерных) продуктов

manufacturer [] — изготовитель; произво­дитель; разработчик

application programmer [aepli'keijh ргои'дгэетэ] — при­кладной программист

to simulate ['simjuleit] — моделировать; имитировать voltage ['voltidj] — напряжение pressure [] — давление, сжатие

digital computer ['did3itsl ksm'pjitfs] — цифровой компь­ютер

hybrid computer ['haibnd] — смешанного типа, аналого-цифровой компьютер

discrete [dis'kri:t] — дискретный; отдельный

continuous quantity [ksn'tinjuss 'kwDntiti] — непрерывная величина

on-going process —продолжающийся, постоянный, не­прерывный процесс

to rely [n'lai] — основываться на ч.-л.; полагаться

57 Unit 5. Computer Systems: An Overview

to install [m'sto:l] — устанавливать; размещать; монтиро­вать; настраивать

household appliances ['haushould sp'larensiz] — домашние приборы / устройства

microwave oven ['maikrouweiv 4vn] — микроволновая печь

indoor climate control system — система регуляции тем­пературы в доме