Before you read the passage, talk about these questions.

Before you read the passage, talk about these questions.

1  Why do people prefer one operating system over another?

2  How might one operating system benefit a company more than another?

Reading

Read the computer magazine article. Then, mark the statements as true (T) or false (F).

1_Macs® are generally more expensive than PCs.

2 _ PCs are better suited to publishing.

3 _ PCs have fewer options from third-party software producers.

Vocabulary

Match the words (1-7) with the definiti (A-G).

1 _ Apple®

2 _ Windows®

3 _customize

4 _OSX®

5 _processing speed

6 _video subsystem

7 _Microsoft®

A company that creates the most common I operating system

В part of a computer that creates visuals

С a measurement of how quickly a computer j

D operating system for PCs

E changing a computer for your needs

F operating system for Macs®

G company that creates Macs®

4. Fill in the blanks with the correct words: Macf, prepress, color matching, PC, typography

1 A __________ comes with OS X®.

2 Publishing software is needed for the    __________ process.

3 Good __________ means anything printed out looks exactly like whaf s on screen.

4 I'm getting a _________ because I like the Windows® OS.

5 The __________ on this computer includes hundreds of fonts.

Listen and read the computer magazine article again. What makes the PC more popular with game designers?

Listening

Listen to a conversation between two employees at a publishing company. Choose the correct answers.

1  What is the conversation mostly about?

A customizing PCs for publishing

В locating third-party software options

С finding publishing programs for Mac®

D the differences between Macs® and PCs

2  What can you infer about the employees?

A They currently use Macs®.

В They are unfamiliar with PCs.

С They plan to request new Macs®.

D They create and publish software.

Listen again and complete the conversation.

Employee 1: Mr. Jackson has decided to update our computers. 1 _____ _______ ______ ________!

Employee 2: Really? PCs? I'm glad we're updating, but I'd rather 2______ _______ ______.    

Employee 1: You would? Not me. You can't customize a Mac®.

Employee 2: Sure, you 3 ______ ______ _____But Macs® do some things so much better.

Employee 1: What do you mean?

Employee 2: The 4 ______ _____ and typography are more sophisticated on a Mac® than on a PC. We need that in publishing.

Employee 1: Okay, I’ll give you that. But Macs have 5 _____ ______ _______, don't they?

Employee 2: Maybe a little, but that’s mostly with video, and we barely use it.

Speaking

With a partner, act out the roles below based on Task 7. Then, switch roles.

USE LANGUAGE SUCH AS:

We're switching to PCs.

You can customize PCs.

But Macs9 have slower processing speeds.

Talk to Student В about:

• switching to PCs

• benefits of PCs

• drawbacks of Macs®

Student B: You are an employee. Talk to Student A about the benefits of Macs®.

Writing

9. You are an IT Worker at a company. Use the article and the conversation from Task 8 to write an email to management recommending the company purchase either Macs® or PCs (120-150 words). Talk about:

• Which type of computer you would choose

• Why your company needs this type of computer

• The benefits of the type of computer you would choose

• The drawbacks of the type of computer you wouldn't choose

 

Linux

1) Ubuntu

2) Linux

3) Interface

4) Terminal

Mrs. Tomkins,

Over in the IT department we've received complaints about the office's computers. The hardware itself is fine. The problem, I believe, is the operating system. The system is rife with communication errors and virus threats. Then, there's the fortune we spend on upgrading our software every year. Thats why Fm suggesting we switch to Linux0 or some other OS related to Unix®. Fa example, Ubuntu0 is very popular with users. Linux0 works with any hardware including both Macs® and

PCs.

Linux0 is free, open source and many of its programs have a free software license. We can get Linux0 distributions from i vendors that have entire software packages that we can use. For j example, OpenOffice0 does everything that Microsoft Office®

does.

I've talked to many staff members about this already. Some expressed concern with the interface. Specifically, most people I talked with thought Linux® required entering command lines into a terminal. Actually, many Linux0 operating systems use a graphical interface just like the average desktop operating system. As for networking, Linux® comes with a program called Samba This program allows Linux® to interact with Windows®-based clients. This means we don't have to worry about printer trout* over the network once the TCP/IP protocol is reconfigured. Please let me know if you have any follow up questions.   

 Get ready!

Reading.

Vocabulary

Listening

Speaking

Imagine that you are a manager. You have decided to switch to Linux0. Use the email and the conversation from Task 8 to write an email to the staff of the company that explains your decision (120-150 words). Talk about:

• The switch to Linux0

• The benefits of the switch

• Programs that will be replaced

• Necessary changes

 

 

           3 Connecting to clients and employees

1) FAQs

2) Multimedia

3) Electronic bulletin board

4) CAD

5) Anchor

All,

The owner of Dartmouth Enterprises signed a contract today to secure our web design services. His company specializes in CAD for manufacturing facilities. He'll be sending us the information he wants included in the website soon. In the meantime, he's told us what his requirements are for this project. First, he stressed a very professional appearance, so that means no applets. He doesn't want small applications cluttering up his page. It also means no anchors, so all navigation should be done through the menus.

Second, he wants separate sections for employees and clients. For his employees, he'd like an electronic bulletin board to streamline communication and a CBT section to keep his employees up-to-date with new training requirements. For his clients, all he requires are a helpful FAQs section and a multimedia section with a media player showcasing his company's capabilities. He'll send us a DVD with the footage and images he wants included. We'll need to convert it to an MPEG. He doesn't want us using a Flash18 player because he doesn't think the quality is good enough. The rest is up to you, but remember our emphasis on reliability.

Frank Davidson

Davidson Web Design

Get ready!

Reading

Vocabulary

Listening

Writing

9. You are a new client of a web design company. Use the email and the conversation from Task 8 to write out your requirements for your new website (120-150 words). Talk about:

• Who you will communicate with on the website

• Sections you'd like included in the website

• What to avoid using when setting up the website

• How you'll get the web design company the information it needs

Advertising and marketing

1) Click-through rate

2) Commissions

3) Geo targeting

4) Hang

5) Above the fold

DONOYAN on_line advertising

AD PRODUCTS

We offer two general types of banners: traditional banners and animated GIF banners. Animated GIF banners are more expensive, but they elicit a higher click-through rate according to our click tracking studies.

           __Traditional Banner     ___Animated GIF Banner

PRICING

There are two billing options for Donovan campaigns:

CPM Billing Option

The CPM, or cost per 1,000 impressions, option requires you to pay the agreed-upon rate for every 1,000 people who view your advertisement. This is our most popular option.

CPC Billing Option

The CPC, or cost per click-through, option requires that you

pay the agreed-upon rate for each person who clicks your

advertisement.

           ____CPM Billing    _____CPC Billing

ADDITIONAL COSTS:

Please note that premium locations above the fold as well as any commissions charged to us by the website that is hosting your advertisement will affect the rate.

GUARANTEES

Donovan Online Advertising guarantees the following for every advertising campaign:

>>the use of geo targeting to display advertisements to appropriate audiences

>>the use of frequency capping to prevent overexposure of your advertisements

>>that our products will never hang pages, preventing them from loading and tarnishing your reputation

Get ready!

Reading

Vocabulary

Listening

Speaking

Writing

9 You are an online advertising company employee. Use the contract and the conversation from Task 8 to write about how advertising with your company works (120-150 words). Talk about:

· The banner options

· The billing options

· How the rate is determined

· What your company guarantees

 

 5 Automation

1) Integrated circuit

2) Embedded system

3) Oscilloscope

4) Encoder

In today's business world, investors are looking for companies that can compete. That's why World Industries is proud to announce an upgraded automation system that will increase production and efficiency. As you consider investing in our company, see what this new system will do.

World Industries' system uses CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) programs. Our integrated system of hardware and software allows for complete computer integrated manufacturing.

The new production line employs embedded systems and integrated circuits, allowing the hardware to work together. These devices are connected through a high-speed Ethernet network. Encoders in each device send mechanical information to the network through device drivers.

We have an open system that allows us to use any type of equipment. Our devices have a high redundancy for simple replacement.

Equipment at World Industries is designed to work fast and hard. All of our machines have the lowest possible latency time and a high fault tolerant. Our software is protected from priority inversions that could lower production. Oscilloscopes monitor all of our hardware to ensure that any problem will be repaired immediately by our trained engineers.

Our investments in automation have rewarded us with success. An investment in World Industries will do the same for you.

Get ready!

Reading

Vocabulary

Listening

Speaking

Writing

9. You are going to invest in a company that uses automation. Use the report and conversation from Task 8 to write a letter to a friend explaining why it is a good investment (120-150 words). Make up a name for your friend. Talk about:

• What automated systems the company has

• How automation improves the business

• How the company protects and repairs the system

 

 

Telecommuting

1) Telecommute

2) Gallery

3) Basecamp

4) Color coding

5) Message board

 

Mr. Tobin,

I'm writing to you today on behalf of several employees with a request to start a telecommuting program here at Zone Solutions. To do so will require changes, but they would ultimately benefit our company.

I suggest that we invest in Basecamp®. Ifs a web-based software package. Regardless of where we're working, it will increase productivity. Basically, we would centralize all projects, communication and updates.

Basecamp® opens in any browser, so employees can use it from home or the office. And it's easy to navigate, so there's no training required. Color-coding identifies different projects. The dashboard displays recently accessed files, so we can all see what is being worked on. The project gallery allows everyone to toggle quickly between files. And a message board is updated in real time to facilitate rapid exchanges.

In addition to Basecamp®, free Skype™ software can be downloaded for any communications that require speaking person to person. We can have conference calls with clients around the world without even needing a phone. Should you require specific details, I would be happy to discuss the issue with you. Additionally, both Backpack® and Skype™ offer tours with detailed information about their products.

look forward to your response.

Sincerely, Erica RoSin

 Erica Robin

Get ready!

Reading

Vocabulary

Listening

Speaking

Writing

9. You are a manager and you are starting a telecommuting program. Use the letter and the conversation from Task 8 to explain the program in a memo to members of staff. (120-150 words). Talk about:

•   What programs you will use

•   How projects will be organized

•   Ways you will communicate

Hackers and viruses

1) Replicate

2) Hacker

3) Log in

4) Virus

5) Host

 

LINCOLNSHIRE BANK

LOCAL MAN ARRESTED ON

Hacking Charges

(Wilmington) - Donald Greene has been arrested by Interpol on computer hacking charges. Interpol claims that Greene, a computer hacker, planted viruses on unwitting host computers. It is thought that Greene used a method called "piggybacking" to gain access to computers when their owners logged in. This gave him access to the computer's protective firewall and allowed him to disable it.

Interpol says that Greene has done over $50 million in damage. Most of this damage was done when he used overwriting viruses to overwrite and destroy files on government computer 1 systems. But Greene targeted home computers, too. For these, anti-virus software was unable to stop Greene's viruses because he included anti-antivirus viruses with them. These viruses essentially shut down anti-virus software. Greene is also alleged to have used resident viruses. These viruses imbed themselves in a file or disk drive. When resident extensions are included with them, they become a part of the computer’s operating system. This makes them nearly impossible to get j rid of. As with all viruses, Greene's viruses are said to had replicated themselves quickly to infect multiple computers.

Reading

Vocabulary

Listening

Speaking

Writing

9. You are worried about computer security at work. Use the article and the conversation from Task 8 to write an email to your manager about (120-150 words). Talk about:

· Why you are concerned about computer viruses

· Which types of computer viruses are most dangerous

· How computer viruses could harm the company

 

 

 

Identity theft

1) Cyber theif

2) Identity theft

3) Scanner

4) Pharming

5) Pretexting

6) Card scanning

LINCONSHIRE BANK

Dear Valued Customer,

Recently, a series of identity thefts has affected our customers. Unfortunately, this led to several instances of fraud occurring at our bank. The best way to avoid these events is to be informed. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with some common ways that criminals steal personal information. Card scanning is one simple form of identity theft. This is when someone uses a card scanner to record the information stored on credit or debit cards. Card scanning can be used to collect passport information as well.

Email also presents opportunities for cyber thieves. Spam, or unsolicited emails, can contain malware. This malicious software includes spyware, Trojan horses, and worms that can infect one's computer and steal information. Phishing is also conducted over email. This occurs when thieves trick people into giving them information by pretending to represent a legitimate business.

Pretexting is similar to phishing but is often done over the phone. Pharming occurs when a hacker redirects someone to a site operated by them. The site looks legitimate and tricks people into giving away personal information. T If you believe you may be the victim of identity theft, contact us immediately. We will take steps to ensure that your assets are safe.

Get ready!

Reading

Vocabulary

Speaking

Writing

9. You are a bank employee. Use the letter and the conversation from Task 8 to write about identity theft (120-150 words). Talk about:

• How criminals steal personal information

• How customers can protect their assets

Preventative measures

1) Popup

2) Firewall

3) Keylogger

4) Audit log

5) Patch

From: [e-mail]

To: [e-mail]

Dear Harper Company Staff,

By now, you are all aware of the recent security breach. The IT department has traced it to a bug in our browsers. This bug created an unwanted backdoor in the network, allowing intruders in. They installed keyloggers that track our passwords.

The IT department removed the keyloggers, and the software supplier is releasing a patch that will fix this error. We will inform you when this patch becomes available.

However, this provides a good opportunity to remind you of the measures we must take to make our network safer.

Remember, you must keep the firewall settings as strict as possible on your computer. This prevents attacks from hackers and keeps certain types of malware out of the system.

Be cautious when downloading files. Perform a virus scan on every email attachment. Also, enable your browsers to block popups. Otherwise, spyware can get on to your computer.

Only download company-approved programs to your computer. Unauthorized programs may contain Trojans that can do irreversible damage to our system. Please consult the IT department for a list of authenticated programs.

In addition, we will review our audit logs from now on. This is to make sure no one violates security protocol. Employees violating protocol will receive disciplinary action.

Jared Greene

Manager,

Harper Company

Get ready!

Reading

Vocabulary

Anti-virus software

1) Web page analysis

2) Quarantine

3) cyber criminal

4) anti-virus software

 

Web Advisor

People who want to protect their children from the dangers of the Internet use WebAdvisor. This software blocks the types of websites that you decide are unsafe. It also provides instant web page analysis, helping you avoid phishing and pharming scams.

Anti-Virus Pius «л RapidClean

Anti-Virus Plus is an update of our first product, Anti-Virus. This anti-virus software sweeps your computer system to detect viruses. All viruses are then quarantined so they cannot harm your computer. It's the most reliable software on the market, providing fewer false positives and false negatives than any other software.

RapidClean is a virus removal software that destroys the malicious software discovered by Anti-Virus Plus. This includes rootkit viruses. These viruses are designed to disguise themselves as a part of your computer's operating system. This makes them very difficult to get rid of. Most security software won't destroy rootkits but, with RapidClean, you can.

Defender

Defender is the ultimate security software. A combination of both of our software packages, Defender keeps your computer completely safe from cyber criminals. Defender also comes with our computer backup service. This means that the data on your computer's hard drive will be backed up on our company's servers. With Defender, you cannot lose your files.

Get ready!

Reading

Listening

Speaking

Writing

9. You are an anti-virus software company employee. Use the advertisement and the conversation from Task 8 to write out suggestions for a potential customer (120-150 words). Talk about:

•    Which types of software are available

•   Which software you would recommend

•   Why that particular type of software would be helpful

 

 

 

Cloud computing

1) cloud computing

2) elasticity

3) PaaS

4) SaaS

5) Pay as you go

6) Deployment

Cloud Computing

 Cloud computing provides many businesses with affordable and customizable services. Yet many avoid this technological resource because they don't understand it. This week's column should explain the concept.

Cloud computing is a lot like utility computing. However, cloud computing focuses on using the Internet for software and other resources.

Cloud computing offers more elasticity and scalability than normal computing. Businesses have access to many resources from both the private and public clouds. Computers can easily switch to a new OS with PaaS (platform as a service). They can also switch to a new server with laaS (infrastructure as a service). Businesses benefit from the pay as you go pricing of cloud computing. And with SaaS (software as a service), the deployment of new software is almost automatic. It eliminates the need to buy software and install it on every single computer. Furthermore, businesses can monitor their usage and cancel services anytime. Installing a CDN (content delivery network) is a local form of cloud computing that will increase bandwidth. A CDN designates computers on a network fa storage. Instead of all computers clogging one server to retrieve data, each user accesses data on a nearby CDN storage computer.

With cloud computing, businesses get inexpensive solutions to their individual needs.

Get ready!

Reading

Vocabulary

Listening

Speaking

Improving health

1)  Bar coding

2)  HER

3)  ADM

4)  Optic scanner

5)  Implanted microchip

 

Get ready!

Reading

Vocabulary  

Listening

Speaking

Writing

9. You are a scientist developing new health technology. Use the article and the conversation from Task 8 to write a short speech about this new technology (120-150 words). Talk about:

•   What the new systems or devices are

•   How the systems or devices work

•   How they can help doctors and improve healthcare

 

 

Creative design

1) Trust logo

2) Interface

3) Mask

4) Keyword

5) Natural language

6) Root directory

 

Creating a website can seem like a daunting task. Where do you start? Whether you're building a site for business or creating a blog for friends and family to enjoy, we can help you!

For Businesses

We can create a web portal for employees or customers to log in to. We build and maintain root directories.

Create keywords so that your site shows up on multiple search engines. We mask credit card numbers and customer information to ensure secure interface. We allow customers to use natural language to navigate and search your site.

We assure that you are in PCI compliance, and can place a trust logo on your site so your customers know it!

For personal Sites

We install egress and ingress filters to prevent spamming and scamming. We create fun and whimsical animated GIFs that I add an interactive element to J your site.

Already have a website? We can redesign your current website to improve the number of hits it receives!

Get ready!

Listening

Speaking

Writing

9. You are a web designer doing a presentation for a client. Using the reading passage and the conversation from Task 8, write a proposal for the improvement of the client's website (120-150 words). Talk about:

• What you can do to increase security on their website

• What you can do to make their website appear more interesting

• What you can do to make it easier for clients to login/search their website

 

 

System administration

1) system administrator

2) technical

3) install

4) purge

5) resume

6) Unix

 

BELL TOWER

INDUSTRIES

Bell Tower Industries is seeking a full-time system administrator to join our growing company. The system administrator will be responsible for setting up and maintaining Bell Tower's computer system. Main job duties will involve:

· Installing and maintaining system servers

· Configuring and repairing computer hardware and peripherals

· Regular performance tuning of networks

This position involves several other duties as well. When it is necessary, the administrator will install patches for our operating systems and software. He or she will also perform weekly backups. These backups prevent critical files and data from becoming lost or damaged. The administrator will also be responsible for regular file archiving. In addition, the administrator will regularly purge old data to protect client information.

The ideal candidate for this job will be able to think and act quickly. He or she will have experience offering troubleshooting help. Candidates must have a degree in a technical field. Candidates must also have experience working with Unix®. Experience working with additional operating systems is a plus.

Interested applicants can send a resume and cover letter to [e-mail].

Get ready!

Reading

Listening

Speaking

Writing

9. You are applying for a system administrator job. Use the reading passage and conversation from Task 8 to write a brief cover letter stating your interest (120-150 words). Talk about:

• Why you want the job

• Your previous work experience

• Your specific duties at a previous job

• Your skills and educational background

 

 

Programming

1)PHP

2) programmer

3) user-friendly

4) XML

5) Web development

6) HTML

Wanted: web developer

I am seeking a talented web developer to help me build an interactive website for my company. Must be well-versed in languages like PHP and Java and have the ability to create scripts for web pages. I'm already familiar with HTML and am learning XML, so I'll handle the text portions of the website. Please send your resume's to [e-mail].

Wanted: EXPERIENCED PROGRAMMER

I need a programmer who is knowledgeable in С programming and C++ to help me with the application I'm working on. My current programmer left and I have no idea what he was doing. I need you to help me use the editor, decipher the code and eventually finish the project.

Email [e-mail] and help me make sense of this project.

Wanted: VISUAL BASIC EXPERT

Are you a master of visual basic? Then, I need you to work on the GUI component of the software I'm developing. It will be a user-friendly program for people looking for help budgeting and managing their money. I am still in the process of looking for investors.

Thus, payment will be on the back end unless I secure funding earlier.

Email me at [e-mail] for more information.

Get ready!

Reading

Vocabulary

Listening

Speaking

Writing

9. You are a programmer. Using the passage and conversation from Task 8, write an email responding to one of the freelance job postings (120-150 words). Talk about:

• Why you want the job

• What programming languages you know

• Similar projects you have worked on before

 

 

 

Before you read the passage, talk about these questions.

1  Why do people prefer one operating system over another?

2  How might one operating system benefit a company more than another?

Reading