Computers and information technology

Exercise 1:
Read the text below, in which someone is talking about their computer. Unfortunately, they
have used rather 'un-technical' language. Replace the words and expressions in bold with
something more appropriate from the box.

CD drive components CPU (Central Processing Unit) desktop DTP (desktop publishing)
flash-drive hard disk hard drive keyboard laptop load memory monitor
mouse printer scanner software spreadsheet USB port word processing

This is my new (1) computer that sits on top of a table or desk (I've also got a (2) small computer which
can be carried or placed on your knees). As you can see, there are six main (3) parts to it. The first is the
(4) part of the computer that runs it and controls what it does, and this is the most important bit. It
carries the (5) part that stores and controls the flow of information, including the (6) round thing that
is used for storing information. Mine has a particularly high (7) capacity for storing information, which
means that it's much faster than most. It came with its own (8) computer programs package (including (9)
writing, checking and changing texts, (10) calculating in columns of figures, and (11) producing
texts and pictures for magazines packages). You can also (12) put in other programs using the (13)
sliding tray for carrying round, plastic, information-holding things, or the (14) hole for connecting
computer parts to one another (into which you can put a (15) small plastic and metal stick which can
hold a lot of information). The other five parts of the computer are the (16) screen that lets you see
what your computer is doing, the (17) flat thing with the letters and numbers on it that let you
control the computer, the (18) machine that lets you make copies of the documents that you create
on your computer, the (19) device for making color copies of photographs and other documents
which you can put onto your computer, and last but not least, the (20) device that you hold in your
hand and move across your desk to control the cursor.

Exercise 2:
Instructions as above

access attachment bookmark browser chatrooms crashing delete

download email homepage Internet keywords links log on log out
online pop-up provider search engine spam upgrade virus website

Now, in my opinion, the best thing about modern information technology is the (1) network that links
millions of computers from around the world. Once you've got yourself a / an (2) company that allows
you (3) entry, and a (4) program that finds information you can start using this. It's especially useful if
you want to get information about something, go shopping or (5) transfer information, games, music, etc.,
onto your own computer. You can even 'talk' to other computer users in (6) special places where you can
leave messages and get instant replies. Most companies have their own (7) special computer pages

5
For reference see Easier English Intermediate Dictionary (0-7475-6989-4).
 which you can look at. Let me (8) turn the computer on, enter my code and access the computer
system, and I'll show you ours. OK, here we go. Oh no, another (9) advertisement that suddenly appears
on the computer screen. How annoying. Let me just remove it. That's better.

Now, I can never remember the exact address of our company, so first of all I'll type it into the (10) program
that helps you find the information you want. OK, A & C Black Publishing. The computer identifies the
(11) most important or main words and then gives me (12) connections to a list of possible sites. This one
looks right: www.acblack.com. I'll click on that. Bingo! Here's our (13) front page. You can use this to find
the different books that we publish, and if you want you can even buy them (14) through the computer.
Hmm, this book looks good: Check Your English Vocabulary for TOEIC®. Now, before I (15) exit this site, I'll
just (16) add it to my list of favorites so that I can find it more quickly next time.

Perhaps the most important thing, however, is (17) a special electronic letter-sending facility, which
allows you to communicate with people around the world in an instant. Let me quickly check mine. Oh dear,
nothing very interesting. Mainly a load of (18) unwanted advertising. I'll just (19) remove it: I don't
particularly want to rent a vacation home in Mexico, have my future read by one of America's top astrologers
or buy a phone that lets you smell the person you're talking to. There's something here from my sister with
a / an (20) document or file that has been sent with it. You have to be careful with these: sometimes they
contain a (21) hidden routine placed in the program that destroys or corrupts files. If you open it, it
can do all sorts of horrible things to your computer. I had one last week that kept (22) shutting down my
computer. I do have a protection package, but it's a bit out of date: I really ought to (23) bring it up to date.

The exercises above contain just a few of the words and expressions related to computers
and IT. Many more enter our vocabulary each year. How many others do you know?

6
For reference see Easier English Intermediate Dictionary (0-7475-6989-4).
 Condition and requirement
Rearrange the letters in bold to make words and expressions related to condition and
requirement. The first one has been done as an example.

1. sa nlgo sa customers continue to demand the BD17 model mobile, Telelink will continue to
produce it. If demand falls, the line will be discontinued.
(Answer = As long as)

2. seusln we receive your payment within ten days, we will have to start charging you interest.

3. We will continue to offer you interest-free credit no incotnido atth you maintain regular
repayments to your account. The minimum monthly repayment is $250.

4. Everyone will get a pay rise vogrnipid ttha we meet our sales targets.

5. The main retncopiinod for increased consumer spending is a stable economy with low inflation
and low interest rates. Without these, people will save rather than spend.

6. (Notice on a fire alarm): ni eacs fo fire, break class.

7. ni het nvete fo a delay, all passengers will receive a voucher for a light meal at the airport.

8. We agreed to sign the contract, the only aputonstili being that it would run for at least five years.

9. The management has nidncoalitoun trust in its employees: it knows they will do their best at all
times, even if things get difficult.

10. sumsagin hatt the flight is on time, we will meet you at LaGuardia airport at ten o'clock.

11. We will proceed with the delivery of spare parts no teh autonmsspi hatt your order has remained
unchanged.

12. Being able to drive is one of the quereesisitpr of the job: if you cannot drive, you will not be
considered for the post.

13. Before you accept a job, it is important that you agree with the remst and ioctnsodin set out in
the contract.

14. It is a nmreiretque of the company that employees have a medical at least once a year.

15. If you have a query, telephone us at the number above. niifagl ttha, send us an email.

16. We need to involve at least 20 people on this project, ehewotris it can't go ahead.

7
For reference see Easier English Intermediate Dictionary (0-7475-6989-4).