Rapid computer science development and scientific principles of its formation began in the 40s of the 20th century. As the electronics and then microelectronics became the technical basis of computer science and the achievements in the field of artificial intelligence were put into basis of computer architecture development. Before this time for almost 500 years only simple calculus devices were used for arithmetic operations.
Today computer technology is the fastest growing industry in the world. While the first computer was the size of minibus and weighed a ton, today its job can be done by a chip the size of a pin head. The revolution is still going on.
The so called “wearable” computers are being developed to be installed then on wrists, glasses and earrings. Mobile-phone companies produce mobile phones that allow you to stuff the Internet as well as make calls. People use their phones to check the news headlines, follow the stock market or download the latest jokes. Soon they will be able to buy cinema tickets and to check their bank accounts.
The next generation of computers will be able to talk and even think for themselves. They will contain electronic “neural networks”. They will be still simpler than human brains, but it will be a great step forward. “Intelelectronics” which is focused on artificial intelligence, is being developed to assist human intellectual activities.
As for pure information scope, computers not only can, but also must overcome human ability. But in social scope computers will always remain no more, than human tools and assistants.
Computer revolution is changing our life and our language. We are constantly making up new words or giving new meanings to old ones. Most of computer terms are born
in Silicon Valley, the world’s top computer-science center.
1 Agree or disagree:
a) The very first computer was very heavy.
b) Computer development means human abilities modeling.
c) Human mental activities need no electronic help.
d) Computers must not be more perfect than people as for information processing.
e) People can wear computes.
2 Answer the questions:
a) What are the key problems of the text?
b) What numerical information is given in the text?
c) Do basic computer functions change with time?
d) In what ways are computer words created?
e) Why do most of computer terms come from Silicon Valley?
3 Comment on the statements from the text:
a) In social scope computers will always remain no more than human assistants.
b) The next generation of computers will be able to talk and even think for themselves.