Reading 4

Unit 4. lesson 3. Task 8

“Definition of Communication Devices”

Communication devices are the machines that assist in transmission of data. The versatility of a computer gets enhanced considerably when it can communicate with other devices and computers. For a two-way communication, a computer must be equipped with a modulator for outgoing data and a demodulator for the incoming data. This modulating device is referred to as a modem. There are various kinds of communication devices in the present day market.

Definition of a Communication Device

The idea of a communication device is very broad, since various objects are used to communicate. Hence, in a broader sense, a communication device is any device that can be used to convey any kind of message from one person to another. From the early days, communication devices have come a long way.

Augmentative Communication Devices

Augmentative communication devices are defined as the devices that give a voice to people, who otherwise do not have one. This kind of communication device enables the individuals to express their needs and wants, thereby eliminating the need to rely on others for assistance. These kind of augmentative communication devices are also referred to as assistive communication devices. By constant practice and training, many individuals can successfully voice their needs and opinions.

Long Distance Communication Devices

Long distance communication devices are the devices that are connected by an elaborate network. The communication devices have an in-built LAN that enables long distance communication. The long distance phone calls are possible through the digitally modulated analog carrier signals.

VOIP Based Communication Devices

The voice over internet protocol provides the advantage of eliminating the cost involved in moving the data across the internet. The VOIP technology streams telephone conversations back and forth over the internet without any potential loss of sound quality or any increase in the time lag. As a matter of fact, the communications through the VOIP based devices are clearer when compared to the conventional phone technology. The benefit of using the VOIP based communication devices is that a user can make local and long distance calls for free. Even the international calls can be made at a much discounted rate when compared to the normal phone lines.

Satellite Phone Communication Devices

Satellite phone is an important communication device for many professionals and businesses. Even in the remotest places of earth, where there is no mobile network coverage, a satellite phone functions efficiently. For individuals working in dangerous and secluded environments, these types of communication devices are a boon. Satellite phones use the same technology used in a mobile phone and simply locate low orbit satellites that rotate in the space. Once a link to the satellite is established, it redirects the signal to a communication station on the earth.
 

Task 7. Translate the words and explain them using your glossary.

Give their DEFINITION

across . . . .

advantage . . . .

analog  . . . .

assist  . . . .

assistive  . . . .

augmentative  . . . .

broad . . . .

business  . . . .

carrier . . . .

clear . . . .

compared . . . .

conventional . . . .

conversation . . . .

convey  . . . .

cost  . . . .

coverage . . . .

dangerous  . . . .

data . . . .

demodulator . . . .

digitally  . . . .

discounted  . . . .

distance  . . . .

earth  . . . .

efficiently . . . .

elaborate  . . . .

eliminating  . . . .

enable . . . .

environment  . . . .

equip . . . .

establish . . . .

free . . . .

function . . . .

idea . . . .

important . . . .

incoming . . . .

increase  . . . .

international  . . . .

involve . . . .

link . . . .

local  . . . .

locate  . . . .

loss  . . . .

low  . . . .

market . . . .

mobile . . . .

modulate . . . .

modulator . . . .

moving  . . . .

normal . . . .

opinion . . . .

orbit . . . .
             rotate . . . .

outgoing . . . .

possible . . . .

potential  . . . .

professional . . . .

provide  . . . .

quality  . . . .

rate  . . . .

redirect  . . . .

refer . . . .

satellite  . . . .

simply  . . . .

sound  . . . .

space . . . .

station . . . .

transmission . . . .

user  . . . .

various . . . .

versatility  . . . .

voice....

Unit 4. Lesson 3. READING  

Task 1. Before you read the MEMO, talk about these questions.

            -How can social networking sites help businesses?

            -Why do people use social networking or gaming sites?

Task 2. Match the words with the definitions

                        1. profile__                              3. forum__

                        2. link  __                                4. post__

a. __a graphical item or segment of text in a web page or other electronic document that, when clicked, causes another web page or section of the same web page to be displayed

b. __an electronic message sent to and displayed on an online forum

c. __a side view of an object or structure,especially of the human head.

d. __a public meeting place for open discussion.

Task 3. Read the memo sent to employees at an advertising firm.

To: Employees at Galaxy Advertising

Subject: Gaming / Social Networking Markets

Gaming and social networking sites offer exciting markets for advertising the new line of “Centro” computers. Their popularity ensures that many people will view the ads. When people talk together online, we want them to see and discuss the new “Centro”.

A social networking site lets us create a profile and handle related to the new computer. We will update people about it in posts that appear in our news feed. We could also have a link to a blog with information about the “Centro”.  People will be able to discuss the computer in a forum that we set up.

Gaming sites are another market we should use. Most  massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPG) feature virtual worlds. These worlds allow us to create billboards that advertise our new computers. We can also create avators relating to the “Centro” that people can interact with.

These sites present unique opportunities for marketing. Please take advantage of them when advertising the new “Centro”computers.

Task 4. Mark the following statements as true (T) or false (F).

1.      Updates will appear in posts on the news feed.                           ___

2.      Billboards in a virtual world can create feature ads.                    ___

3.      The firm created a link to a gaming site with product information. ___

Task 5. Choose the word that is closest in meaning to the underlined part.

1.      Jack created an image in a computer game that represents a person.

a.MMORPG               b.link                           c.avator

2.      Put you email on your web page with personal or identifying information.

a.profile                       b.forum                       c.link

3.      Click on that word or set of words on a website or document.

a.feed                          b.link                           c.virtual world

4.      Create a name that a person uses to access an account.

a.handle                       b. forum                      c.blog

5.      Ask someone on the website where people can discuss topics.

a.virtual world             b.post                          c.forum

6.      New games create an online environment.

a.avator                       b.virtual world                        c. link

7.      Read this website with posts about personal activities and interests.

a.handle                       b.blog                          c.feed

8.      Please leave a message on a website.

a.post                           b.MMORPG               c.handle

Task 6.Fill in the blanks with the correct words from the word bank.

gaming;     MMORP;      feed;      social networking

            1.Shadow of Doubt is a(n) . . . . . . . . . . with many players. 

            2. This . . . . . . . . . . site helps you meet other professionals.

            3. I receive updates about products through a news . . . . . . .  .

            4. Sarah enjoys . . . . . . . . . and spends all her money on games.