Reading 3

Unit 3. Lesson 3. READING  

Task 1. Talk about these questions.

            - What kind of computers do you use?

            - What do you use computers for at work?

Task 2. Read the e-mail about computers available at TEI Inc.

From: bruce,roberts@tei.com

To:chris.carter@techmagazine.net

Thanks for including TEI Inc. in your article on workplace technology.

We have many types of computers at our disposal. First, all employees receive PDAs and desktop computers. But we only use those for word processing and spreadsheets. Of course, some programs are too powerful for desktops. So many employees use faster workstations. And we do have a few laptops and handheld PCs. However, employees only use them on business trips. Most employees just answer email with their cell phones. The new server provides access to all printers.

Finally, our mainframe processes our largest data files. No need for a supercomputer yet!

Regards,

Bruce Roberts.

Task 3. Choose the correct answer

1. What is the email about?

a. the types of work employees do

b. computers that the company sells

c. what computers the company uses

d. the installation of a server

2. According to the passage, employees use laptops when they ________

a. respond to email                              b. work on speadsheets

c. process the largest files                   d. work outside of the office

3. Which of the following is NOT true?

a. The company has a mainframe.

b. Employees get email on their cell phone.

c. All employees receive desktop computers.

d. The desktop computers are faster than the workstations.

Task 4. Read the sentence and choose the correct word.

1. My PDA/mainframe notifies me when I have a meeting.

2. I have a laptop/supercomputer to do work on the plane.

3. An employee has a server/desktop computer because he only uses simple

            programs.

4. This computer/server runs programs, but doesn’t have Internet access.

5. A workstation/handheld PC is smaller than a laptop but still has keyboard.

6. Connect to the server/PDA to use that printer.

Task 5. Match the words with the definition.

1. ___workstation

2. ___  mainframe

3. ___cell phone.

a. large and powerful computer that supports many other computers

            working at once

b. fast computer that is used by one person and has more memory than

            an ordinary personal computer

c.a device that makes and receives calls

Task 6. Before you read the next passage, talk about these questions.

            - What are some components of a computer network?

            - How does a computer network help a business?

Task 7. Read the article about networks.

Solutions for networking. Network troubleshooting.

People often call IT professionals about network connection problems. But many problems are easy to fix without help. First, reconnect any loose CAT-5 cable connections. Next, investigate IP address issues. This group of numbers allows communication on the Internet. Renewing your DHCP fixes most IP problems. Next, check the router. The router links LANs to the Internet. Make sure the router’s configuration is correct. WLANs have other problems. Interference often blocks their wireless signals. But there is a simple solution. Just move the router away from walls and metals. Finally, cycle the network. Turn all equipment off for a full minute and then restart. 

Task 8. Choose the correct answers.

1.What is the main idea of the passage?

a. how to set up a network;                 b. correcting network problems;

c. choosing network equipment;         d. a comparison of LANs and WLANs.

2. What can you infer from the passage?

a. A computer  is not functioning during a cycle.

            b. LAN routers do not work well near walls or metals.

            c. Interference impacts a router’s configuration.

            d. Renewing an IP address fixes DHCP errors.

3. According to the passage, a LAN ___ .

       a. assigns IP addresses;           b. requires a router;

       c. links CAT-5 cables;             d. cycles network.

Task 9. Fill in the blanks with the correct words or phrases from the word bank.

DHCP             CAT-5 cable                router               network Cycle               WLAN                                    Internet            configuration

1.The router  . . . . . . . lets a network connect to the Internet.  2. A LAN is a type

of  . . . . . . .    . 3. Businesses communicate on the . . . . . . .  .  4.We do not use cables for our network. We have a  . . . . . . .  .  5. Routers need a correct . . . . . . . to work properly.   6. Businesses with a LAN use . . . . . . . to connect computers. 7.It is sometimes necessary to . . . . . . . network to make it work.  8. The . . . . . . . provides different IP addresses for computers.

Task 10. Choosing the best word for sentences check and review your understanding.

1.A hub/ modem/ bridge  is a common connection point for devices in a network and is commonly used to connect segments of a LAN. 2. A hub/switch/ modem is a device or program that enables a computer to transmit data over, for example, telephone or cable lines. 3. A network modem/ hub/ switch is a central communication device for local area Ethernet networks. 4. A network switch/ bridge / hub  is a computer networking device that creates a single aggregate network from multiple communication networks or network segments.

Task 11. Finish the sentences

            1. A hub is  . . . . . . .    .           4. A network protocol is . . . . . . .  .

2. ISDN is  . . . . . . .   .            5. A modem is  . . . . . . .  .

3. A bridge is . . . . . . .  .         6. A switch is . . . . . . .  .

                                                                                                                           

Task 12.  Read online resource, check and review your understanding networking devices. (http://www.computernetworkingnotes.com/networking-basic/computer-networking-devices-explained-with-function.html)