计算机专业英语教程2.pptVIP

Computer English Chapter 2 Organization of Computers * * 1.2 Computer Generations 1.2.4 Fourth-Generation Computers: 1971～? Software development during the fourth computer generation started off with little change from the third generation. Operating systems were gradually improved, and new languages were designed. Database software became widely used during this time. The most important trend, however, resulted from the microcomputer revolution. Packaged software became widely available for microcomputers so that today most software is purchased, not developed from scratch. 在计算机的第四代期间，软件的发展开始与第三代有所不同。操作系统在逐渐地改进，而新的语言被发明。期间数据库软件被广泛使用。然而，最重要的趋势起因于微型计算机革命。用于微型计算机的软件包随处可得，因此今天大多数的软件可以购得,而不需从头开始开发。 1.2.5 Generationless Computers We may have defined our last generation of computers and begun the era of generationless computers. Even though computer manufacturers talk of “fifth” and “sixth”-generation computers, this talk is more a marketing play than a reflection of reality. 我们可能已经定义了我们最新一代计算机而且开始了计算机的无代时代。即使计算机制造商谈到“第五”和“第六”代计算机,这些说法更多是市场行为，而不是真实的反映。 Advocates of the concept of generationless computers say that even though technological innovations are coming in rapid succession, no single innovation is, or will be, significant enough to characterize another generation of computers. 无代计算机的观念提倡者说，即使科技革新接二连三地迅速出现,没有一种革新是,或将是足够重要，作为另一代计算机的特征。 1.2 Computer Generations New Words Expressions: glean vt., vi. 搜集(情报或事实) MD abbr. Maryland(马里兰) Tflops abbr. teraflops 每秒兆兆(1012)次 architecture n.体系机构 terabit n.兆兆位 factor n. 阶乘 bandwidth n.带宽 Terabyte n. 兆兆(1012)字节； Petabyte n. 千兆兆(1015)字节 microprocessor n.[计]微处理器 contemplate v.凝视, 沉思 order n. 阶,次 turbulence n. 扰动；湍流 GB=GigaBit,千兆位; = GigaByte,吉字节 flops n. 每秒浮点运算次数(floating-point operation per second) 1.3 Near-future Supercomputer Directions Some idea of what might be happening in the near future in supercomputer design can be gleaned from a press release issued by the US Department of Energy (DoE).