大学计算机学院计算机英语第一章.ppt

计算机专业英语 1-* 1.2 Computer Generations 1.2.4 Fourth-Generation Computers: 1971～? Perhaps the most important trend that began in the fourth generation is the proliferation of microcomputers. As more and more transistors were put on silicon chips, it eventually became possible to put an entire computer processor, called a microprocessor, on a chip. The first computer to use microprocessors became available in the mid-1970s. The first microcomputer designed for personal use was the Altair, which was sold in 1975. The first Apple computer, marketed with the IBM PC in 1981. Today, microcomputers far outnumber all other types of computers combined. 也许在第四代计算机开始的最重要趋势是微型计算机的增长。随着越来越多的晶体管被集成到硅芯片上,将一整个计算机处理器（称为微处理器）放在一个芯片上终于成为可能。使用微处理器的第一部计算机出现于1970年代。第一部专为个人使用设计的微型计算机是Altair,它于1975进入市场。第一部苹果计算机在1981年与IBM个人计算机一起在市场上销售。今天，微型计算机数目远远超过其他所有类型计算机的总和。 计算机专业英语 1-* 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。 计算机专业英语 1-* 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 rapi