Английский язык. С. Ю. Дмитриева

Intel 80386, used in IBM PC AT 386. The microprocessors of the fourth generation were used in computers IBM PC AT 486. There are also central processing units of the fifth generation, used in Intel Pentium 60 and Intel Pentium 66, central processing units of the sixth generation, used in computers Intel Pentium 75,90,100 and 133. Few years ago appeared central processing units of seventh and eighth generations.

      Computer speeds are measured in gigahertz today. Recently, an optical central processing unit has been invented, which is capable of executing trillions discrete operations per second or it is as fast as the speed of light.

      So, we are at the threshold of new computer era, when artificial intelligence could be invented. There are no questions with «if», the only question is «when». And time will show us either computers become our best friends or our evil enemies as it is shown in some movies.

      Wordlist

      multiplication – действие, операция

      manually – в ручную

      second-generation computers – компьютеры второго поколения

      expensive – дорогостоящий

      digital – цифровой

      central processing unit – центральный процессор

      input devices – устройства ввода памяти

      memory storage devices – запоминающие устройства

      Answer the questions:

      1. When was the first general-purpose electronic computer constructed?