Текст книги "English for system administrators"

English for system administrators
Светлана Алексеевна Губарева

© Светлана Алексеевна Губарева, 2023

ISBN 978-5-0060-6585-7

Создано в интеллектуальной издательской системе Ridero

Foreword / Предисловие

Данное учебное пособие предназначено для начинающих и практикующих системных администраторов, инженеров облачных сервисов и девопс инженеров с языковым уровнем А2.

Цель – обеспечение технических специалистов лексическим и грамматическим минимумом, необходимым для понимания терминологии, принятой в профессиональной среде на международном уровне, чтения и перевода текстов профессиональной тематики, а также выработки коммуникативных навыков.

Каждый раздел сопровождается списком слов и кратким списком целей. Упражнения предполагают индивидуальную работу.

Памятка для самостоятельной работы:

1. Выполняйте задания в юнитах по порядку;

2. Внимательно читайте формулировки заданий;

3. Ответы на тренировочные упражнения стоит смотреть после того, как задание полностью сделано;

4. При возникновении трудностей грамматического характера проанализируйте сначала, почему вы приняли решение дать именно такой ответ, далее посмотрите и попытайтесь понять ответы. Далее перечитайте правила и перепроверьте себя еще раз. Это поможет в дальнейшем не допустить повторения ошибок;

5. Используйте рефлексивный блок Now you know после прохождения юнита или при возникновении трудностей с лексикой. Отмечайте пункты, которые вы поняли и изучили, а также выписывайте и тренируйте новые слова дополнительно. Для этого можете использовать метод «карточек» (на одной стороне английское слово – на другой его перевод);

6. После прохождения всех юнитов сделайте итоговый тест. При возникновении сложностей с лексикой или грамматикой вернитесь в соответствующий юнит для повторения.

Unit 1. Computers

1. Answer the following questions:

– What devices do you use?

– What are the components of a hardware of your device?

– Do you want to change your device to the new one? Why?

2. Look at the picture and name the computer items that you see:

3.Read the text and match the headings with the paragraphs:

a. Hardware components

b. The difference between hardware and software

c. Types of computers

1) Nowadays there are three common computer types which people use widely: desktop personal computer (PC), laptop and tablet. PC is a very popular type for IT specialists who work in an office or at home DUE TO its monitor which is larger than monitors of other devices.

Desktop personal computers usually have the following hardware: monitor, keyboard, mouse, computer case, motherboard, fixed or removable storage drives, and power supply. ADDITIONALLY, they may contain modems or network interfaces. As all elements are separated, the user can create his own «ideal computer» by disassembling and changing inconvenient elements. The only disadvantage of a desktop computer is that it is quite big and heavy for transporting.

IN COMPARISON WITH PCs laptops are portable and have smaller components. Typical laptops have keyboard, display, and processor in one package. The monitor can be closed for screen and keyboard protection and safe transportation. Instead of a mouse, laptops have a touchpad which is located near a keyboard.

One more portable computer is a tablet. Tablets UNLIKE laptops use a touch screen or foldable keyboard and weigh even less than laptops. Some tablets especially graphic ones have a stylus – special pen to write or draw right on the screen.

2) Each electronic device consists of hardware and software which work together for greater performance. Computer hardware represents physical and tangible components of a computer or its analogue which can be seen and touched while software consists of programs and written instructions (code) that give commands to physical components.

3) Hardware is divided into two major groups: internal and external (peripheral) components. Internal components operate inside a computer, for example motherboard and RAM. External components can be categorized into output devices (for getting results) such as monitor and printer, and input devices (to provide instructions) for including information to the computer (mouse, keyboard) and external memory storage devices (CD, hard disk etc.). TO SUM UP WITH, computers need internal hardware components for the proper functioning ALTHOUGH external ones are attached to the computer to add functions.

4. Read the text once again and mark sentences True or False:

1. You can change any elements you want to in a desktop computer.

2. The only difference between PCs, laptops and tablets is their size.

3. Software perform better tasks with hardware.

4. Software consists of internal and peripheral components.

5. Output devices allow users to send data to the computer while input devices take information from the computer and present it on a screen.

6. External hardware components are those components which can be connected and disconnected.

5. Look at the linking words in bold in the text and write them into correct columns:

6. Connect the sentences using the phrases from ex.5 in one text:

Asus Rog Chakram X mouse has 11 buttons.

Rog mouse has a portable joystick which not everyone will use, it suits for people who can’t use flat mouses.

Gaming mouse costs a lot.

Asus Rog mouse is good for gaming.

Asus Marshmallow Mouse MD100 has only 3 buttons.

The flat Marshmallow mouse’s design isn’t for everyone but people can transport it easily.

Asus Marshmallow is suitable for office workers.

7. Match the sentences with their grammar structures:

8. Read the rules:

Present Simple

Pay attention:

When the verb ends in -ch, -ss, -sh or -x we add -es (watch – watchES)

When the verb ends in a consonant (согласная) + y → we change y into i and add -es (study – studies)

Exception: go – goes.

We use Present Simple:

– to talk about our daily routine and habits (I work remotely.);

– to talk about facts (Tablets use a touch screen.).

9. Rewrite the sentences in Present Simple:

a. I fix bugs – He _____ bugs.

b. You ask James – He _____ James.

c. They try to deploy it – My colleague _____ to deploy it.

d. All team members write reports – Lewis _____ a report.

e. They fly to Paris – She _____ to Paris.

f. These streamers play games – This streamer _____ games.

g. We watch a detective – Nana _____ a detective.

h. I study Spanish – He _____ Spanish.

10. Transform the sentences to the negative ones:

1) They travel every year. -> _____

2) I work all day. -> _____

3) Mary wears a uniform. -> _____

4) They are good friends. -> _____

5) Kevin is from England. -> _____

6) He agrees with you. -> _____

7) I’m 32. -> _____

8) We enjoy working here. -> _____

11. Read the text and put the verbs into Present Simple:

12. Correct mistakes:

1) Are you have two monitors at work?

2) She want to buy stylus.

3) They not know where it is.

4) Look! The design of this laptop am awesome!

5) He don’t like writing reports.

6) She is productive?

7) We all works together as a team.

8) There is a printer in your office?

9) Relax, you isn’t late.

10) John use it for making calls.

13. Form the questions in Present Simple and answer them:

Structure: question word (who/where/when…) + auxiliary verb (verb that shows grammar tense e.g. do/does) + subject (who does action) + main verb…?

Example: Where (question word) do (auxiliary verb) you (subject) go (main verb) to have lunch?

a. you/laptops or PCs/prefer?

b. when/start/you/a work day?

c. like/you/where/working?

d. your company/what equipment/new employees/provide to?

e. have/your keyboard/a touchpad?

f. you/what professional YouTube channels/follow?

14. Put the following components to the correct category according to the definitions of input and output components from the text:

15. Look at the pictures. Say what you see and what people use it for:

16. Read the message from your friend and write the reply in Present Simple using useful phrases from ex.5 and input/output components:

For your information: wanna=want to (slang)

Hi, can you please help me? I decided to create an account on a streaming platform, but, you know, my PC is really awful! So, I wanna assemble my own computer to have a nice sound, cool picture (of the game and me, of course) and all other needed devices for streaming games. Please, help me to create a to-buy list of things that I need. Thanks in advance!

Dmitry

_________________________________________________________

Now you know:

– computer types and its common input and output components;

– how to use Present Simple;

– useful phrases for adding, comparing, contrasting, concluding your ideas and for giving reasons.

 
Vocabulary:
 

Unit 2. Computer hardware

1. Answer the questions:

– What computer hardware do you know?

– What are the functions of computer hardware components?

2. Read the text and match the words with their translations:

Internal computer hardware components:

Computers need internal components to process and store data delivered by a program or operating system. The user can find them inside the computer case:

CPU – the processor, which CAN BE CALLED the brain of the computer. It performs the basic operations. Its productivity CAN BE DETERMINED BY the quantity of cores, clock speed, the amount of cache memory and the structure of information processing.

Motherboard – a central hub that serves to interconnect information flows between all hardware components

RAM (random access memory) – temporary memory processing in real time. The larger the memory size is, the faster PC will run. RAM data IS CLEARED after switching off the computer.

Hard drive/hard disk drive – physical storage device for permanent and temporary data.

SSD (solid-state drive) – a modern non-volatile solid-state drive that replaced HDD. Its goal is to store data safely even when the computer IS TURNED OFF.

Optic drive – drive that locates in an on-device drive bay. It enables the computer to interact with compact discs.

Heat sink – used for regulation of the temperature inside the computer to avoid overheating of its components.

Graphics processing unit/video card – chip-based device. It processes graphical data. It usually extends functions of the CPU to let the computer work with more complicated tasks.

NIC (network interface card) /network adapter/local are network adapter – circuit board used to connect to an Ethernet network.

USB port – interface that connects the computer with personal electronic devices.

Power supply – component that supplies power to the computer.

Chip – tiny wafer with an embedded electronic circuit. It contains a lot of microscopic electronic components (transistors) which transmit data signals.

3. Discuss the questions:

– How does clock speed affect computer’s performance?

– Why is it important to clean cache memory from time to time?

– What are some popular ways to store data on a PC?

– How do different hardware components work together? Provide some examples.

4. Study the following sentences from the text and choose if the structures in bold are active (объект выполняет действие) or passive (кто-то выполняет действие над объектом):

1) The processor CAN BE CALLED the brain of the computer. (active/passive)

2) The user CAN FIND them inside the computer case. (active/passive)

3) Computers NEED internal components. (active/passive)

4) Its productivity CAN BE DETERMINED BY the quantity of cores. (active/passive)

5) RAM data IS CLEARED after switching off the computer. (active/passive)

6) It CONTAINS a lot of microscopic electronic components. (active/passive)

7) Its goal is to store data safely even when the computer IS TURNED OFF. (active/passive)

5. Study the rules:

Passive Voice

Active Voice: They turn off the computer.

Они выключают компьютер.

Passive Voice: The computer is turned off by them.

Компьютер выключается ими.

Structure: ___+to be (in the correct form) +Ved/3 + by someone

Remember: we need to change subject and object. Plus, we need to change only the verb TO BE in grammar tenses. The main verb will always be in 3 form or with -ed ending.

We use Passive Voice:

– If a subject is a recipient of a verb’s action;

– If we don’t know who does an action or it doesn’t matter for us.

Passive Voice with modal verbs:

Active Voice: People can call the processor the brain of the computer.

Passive Voice: The processor can be called the brain of the computer by people.

6. Match the phrases in Active and Passive Voice:

7. Complete the description of the laptop with Passive Voice:

The model of the laptop is Titan GT77 – 12U. This laptop ______ (build) for gamers and creators. The main processing chip called Intel Core i9—12900HX processor that ______ (manufacture) by the Intel Corporation. It operates at a clock speed of 5.00 GHz and has 8 Performance-cores and 8 Efficient-cores. Electronics for driving the graphics output has a memory capacity of 8 GB. The laptop ______ (equip) with several sets of expansion memory slots for DDR5 memory. RAM ______ (can reach) up to 128 GB. A massive storage space ______ (can create) with the help of SSD slot – 8 TB. Lightning modes of keyboard and laptop ______ (switch) into various styles. A 17.3 inch, flat display screen ______ (make) with a resolution of 3840 by 2160.The operating system that ______ (use) to control the system – Windows 11.

8. Rewrite the sentences into Passive Voice:

1) John wrote this manual. (Past Simple)

2) I must check the installation process.

3) Do people make computers of steel?

4) They don’t open all programmes at once.

5) Our company doesn’t use this browser.

6) We turn on cameras for video conferences.

7) He didn’t change the battery. (Past Simple)

8) Do you upgrade it every week?

9) She shouldn’t mute him during meetings.

10) I buy a new phone once in two years.

9. Choose the correct grammar form (active or passive):

a. Simon chooses/is chosen a new motherboard.

b. The CPU cools/is cooled by a fan.

c. People usually use/are used the RAM to store data.

d. Special cases can protect/can be protected the internal components.

e. He invited/was invited to the teambuilding event by us.

f. Do you need to print/need to be printed images?

g. The power supply provides/is provided power to all of the computer components.

h. No, the hard drive doesn’t use/isn’t used to remove data. It stores/is stored it!

i. Cache should delete/should be deleted from time to time.

10. Match the following abbreviations with their meanings:

11. Suggest the appropriate types of computers for these people. Explain your choice and try to use Passive Voice constructions:

Example: I think that this laptop is suitable for a film lover because the laptop is connected with the TV, so it’s more comfortable to watch movies with the use of the bigger screen. Also, this laptop can be taken to any public places and transport due to its compact size. For watching films there is everything that is needed: display, keyboard, touchpad and a cable to connect the laptop to the TV.

– Systems administrator

– Designer

– Student

– Professional gamer/streamer

12. Study the information about the computer and describe it using the following questions:

– What is the memory size of the computer?

– How fast is the CPU?

– What is the capacity of the hard drive and SSD?

– Which operation system does it use?

– What multimedia features does it have?

– What can this computer be used for? Why?

Now you know:

– components of computer hardware;

– how to use Passive Voice.

Vocabulary:

Unit 3. Network hardware

1. Divide the following advantages and disadvantages of network hardware and express your opinion about each point:

1. Requires electricity to function, which can be unreliable in some places.

2. Helps you connect to the Internet and share data

3. Provides access to a lot of information and resources

4. May require technical expertise to troubleshoot problems

5. Makes it possible for multiple devices to work together

6. Allows you to work from home or other remote locations

7. Can slow down if there are too many users

8. Can make your work faster and more efficient

9. Can be expensive to set up and maintain

10. Needs to be protected from hackers and viruses

Advantages:______________________________________________

Disadvantages:___________________________________________

Phrases to express your opinion:

In my opinion…

As I see it…

Personally I think that…

My point of view is that…

2. Read the text and put the missing words:

In this article we are going to have a look at the main 1.______. They are crucial to know for systems administrators:

2.______. It is designed to organize a WI-Fi network and connect to the Internet (from LAN to WAN). Having one Internet connection point (one cable) you can connect a large number of devices. Try to differentiate this device and a WI-FI adapter. A Wi-Fi adapter is small and it connects a computer to a WI-FI network. A ______, in this case, is a more complex device that not only receives and transmits data, but also manages the network.

3.______. It is designed to connect several elements of computer equipment into one network. A device of this type has a simplier structure than a router. When devices are connected to the same network, the ______ compiles a switching table into which it writes the port number and MAC address of each network element. This ensures that data is transmitted strictly from one user to another. They differ only in the number of input ports and bandwidth. Some of them can be equipped with wireless communication modules.

4.______. This device usually has one port for connecting an external cable (for incoming traffic). The point works in several modes:

a.5.______ – the point accepts external connections to combine them into one wireless network through a Wi-Fi adapter.

b.6.______ – the point works to unite physically remote LAN networks into one network to avoid unnecessary data transfers if the receiving device is not there.

c.7.______ – the point acts as a transceiver or repeater. A weak signal that comes from another similar point is received, amplified and transmitted further to the addressee.

8.______. Cables provide signal transmission to connect different devices on a network.

9.______. NIC are usually built into a motherboard (or can be added externally) to provide information transfer between network computers.

10.______. This hardware or software device prevent attacks of hackers by blocking unauthorized connections made to a computer or LAN.

3. Look at the scheme and write the names of network hardware in the gaps:

4. Match the words from the text with their definitions:

5. Complete the sentences with the words from ex.4:

1.You can _____ network-manager package on Ubuntu easily with several commands.

2.On Windows OS you need a network adapter to connect to the Internet through a _____ or wireless _____.

3.HTTP is the protocol used to indicate how _____ are not only defined, but also _____.

4.Remember to switch the _____ on when you go on vacations.

5.Use these options to _____ and disable optional codecs.

6.The ability to guarantee the functional correctness of digital integrated circuits is the main task in the production of _____ and _____ systems.

7.Antivirus can _____ the installation of some applications.

8._____ headphones are connected via Bluetooth.

6. Put the phrases from the dialogue into correct order and answer the questions:

Beginning of the dialogue:

– Hello, I have a problem with my WI-FI router.

– Good afternoon, could you please describe your problem in details?

1) -Yes, I switched it off, unplugged all cables and then plugged in and turned on. It didn’t help.

– Ok. Let’s check your cables first and if it still doesn’t work, we will check all necessary settings: one cable, which should be connected to your computer, must be in LAN connector, the other one from our provider in WAN.

2) -Yes, please, today I tried to connect my router to the Internet but it is written «without Internet access».

– Have you already rebooted it?

3) -No, I appreciate your help, bye!

– Have a nice day, goodbye.

4) -It works! Thank you so much!

– Not at all, is there anything else I can help you with?

5) -Let me check it… Oh, does this WAN connector has a white colour?

– No, it’s a grey one, on the right side.

6) -How can I check the speed of the Internet?

– Open your browser, type «speed test» and click on the first website. Then press «start» and you will see your speed.

7) -One moment please… Yes, now everything is correct.

– Ok. Turn on your router once again and tell me if the connection appears or not.

8) -Ok, I’ll do it. Thanks!

– May I assist you with anything further?

– What was the problem?

– How was it solved?

– Have you ever had any problems with the Internet access in your company? What did you do?

7. Look at the pictures and match them with the types of network:

WAN

LAN PAN

MAN

8. Answer the questions:

– What do LAN/WAN/MAN/PAN mean?

– What are the differences between LAN and WAN?

– What are the advantages and disadvantages of using WAN?

– Can you characterize PAN?

9. Look at the statements from the dialogue and complete the rules:

a) Turn on your router once again and tell me if the connection appears or not.

b) Open your browser, type «speed test» and click on the first website.

c) Then press «start» and you will see your speed.

Imperative (повелительное наклонение):

We use the imperative to 1.______.

In positive sentence we write 2._____ form of the verb.

In negative sentence we write 3._____ before the verb.

1.a. make an offer

b. talk about abilities

c. give instructions and orders

2.a. base

b. -ing

c. second

3.a. doesn’t

b. don’t

c. didn’t

10. Complete the instruction opening the brackets:

How to upgrade Ubuntu to 23.04

_____ (to open) the «Terminal» application.

_____ (to fetch) update software list by running the sudo apt-get update command

_____ (to type) in the command «sudo apt dist-upgrade» and _____ (to press) enter

_____ (to install) update-manager-core package.

Then _____ (to upgrade) distro and _____ (to run) the command «sudo do-release-upgrade» until you get Ubuntu 23.04 version

_____ (not to switch off) your computer while updating.

_____ (not to click) on anything while updating.

Once the update is complete, _____ (to reboot) your computer to finish the process.

11. Write an instruction on how to upgrade Microsoft OS using the words below:

_________________________________________________________________

Useful words:

to switch on/switch off = to turn on/turn off – включить/выключить

to back up – сделать резервное копирование

to type in – напечатать в…

to press – нажать (кнопку)

to click on – кликнуть на…

to reboot – перезагрузить

to head into – проследовать в…

to install – установить

Now you know:

– different types of network;

– how to express your opinion;

– how to give instructions.

Vocabulary: