to contribute [kənˈtrɪbjuːt]-  способствовать

to enable [ɪˈneɪbl]- позволять
 
tremendous [trɪˈmendəs]- 
огромный 
to execute [ˈeksɪkjuːt]- выполнять, 
исполнять
 
apart from [əˈpɑːt frɒm]- 
помимо, кроме 
to guide [gaɪd]- направлять
 
diminishing [dɪˈmɪnɪʃɪŋ]- 
уменьшающийся 
 
1. Read and translate the text: 
Many people have or will have had some experience of «conversing» with 
computers. They may have their own micro-computer, they may use a terminal 
from the main company at work or they may have a television set with a view data 
facility. Those who do not have this experience may observe the staff at, for 
example, an airline check-in or a local bank branch office sitting at their desks, 
pressing keys on a typewriter like a keyboard and reading information presented on 
a television type screen. In such a situation the check-in clerk or the branch cashier 
is using the computer to obtain information (e.g. to find out if a seat is booked) or 
to amend information (e.g. to change a customer’s name and address). 
The word computer conjures up different images and thoughts in people’s mind 
depending upon their experiences. Some view computers as powerful, intelligent 
machines that can maintain a ‘big brother’ watch over everyone. Others are 
staggered and fascinated by the marvels achieved by the space programs of the 
superpowers, where computers play an important part. 
Numerous factories use computers to control machines that make products. A 
computer turns the machines on and off and adjusts their operations when 
necessary. Without computers, it would be impossible for engineers to perform the 
enormous number of calculations needed to solve many advanced technological 
problems. Computers help in the building of spacecraft, and they assist flight 
engineers in launching, controlling and tracking the vehicles. Computers also are 
used to develop equipment for exploring the moon and planets. They enable 
architectural and civil engineers to design complicated bridges and other structures 
with relative ease. 
Computers have been of tremendous help to researchers in the biological, physical 
and social sciences. Chemists and physicists rely on computers to control and 
check sensitive laboratory instruments and to analyze experimental data. 
Astronomers use computers to guide telescopes and to process photographic 
images of planets and other objects in space. 
Computers can be used to compose music, write poems and produce drawings and 
paintings. A work generated by a computer may resemble that a certain artist in 
birth style and form, or it may appear abstract or random. Computers are also used 

in the study of the fine arts, particularly, literature. They have also been 
programmed to help scholars identify paintings and sculptures from ancient 
civilizations. 
But computers do not have intelligence in the way humans do. They cannot think 
for themselves. What they are good at is carrying out arithmetical operations and 
making logical decisions at phenomenally fast speed. But they only do what 
humans program gives them to do. 
Apart from the speed at which computers execute instruction, two developments in 
particular have contributed to the growth in the use of computers – efficient storage 
of large amounts of data and diminishing cost. Today, computers can store huge 
amount of information on magnetic media and any item of this information can be 
obtained in a few milliseconds and displayed or printed for the user. 

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