ENG101 Final Term Highlighted Notes

Lesson -19

Reading: Scanning and Language Functions

In today’s lesson, you are going to read about types of memory to be found in a computer. We will follow the usual pattern of reading followed by comprehension exercises, scanning for information, vocabulary and content review exercises. This will be followed by exercises on how language functions operate in English.

Types of memory

[1] As mentioned previously, one of the most important characteristics of a computer is its capability of storing information in its memory long enough to process it. Not all computers have the same type of memory. In this section, three types of memory will be discussed: core memory, semiconductor memory (or chip), and bubble memory.

[2] The memory of the first computers was made up of a kind of grid of fine vertical and horizontal wires. At each intersection where the wires crossed, there was a small ferrite ring called a core (hence the name ‘core memory’) which was capable of being either magnetized or demagnetized. Every intersection had its unique address; consequently, when an electrical current was passed through the wires, the magnetized as well as the unmagnetized cores were identified by their respective addresses.

(2a] Each core represented a binary digit of either 0 or 1, depending on its state. Early computers had a capacity of around 80,000 bits; whereas now, it is not surprising to hear about computers with a memory capacity of millions of bits. This has been made possible by the advent of transistors and by the advances in the manufacture of miniaturized circuitry. As a result, mainframes have been reduced in both size and cost. Throughout the 1950s, 1960s and up to the mid-1970s, core memory dominated the market.

[3] In the 1970s, there was a further development which revolutionized the computer field. This was the ability to etch thousands of integrated circuits onto a tiny piece (chip) of silicon, which is a non-metallic element with semiconductor characteristics. Chips have thousands of identical circuits, each one capable of storing one bit because of the very small size of the chip, and consequently of the circuits etched on it, faster.

[3a] Moreover, the size of the components containing the circuitry can be considerably reduced, a step which has led to the introduction of both minis and micros. As a result, computers have become smaller, faster, and cheaper. There is one problem with semiconductor memory, however: when power is removed, information in the memory is lost-unlike core memory, which is capable of retaining information during a power failure. 4] Another development in the field of computer memories is bubble memory. The concept consists of creating a thin film of metallic alloys over the memory board. When this film is magnetized, it produces magnetic bubbles, the presence or absence of which represents one bit of information. These bubbles are extremely tiny, about 0.1 micrometers in diameter.

[4a] Therefore, a magnetic bubble memory can store information at a greater density than existing memories, which makes it suitable for micros. Bubble memories are not expensive; consume little power, small in size, and highly reliable. There is probably a lot more to learn about them, and research in this field continues.

1. Main Idea

Which statement does not express the main idea of the text?

1. Core memory was the first type of computer memory developed.
2. There are at least three different kinds of memory used in computers.
3. Bubble memory is the latest development in computer memory.

2. Understanding the Passage

Decide whether the following statements are true or false (T/F) by referring to the information in the text. Then make the necessary changes so that the false statements become true.

1. The most important function of a computer is to hold information in its memory in order to process it. T
2. Minicomputers, microcomputers, and mainframes all have the same kind of memory. T
3. Semiconductor memory was developed before core memory and after bubble memory. F
4. Core memory uses small metal rings which can be magnetized or unmagnetized. T
5. The state of the core can be represented by either 0 or 1. T
6. Early computer memories had less storage capacity than newer ones. T
7. A transistor and a chip are the same kind of device. T
8. The development of chips makes it possible for minicomputers and microcomputers to be invented. T
9. Bubble memory is smaller than a chip. T
10. Bubble memory doesn’t have very many advantages. F

3. Locating Information

Find the passages in the text where the following ideas are expressed. Give the line references. ……p1… .... 1. First there is core memory. ……p3… .... 2. Further to this development, chips evolved. ……p1… .... 3. There are three types of memory board. ……p3… .... 4. This consists of producing a thin film over a memory board. ……p4… .... 5. Then semiconductor memory was developed. ……p4… .... 6 There is still a lot to learn about this process. ……p2… .... 7. This is made up of thin wires and rings. ……p4… .... 8. Finally, bubble memory was invented.

4. Contextual Reference

Look back at the text and find out what the words in bold typeface refer to.

1. Long enough to process it (1.3)……….
2. Where the wires crossed (1.7)……….
3. Which was capable of being (1.9)……….
4. By their receptive addresses (1.12)……...
5. This has been made possible (1.6)………
6. Which revolutionized the computer field (1.21)……….
7. Each one capable of storing one bit (1.25)……….
8. Of the circuits etched on it (1.26)……….
9. It produces magnetic bubbles (1.37)……...
10. Of which represents one bit (1.38)……….

5. Understanding Words

Refer back to the text and find synonyms for the following words.

1. Said (1.1)…………mentioned...
2. Own (1.2)… .............. respective…
3. Progress (1.17)…………...advances….
4. Keeping (1.33)…………...retaining….
5. Appropriate (1.42)…………...suitable…..

Now refer back to the text and find antonyms for the following words.

6. Neither … nor (1.1)…………...either or…..
7. Bypassed (1.2)…………...passed through……
8. Increased (1.17)…………...reduced…..
9. Not producing (1.33)…………...creating…..
10. Don’t use up (1.42)… .............. consume…

6. Words Forms

First choose the appropriate form of the words to complete the sentences. Then check the differences of meaning in your dictionary.

Q1. Alteration, alter, altered

1. When a program doesn’t work properly, it is often necessary to make…alteration… to it.
2. The omission of data from a program can……alter… .... its results drastically.
3. The use of the computer in business has……altered… the workload of many people.