3.1. How would you describe what computer software is to someone who knows nothing about computers? Work in pairs or small groups.
Now read the description below. Do you like it? Why/Why not?
Software is like a recipe. It contains a list of ingredients (called variables) and a list of directions (called statements) that tell the computer what to do with the variables. The variables can represent numeric data, text, or graphical images.
recipe ['resəpɪ] (n) рецепт (тж. кулинарный)
ingredient [ɪn'ɡri:dɪənt] (n) составная часть, ингредиент
variable ['veərɪəbl] (n) переменная (величина)
statement ['steɪtmənt] (n) формулировка
3.2. Read the text and try to describe computer software using the key vocabulary in bold type.
Computer software is a general term that describes computer programs. Such terms as software programs, applications, scripts, and instruction sets all fall under the category of computer software. Therefore, installing new programs or applications on your computer is synonymous with installing new software on your computer.
Software can be difficult to describe because it is "virtual." It consists of lines of code written by computer programmers that have been compiled into a computer program. Software programs are stored as binary data that is copied to a computer's hard drive, when it is installed. Since software is virtual and does not take up any physical space, it is much easier (and often cheaper) to upgrade than computer hardware.
While at its most basic level, software consists of binary data, CD-ROMs, DVDs, and other types of media that are used to distribute software can also be called software. Therefore, when you buy a software program, it often comes on a disc, which is a physical means of storing the software.
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3.3. Fill in the gaps with the terms from the box
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