Infotech - English for Computer Users
Internet2 - The next step
A. Read the headings and the text. Then match them to the paragraphs.
• Partners for change
• Trials and challenges
• A new project
• Future plans
• Speed, security, service
1
Internet2 is a collaborative project between universities, government agencies and industry
partners in the USA. It aims to create advanced Internet applications for academic
research, distance learning and education. The I2 project was developed by the University
Corporation for Advanced Internet Development (UCAID) in October 1996.
2
There are three major challenges facing Internet2:
• to establish an advanced communications infrastructure for the US research and
education community
• to develop new applications, such as digital libraries, telemedicine and virtual
laboratories, allowing participants to send big packets of data and video at high speed.
For example, teachers and students can view and consult during real-time medical
operations, scientists can collaborate in virtual meetings etc
• to transfer the new network capabilities to all levels of education and to the rest of the
Internet.
3
The I2 project is made up of three main categories of members: universities, non-profit
organizations and corporate partners, ie sponsors and industries interested in investing in
the project.
4
Internet2 is working together with advanced networks such as the high-speed Backbone
Network Service developed by MCI/Worldcom, and the Next Generation Internet, which is
being built by US federal agencies. It runs on a new fibre-optic backbone called Abilene,

which operates at speeds of up to 2.4 gigabits (1,024 megabits) per second. Internet2 uses
Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) instead of the current IPv4. This new protocol uses the
Quality of Service (QoS) technology, which allows users to send data with guaranteed
delivery - on time and intact.
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Infotech - English for Computer Users
5
Internet 2 and its fast backbones are not available to the general public yet, and its physical
structure is not intended to replace the global Internet. But the plan for the future is to
integrate the new technology with the public Internet and to make it available to everyone.
B. Fill in the gaps in these sentences using the passive forms of the verbs in the box.
provide develop use call send deliver
1. The new national backbone Abilene.
2. The Internet2 project by UCAID in October 1996.
3. Funds and grants for research by non-profit organizations like the
National Science Foundation.
4. One objective of Internet2 is to develop new technologies that can in
the global Internet.
5. Huge packets of data and video at high speed.
6. In the future it’s likely that all media (TV, web content, email, etc.)
over Internet2.
C. Refer to the text to find the term for these definitions.
In paragraph 1
• investigation undertaken to discover new facts
In paragraph 2
• technology that provides high-quality information to doctors over long distances
In paragraph 4:
• glass material that guides light impulses at high frequencies
• high-speed data highways that connect other networks
• 1,024 megabits

• specification that describes how computers will talk to each other on a network
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Infotech - English for Computer Users
Answer key
A
1. A new project
2. Trials and challenges
3. Partners for change
4. Speed, security, service
5. Future plans
B
1. is called
2. was developed
3. are provided
4. be used
5. are sent
6. will be delivered
C
In paragraph 1: research
In paragraph 2: telemedicine
In paragraph 4: fibre-optic; backbone; gigabit; protocol
Innovations - Windows 2000
A. Read the text and match a heading to a paragraph.
a. Ready for the Internet
b. Fast, secure and reliable
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Infotech - English for Computer Users
c. What’s Windows 2000?
d. Built-in support for new devices
e. Easy to use

1
Microsoft Windows® 2000 is the operating system for the next generation of PCs. It
offers a user-friendly interface, NT technology, integrated web capabilities, and support
for mobile computers and new devices. There are two main Windows systems: Windows
2000 Professional for desktops and laptops, and Windows 2000 Server family for
networks, web servers and high-performance workstations.
2
Windows 2000 includes a built-in safeguard called Windows File Protection, which
prevents core system files from being deleted or changed by users or applications. If a
system file is altered, this feature repairs that file avoiding many system crashing found in
previous versions.
Windows 2000 is 25 percent faster than Windows 9x on systems with 64 MB and lets you
run more programs and do more tasks at the same time than previous versions. It protects
your hard drive by using encryption and decryption systems. It also supports Kerberos, an
Internet standard which protects corporate networks or intranets.
3
The graphical user interface has been improved. You can personalise the Start menu and
display applications you use most often. You can use step-by-step wizards for numerous
tasks. The Hardware Wizard lets users add and configure peripherals. The Network
Connection Wizard helps you connect to networks. The Microsoft Installer helps you
install, configure and upgrade software easily.
With IntelliMirror Technology, based on Active Directory service, desktop administrators
can easily manage and back up user’s data.
4
With Internet Explorer integrated into the desktop, Windows 2000 allows you to search
files and folders on your PC, find pages on your company intranet or surf the web. Internet
Explorer automatically corrects mistakes on common URL conventions such as http, .com
and .org. It also lets you download complete web pages with graphics for viewing off-line.
NetMeeting video-conferencing software enables participants to talk to and see each other,
share programs and ideas. It supports Dynamic HTML and Extensible Markup Language

(XML) which help programmers create new ways of exchanging and displaying
information.
5
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It supports the latest technologies, from digital cameras and music players to USB devices.
USB (Universal Serial Bus) lets you easily connect and remove peripherals without
configuring or rebooting your PC. It also offers support for storage devices such as DVD
and Device Bay.
Mobile users can share files between wireless devices (laptops or desktop PCs) through
the IrDA (Infrared Data Association) protocol.
B. Read the text again and find:
1. the tool that protects important system files.
2. the protocol adopted for network authentication and security.
3. the web browser included with the operating system.
4. the Internet tool used to do video-conferencing.
5. the component that allows you to add and remove hardware devices without restarting
the computer.
6. A popular infrared protocol used in wireless communication.
C. Vocabulary search. Find the words in the text that correspond to the following:
Paragraph 1
1. pieces of hardware
2. portable computers
Paragraph 2
3. characteristic
4. internal corporate networks
Paragraph 3
5. set up a system in a particular way
6. improve a piece of software
Paragraph 4

7. browse (the web)
8. web address
Paragraph 5
9. restarting the computer
10. without cables
KEY
A.
1. What’s Windows 2000?
2. Fast, secure and reliable
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Infotech - English for Computer Users
3. Easy to use
4. Ready for the Internet
5. Built-in support for new devices
B.
1. A built-in safeguard called Windows File Protection
2. Kerberos
3. Internet Explorer
4. NetMeeting
5. USB (Universal Serial Bus
6. The IrDA (Infrared Data Association) protocol.

C.
1. devices
2. laptops
3. feature
4. intranets
5. configure
6. upgrade
7. surf (the web)

8. URL
9. rebooting
10. wireless
Speech-recognition
A . Tick (v) the features mentioned in the article.
— Activate menus by saying the words on the screen
— Execute applications by voice
— Manage databases
— Configure multiple voice profiles
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Infotech - English for Computer Users
— Read documents to you using a text-to-speech system.
— Surf the web by speaking
— Create and compile a computer program
— Take dictation with accuracy
— Design graphics
— Accept spoken commands
Speech-recognition
Mobile phones and the Internet have changed the way we communicate. However, we still
need to use the keyboard and the mouse to communicate with computers. When shall we be
able to interact with PCs by voice? Speech recognition systems can make this possible soon;
in fact, speech companies claim that their programs let you dictate, control your PC by voice
command, and convert text into speech.
The most popular voice recognition packages are IBM ViaVoice, Dragon NaturallySpeaking,
and L&H Voice Xpress. If you decide to buy one speech program, look for these features:
1. All the programs let you dictate text directly onto your word processor, spreadsheet or e-
mail. They claim an accuracy rate of around 98 percent. The technology is particularly
useful to dictate notes, business memos, letters and e- mail.
2. Speech programs are usually more accurate if you train the software by reading aloud for
about 20 minutes. This process involves reading sample text and teaching the program to

recognize words that are not in its built-in dictionary (e.g. proper names, acronyms, unusual
words). Most products let multiple users personalise their vocabulary and pronunciation.
3. They offer useful voice commands for editing and formatting (e.g. setting font size and
style, text alignment etc.). However, it’s a bit difficult to make corrections by voice; using
the keyboard may be faster and more accurate.
4. Speech software allows you to use commands to launch programs or to navigate around
windows and menus. You can also tell your programs to open a file, save it in a particular
format or print it.
5. Some systems let you search the Web by voice. The Web version of IBM ViaVoice
enables chat room users to chat using their voices rather than keyboards. Dragon Aturally
Speaking lets you browse the Web by speaking URLs and links, and dictate into online forms
and fields in Microsoft Internet Explorer.
Speech recognition requires a powerful processor (500 MHz Pentium recommended), 64 MB
of RAM, a good sound card, and a high-quality headset microphone.
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Infotech - English for Computer Users
Speech recognition technology has improved a lot and its potential is enormous, but some
experts consider that it is not ready for common use yet. Some day, however, we’ll be
talking to our PC naturally, like a friend.
Speech recognition program from Dragon Systems, Inc.
B. Language work - Modal verbs. With the help of the text, fill in the gaps in these
sentences. Use the correct modal verb from the list.
can (ability) must (necessity) should (advice)
could (possibility) will (prediction) would (in hypothetical conditions)
1. With many voice-recognition programs, the user first train the software to
recognise individual pronunciations.
2. You dictate into the program’s text screen, or you dictate
directly into any Windows application.
3. If you intend to do a lot of dictation, you get a high-quality headset
microphone.

4. Speech-recognition software help children with special educational needs.
5. In a few years’ time, everyone use voice commands to interact with
computers.
6. If I could afford it, I buy a new PC and a speech-recognition package.
KEY
A. Features mentioned in the text:
v Activate menus by saying the words on the screen
v Execute applications by voice
v Configure multiple voice profiles
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v Read documents to you using a text-to-speech system.
v Surf the Web by speaking
v Take dictation with accuracy
v Accept spoken commands
B.
1. must
2. can
3. should
4. could
5. will
6 would
What is next?
Power and speed for PCs and the Internet
PCs have broken the barrier of 1 GHz, the DVD is included in most PCs, MP3 has become
the standard to compress digital music on the Net; and CD-ROM players with MP3 music
are available for the car.
New portals and free services are changing the face of the Internet. Thousands of webcams
offer us live views of our planet, from fascinating landscapes and monuments to shopping
centres and busy streets of big cities. Conventional modems are being replaced by ISDN,

ADSL and satellite connections. ADSL is a form of Digital Subscriber Line that carries
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Infotech - English for Computer Users
data, voice, and MPEG2 video. Its downstream data flow is between 1.5 and 9 megabits
per second, so music and pictures will be downloaded in the blink of an eye.
New palmtops – the office in your pocket
Hand-held PCs come with Microsoft Pocket Office pre-installed, so you can write your
project while taking the train or make calculations in the plane. They are also equipped
with software to handle e-mail and surf the Web. You can hear popular MP3 music or
record your ideas through its built-in voice recorder. Once at home you can synchronise
data with your desktop PC.
Mobile phones – the future of mobile computing
Not long ago, mobile phones could just transmit voice and SMS messages. Now they can
display Internet information thanks to the Wireless Application Protocol or WAP. On
these Web-enabled phones you can read information such as stock prices, weather,
business news and sports news.
Some hybrid models combine a phone with a PDA. They look like a regular phone with a
dialpad and a small screen on its front. But if you flip up the front cover you find a larger
screen that is touch-sensitive. Some include a virtual keyboard which pops up when you
want to enter email text or a WAP address.
But the future is called “third-generation” (3G) mobiles. They will transmit a caller’s
picture and voice simultaneously. From 2001 UMTS mobile phones will deliver users
information, e-commerce, games and videoconferencing via fixed, wireless and satellite
networks.
Wearable computers, aren’t they chic?
Can you imagine wearing a PC on your belt and getting e-mail on your eyeglasses?
This may sound science-fiction, but the trend is very real. Charmed Technology and other
companies are using fashion shows to exhibit their innovative products.
Wearable computers are battery-powered systems worn on the user’s body - on a belt,
backpack or vest. They’re designed for mobile or hands-free operations, often

incorporating a microphone and a head-mounted display for viewing Internet sites.
Users of wearable technology consider themselves “cyborgs”. This term comes from
“cybernetic organism”, referring to a being that is part robot, part human.
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Infotech - English for Computer Users
Wearable computer from Charmed Technology, Inc.
GLOSSARY
GHz Gigahertz, equivalent to one thousand megahertz
ISDN Integrated Services Digital Network which provides speeds of roughly 128,000
bits-per-second.
ADSL Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. Typically the upstream data flow is between
16 and 640 kilobits per second while the downstream data flow is between 1.5 and 9
megabits per second .ADSL also provides a voice channel.
MPEG Moving Pictures Experts’ Group, a standard for compressing and decompressing
images
PDA Personal Digital Assistant which includes an address book, a calendar, Internet
access, etc.
SMS Short Message Service which allows you to send short text messages with maximum
160 characters to GSM mobile phones worldwide. GSM is the Global System for mobile
Communication that allows transmission of voice and data on mobile phones.
UMTS Universal Mobile Telecommunications System, used by 3G mobile phones
A . Read the texts and select the right choice.
1. One GHz is equivalent to
a) 100 MHz
b) 1,000 MHz
2. ADSL lets you
a) have quick, easy access to the Internet.
b) compress digital music.
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Infotech - English for Computer Users

3. A “palmtop” is the same as
a) a hand-held computer.
b) a laptop.
4. According to the text, WAP is
a) a hardware device that connects mobile phones to the Internet.
b) a protocol that enables mobile phones to access Internet information.
5. 3G mobile phones
a) will not support audio and video formats.
b) will handle multiple data types including voice and video.
6. Charmed Technology, Inc.
a) is trying to bring wearable computers into fashion.
b) produces laptops.
7. A “cyborg”
a) looks like being half machine, half human.
b) rejects wireless technology.
B. Language work: Compound adjectives.
A compound adjective is made up of two parts and usually describes appearance. The
second part is frequently a past participle.
e.g. blue-eyed girl = a girl who has got blue eyes.
voice-activated device = device which is activated by voice
sugar-free product = a product that uses no sugar
Find the following noun phrases in the text and explain their meaning as in the
examples.
hand-held PC
web-enabled phone
battery-powered systems
hands-free operations
head-mounted display
ANSWER KEY
A .

1. b 2. a 3. a 4. b 5. b 6. a 7. a
B. Language work: Compound adjectives.
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Infotech - English for Computer Users
hand-held PC = a PC which is small enough to be held in the user’s hand
web-enabled phone = a phone that enables you to access the Web
battery-powered systems = systems that run on batteries
hands-free operations = operations that you make without using your hands
head-mounted display = a display which is mounted on the head
The look of screens to come
A. Read the text and then decide whether the sentences below are true or false. (Don’t worry
if you don’t know the abbreviations, they’re explained later.)
Have you noticed how much your computer screen flickers? This may be because your computer
monitor uses CRT technology. This kind of technology offers colour and high-resolution pictures for
relatively little money but the monitors are large, use a lot of energy, can flicker and emit
electromagnetic radiation.
In recent years flat screens have become increasingly popular. Users talk of benefits such as more
desk space, how easy they are to adjust for tilt and height, crisper, clearer images and the total
elimination of screen flicker. It’s like having a different PC, they say, a new window on the world.
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Infotech - English for Computer Users
Most flat screens are based on LCD technology which has a lot of benefits over CRT technology.
Among them:
• LCDs are inherently flat, CRT monitors are not, so LCDs require much less space
• LCDs use less power than CRTs
• LCDs are distortion-free while typical CRTs are curved, which may cause image distortion
• most LCD displays use a TFT system offering a wider angle of vision and high-quality images.
But there is one major drawback to flat screens: their cost. They are expensive compared with CRT
monitors. Prices are falling, however, and they’ll soon find their way into homes, schools and
businesses.

Monitor manufacturers like Philips, Apple, Sharp or Panasonic offer compatible flat screens
including built-in stereo speakers, headphone connection, and a USB port. Some models can also
be removed from the stand and mounted on the wall. They come with stylish designs for a variety of
applications. LCDs range from small-size PC screens and TVs to large-screen projectors.
Now decide whether these statements are true or false. Correct those which are false.
1. Most computers still use CRT monitors.
2. Typical CRT-based displays occupy less space than LCD displays.
3. Liquid-crystal displays are curved.
4. Flat LCD screens are becoming very popular.
5. LCD technology consumes less power than CRT technology.
6. Flat screens are cheaper than CRT monitors.
7. Users of flat-screen monitors can’t adjust the angle of vision.
B. Find the abbreviations in the text. Do you know what they stand for?
CRT = ………………………………
LCD = ………………………………
TV = ………………………………
PC = ………………………………
TFT = ………………………………
USB = ………………………………
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Infotech - English for Computer Users
Answer key
A
1. True
2. False. Typical CRT-based displays occupy more space than LCD displays.
3. False. Liquid-crystal displays are flat; CRTs are curved.
4. True
5. True
6. False. Flat screens are more expensive than CRT monitors.
7. False. A flat screen monitor is easy to adjust for tilt and height.

B
Cathode-ray tube, a picture tube used by PC monitor s and TV sets.
Liquid-crystal Display
Television
Personal Computer
Thin Film Transistor, a technology that allows for clear and stable images.
Universal Serial Bus, an interface that lets you plug-and-play a lot of peripherals easily.
Music for an electronic generation.
A. Read the text and then try to answer the questions below.
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Infotech - English for Computer Users
MP3 technology has revolutionized the music industry. It’s a standard format that
compresses audio files enabling you to transmit them over the Net much more easily. This
also makes them easier to download, attach to an email or store on disk. It means you can
listen to music at high-quality sound for little or no cost.
A couple of ways in which you might use MP3 files are:
• to expand and play MP3 music files. To do this you need an MP3 player, which you can
download from the Internet. Two popular choices are Winamp (from Nullsoft) and
RealJukebox (from RealNetworks). They support streaming MP3 music, which lets you
play a file while it’s downloading
• to create your own MP3 files from your CDs. You can do this using a CD ripper, a
program that extracts music tracks and saves them on disk. Then using an encoder
they’re converted into the MP3 format. A program like MusicMatch has all that you need
to turn CD tracks straight into MP3 song files.
To find MP3 music titles on the Web you need an MP3 search engine, or you can visit
music portal sites like MP3.com and Emusic.com.
There are, of course, minimum specifications for this software. You’ll need at least a
Pentium or PowerPC, 64 MB of RAM, a 10-bit sound card, and stereo speakers. A portable
MP3 player lets you listen to MP3 files anywhere. For example, Diamond’s Rio portable
player allows you to transfer MP3 music from your PC to its built-in RAM through your PC’s

parallel port. It looks like a little personal stereo and runs on batteries. There are also MP3
portable players for the car.
There is, however, a growing problem with MP3 music files as a lot of them are pirated and
offered free on illegal websites. Big record companies stand to lose millions of dollars as
music is transmitted free of charge provoking a fierce reaction from them. Now, the
Recording Industry Association of America has decided to create a new compression
standard called SDMI (Secure Digital Music Initiative) to protect digital music from piracy.
Glossary
MPEG a popular file format for audio and video compression developed by the Moving
Picture Experts Group
How much did you understand? Now try these questions.
1 What is MP3?
2 Why is MP3 technology so popular?
3 What software do you need to expand and play MP3 music files?
4 What is streaming audio?
5 How can you make your own MP3s?
6 Why are music companies so angry about the MP3 format?
7 What is the objective of the Secure Digital Music Initiative?
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Infotech - English for Computer Users
B. Match each word on the left (1-8) with its partner on the right (a-h) to make a
common technical term.
1 compression A speaker
2 sound B company
3 web C engine
4 record D attachment
5 search E site
6 stereo F protection
7 e-mail G format
8 copyright H card

C. Which verbs on the left are frequently found with nouns on the right?
to download CDs
to play the Web
to install files
to compose software
to browse data
to process music
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Answer key
A
1. MP3 is a standard format that compresses audio files for easy transmission over the Net. It is
short for MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3.
2. Because it offers high compression (files are compressed by a factor of 12), and high-quality
sound for little or not cost.
3. An MP3 player.
4. Streaming audio lets you play music directly over the Web (you don’t have to wait until the whole
file is downloaded).
5. By using a CD ripper (which extracts music tracks from the CD) and an encoder (which turns
them into MP3 format).
6. Because a lot of MP3 files are offered free of charge on illegal sites, and this represents a threat
for their business.
7. To protect digital music from piracy.
B
1. compression format
2. sound card
3. web site or website
4. record company
5. search engine
6. stereo speaker

7. e-mail attachment
8. copyright protection
C
1. to download files
2. to play CDs
3. to install software
4. to browse the Web
5. to compose music
6. to process data
The methods of mailing lists
A. How much do you know about mailing lists? Try to fill in the missing
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Infotech - English for Computer Users
words. Then read the text more carefully.
1. A is a discussion forum where participants subscribe to
a list and receive messages via e-mail.
2. In a discussion list you receive the messages directly into
your
In a newsgroup, however, you read the articles that are stored in
one
3. To receive messages from a mailing list, first you need
to to it.
4. Some lists may be to certain professionals, requiring
specific qualifications to join them.
5. Each list has two addresses: (i) , and
(ii) .
6. Mailing lists usually have a FAQ file. FAQ is an acronym
for .
Text:
What is a mailing list?

A mailing list is a basic type of discussion
group that uses e-mail to communicate.
The messages are distributed to all the
subscribers, i.e. everyone that belongs to
the list. There are thousands of lists
covering every imaginable topic, from
hobbies and music to news and science.
Types of lists
• Discussion lists let you send and
receive messages, providing a
discussion forum for the
participants; but they're different
from newsgroups. In a discussion
list you receive the messages
directly into your e-mail box. In a
newsgroup you read the articles, ie,
messages posted by contributors
If the list is administered by a
person, just send a message to the
human moderator saying something
like <please subscribe me to the
list>. The address has the form
<>.
Remember that each list has two
addresses: (i) the administrative
address, used to subscribe and
unsubscribe , and (ii) the list
address, used to distribute the
messages to everyone on the list.
Tips

When you join a list, you receive a
confirmation message and some
instructions about how to
unsubscribe. Save this information,
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Infotech - English for Computer Users
that are stored in one central
location.
• One-way lists only let you receive
messages, not send them. They're
good for busy people who only wish
to receive broadcast information.
• Some lists can be received as a
periodic "digest". This contains a
lot of messages which have been
grouped together and sent as a
single message.
• Other lists are restricted to certain
users, requiring specific
qualifications to join them. For
example, a list about the science of
stars and planets may be restricted
to astronomers.
How to subscribe
Before you can start receiving messages
from a list you need to subscribe to it.
This process adds your e-mail address to
the list.
If the list is automated (controlled by a
computer program like listserv, listproc,

or majordomo) you usually write in the
body of the message:
<subscribe listname>
where "listname" is the name of the list.
The address has the form
<>
You can quit a mailing list at any time. To
unsubscribe you just need to write
<unsubscribe listname>
or, if this doesn't work, try
<signoff listname>
you may need it in the future.
Some lists have a FAQ (frequently
asked questions) document with the
most common questions asked by
newbies (new contributors). Read
this file if you have any problem.
Avoid flame wars. Flames are
insulting messages directed at each
other in discussion forums.
When you go on holiday , remember
to unsubscribe from lists
temporarily. Otherwise your mailbox
may overflow with messages.
The Publicly Accessible Mailing Lists
Website will help you find the
mailing list that interests you. Go to
/>ml and choose an index by name or
by subject.
You can also try Liszt, a famous list

directory , at .
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Infotech - English for Computer Users
B. Now complete the sentences using the text above to help you. Then
write the words in the puzzle to discover the missing word.
1. A mailing lists are controlled by a special computer program.
2. The process of subscribing adds your e address to the list.
3. A d is a type of list that groups individual messages
together and sends them periodically as one message.
4. In newsgroups, the messages posted by contributors are called
"a " .
5. Insulting or insensitive messages directed at each other in a discussion
forum are known as f .
6. New participants in discussion forums are also called "n ".
7. If you want to get off a mailing list, you just type the command
u followed by the name of the list.
8. The lists a by a human moderator usually have the word "-
request" in the address.

Key
Exercise A
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Infotech - English for Computer Users
1. A mailing list is a discussion forum where participants subscribe to a list
and receive messages via e-mail.
2. In a discussion list you receive the messages directly into your e-mail box.
In a newsgroup, however, you read the articles that are stored in one central
location.
3. To receive messages from a mailing list, first you need to subscribe to it.
4. Some lists may be restricted to certain professionals, requiring specific

qualifications to join them.
5. Each list has two addresses: (i) the administrative address, and (ii) the
list address.
6. Mailing lists usually have a FAQ file. FAQ is an acronym for frequently
asked questions.
Exercise B
1. Automated
2. e-mail
3. digest
4. articles
5. flames
6. newbies
7. unsubscribe
8. administered
The Internet on TV
A. Discuss these questions.
What does the title the Internet on TV suggest to you?
Is it possible to have a TV set, a PC and the Internet all in one?
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Infotech - English for Computer Users
Would you like to access the Internet through your TV set? What would you do with it?
B. Read the text and find answers to the questions below.
1. What is Internet TV?
2. In the writer's opinion, what sort of people might find Internet TV useful?
3. Which company offered Internet services to TV viewers for the first time?
4. How can you access the Internet on the systems sold by WorldGate?
5. What WorldGate technology allows you to switch back and forth between TV
programs and linked Web pages?
6. What can you do with Sega’s Net Link system?
TV surfing

Internet TV is the concept of using a TV
set as an Internet device. It allows you
to surf the Web and have e-mail while
you are watching television, or vice
versa. Imagine watching a film on TV
and simultaneously accessing a Website
where you get information on the actors
in the film. Internet TV is very easy to
use and ideal for people who are
reluctant to use PCs but are interested
in the Internet.
Internet through a set-top box
WebTV was the first company which
brought Internet services to television
viewers through a set-top computer
box. They licensed the technology to
Sony and Philips Magnavox. Each box
costs about $250 including a modem
and a remote control.
Users obtain Internet access through the
WebTV Network at a monthly fee. The
WebTV browser displays the Web pages
with text and graphics that are easy to
read on a television screen.
Internet through cable TV
WorldGate, supported by other members of
the cable TV industry, offers conventional TV
channels and cheap Internet access via a
cable converter and a TV set.
To enter Web addresses and write e-mail

you can use a remote control and an on-
screen keyboard or an optional wireless
keyboard. Your mail is stored at the cable
headend, and a light on the converter
indicates when you have new mail. The
service offers data speeds at 192 kilobits -
much faster than conventional modems.
By clicking a button, you can also access
chat rooms, adverts, local information, etc.
With WorldGate’s Channel Hyperlinking
technology you can go instantly to Websites
that correspond to the programs you’re
watching (e.g., when you watch a football
match, you can click and access a linked
Website with statistics and commentaries on
the match).
Other options
Sega has a system, called Net Link, for its
Saturn video game. It includes a modem and
a browser which convert the game into an
Internet TV device. You can play video
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Infotech - English for Computer Users
Internet TV over cable, from WorldGate
games on-line, and chat about your favourite
games.
The model built by OEM Metec integrates a
complete Windows PC and the Internet in a
TV set, without the need for a separate set-
top box.

The next generation of Internet-enabled TVs
will also incorporate a smart-card for home
shopping, banking and other interactive
services.

C. Find the words in the text that correspond to the following.
1. Navigate, explore (the Web)
2. Location on the Internet where a company puts Web pages
3. Device used on top of the TV to gain access to Internet
4. Without the use of wire(s)
5. One thousands bits
6. Plastic card (similar to a credit card) containing a microprocessor that can process
information
D. Complete these sentences with the correct passive form of the verbs in
brackets.
E.g., The Internet (use) by millions of people all over the world.
The Internet is used by millions of people all over the world.
1 Sega's Internet TV system (call) Net Link.
2 This year Internet TV (support) by several companies of the cable TV
industry.
3 Internet services (bring) by Web TV through a computer box set on
top of the TV.
4 The technology of WebTV (license) to Sony and Philips Magnavox last
year.
5 In the near future, a smart card (incorporate) into Internet-enabled
TVs.
Key
Exercise B.
1. Using a TV set as an Internet device.
2. People who are reluctant to use PCs but are

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Infotech - English for Computer Users
interested in the Internet.
3. WebTV
4. Via a cable converter and a TV set.
5. Channel Hyperlinking technology
6. You can play video games on-line, and talk
about your favourite games.

Exercise C.
1. surf (the Web)
2. Website
3. set-top computer box
4. wireless
5. kilobit
6. smart card
Exercise D.
1. is called
2. has been supported
3.are brought
4. was licensed
5. will be incorporated
©Cambridge University Press 2000


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