Computer English
Chapter 1 The History and
Future of Computers
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-2
Key points:
useful terms and definitions
of computers
Difficult points:
describing the features of
computers of each generation
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-3
Requirements:
1,The trends of computer hardware and software
2,Basic characteristics of modern computers
3,Major characteristics of the four generations
of modern computers
4,了解科技英语的特点，掌握科技英语翻译要点
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-4
New Words & Expressions:
computerlike a.计算机似的 electromechanical a.机电的,电机的
vacuum tubes 真空管 Census Bureau 人口普查局
thousands of 成千上万的 known as 通常所说的, 以 …… 著称
1.1 The Invention of the Computer
Abbreviations:
ENIAC(Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer)
电子数字积分计算机,ENIAC计算机
EDSAC (Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Computer)
延迟存储电子自动计算机
BINAC (Binary Automatic Computer) 二进制自动计算机
UNIVAC (Universal Automatic Computer) 通用自动计算机
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-5
It is hard to say exactly when the modern computer was
invented,Starting in the 1930s and through the 1940s,a number
of machines were developed that were like computers,But most
of these machines did not have all the characteristics that we
associate with computers today,These characteristics are that
the machine is electronic,that it has a stored program,and that
it is general purpose,
很难确切地说现代计算机是什么时候发明的。从 20世纪 30年代到 40年
代，制造了许多类似计算机的机器。但是这些机器大部分没有今天我们所
说的计算机的所有特征。这些特性是：机器是电子的，具有储存的程序,
而且是通用的。
1.1 The Invention of the Computer
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-6
1.1 The Invention of the Computer
One of the first computerlike devices was developed in Germany by
Konrad Zuse in 1941,Called the Z3,it was general-purpose,stored-
program machine with many electronic parts,but it had a mechanical
memory,Another electromechanical computing machine was developed by
Howard Aiken,with financial assistance from IBM,at Harvard University
in 1943,It was called the Automatic Sequence Control Calculator Mark I,
or simply the Harvard Mark I,Neither of these machines was a true
computer,however,because they were not entirely electronic.
第一个类似计算机的装臵之一是 1941年由德国的 Konrad Zuse研制的，
叫做 Z3,它是通用型储存程序机器，具有许多电子部件，但是它的存储器
是机械的。另一台机电式计算机器是由霍华德,艾坎在 IBM的资助下于
1943年在哈佛大学研制的。它被称为自动序列控制计算器 Mark I,或简称
哈佛 Mark I。然而，这些机器都不是真正的计算机,因为它们不是完全电
子化的。
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-7
1.1.1 TheENIAC
Perhaps the most influential of the early computerlike devices was the
Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer,or ENIAC,It was
developed by J,Presper Eckert and John Mauchly at the University of
Pennsylvania,The project began in 1943 and was completed in 1946,The
machine was huge; it weighed 30 tons and contained over 18,000 vacuum
tubes.
也许早期最具影响力的类似计算机的装臵应该是电子数字积分计算机,
或简称 ENIAC。 它是由宾夕凡尼亚大学的 J,Presper Eckert 和 John
Mauchly 研制的 。 该工程于 1943年开始, 并于 1946年完成 。 这台机器极
其庞大, 重达 30吨, 而且包含 18,000多个真空管 。
1.1 The Invention of the Computer
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-8
1.1.1 TheENIAC
The ENIAC was a major advancement for its time,It was the first
general-purpose,electronic computing machine and was capable of
performing thousands of operations per second,It was controlled,
however,by switches and plugs that had to be manually set,Thus,
although it was a general-purpose electronic device,it did not have a
stored program,Therefore,it did not have all the characteristics of a
computer,
ENIAC是当时重要的成就 。 它是第一台通用型电子计算机器, 并能够
执行每秒数千次运算 。 然而,它是由开关和继电器控制的, 必须手工设
定 。 因此, 虽然它是一个通用型电子装臵, 但是它没有储存程序 。 因
此,它不具备计算机的所有特征 。
1.1 The Invention of the Computer
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-9
1.1.1 TheENIAC
While working on the ENIAC,Eckert and Mauchly were joined by a
brilliant mathematician,John von Neuman,Together,they developed the
idea of a stored program computer,This machine,called the Electronic
Discrete Variable Automatic Computer,or EDVAC,was the first machine
whose design included all the characteristics of a computer,It was not
completed,however,until 1951.
在 ENIAC的研制中，一个天才的数学家 Von Neuman(冯,诺伊曼 )加入
到 Eckert和 Mauchly团队,他们一起提出了储存程序计算机的主意。这部
机器被称做电子离散变量自动计算机,或简称 EDVAC,是第一部包括了计
算机所有特征的机器。然而,直到 1951年，它一直没有完成。
1.1 The Invention of the Computer
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-10
1.1.1 TheENIAC
Before the EDVAC was finished,several other machines were built that
incorporated elements of the EDVAC design of Eckert,Mauchly,and von
Neuman,One was the Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Computer,or
EDSAC,which was developed in Cambridge,England,It first operated in
May of 1949 and is probably the world’s first electronic stored-program,
general-purpose computer to become operational,The first computer to
operate in the United States was the Binary Automatic Computer,or
BINAC,which became operational in August of 1949.
在 EDVAC完成之前, 其他一些机器建成了, 它们吸收了 Eckert、
Mauchly和 Neuman设计的要素 。 其中一部是在英国剑桥研制的电子延迟
存储自动计算机,或简称 EDSAC,它在 1949年 5月首次运行, 它可能是世
界的第一台电子储存程序, 通用型计算机投入运行 。 在美国运行的第一
部计算机是二进制自动计算机,或简称 BINAC,它在 1949年 8月投入运行 。
1.1 The Invention of the Computer
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-11
1.1 The Invention of the Computer
1.1.2 TheUNIVACI
Like other computing pioneers before them,Eckert and Mauchly formed a
company in 1947 to develop a commercial computer,The company was
called the Eckert-Mauchly Computer Corporation,Their objective was to
design and build the Universal Automatic Computer or UNIVAC,Because of
difficulties of getting financial support,they had to sell the company to
Remington Rand in 1950,Eckert and Mauchly continued to work on the
UNIVAC at Remington Rand and completed it in 1951,Known as the
UNIVAC I,this machine was the first commercially available computer.
像他们之前的其他计算机先驱一样,Eckert和 Mauchly在 1947年组成了一家
公司开发商业计算机 。 公司名叫 Eckert-Mauchly计算机公司 。 他们的目标
是设计并建造通用自动计算机或 UNIVAC。 因为难以获得财政支持, 他们不
得不在 1950年把公司卖给了 Remington Rand公司 。 Eckert 和 Mauchly继续
在 Remington Rand公司从事 UNIVAC的研制工作, 并在 1951年取得成功 。 众
所周知的 UNIVAC I机器是世界上第一部商业化计算机 。
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-12
1.1 The Invention of the Computer
1.1.2 TheUNIVACI
The first UNIVAC I was delivered to the Census Bureau and used for the
1950 census,The second UNIVAC I was used to predict that Dwight
Eisenhower would win the 1952 presidential election,less than an hour after
the polls closed,The UNIVAC I began the modern of computer use.
第一台 UNIVAC I被交付人口普查局用于 1950年的人口普查 。 在投票点关
闭后 1小时之内, 第二台 UNIVAC I 被用于预测 D.艾森豪威尔会赢得 1952年
总统大选 。 UNIVAC I开始了现代计算机的应用 。
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-13
New Words & Expressions:
result in 导致,造成 …… 结果 air conditioning 空气调节
take delivery of 正式接过 … Navy lieutenant 海军上尉
high-level language 高级语言 mainframe n,主机,大型机
more and more 越来越多的 range from …to… 从 … 到 …
multiprogramming n.多道程序设计 time-share n.分时，时间共享
virtual memory 虚拟内存 from scratch 从头开始
compatible a,兼容的； compatibility n,兼容性
outnumber vt,数目超过，比 … 多 proliferate v,增生,扩散
start off v,出发,开始
1.2 Computer Generations
Abbreviations,
VLSI (Very Large Scale Integrated Circuit) 超大规模集成电路
LSI (Large Scale Integrated Circuit) 大规模集成电路
DEC (Digital Equipment Corporation) 美国数字设备公司
COBOL (Common Business-Oriented Language) 面向商业的通用语言
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-14
1.2 Computer Generations
1.2.1 First-GenerationComputers:1951～ 1958
First-generation computers were characterized by the use of vacuum tubes as their
principal electronic component,Vacuum tubes are bulky and produce a lot of heat,
so first-generation computers were large and required extensive air conditioning
to keep them cool,In addition,because vacuum tubes do not operate very fast,
these computers were relatively slow.
第一代计算机的特色是使用真空管为其主要电子器件 。 真空管体积大且
发热严重,因此第一代计算机体积庞大, 并且需要大量的空调设备保持冷却 。
此外,因为真空管运行不是很快, 这些计算机运行速度相对较慢 。
The UNIVAC I was the first commercial computer in this generation,As noted
earlier,it was used in the Census Bureau in 1951,It was also the first computer to
be used in a business application,In 1954,General Electric took delivery of a
UNIVAC I and used it for some of its business data processing.
UNIVAC I是第一代中最早的商业化计算机 。 如前所述, 它在 1951年被用
于人口普查局 。 它还是第一部用于商业应用的计算机 。 在 1954年,通用电气
接收了 UNIVAC I,并用它进行一些商业数据处理 。
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-15
1.2 Computer Generations
1.2.1 First-GenerationComputers,1951～ 1958
The UNIVAC I was not the most popular first-generation computer,
however,This honor goes to the IBM 650,It was first delivered in
1955 before Remington Rand could come out with a successor to
the UNIVAC I,With the IBM 650,IBM captured the majority of the
computer market,a position it still holds today.
然而,UNIVAC I并不是最流行的第一代计算机 。 这一荣誉属于
IBM 650。 它在 Remington Rand能够造出 UNIVAC I的后续产
品之前的 1955年首次交付使用 。 凭借 IBM 650,IBM占有了大半
计算机市场, 它在今天仍然保持这一位臵 。
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-16
1.2 Computer Generations
1.2.1 First-GenerationComputers:1951～ 1958
At the same time that hardware was evolving,software was developing,The
first computers were programmed in machine language,but during the first
computer generation,the idea of programming language translation and
high-level languages occurred,Much of the credit for these ideas goes to
Grace Hopper,who,as a Navy lieutenant in 1945,learned to program the
Harvard Mark I,In 1952,she developed the first programming language
translator,followed by others in later years,She also developed a language
called Flow-matic in 1957,which formed the basis for COBOL,the most
commonly used business programming language today.
同时, 硬件在进化,软件也在发展 。 第一部计算机用机器语言编程, 但是在
第一代计算机期间, 程序语言翻译的概念和高级语言出现了 。 这些主意大
部分归功于 Grace Hopper,她在 1954年是一名海军上尉, 学习为哈佛 Mark I
计算机编程 。 在 1952年, 她开发了第一种编程语言翻译器,在稍后的数年内
为其他人所效仿 。 她还在 1957年开发了一种称为 Flow-matic的语言,为
COBOL——今天最广泛应用的商业编程语言 ——奠定了基础 。
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-17
1.2 Computer Generations
1.2.1 First-GenerationComputers,1951～ 1958
Other software developments during the first computer
generation include the design of the FORTRAN programming
language in 1957,This language became the first widely used
high-level language,Also,the first simple operating systems
became available with first-generation computers.
在第一代计算机期间,软件方面的其他的进展包括 1957年
FORTRAN语言的设计 。 这种语言成为第一种广泛使用的高级
语言 。 同时,第一个简单的操作系统随着第一代计算机而出现 。
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-18
1.2 Computer Generations
1.2.2 Second-GenerationComputers:1959～ 1963
In the second generation of computers,transistors replaced vacuum tubes.
Although invented in 1948,the first all-transistor computer did not become
available until 1959,Transistors are smaller and less expensive than vacuum
tubes,and they operate faster and produce less heat,Hence,with second-
generation computers,the size and cost of computers decreased,their speed
increased,and their air-conditioning needs were reduced.
在第二代计算机中, 晶体管取代了真空管 。 虽然发明于 1948年,但第一台全晶体管计
算机直到 1959年才成为现实 。 晶体管比真空管体积小, 价格低, 而且运行快而发热
少 。 因此, 随着第二代计算机的出现, 计算机的体积和成本降低, 速度提高, 且它
们对空调的需要减少 。
Many companies that had not previously sold computer entered the industry
with the second generation,One of these companies that still makes
computers is Control Data Corporation (CDC),They were noted for making
high-speed computers for scientific work.
许多先前不经销计算机的公司随着第二代计算机的出现进入计算机行业, 其中今天
仍然制造计算机的公司之一是控制数据公司 (CDC),他们以制造用于科学工作的高速
计算机而著名 。
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-19
1.2 Computer Generations
1.2.2 Second-GenerationComputers:1959～ 1963
Remintong Rand,now called Sperr-Rand Corporation,made several second-
generation UNIVAC computers,IBM,however,continued to dominate the
industry,One of the most popular second-generation computers was the
IBM 1401,which was a medium-sized computer used by many businesses.
Remintong Rand,现在叫做 Sperr-Rand公司,制造了一些第二代 UNIVAC计
算机。然而,IBM继续称霸计算机行业。最流行的第二代计算机之一是
IBM 1401,这是一部许多企业使用的中型计算机。
All computers at this time were mainframe computers costing over a million
dollars,The first minicomputer became available in 1960 and cost about
$120,000,This was the PDP-1,manufactured by Digital Equipment
Corporation (DEC).
当时所有的计算机都是价值百万元以上的大型计算机 。 第一台小型计算机
产生于 1960年, 价值 12万美元, 它就是由数据设备公司 (DEC)制造的 PDP-1。
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-20
1.2 Computer Generations
1.2.2 Second-Generation Computers,1959～ 1963
Software also continued to develop during this time,Many new
programming languages were designed,including COBOL in
1960,More and more businesses and organizations were
beginning to use computers for their data processing needs.
在此期间软件也在继续发展 。 许多新的编程语言被发明,包括
1960年发明的 COBOL。 越来越多的企业和组织开始使用计算
机以满足他们的数据处理需要 。
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-21
1.2 Computer Generations
1.2.3 Third-Generation Computers,1964～ 1970
The technical development that marks the third generation of
computers is the use of integrated circuits or ICs in computers.
An integrated circuit is a piece of silicon (a chip) containing
numerous transistors,One IC replaces many transistors in a
computer; result in a continuation of the trends begun in the
second generation,These trends include reduced size,reduced
cost,increased speed,and reduced need for air conditioning.
作为第三代计算机标志的技术发展是在计算机中使用集成电
路或简称 IC。 一个集成电路就是包含许多晶体管的一个硅片
(芯片 )。 一个集成电路代替了计算机中的许多晶体管, 导致
了始于第二代的一些趋势的继续 。 这些趋势包括计算机体积
减小, 成本降低, 速度提高和对空调的需要减少 。
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-22
1.2 Computer Generations
1.2.3 Third-GenerationComputers,1964～ 1970
Although integrated circuits were invented in 1958,the first computers to
make extensive use of them were not available until 1964,In that year,IBM
introduced a line of mainframe computers called the System/360,The
computers in this line became the most widely used third-generation
machines,There were many models in the System/360 line,ranging from
small,relatively slow,and inexpensive ones,to large,very fast,and costly
models,All models,however,were compatible so that programs written for
one model could be used on another,This feature of compatibility across
many computers in a line was adopted by other manufacturers of third-
generation computers.
虽然集成电路发明于 1958年,但是直到 1964年才出现了第一台广泛使用 IC的计算
机 。 那一年, IBM推出了称为 System/360的大型计算机系列 。 这一系列的计算机
成为使用最广泛的第三代计算机 。 在 System/360系列中有许多机型,从小型的, 相
对较慢的且价格低廉的机型, 到大型的, 非常快的且价格昂贵的机型 。 然而,所有
的机型都是兼容的, 以便在一个机型上编写的程序可以用于另一个机型 。 这个在
许多计算机系列间兼容的特征被其他第三代计算机制造商所采用 。
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-23
1.2.3 Third-Generation Computers,1964～ 1970
The third computer generation was also the time when
minicomputers became widespread,The most popular model
was the PDP-8,manufactured by DEC,Other companies,
including Data General Corporation and Hewlett-Packard
Company,introduced minicomputers during the third
generation.
计算机的第三代也是小型计算机普及的时代 。 最流行的小型机
是由 DEC制造的 PDP-8。 其他公司,包括数据通用公司和惠普
(Hewlett-Packard)公司,在第三代期间开发了小型计算机 。
1.2 Computer Generations
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-24
1.2.3 Third-GenerationComputers,1964～ 1970
The principal software development during the third computer generation
was the increased sophistication of operating systems,Although simple
operating systems were developed for first-and second-generation computers,
many of the features of modern operating systems first appeared during the
third generation,These include multiprogramming,virtual memory,and
time-sharing,The first operating systems were mainly batch systems,but
during the third generation,interactive systems,especially on
minicomputers,became common,The BASIC programming language was
designed in 1964 and became popular during the third computer generation
because of its interactive nature.
在第三代计算机期间, 软件的主要发展是操作系统的复杂化程度提高 。 虽然为第一
代和第二代计算机开发了简单的操作系统,许多现代操作系统的特征首先在第三代
期间出现 。 这些特征包括多道程序设计, 虚拟存储和分时技术 。 第一代操作系统主
要是批处理系统,但是在第三代期间, 交互式系统开始普及, 尤其是在小型计算机
上 。 BASIC语言发明于 1964年, 并由于其交互式特征而在第三代计算机期间大为流
行 。
1.2 Computer Generations
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-25
1.2.4 Fourth-Generation Computers,1971～?
The fourth generation of computers is more difficult to define than
the other three generations,This generation is characterized by more
and more transistors being contained on a silicon chip,First there
was Large Scale Integration (LSI),with hundreds and thousands of
transistors per chip,then came Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI),
with tens of thousands and hundreds of thousands of transistors,The
trend continues today.
第四代计算机比其他三代更难以定义 。 这一代计算机的特征是
一个芯片上包含越来越多的晶体管 。 首先, 出现了一个芯片上
具有数百和数千个晶体管的大规模集成电路 (LSI),接着出现
了一个芯片上具有数万和数十万个晶体管的超大规模集成电路
(VLSI)。 这个趋势在今天仍在持续 。
1.2 Computer Generations
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-26
1.2.4 Fourth-Generation Computers:1971～?
Although not everyone agrees that there is a fourth computer generation,those
that do feel that it began in 1971,when IBM introduced its successors to the
System/360 line of computers,These mainframe computers were called the
System/370,and current-model IBM computers,although not called System/370s,
evolved directly from these computers.
虽然并不是每个人都同意存在一个第四代,那些认为存在的觉得它开始于
1971年，其时 IBM开发了 System/360系列计算机的下一系列产品。这些大型
计算机称为 System/370,当前的 IBM计算机虽然不叫做 System/370，但都是
从这些计算机直接发展而来的。
Minicomputers also proliferated during the fourth computer generation,The most
popular lines were the DEC PDP-11 models and the DEC VAX,both of which are
available in various models today.
小型计算机也在第四代期间迅速增长 。 最流行的系列是 DEC公司的 PDP-11
机和 DEC的 VAX机,二者在今天的各种机型中仍然有效 。
1.2 Computer Generations
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-27
1.2 Computer Generations
1.2.4 Fourth-Generation Computers,1971～?
Supercomputers first became prominent in the fourth
generation,Although many companies,including IBM and CDC,
developed high-speed computers for scientific work,it was not
until Cray Research,Inc.,introduced the Cray 1 in 1975 that
supercomputers became significant,Today,supercomputers are
an important computer classification.
超级计算机首先在第四代中突起 。 虽然包括 IBM和 CDC(控
制数据公司 )在内的许多公司都为科学工作开发了高速计算机,
但是直到 1975年 Cray研究有限公司推出了 Cray 1,超级计算机
才变得有意义 。 今天, 超级计算机是重要的计算机分类 。
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-28
1.2 Computer Generations
1.2.4 Fourth-Generation Computers:1971～?
Perhaps the most important trend that began in the fourth generation is the
proliferation of microcomputers,As more and more transistors were put on
silicon chips,it eventually became possible to put an entire computer
processor,called a microprocessor,on a chip,The first computer to use
microprocessors became available in the mid-1970s,The first microcomputer
designed for personal use was the Altair,which was sold in 1975,The first
Apple computer,marketed with the IBM PC in 1981,Today,microcomputers
far outnumber all other types of computers combined.
也许在第四代计算机开始的最重要趋势是微型计算机的增长 。 随着越来越
多的晶体管被集成到硅芯片上,将一整个计算机处理器 （ 称为微处理器 ） 放
在一个芯片上终于成为可能 。 使用微处理器的第一部计算机出现于 1970年
代 。 第一部专为个人使用设计的微型计算机是 Altair,它于 1975进入市场 。
第一部苹果计算机在 1981年与 IBM个人计算机一起在市场上销售 。 今天, 微
型计算机数目远远超过其他所有类型计算机的总和 。
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-29
1.2 Computer Generations
1.2.4 Fourth-Generation Computers:1971～?
Software development during the fourth computer generation
started off with little change from the third generation,
Operating systems were gradually improved,and new
languages were designed,Database software became widely
used during this time,The most important trend,however,
resulted from the microcomputer revolution,Packaged
software became widely available for microcomputers so that
today most software is purchased,not developed from scratch.
在计算机的第四代期间，软件的发展开始与第三代有所不同。操作系统
在逐渐地改进，而新的语言被发明。期间数据库软件被广泛使用。然而，
最重要的趋势起因于微型计算机革命。用于微型计算机的软件包随处可
得，因此今天大多数的软件可以购得,而不需从头开始开发。
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-30
1.2.5 GenerationlessComputers
We may have defined our last generation of computers and begun the era of
generationless computers,Even though computer manufacturers talk of,fifth”
and,sixth”-generation computers,this talk is more a marketing play than a
reflection of reality.
我们可能已经定义了我们最新一代计算机而且开始了计算机的无代时代 。
即使计算机制造商谈到, 第五, 和, 第六, 代计算机,这些说法更多是市
场行为, 而不是真实的反映 。
Advocates of the concept of generationless computers say that even though
technological innovations are coming in rapid succession,no single innovation
is,or will be,significant enough to characterize another generation of
computers.
无代计算机的观念提倡者说, 即使科技革新接二连三地迅速出现,没有一
种革新是,或将是足够重要, 作为另一代计算机的特征 。
1.2 Computer Generations
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-31
New Words & Expressions:
glean vt.,vi,搜集 (情报或事实 ) MD abbr,Maryland(马里兰 )
Tflops abbr,teraflops 每秒兆兆 (1012)次 architecture n.体系机构
terabit n.兆兆位 factor n,阶乘
bandwidth n.带宽 Terabyte n,兆兆 (1012)字节；
Petabyte n,千兆兆 (1015)字节 microprocessor n.[计 ]微处理器
contemplate v.凝视,沉思 order n,阶,次
turbulence n,扰动；湍流
GB=GigaBit,千兆位 ; = GigaByte,吉字节
flops n,每秒浮点运算次数 (floating-point operation per second)
1.3 Near-future Supercomputer Directions
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-32
Some idea of what might be happening in the near future in supercomputer
design can be gleaned from a press release issued by the US Department of
Energy (DoE),It came out of the SUPERCOMPUTING 2002 Conference
held last November in Baltimore,MD,The press release announced that the
DoE had awarded IBM a $290 (USD) million contract to build the two fastest
supercomputers in the world with a combined peak speed of 460 TFlops,To
get an idea of the speed computing throughput 460 teraflops represents,the
press release states that,“These two systems will have more than one-and-a-
half times the combined processing power of all 500 machines on the recently
announced TOP 500 List of Supercomputers.”
从美国能源部发行的通告中, 可以收集一些有关在不久的将来超级计算机
设计中可能发生的事情的概念 。 它来自在马里兰州巴尔的摩市召开的 2002
年超级计算会议 。 该通告称能源部已给 IBM拨款 2.9亿美元建造世界上最快
的两部超级计算机, 其最高综合速度为每秒 460兆兆次 。 为了理解每秒 460
兆兆次速度的含义, 通告解释说,“这两个系统将会具有最近发布的 500强超
级计算机的总处理能力的 1.5倍还多 。,
1.3 Near-future Supercomputer Directions
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-33
The first system,“ASCI Purple,” [apparently the DoE likes
colorful names] will be the world’s first supercomputer capable
of 100 Tflops,ASCI Purple will have a massive cluster of
POWER-based IBM eServer systems and IBM storage systems.
This supercomputer represents a fifth-generation system under
the Advanced Simulation and Computing Initiative (ASCI)
Program,It will serve as the primary supercomputer for DoE.
第一个系统, ASCI Purple”,[显然能源部；生动的名字 ]将会
是世界的第一部能够运算每秒 100兆兆次的超级计算机。 ASCI
Purple将具有基于 POWER系列的 IBM eServer 系统和 IBM 存储
系统的宏大组群。这台超级计算机代表模拟和计算行动计划
(ASCI)支持的第五代系统。它将作为能源部主要的超级计算机。
1.3 Near-future Supercomputer Directions
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-34
1.3 Near-future Supercomputer Directions
According to the press release,the second system will be a research machine
called Blue Gene/L,It will employ advanced IBM semiconductor and
system technologies based on new architectures being developed by DoE
and IBM,Blue Gene/L is expected to achieve a peak performance of 360
TFlops with 130,000 processors running under the Linux operating system.
It will have the capability to process data at a rate of one terabit per second,
equivalent to the data transmitted by ten thousand weather satellites.
Applications are expected to include the simulation of very complex
physical phenomena in areas such as turbulence,biology and high
explosives.
根据通告, 第二个系统将会是一部被称为 Blue Gene/L的研究机器, 它将
使用基于新结构的先进的 IBM半导体和系统技术,该新结构是能源部和 IBM
共同开发的 。 Blue Gene/L具有 13万台处理器, 在 Linux操作系统下运行,
可望达到每秒 360兆兆次的性能 。 它将具有以每秒 1兆兆位的速度处理数据
的能力,等同于一万个气象卫星传输的数据 。 其应用预期包括对非常复杂现
象的模拟, 如湍流, 生物学和高空爆炸 。
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-35
1.3 Near-future Supercomputer Directions
The ASCI Purple system will use IBM’s next generation microprocessor,the
POWER5,employing a total of 12,544 of them,These 12,544 processors will
be spread among 196 individual computers,The total memory bandwidth
will be 156,000 GBs,the equivalent of simultaneously playing 31,200 DVD
movies,A super-fast data highway with a total interconnect bandwidth of
12,500 GB will interconnect the 196 computers,The IBM AIXL operating
system will be used to run this configuration,The operating system will
contain 50 terabytes of memory,an amount that is 400,000 times the capacity
of the average desktop PC,There will also be two petabytes of disk storage
or holding the content of approximately one billion books.
ASCI Purple系统将使用 IBM的下一代微处理器 POWER5,总数为 12,544个 。 这 12,544
个处理器将分布在 196部单独的计算机之中 。 总内存带宽将是 15.6GB,等同于同时地
播放 31,200部 DVD电影 。 一条具有 12,500 GB带宽的超快速数据通道将会把 196台计
算机互相连接 。 IBM AIXL 操作系统将用于运行一个配置 。 该操作系统将包 50兆兆
字节内存, 容量是平均桌面个人计算机的 40万倍 。 还将有 2千兆兆字节的磁盘存储,
或可容纳大约十亿本书的内容 。
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-36
1.3 Near-future Supercomputer Directions
Finally,since the UNIVAC-1’s introduction,raw computer
speed has increased by about 11 to 12 orders of magnitude in
about 50 years,or a factor of 10 every five years,This is a
truly remarkable achievement,It’s also interesting to
contemplate that,if this growth continues over the next 50
years,then by the 100th anniversary of the UNIVAC-1,
computers will be operating at speeds on the order of 1023
Flops!
最后,自从 UNIVAC-1的发明以来,计算机的原始速度在 50年
内增加了 11至 12个数量级, 或每五年增加 10倍 。 这是一个真
正显著的成就 。 设想一下也很有趣,如果在未来 50年间仍以
这样的速度持续增长,到 UNIVAC-1诞生的 100周年, 计算机
将会以大约每秒 1023次的浮点运算速度运行 !
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-37
一, 复杂长句多
科技文章要求叙述准确, 推理谨严, 因此一句话里包含三四个甚至五六个
分句的, 并非少见 。 译成汉语时, 必须按照汉语习惯破成适当数目的分句,
才能条理清楚, 避免洋腔洋调 。 这种复杂长句居科技英语难点之首, 要学
会运用语法分析方法来加以解剖, 以便以短代长, 化难为易 。 例如,
Factories will not buy machines unless they believe that the machine will
produce goods that they are able to sell to consumers at a price that will
cover all cost.
这是由一个主句和四个从句组成的复杂长句, 只有进行必要的语法分析,
才能正确理解和翻译 。 现试译如下：
除非相信那些机器造出的产品卖给消费者的价格足够支付所有成本, 否则
厂家是不会买那些机器的 。
节译,要不相信那些机器造出的产品售价够本, 厂家是不会买的 。
后一句只用了 24个字, 比前句 40个字节约用字 40%,而对原句的基本内容
无损 。 可见, 只要吃透原文的结构和内涵, 翻译时再在汉语上反复推敲提
炼, 复杂的英语长句, 也是容易驾驭的 。
科技英语的特点
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-38
科技英语的特点
二, 被动语态多
英语使用被动语态大大多于汉语, 如莎士比亚传世名剧, 罗密欧与朱丽叶,
中的一句就两次用了被动语态：
Juliet was torn between desire to keep Romeo near her and fear for his life,
should his presence be detected.
朱丽叶精神上受到折磨, 既渴望和罗密欧形影不离, 又担心罗密欧万一让
人发现, 难免有性命之忧 。
科技英语更是如此, 有三分之一以上用被动语态 。 例如：
(a) No work can be done without energy.
译文：没有能量决不能做功 。
(b) All business decisions must now be made in the light of the market.
译文：所有企业现在必须根据市场来作出决策。
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-39
科技英语的特点
三, 非谓语动词多
英语每个简单句中, 只能用一个谓语动词, 如果读到几个动作, 就
必须选出主要动作当谓语, 而将其余动作用非谓语动词形式, 才能符
合英语语法要求 。
非谓语动词有三种：动名词, 分词 （ 包括现在分词和过去分词 ） 和
不定式 。 例如：
要成为一个名符其实的内行, 需要学到老 。
这句中, 有, 成为,,, 需要, 和, 学, 三个表示动作的词, 译成
英语后为：
To be a true professional requires lifelong learning.
可以看出，选好“需要”（ require）作为谓语，其余两个动作：“
成为”用不定式形式 to be，而“学”用动名词形式 learning，这样才
能符合英语语法要求。
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-40
科技英语的特点
四, 词性转换多
英语单词有不少是多性词, 即既是名词, 又可用作动词, 形容词, 介
词或副词, 字形无殊, 功能各异, 含义也各不相同, 如不仔细观察, 必
致谬误 。 例如,light
名词,(启发 )in (the)light of由于, 根据；
(光 )high light(s)强光, 精华； (灯 )safety light安全指示灯
形容词, (轻 )light industry轻工业；
(明亮 )light room明亮的房间；
(淡 )light blue 淡蓝色；
(薄 )light coating薄涂层
动词, （ 点燃 ） light up the lamp 点灯
副词, （ 轻快 ） travel light轻装旅行
（ 容易 ） light come,light go 来得容易去得快
诸如此类的词性转换, 在科技英语中屡见不鲜, 几乎每个技术名词都
可转换为同义的形容词 。 词性转换增加了英语的灵活性和表现力, 读者
必须从上下文判明用词在句中是何种词性, 而且含义如何, 才能对全句
得到正确无误的理解 。
Chapter 1 The History and
Future of Computers
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-2
Key points:
useful terms and definitions
of computers
Difficult points:
describing the features of
computers of each generation
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-3
Requirements:
1,The trends of computer hardware and software
2,Basic characteristics of modern computers
3,Major characteristics of the four generations
of modern computers
4,了解科技英语的特点，掌握科技英语翻译要点
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-4
New Words & Expressions:
computerlike a.计算机似的 electromechanical a.机电的,电机的
vacuum tubes 真空管 Census Bureau 人口普查局
thousands of 成千上万的 known as 通常所说的, 以 …… 著称
1.1 The Invention of the Computer
Abbreviations:
ENIAC(Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer)
电子数字积分计算机,ENIAC计算机
EDSAC (Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Computer)
延迟存储电子自动计算机
BINAC (Binary Automatic Computer) 二进制自动计算机
UNIVAC (Universal Automatic Computer) 通用自动计算机
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-5
It is hard to say exactly when the modern computer was
invented,Starting in the 1930s and through the 1940s,a number
of machines were developed that were like computers,But most
of these machines did not have all the characteristics that we
associate with computers today,These characteristics are that
the machine is electronic,that it has a stored program,and that
it is general purpose,
很难确切地说现代计算机是什么时候发明的。从 20世纪 30年代到 40年
代，制造了许多类似计算机的机器。但是这些机器大部分没有今天我们所
说的计算机的所有特征。这些特性是：机器是电子的，具有储存的程序,
而且是通用的。
1.1 The Invention of the Computer
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-6
1.1 The Invention of the Computer
One of the first computerlike devices was developed in Germany by
Konrad Zuse in 1941,Called the Z3,it was general-purpose,stored-
program machine with many electronic parts,but it had a mechanical
memory,Another electromechanical computing machine was developed by
Howard Aiken,with financial assistance from IBM,at Harvard University
in 1943,It was called the Automatic Sequence Control Calculator Mark I,
or simply the Harvard Mark I,Neither of these machines was a true
computer,however,because they were not entirely electronic.
第一个类似计算机的装臵之一是 1941年由德国的 Konrad Zuse研制的，
叫做 Z3,它是通用型储存程序机器，具有许多电子部件，但是它的存储器
是机械的。另一台机电式计算机器是由霍华德,艾坎在 IBM的资助下于
1943年在哈佛大学研制的。它被称为自动序列控制计算器 Mark I,或简称
哈佛 Mark I。然而，这些机器都不是真正的计算机,因为它们不是完全电
子化的。
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-7
1.1.1 TheENIAC
Perhaps the most influential of the early computerlike devices was the
Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer,or ENIAC,It was
developed by J,Presper Eckert and John Mauchly at the University of
Pennsylvania,The project began in 1943 and was completed in 1946,The
machine was huge; it weighed 30 tons and contained over 18,000 vacuum
tubes.
也许早期最具影响力的类似计算机的装臵应该是电子数字积分计算机,
或简称 ENIAC。 它是由宾夕凡尼亚大学的 J,Presper Eckert 和 John
Mauchly 研制的 。 该工程于 1943年开始, 并于 1946年完成 。 这台机器极
其庞大, 重达 30吨, 而且包含 18,000多个真空管 。
1.1 The Invention of the Computer
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-8
1.1.1 TheENIAC
The ENIAC was a major advancement for its time,It was the first
general-purpose,electronic computing machine and was capable of
performing thousands of operations per second,It was controlled,
however,by switches and plugs that had to be manually set,Thus,
although it was a general-purpose electronic device,it did not have a
stored program,Therefore,it did not have all the characteristics of a
computer,
ENIAC是当时重要的成就 。 它是第一台通用型电子计算机器, 并能够
执行每秒数千次运算 。 然而,它是由开关和继电器控制的, 必须手工设
定 。 因此, 虽然它是一个通用型电子装臵, 但是它没有储存程序 。 因
此,它不具备计算机的所有特征 。
1.1 The Invention of the Computer
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-9
1.1.1 TheENIAC
While working on the ENIAC,Eckert and Mauchly were joined by a
brilliant mathematician,John von Neuman,Together,they developed the
idea of a stored program computer,This machine,called the Electronic
Discrete Variable Automatic Computer,or EDVAC,was the first machine
whose design included all the characteristics of a computer,It was not
completed,however,until 1951.
在 ENIAC的研制中，一个天才的数学家 Von Neuman(冯,诺伊曼 )加入
到 Eckert和 Mauchly团队,他们一起提出了储存程序计算机的主意。这部
机器被称做电子离散变量自动计算机,或简称 EDVAC,是第一部包括了计
算机所有特征的机器。然而,直到 1951年，它一直没有完成。
1.1 The Invention of the Computer
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-10
1.1.1 TheENIAC
Before the EDVAC was finished,several other machines were built that
incorporated elements of the EDVAC design of Eckert,Mauchly,and von
Neuman,One was the Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Computer,or
EDSAC,which was developed in Cambridge,England,It first operated in
May of 1949 and is probably the world’s first electronic stored-program,
general-purpose computer to become operational,The first computer to
operate in the United States was the Binary Automatic Computer,or
BINAC,which became operational in August of 1949.
在 EDVAC完成之前, 其他一些机器建成了, 它们吸收了 Eckert、
Mauchly和 Neuman设计的要素 。 其中一部是在英国剑桥研制的电子延迟
存储自动计算机,或简称 EDSAC,它在 1949年 5月首次运行, 它可能是世
界的第一台电子储存程序, 通用型计算机投入运行 。 在美国运行的第一
部计算机是二进制自动计算机,或简称 BINAC,它在 1949年 8月投入运行 。
1.1 The Invention of the Computer
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-11
1.1 The Invention of the Computer
1.1.2 TheUNIVACI
Like other computing pioneers before them,Eckert and Mauchly formed a
company in 1947 to develop a commercial computer,The company was
called the Eckert-Mauchly Computer Corporation,Their objective was to
design and build the Universal Automatic Computer or UNIVAC,Because of
difficulties of getting financial support,they had to sell the company to
Remington Rand in 1950,Eckert and Mauchly continued to work on the
UNIVAC at Remington Rand and completed it in 1951,Known as the
UNIVAC I,this machine was the first commercially available computer.
像他们之前的其他计算机先驱一样,Eckert和 Mauchly在 1947年组成了一家
公司开发商业计算机 。 公司名叫 Eckert-Mauchly计算机公司 。 他们的目标
是设计并建造通用自动计算机或 UNIVAC。 因为难以获得财政支持, 他们不
得不在 1950年把公司卖给了 Remington Rand公司 。 Eckert 和 Mauchly继续
在 Remington Rand公司从事 UNIVAC的研制工作, 并在 1951年取得成功 。 众
所周知的 UNIVAC I机器是世界上第一部商业化计算机 。
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-12
1.1 The Invention of the Computer
1.1.2 TheUNIVACI
The first UNIVAC I was delivered to the Census Bureau and used for the
1950 census,The second UNIVAC I was used to predict that Dwight
Eisenhower would win the 1952 presidential election,less than an hour after
the polls closed,The UNIVAC I began the modern of computer use.
第一台 UNIVAC I被交付人口普查局用于 1950年的人口普查 。 在投票点关
闭后 1小时之内, 第二台 UNIVAC I 被用于预测 D.艾森豪威尔会赢得 1952年
总统大选 。 UNIVAC I开始了现代计算机的应用 。
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-13
New Words & Expressions:
result in 导致,造成 …… 结果 air conditioning 空气调节
take delivery of 正式接过 … Navy lieutenant 海军上尉
high-level language 高级语言 mainframe n,主机,大型机
more and more 越来越多的 range from …to… 从 … 到 …
multiprogramming n.多道程序设计 time-share n.分时，时间共享
virtual memory 虚拟内存 from scratch 从头开始
compatible a,兼容的； compatibility n,兼容性
outnumber vt,数目超过，比 … 多 proliferate v,增生,扩散
start off v,出发,开始
1.2 Computer Generations
Abbreviations,
VLSI (Very Large Scale Integrated Circuit) 超大规模集成电路
LSI (Large Scale Integrated Circuit) 大规模集成电路
DEC (Digital Equipment Corporation) 美国数字设备公司
COBOL (Common Business-Oriented Language) 面向商业的通用语言
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-14
1.2 Computer Generations
1.2.1 First-GenerationComputers:1951～ 1958
First-generation computers were characterized by the use of vacuum tubes as their
principal electronic component,Vacuum tubes are bulky and produce a lot of heat,
so first-generation computers were large and required extensive air conditioning
to keep them cool,In addition,because vacuum tubes do not operate very fast,
these computers were relatively slow.
第一代计算机的特色是使用真空管为其主要电子器件 。 真空管体积大且
发热严重,因此第一代计算机体积庞大, 并且需要大量的空调设备保持冷却 。
此外,因为真空管运行不是很快, 这些计算机运行速度相对较慢 。
The UNIVAC I was the first commercial computer in this generation,As noted
earlier,it was used in the Census Bureau in 1951,It was also the first computer to
be used in a business application,In 1954,General Electric took delivery of a
UNIVAC I and used it for some of its business data processing.
UNIVAC I是第一代中最早的商业化计算机 。 如前所述, 它在 1951年被用
于人口普查局 。 它还是第一部用于商业应用的计算机 。 在 1954年,通用电气
接收了 UNIVAC I,并用它进行一些商业数据处理 。
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-15
1.2 Computer Generations
1.2.1 First-GenerationComputers,1951～ 1958
The UNIVAC I was not the most popular first-generation computer,
however,This honor goes to the IBM 650,It was first delivered in
1955 before Remington Rand could come out with a successor to
the UNIVAC I,With the IBM 650,IBM captured the majority of the
computer market,a position it still holds today.
然而,UNIVAC I并不是最流行的第一代计算机 。 这一荣誉属于
IBM 650。 它在 Remington Rand能够造出 UNIVAC I的后续产
品之前的 1955年首次交付使用 。 凭借 IBM 650,IBM占有了大半
计算机市场, 它在今天仍然保持这一位臵 。
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-16
1.2 Computer Generations
1.2.1 First-GenerationComputers:1951～ 1958
At the same time that hardware was evolving,software was developing,The
first computers were programmed in machine language,but during the first
computer generation,the idea of programming language translation and
high-level languages occurred,Much of the credit for these ideas goes to
Grace Hopper,who,as a Navy lieutenant in 1945,learned to program the
Harvard Mark I,In 1952,she developed the first programming language
translator,followed by others in later years,She also developed a language
called Flow-matic in 1957,which formed the basis for COBOL,the most
commonly used business programming language today.
同时, 硬件在进化,软件也在发展 。 第一部计算机用机器语言编程, 但是在
第一代计算机期间, 程序语言翻译的概念和高级语言出现了 。 这些主意大
部分归功于 Grace Hopper,她在 1954年是一名海军上尉, 学习为哈佛 Mark I
计算机编程 。 在 1952年, 她开发了第一种编程语言翻译器,在稍后的数年内
为其他人所效仿 。 她还在 1957年开发了一种称为 Flow-matic的语言,为
COBOL——今天最广泛应用的商业编程语言 ——奠定了基础 。
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-17
1.2 Computer Generations
1.2.1 First-GenerationComputers,1951～ 1958
Other software developments during the first computer
generation include the design of the FORTRAN programming
language in 1957,This language became the first widely used
high-level language,Also,the first simple operating systems
became available with first-generation computers.
在第一代计算机期间,软件方面的其他的进展包括 1957年
FORTRAN语言的设计 。 这种语言成为第一种广泛使用的高级
语言 。 同时,第一个简单的操作系统随着第一代计算机而出现 。
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-18
1.2 Computer Generations
1.2.2 Second-GenerationComputers:1959～ 1963
In the second generation of computers,transistors replaced vacuum tubes.
Although invented in 1948,the first all-transistor computer did not become
available until 1959,Transistors are smaller and less expensive than vacuum
tubes,and they operate faster and produce less heat,Hence,with second-
generation computers,the size and cost of computers decreased,their speed
increased,and their air-conditioning needs were reduced.
在第二代计算机中, 晶体管取代了真空管 。 虽然发明于 1948年,但第一台全晶体管计
算机直到 1959年才成为现实 。 晶体管比真空管体积小, 价格低, 而且运行快而发热
少 。 因此, 随着第二代计算机的出现, 计算机的体积和成本降低, 速度提高, 且它
们对空调的需要减少 。
Many companies that had not previously sold computer entered the industry
with the second generation,One of these companies that still makes
computers is Control Data Corporation (CDC),They were noted for making
high-speed computers for scientific work.
许多先前不经销计算机的公司随着第二代计算机的出现进入计算机行业, 其中今天
仍然制造计算机的公司之一是控制数据公司 (CDC),他们以制造用于科学工作的高速
计算机而著名 。
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-19
1.2 Computer Generations
1.2.2 Second-GenerationComputers:1959～ 1963
Remintong Rand,now called Sperr-Rand Corporation,made several second-
generation UNIVAC computers,IBM,however,continued to dominate the
industry,One of the most popular second-generation computers was the
IBM 1401,which was a medium-sized computer used by many businesses.
Remintong Rand,现在叫做 Sperr-Rand公司,制造了一些第二代 UNIVAC计
算机。然而,IBM继续称霸计算机行业。最流行的第二代计算机之一是
IBM 1401,这是一部许多企业使用的中型计算机。
All computers at this time were mainframe computers costing over a million
dollars,The first minicomputer became available in 1960 and cost about
$120,000,This was the PDP-1,manufactured by Digital Equipment
Corporation (DEC).
当时所有的计算机都是价值百万元以上的大型计算机 。 第一台小型计算机
产生于 1960年, 价值 12万美元, 它就是由数据设备公司 (DEC)制造的 PDP-1。
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-20
1.2 Computer Generations
1.2.2 Second-Generation Computers,1959～ 1963
Software also continued to develop during this time,Many new
programming languages were designed,including COBOL in
1960,More and more businesses and organizations were
beginning to use computers for their data processing needs.
在此期间软件也在继续发展 。 许多新的编程语言被发明,包括
1960年发明的 COBOL。 越来越多的企业和组织开始使用计算
机以满足他们的数据处理需要 。
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-21
1.2 Computer Generations
1.2.3 Third-Generation Computers,1964～ 1970
The technical development that marks the third generation of
computers is the use of integrated circuits or ICs in computers.
An integrated circuit is a piece of silicon (a chip) containing
numerous transistors,One IC replaces many transistors in a
computer; result in a continuation of the trends begun in the
second generation,These trends include reduced size,reduced
cost,increased speed,and reduced need for air conditioning.
作为第三代计算机标志的技术发展是在计算机中使用集成电
路或简称 IC。 一个集成电路就是包含许多晶体管的一个硅片
(芯片 )。 一个集成电路代替了计算机中的许多晶体管, 导致
了始于第二代的一些趋势的继续 。 这些趋势包括计算机体积
减小, 成本降低, 速度提高和对空调的需要减少 。
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-22
1.2 Computer Generations
1.2.3 Third-GenerationComputers,1964～ 1970
Although integrated circuits were invented in 1958,the first computers to
make extensive use of them were not available until 1964,In that year,IBM
introduced a line of mainframe computers called the System/360,The
computers in this line became the most widely used third-generation
machines,There were many models in the System/360 line,ranging from
small,relatively slow,and inexpensive ones,to large,very fast,and costly
models,All models,however,were compatible so that programs written for
one model could be used on another,This feature of compatibility across
many computers in a line was adopted by other manufacturers of third-
generation computers.
虽然集成电路发明于 1958年,但是直到 1964年才出现了第一台广泛使用 IC的计算
机 。 那一年, IBM推出了称为 System/360的大型计算机系列 。 这一系列的计算机
成为使用最广泛的第三代计算机 。 在 System/360系列中有许多机型,从小型的, 相
对较慢的且价格低廉的机型, 到大型的, 非常快的且价格昂贵的机型 。 然而,所有
的机型都是兼容的, 以便在一个机型上编写的程序可以用于另一个机型 。 这个在
许多计算机系列间兼容的特征被其他第三代计算机制造商所采用 。
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-23
1.2.3 Third-Generation Computers,1964～ 1970
The third computer generation was also the time when
minicomputers became widespread,The most popular model
was the PDP-8,manufactured by DEC,Other companies,
including Data General Corporation and Hewlett-Packard
Company,introduced minicomputers during the third
generation.
计算机的第三代也是小型计算机普及的时代 。 最流行的小型机
是由 DEC制造的 PDP-8。 其他公司,包括数据通用公司和惠普
(Hewlett-Packard)公司,在第三代期间开发了小型计算机 。
1.2 Computer Generations
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-24
1.2.3 Third-GenerationComputers,1964～ 1970
The principal software development during the third computer generation
was the increased sophistication of operating systems,Although simple
operating systems were developed for first-and second-generation computers,
many of the features of modern operating systems first appeared during the
third generation,These include multiprogramming,virtual memory,and
time-sharing,The first operating systems were mainly batch systems,but
during the third generation,interactive systems,especially on
minicomputers,became common,The BASIC programming language was
designed in 1964 and became popular during the third computer generation
because of its interactive nature.
在第三代计算机期间, 软件的主要发展是操作系统的复杂化程度提高 。 虽然为第一
代和第二代计算机开发了简单的操作系统,许多现代操作系统的特征首先在第三代
期间出现 。 这些特征包括多道程序设计, 虚拟存储和分时技术 。 第一代操作系统主
要是批处理系统,但是在第三代期间, 交互式系统开始普及, 尤其是在小型计算机
上 。 BASIC语言发明于 1964年, 并由于其交互式特征而在第三代计算机期间大为流
行 。
1.2 Computer Generations
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-25
1.2.4 Fourth-Generation Computers,1971～?
The fourth generation of computers is more difficult to define than
the other three generations,This generation is characterized by more
and more transistors being contained on a silicon chip,First there
was Large Scale Integration (LSI),with hundreds and thousands of
transistors per chip,then came Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI),
with tens of thousands and hundreds of thousands of transistors,The
trend continues today.
第四代计算机比其他三代更难以定义 。 这一代计算机的特征是
一个芯片上包含越来越多的晶体管 。 首先, 出现了一个芯片上
具有数百和数千个晶体管的大规模集成电路 (LSI),接着出现
了一个芯片上具有数万和数十万个晶体管的超大规模集成电路
(VLSI)。 这个趋势在今天仍在持续 。
1.2 Computer Generations
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-26
1.2.4 Fourth-Generation Computers:1971～?
Although not everyone agrees that there is a fourth computer generation,those
that do feel that it began in 1971,when IBM introduced its successors to the
System/360 line of computers,These mainframe computers were called the
System/370,and current-model IBM computers,although not called System/370s,
evolved directly from these computers.
虽然并不是每个人都同意存在一个第四代,那些认为存在的觉得它开始于
1971年，其时 IBM开发了 System/360系列计算机的下一系列产品。这些大型
计算机称为 System/370,当前的 IBM计算机虽然不叫做 System/370，但都是
从这些计算机直接发展而来的。
Minicomputers also proliferated during the fourth computer generation,The most
popular lines were the DEC PDP-11 models and the DEC VAX,both of which are
available in various models today.
小型计算机也在第四代期间迅速增长 。 最流行的系列是 DEC公司的 PDP-11
机和 DEC的 VAX机,二者在今天的各种机型中仍然有效 。
1.2 Computer Generations
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-27
1.2 Computer Generations
1.2.4 Fourth-Generation Computers,1971～?
Supercomputers first became prominent in the fourth
generation,Although many companies,including IBM and CDC,
developed high-speed computers for scientific work,it was not
until Cray Research,Inc.,introduced the Cray 1 in 1975 that
supercomputers became significant,Today,supercomputers are
an important computer classification.
超级计算机首先在第四代中突起 。 虽然包括 IBM和 CDC(控
制数据公司 )在内的许多公司都为科学工作开发了高速计算机,
但是直到 1975年 Cray研究有限公司推出了 Cray 1,超级计算机
才变得有意义 。 今天, 超级计算机是重要的计算机分类 。
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-28
1.2 Computer Generations
1.2.4 Fourth-Generation Computers:1971～?
Perhaps the most important trend that began in the fourth generation is the
proliferation of microcomputers,As more and more transistors were put on
silicon chips,it eventually became possible to put an entire computer
processor,called a microprocessor,on a chip,The first computer to use
microprocessors became available in the mid-1970s,The first microcomputer
designed for personal use was the Altair,which was sold in 1975,The first
Apple computer,marketed with the IBM PC in 1981,Today,microcomputers
far outnumber all other types of computers combined.
也许在第四代计算机开始的最重要趋势是微型计算机的增长 。 随着越来越
多的晶体管被集成到硅芯片上,将一整个计算机处理器 （ 称为微处理器 ） 放
在一个芯片上终于成为可能 。 使用微处理器的第一部计算机出现于 1970年
代 。 第一部专为个人使用设计的微型计算机是 Altair,它于 1975进入市场 。
第一部苹果计算机在 1981年与 IBM个人计算机一起在市场上销售 。 今天, 微
型计算机数目远远超过其他所有类型计算机的总和 。
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-29
1.2 Computer Generations
1.2.4 Fourth-Generation Computers:1971～?
Software development during the fourth computer generation
started off with little change from the third generation,
Operating systems were gradually improved,and new
languages were designed,Database software became widely
used during this time,The most important trend,however,
resulted from the microcomputer revolution,Packaged
software became widely available for microcomputers so that
today most software is purchased,not developed from scratch.
在计算机的第四代期间，软件的发展开始与第三代有所不同。操作系统
在逐渐地改进，而新的语言被发明。期间数据库软件被广泛使用。然而，
最重要的趋势起因于微型计算机革命。用于微型计算机的软件包随处可
得，因此今天大多数的软件可以购得,而不需从头开始开发。
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-30
1.2.5 GenerationlessComputers
We may have defined our last generation of computers and begun the era of
generationless computers,Even though computer manufacturers talk of,fifth”
and,sixth”-generation computers,this talk is more a marketing play than a
reflection of reality.
我们可能已经定义了我们最新一代计算机而且开始了计算机的无代时代 。
即使计算机制造商谈到, 第五, 和, 第六, 代计算机,这些说法更多是市
场行为, 而不是真实的反映 。
Advocates of the concept of generationless computers say that even though
technological innovations are coming in rapid succession,no single innovation
is,or will be,significant enough to characterize another generation of
computers.
无代计算机的观念提倡者说, 即使科技革新接二连三地迅速出现,没有一
种革新是,或将是足够重要, 作为另一代计算机的特征 。
1.2 Computer Generations
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-31
New Words & Expressions:
glean vt.,vi,搜集 (情报或事实 ) MD abbr,Maryland(马里兰 )
Tflops abbr,teraflops 每秒兆兆 (1012)次 architecture n.体系机构
terabit n.兆兆位 factor n,阶乘
bandwidth n.带宽 Terabyte n,兆兆 (1012)字节；
Petabyte n,千兆兆 (1015)字节 microprocessor n.[计 ]微处理器
contemplate v.凝视,沉思 order n,阶,次
turbulence n,扰动；湍流
GB=GigaBit,千兆位 ; = GigaByte,吉字节
flops n,每秒浮点运算次数 (floating-point operation per second)
1.3 Near-future Supercomputer Directions
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-32
Some idea of what might be happening in the near future in supercomputer
design can be gleaned from a press release issued by the US Department of
Energy (DoE),It came out of the SUPERCOMPUTING 2002 Conference
held last November in Baltimore,MD,The press release announced that the
DoE had awarded IBM a $290 (USD) million contract to build the two fastest
supercomputers in the world with a combined peak speed of 460 TFlops,To
get an idea of the speed computing throughput 460 teraflops represents,the
press release states that,“These two systems will have more than one-and-a-
half times the combined processing power of all 500 machines on the recently
announced TOP 500 List of Supercomputers.”
从美国能源部发行的通告中, 可以收集一些有关在不久的将来超级计算机
设计中可能发生的事情的概念 。 它来自在马里兰州巴尔的摩市召开的 2002
年超级计算会议 。 该通告称能源部已给 IBM拨款 2.9亿美元建造世界上最快
的两部超级计算机, 其最高综合速度为每秒 460兆兆次 。 为了理解每秒 460
兆兆次速度的含义, 通告解释说,“这两个系统将会具有最近发布的 500强超
级计算机的总处理能力的 1.5倍还多 。,
1.3 Near-future Supercomputer Directions
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-33
The first system,“ASCI Purple,” [apparently the DoE likes
colorful names] will be the world’s first supercomputer capable
of 100 Tflops,ASCI Purple will have a massive cluster of
POWER-based IBM eServer systems and IBM storage systems.
This supercomputer represents a fifth-generation system under
the Advanced Simulation and Computing Initiative (ASCI)
Program,It will serve as the primary supercomputer for DoE.
第一个系统, ASCI Purple”,[显然能源部；生动的名字 ]将会
是世界的第一部能够运算每秒 100兆兆次的超级计算机。 ASCI
Purple将具有基于 POWER系列的 IBM eServer 系统和 IBM 存储
系统的宏大组群。这台超级计算机代表模拟和计算行动计划
(ASCI)支持的第五代系统。它将作为能源部主要的超级计算机。
1.3 Near-future Supercomputer Directions
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-34
1.3 Near-future Supercomputer Directions
According to the press release,the second system will be a research machine
called Blue Gene/L,It will employ advanced IBM semiconductor and
system technologies based on new architectures being developed by DoE
and IBM,Blue Gene/L is expected to achieve a peak performance of 360
TFlops with 130,000 processors running under the Linux operating system.
It will have the capability to process data at a rate of one terabit per second,
equivalent to the data transmitted by ten thousand weather satellites.
Applications are expected to include the simulation of very complex
physical phenomena in areas such as turbulence,biology and high
explosives.
根据通告, 第二个系统将会是一部被称为 Blue Gene/L的研究机器, 它将
使用基于新结构的先进的 IBM半导体和系统技术,该新结构是能源部和 IBM
共同开发的 。 Blue Gene/L具有 13万台处理器, 在 Linux操作系统下运行,
可望达到每秒 360兆兆次的性能 。 它将具有以每秒 1兆兆位的速度处理数据
的能力,等同于一万个气象卫星传输的数据 。 其应用预期包括对非常复杂现
象的模拟, 如湍流, 生物学和高空爆炸 。
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-35
1.3 Near-future Supercomputer Directions
The ASCI Purple system will use IBM’s next generation microprocessor,the
POWER5,employing a total of 12,544 of them,These 12,544 processors will
be spread among 196 individual computers,The total memory bandwidth
will be 156,000 GBs,the equivalent of simultaneously playing 31,200 DVD
movies,A super-fast data highway with a total interconnect bandwidth of
12,500 GB will interconnect the 196 computers,The IBM AIXL operating
system will be used to run this configuration,The operating system will
contain 50 terabytes of memory,an amount that is 400,000 times the capacity
of the average desktop PC,There will also be two petabytes of disk storage
or holding the content of approximately one billion books.
ASCI Purple系统将使用 IBM的下一代微处理器 POWER5,总数为 12,544个 。 这 12,544
个处理器将分布在 196部单独的计算机之中 。 总内存带宽将是 15.6GB,等同于同时地
播放 31,200部 DVD电影 。 一条具有 12,500 GB带宽的超快速数据通道将会把 196台计
算机互相连接 。 IBM AIXL 操作系统将用于运行一个配置 。 该操作系统将包 50兆兆
字节内存, 容量是平均桌面个人计算机的 40万倍 。 还将有 2千兆兆字节的磁盘存储,
或可容纳大约十亿本书的内容 。
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-36
1.3 Near-future Supercomputer Directions
Finally,since the UNIVAC-1’s introduction,raw computer
speed has increased by about 11 to 12 orders of magnitude in
about 50 years,or a factor of 10 every five years,This is a
truly remarkable achievement,It’s also interesting to
contemplate that,if this growth continues over the next 50
years,then by the 100th anniversary of the UNIVAC-1,
computers will be operating at speeds on the order of 1023
Flops!
最后,自从 UNIVAC-1的发明以来,计算机的原始速度在 50年
内增加了 11至 12个数量级, 或每五年增加 10倍 。 这是一个真
正显著的成就 。 设想一下也很有趣,如果在未来 50年间仍以
这样的速度持续增长,到 UNIVAC-1诞生的 100周年, 计算机
将会以大约每秒 1023次的浮点运算速度运行 !
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-37
一, 复杂长句多
科技文章要求叙述准确, 推理谨严, 因此一句话里包含三四个甚至五六个
分句的, 并非少见 。 译成汉语时, 必须按照汉语习惯破成适当数目的分句,
才能条理清楚, 避免洋腔洋调 。 这种复杂长句居科技英语难点之首, 要学
会运用语法分析方法来加以解剖, 以便以短代长, 化难为易 。 例如,
Factories will not buy machines unless they believe that the machine will
produce goods that they are able to sell to consumers at a price that will
cover all cost.
这是由一个主句和四个从句组成的复杂长句, 只有进行必要的语法分析,
才能正确理解和翻译 。 现试译如下：
除非相信那些机器造出的产品卖给消费者的价格足够支付所有成本, 否则
厂家是不会买那些机器的 。
节译,要不相信那些机器造出的产品售价够本, 厂家是不会买的 。
后一句只用了 24个字, 比前句 40个字节约用字 40%,而对原句的基本内容
无损 。 可见, 只要吃透原文的结构和内涵, 翻译时再在汉语上反复推敲提
炼, 复杂的英语长句, 也是容易驾驭的 。
科技英语的特点
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-38
科技英语的特点
二, 被动语态多
英语使用被动语态大大多于汉语, 如莎士比亚传世名剧, 罗密欧与朱丽叶,
中的一句就两次用了被动语态：
Juliet was torn between desire to keep Romeo near her and fear for his life,
should his presence be detected.
朱丽叶精神上受到折磨, 既渴望和罗密欧形影不离, 又担心罗密欧万一让
人发现, 难免有性命之忧 。
科技英语更是如此, 有三分之一以上用被动语态 。 例如：
(a) No work can be done without energy.
译文：没有能量决不能做功 。
(b) All business decisions must now be made in the light of the market.
译文：所有企业现在必须根据市场来作出决策。
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-39
科技英语的特点
三, 非谓语动词多
英语每个简单句中, 只能用一个谓语动词, 如果读到几个动作, 就
必须选出主要动作当谓语, 而将其余动作用非谓语动词形式, 才能符
合英语语法要求 。
非谓语动词有三种：动名词, 分词 （ 包括现在分词和过去分词 ） 和
不定式 。 例如：
要成为一个名符其实的内行, 需要学到老 。
这句中, 有, 成为,,, 需要, 和, 学, 三个表示动作的词, 译成
英语后为：
To be a true professional requires lifelong learning.
可以看出，选好“需要”（ require）作为谓语，其余两个动作：“
成为”用不定式形式 to be，而“学”用动名词形式 learning，这样才
能符合英语语法要求。
Chapter 1 The History and Future of Computers
计算机专业英语 1-40
科技英语的特点
四, 词性转换多
英语单词有不少是多性词, 即既是名词, 又可用作动词, 形容词, 介
词或副词, 字形无殊, 功能各异, 含义也各不相同, 如不仔细观察, 必
致谬误 。 例如,light
名词,(启发 )in (the)light of由于, 根据；
(光 )high light(s)强光, 精华； (灯 )safety light安全指示灯
形容词, (轻 )light industry轻工业；
(明亮 )light room明亮的房间；
(淡 )light blue 淡蓝色；
(薄 )light coating薄涂层
动词, （ 点燃 ） light up the lamp 点灯
副词, （ 轻快 ） travel light轻装旅行
（ 容易 ） light come,light go 来得容易去得快
诸如此类的词性转换, 在科技英语中屡见不鲜, 几乎每个技术名词都
可转换为同义的形容词 。 词性转换增加了英语的灵活性和表现力, 读者
必须从上下文判明用词在句中是何种词性, 而且含义如何, 才能对全句
得到正确无误的理解 。
