READING PRACTICE SECTION. 1. Read the text and match a heading to a paragraph.

Windows 2000

1. Read the text and match a heading to a paragraph.

a. Ready for the Internet

b. Fast, secure and reliable

c. What’s Windows 2000?

d. Built-in support for new devices

e. Easy to use

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

2. 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.

3. Vocabulary search. Find the words in the text that correspond to the following:

1. pieces of hardware 2. portable computers 3. characteristic 4. internal corporate networks 5. set up a system in a particular way

6. improve a piece of software 7. browse (the web) 8. web address 9. restarting the computer 10. without cables