INTERVIEWER = I ALAN = A A. DO YOU USE LINUX? I: I understand that youve been using Linux for some time.

Can you explain what Linux is? A: Its an open source operating system. It _______________ 1 by Linus Torvalds, who at the time was a student at Helsinki University. He was interested in UNIX systems, and wanted to improve on an existing UNIX system called Minix. It took him 3 years to produce the first version of the Linux kernel. I: What is the Linux kernel? A: Its the base on which a version of the Linux operating system _______________ 2 The kernels source code is freely available to everyone, and hundreds of companies and individuals have developed their own versions of the operating system. I: So there isnt just one version of Linux? A: No. The original version of Linux was fairly basic, and Torvalds, with help of other developers, added more tools and applications. Then people started distributing their own packages of the Linux kernel and the tools and applications appropriate for a specific use, for example on a server. These packages _______________ 3 as distributions. I: And are all these versions, or distributions as you call them, free? A: No. Many are available as free downloads, but there are also companies selling versions on CD-ROM, with user support, often aimed at specific markets such as desktop users. I: I was going to ask, what is Linuxs main market? A: It_______________4 a lot on servers, especially the mid-range to high-end market. Its also being used on mainframes, and is very popular as a supercomputer operating system. Recently its started to compete with Windows as an operating system on desktops and handheld devices, thanks to a number of distributions that bundle open source browsers and multimedia applications with the system. An increasing number of government departments around the world are migrating their servers and desktops to the Linux platform. Its a way of saving money, and as Linux is available in a wide range of languages, including some minority languages, it_______________5 as an attractive option. I: Why do you use Linux? A: Well, its free, Ive found that its very stable, and I can do everything I want usign Linux. I also like the idea that lots of enthusiasts have worked together to develop and improve the operating system, and that its open source. I: Dont you need to be some kind of a computer expert to install and use Linux? A: No, not at all. Its a common myth that Linux is for computer hobbyists and geeks, but many of the distributions are very easy to install and anyone who is capable of using Windows can use Linux. I: Can you run both Windows and Linux on the same machine? A: Yes. You have to partition the hard drive, and install Linux after youve installed Windows. But then you can choose which operating system to boot up with - it_______________ 6 as dual booting. Another option, if you want to try out Linux, is to use a live CD. Thats a CD you can download and then boot from. It lets you see what Linux is capable of without you making the commitment of installing the system.

Adapted from: http://www.britishcouncil.org/professionals-specialisms-engineering-computer-systems-1.htm

B. LISTEN TO THE DIALOGUE AND MARK THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS TRUE OR FALSE. 1. Linus Torvalds wanted to make improvements to a UNIX system. 2. Only certain people have access to the Linux source code. 3. A distribution is a package of the Linux kernel and some tools and applications. 4. All distributions of Linux are availiable for free. 5. Linux is often the operating system used on supercomputers. 6. Linux can support multimedia applications. 7. Linux is popular with government departments because it is cheaper than other operating systems. 8. Linux is not yet available in many languages. 9. If you want to use Linux and Windows on the same machine you have to install Linux first. 10. You can use Linux without having to install it.

C. TRANSFORM THE FOLLOWING SENTENCES INTO PASSIVE VOICE. 1. For the purpose of this report I surveyed six companies. 2. We tested the samples under various conditions. 3. The department will announce the results next Tuesday. 4. A company in Korea manufactures this equipment. 5. You didnt report the results of the surveys. 6. The results are invalid as the team did not follow the correct testing procedure. 7. First, you load the raw materials into a container.

Adapted from: http://www.britishcouncil.org/professionals-specialisms-engineering-computer-systems-1.htm

A. 1. was developed 2. is built 3. are known 4. is used 5. is seen 6. is known

B. 1. T 2. F 3. T 4. F 5. T 6. T 7. T 8. F 9. F 10. T Different/own versions of the OS have been developed by hundreds of companies and individuals More tools and applications were added by Torvalds and/with help of other developers The OS has been developed and improved by lots of enthusiasts (who have worked together) C. 1. Six companies were surveyed (by me) for the purpose of this report. 2. The samples were tested under various conditions (by us). 3. The results will be announced (by the department) next Tuesday. 4. This equipment is manufactured (by a company) in Korea. 5. The results of the surveys were not reported. 6. The correct testing procedure was not followed by the team (therefore, the results are invalid). 7. The raw materials are first loaded into a container.

Adapted from: http://www.britishcouncil.org/professionals-specialisms-engineering-computer-systems-1.htm