Task 6. Fill in the gaps in the text. Software consists of computer ___ (programs/utilities) and data files that work together to provide a computer with the ___ (instructions/approaches) and ___

Software consists of computer ___ (programs/utilities) and data files that work together to provide a computer with the ___ (instructions/approaches) and ___ (data/tools) necessary for carrying out a specific type of task, such as document production, video editing, graphic design, or Web browsing.

To create a software ___ (efficiency/environment), a programmer must define the ___ (approaches/properties) for each element in the environment, such as where an object appears, its shape, its color, and its behavior. Most programmers today prefer to use ___ (high-level/machine) languages. A computer’s microprocessor understands only ___ (machine/high-level) language, however, so a program that is written in a high-level language must be ___ (avoided/compiled) or interpreted before it can be ___ (processed/modified).

Task 7. Look back at the article. Find the adjectives which mean the following. The first and the last letters are given:

1) perceptible by touch; definite, clearly intelligible, not elusive or visionary (t……e);

2) consisting of two parts, dual (b….y);

3) capable of being numbered or estimated (c……..e);

4) based on random choice or whim; capricious; despotic (a…….y);

5) of or for or done by soldiers of the armed forces (m……y).

Task 8. Which of these statements are true? Correct the false ones.

1. Middleware controls and co-ordinates distributed systems.

2. System software provides the necessary services for application software.

3. Testware performs productive tasks for users.

4. Software testing can be launched for use by either an individual or a group.

5. Computer software is often regarded as hardware.

6. Software includes video games, websites, programs and logic systems of modern consumer devices.

7. Systems software unburdens the applications programmer from the often complex details of the particular computer being used.

8. Programming software assists a programmer in writing computer programs.

9. Industrial automation, educational software and business software are examples of application software.

Text 16B. IT Certification

Certification refers to the confirmation of certain characteristics of an object, person, or organization. This confirmation is often, but not always, provided by some form of external review, education, or assessment.

One of the most common types of certification in modern society is professional certification, where a person is certified as being able to competently complete a job or task, usually by the passing of an examination.

There are two general types of professional certification: some are valid for a lifetime, once the exam is passed. Others have to be recertified again after a certain period of time. Also, certifications can differ within a profession by the level or specific area of expertise they refer to. For example, in the IT Industry there are different certifications available for software tester, project manager, and developer. Similarly, the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology offers three certifications in the same profession, but with increasing complexity.

Certification does not refer to the state of legally being able to practice or work in a profession. That is licensure. Usually, licensure is administered by a governmental entity for public protection purposes and a professional association administers certification. Licensure and certification are similar in that they both require the demonstration of a certain level of knowledge or ability.

Another common type of certification in modern society is product certification. This refers to processes intended to determine if a product meets minimum standards, similar to quality assurance.

In first-party certification, an individual or organization providing the good or service offers assurance that it meets certain claims. In second-party certification, an association to which the individual or organization belongs provides the assurance. Third-party certification involves an independent assessment declaring that specified requirements pertaining to a product, person, process or management system have been met.

For software testing the certifications can be grouped into exam-based and education-based. Exam-based certifications:

For this there is the need to pass an exam, which can also be learned by self-study: e.g. for International Software Testing Qualifications Board Certified Tester by the International Software Testing Qualifications Board or Certified Software Tester by QAI or Certified Software Quality Engineer by American Society for Quality. Education-based certifications are the instructor-led sessions, where each course has to be passed, e.g. Certified Software Test Professional or Certified Software Test Professional by International Institute for Software Testing.