Wireless Internet cards connect each PC to a solar-powered hilltop relay station which then passes the signals on to a computer in town that is connected to both the Lao phones system and to the Internet. Meanwhile, the Linux-based software that will run the computers is in the final stages of being “l(fā)ocalized” into Lao by a group of expatriates in America.

　　One thing that tne new network will allow villagers to do is to decide whether it is worth going to market .Phone Hong, the local market town, is 30 km away, so it is worth knowing the price of rice before you set off to sell some there. Links farther away may allow decisions about growing crops for foreign markets to be taken more sensibly-and help with bargaining when these are sold.

　　If it works, the special PC and its associated network could be a widespread success. So far, the foundation has had expressions of interest from groups working in Peru, Chile and South Africa. The prototype should be operational in Laos in December 2002 and it, or something very much like it, may soon be bringing the digital divide eslewhere as well.

　　注意：此部分試題請(qǐng)?jiān)诖痤}卡2上作答。

　　52. “…things are even going further” in the first paragraph refers to the fact that _________.

　　A) computers have been made for the poor countries

　　B) the poor villages in Laos are getting access to the Internet

　　C) and electric power grid has been established for Laos

　　D) local villagers have been helped to connect by telephones in Laos

　　53. In order to meet the need of having access to the Internet in Laos, the foundation should first ____________.

　　A) build more schools to improve the education level

　　B) imporve the physical harsh environment

　　C) devise a special kind of computer

　　D) turn to more engineers to enchance the education the technical support

　　54.Which of the following statements is not in accordance with the rule in devising the special computer ?

　　A) The data storage relies on flash-memory chips.

　　B) Chargeable battery is its power source.

　　C) The screen is not old-fashioned or cheep.

　　D) The parts are not mobile and seldom delicate.