SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.

National Highway, Crossing Rubber, Tupi, South Cotabato

COLLEGE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

___________________________________________________

IT 121: Introduction to Computing

SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.

Page 1 of 13
 LEARNING MODULE
FOR
IT 121: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTING

_____________________________________________________

WEEK 1

COURSE OUTLINE

COURSE CODE : IT 121

IT 121: Introduction to Computing

SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.

Page 2 of 13
TITLE : Introduction to Computing
TARGET POPULATION : All BS Information Technology Students
INSTRUCTOR : Ms. Juliet Lugan

Overview:

Computers are everywhere: at work, at school, and at home. Computers are a primary means of local and
global communications for billions of people. Through computers, society has instant access to information from
around the globe. This module presents the knowledge you need to be computer literate. The course acquaints
students to discover different and innovative ways of using various technology and learn how computing is applied
creatively to solve problems. Students will finish this course with a solid understanding of computers, how to use
computers, and how to access information on the Web.

Objectives:

General Objectives

To become familiar with popular PC productivity software and define the terms, computer, and
describe the relationship between data and information.

To recount the important milestones and the key events and to distinguish between system
software and application software.

Instruction to the Learner

Each chapter in this module contains a major lesson involving the introduction to computers and learn how
computing is applied creatively to solve problems. The units are characterized by continuity, and are arranged in
such a manner that the present unit is related to the next unit. For this reason, you are advised to read this module.
After each unit, there are exercises to be given. Submission of task given will be submitted by the agreed deadline.

GETTING STARTED:

Do you have any idea what is computer?

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Why computer is powerful?

__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Write your Expectation about this course.
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________

IT 121: Introduction to Computing

SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.

Page 3 of 13
 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER

What is a computer?

Computer

⮚ A computer is an electronic device, operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory.
⮚ It is a word derived from a word "compute" which means to calculate. So, in simple words you can say that
computer is an electronic device which is used for fast calculation.

Produces
Collects data
Processing information
(input)
(output)

Figure 1.1: Process of Information

Components of a Computer

⮚ A computer contains many electric, electronic, and mechanical components known as hardware.

In computing, an input device is a piece of equipment used to provide data

and control signals to an information processing system such as a computer or
Input Device information appliance.

Figure 1.2: Input Devices

An output device is any piece of computer hardware equipment which converts

Output Device information into human-readable form. It can be text, graphics, tactile, audio, and
video. Examples are display devices and data projector.

Figure 1.3: Output Devices

IT 121: Introduction to Computing

SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.

Page 4 of 13
 System Unit Case that contains the electronic components of the computer that are used
to process data.

The inside of the system unit on a desktop personal computer includes:

Drive bay(s)

Power supply

Sound card

Video card

Processor

Memory

Figure 1.4: Components of System Unit

The motherboard is the main circuit board of the system unit

• A computer chip contains integrated circuits.

Figure 1.5: The Motherboard

Holds data, instructions, and information for future use and it’s a computer
Storage Device hardware that records and/or retrieves items to and from storage media

Hard Disks

● A hard disk contains one or more inflexible, circular platters that use magnetic particles to
store data, instructions, and information

Figure 1.6: Hard Disk in the System unit

WHY COMPUTERS ARE POWERFUL

Advantages of using Computer

1. Speed – When data, instruction, and information flow along electronic circuits in a computer, they
travel at incredibly fast speed.
2. Reliability – The electronic components in modern computers are dependable and reliable because
they rarely break or fail.
3. Communications – Most computer today can communicate with other computers, often wirelessly.

IT 121: Introduction to Computing

SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.

Page 5 of 13
 4. Storage – A computer can transfer data quickly from storage to memory, process it, and store it again
for future use.

Disadvantages of using the computer

1. Health Risks – Prolonged or improper use of computer can lead to injuries or disorders of the hands,
wrists, elbows, eyes, neck, and back.
2. Violation of Privacy – In many instances, where personal and confidential records were not protected
properly, individuals have found their privacy violated and identities stolen.
3. Computer Crimes – People use the computer for negative activities.
4. Unemployment – Different tasks are performed automatically by using computers. It reduces the need
of people and increase unemployment in society.

Networks and the Internet

A network is a collection of computers and devices The Internet is a worldwide collection of networks
connected together, often wirelessly, via that connects millions of businesses, government
communications devices and transmission media. agencies, educational institutions, and individuals.

Figure 1.8: Internet

Figure 1.7: Network

• People use the Internet for a variety of reasons:

Communicate Research and Access Shop Bank and Invest Online Trading
Information

Entertainment Download Music Share Videos Web Application

Computer Software

- Software, also called a program, tells the computer what tasks to perform and how to perform
them.
● System Software – is a type of computer program that is designed to run a computer’s hardware and
application programs. Example is the operating system (OS) and basic input/output system (BIOS).
● Application Software – Unlike system software, an application program or app performs a particular
function for the user. Examples include browsers, word processors and spreadsheets.

- Installing is the process of setting up software to work with the

computer, printer, and other hardware.

- A programmer develops software or writes the instructions

that direct the computer to process data into information.

IT 121: Introduction to Computing

SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.

Page 6 of 13
 Figure 1.9: Computer Program

Categories of Computers
Personal computers

Mobile computers and mobile devices

Game consoles

Minicomputers

Mainframes

Supercomputers

Embedded computers

Personal Computers

• A personal computer can perform all of its input, processing, output, and storage activities by itself

• Two popular architectures are the PC and the Apple

– Desktop computer

Figure 1.10: Types of personal computer

Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices

Mobile Mobile
Computer Notebook computer Device

Tablet PC
Personal computer
Computing device
you can carry from small enough to
place to place. Smart phone hold in your hand.
Examples include
notebook Examples include
computers, laptop PDA smart phones,
computers, and PDAs, handheld
IT 121: Introduction to Computing
Tablet PCs computers,
portable media
SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC. players, and digital
Page 7 of 13 cameras
 Handheld computer

Portable media player

Digital camera
Game Consoles

• A game console is a mobile computing device designed for single-player or

multiplayer video games.

Figure 1.11: Example of a game console

Minicomputer

● Computer that is smaller, less expensive, and less powerful than a mainframe or
supercomputer, but more expensive and more powerful than a personal
computer.

Mainframes Figure 1.12: Minicomputer

● Mainframes are a type of powerful computer that can handle hundreds or

thousands of connected users simultaneously and generally known for their large
size, amount of storage, processing power and high level of reliability. They are
primarily used by large organizations for mission critical applications requiring high
volumes of data processing.

Figure 1.13: Mainframes

Supercomputer

● A supercomputer is the fastest, most powerful computer.

Traditionally, supercomputers have been used for scientific and
engineering applications that must handle very large databases or
do a great amount of computation (or both).
o Fastest supercomputers are capable of processing more
than one quadrillion instructions in a single second.

Figure 1.14: Supercomputer in NASA

Embedded Computer

IT 121: Introduction to Computing

SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.

Page 8 of 13
 ● An embedded computer is a microprocessor-based system, specially designed to perform a specific function

Consumer Electronics Home Automation Process Controllers Computer Devices

Automobiles
Devices and Robotics and Office Machines
Mobile and digital Thermostats Antilock brakes Remote monitoring Keyboards
telephones Sprinkling systems Engine control systems Printers
Digital televisions Security monitoring modules Power monitors Faxes
Cameras systems Airbag controller Machine controllers Copiers
Video recorders Appliances Cruise control Medical devices
DVD players and Lights
recorders
Answering machines

and belong to a larger system. It comes with a combination of hardware and software to achieve a unique
task and withstand different conditions.

Figure 1.15: Smart car that has embedded computer

Elements of an Information
System

Hardware

Software Data

People Procedures

Example of Computer Usage:

IT 121: Introduction to Computing

Figure 1.16: How the Elements of IS
SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY,
Mobile User INC.
Home User Small
Page
Personal 9 of 13 Office/Home
financial Connect to other
management Office User computers on a
Web access network or the
Look up Internet
Communications information Transfer
Entertainment Send and receive information
e-mail messages Play video games
Make telephone
 Computer Application in Society

Education
Finance
Government
Health Care

Science
Publishing
Travel
Manufacturing

Laboratory
Challenges

Explain the following question based on your research.

1. The Importance of computer in daily life.

2. What is the difference between computer organization and computer architecture?
3. Name the three basic components of computer?
4. What unit is typically used to measure the speed of a computer clock?
5. Who is known as the father of computing and why?

6-10. Write a compare and contrast essay of system software and application software.

11-15.The significance of Computer application in society, from education to Manufacturing.

Exercises

IT 121: Introduction to Computing

SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.

Page 10 of 13
Test I: Matching Type. Match the correct answer in column A to column B.

Column A
Column B

___ 1. Central Processing Unit

A.

___ 2. Artificial intelligence

B.
___ 3. External Storage
C.
___ 4. Office Automation

D.
___ 5. Device used to enter data into a system

___ 6. Special-purpose computer that functions as a E.

component in a larger product

F.
___ 7. Device used to convert data into a useful form

___ 8. Electronic device that is used to perform arithmetic and G.

logical operations automatically

H.
___ 9. Type of computer program that is designed to run a
I.
computer’s hardware and application programs.

J.
___ 10. Optical device that projects an image onto a surface

IT 121: Introduction to Computing

SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.

Page 11 of 13
IT 121: Introduction to Computing

SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.

Page 1 of 13