NOT FOR SALE

NOT

9
Technology and
Livelihood Education
Quarter 1,Wk.1 - Module 1
Introduction to Computers

Department of Education ● Republic of the Philippines

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 Lesson UNDERSTANDING COMPUTERS

What I Need to Know

As you go through this module, you will be able to understand what computer is all about. Readings and
enhancement activities are provided to serve you as a guide. All you need to do is to read carefully all the
topics and apply the knowledge you’ve gained through the distinct activities provided in this module. So keep
going and good luck!

LO 1. Plan and prepare for installation

1. Understanding computers.
2. Identify the different types of computer and devices.
3. Familiarize with the classification of computer.

What’s New

Activity 1. A. Choose the answers and fill-in the missing letter below:

Micro Personal Mini Mainframe

Palmtop Super Notebook

General Purpose Computers are …

1. _ u _ _ _ Computer.

2. M _ _ _ f _ _ _ _ (Large) Computer.

3. M _ _ _ (Medium) Computer.

4. M _ _ _ _ (Small) Computer.

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 5.P _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 6._ _ t _ _ _ _ _ 7.P _ _ _ _ _ p
Computer Computer Computer

B) Choose the answers and fill-in the missing letter below:

Robot X-Ray Fax

Pager Calculator Ultra

Special Purpose Computers are …

1. F__

2. _ l _ _ _ Sound.

3. P____

4. C____l____

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 5. _-R__

6. R____

What Is It

Guide Questions:

* What is Computer?
* What are the different types of Computer?
* What are the different types of Personal Computer?
* What is the primary operation of each Computer?

A computer is an electronic device that has the capability to manipulate information or data,
store, retrieve, and process it for more useful information. It is programmable so it can respond to
specific instructions or commands.

Computers of the earlier years were of the size of a large room and were required to
consume huge amounts of electric power. However, with the advancing technology, computers have
shrunk to the size of a small watch. Depending on the processing power and size of computers, they
have been classified under various types. Let us look at the classification of computers.

Different Types of Computers

Based on the operational principle of computers, they are categorized as analog, digital and hybrid
computers.

Analog Computers: These are almost extinct today. These are different from a digital computer
because an analog computer can perform several mathematical operations simultaneously. It uses
continuous variables for mathematical operations and utilizes mechanical or electrical energy.

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 Figure1. Different Types of Computer

Digital Computers: They use digital circuits and are designed to operate on two states, namely bits
0 and 1. They are analogous to states ON and OFF. Data on these computers is represented as a
series of 0s and 1s. Digital computers are suitable for complex computation and have higher
processing speeds. They are programmable. Digital computers are either general purpose
computers or special purpose ones. Special purpose computers, as their name suggests, are
designed for specific types of data processing while general purpose computers are meant for
general use.

Hybrid Computers: These computers are a combination of both digital and analog computers. In
this type of computers, the digital segments perform process control by conversion of analog signals
to digital ones.
Classification of Computers
The following are the classification of the different types of computers based
on their sizes and functionalities:

Mainframe Computers: Large organizations use mainframes for highly critical

applications such as bulk data processing and ERP. Most of the mainframe computers
have the capacities to host multiple operating systems and operate as a number of
virtual machines and can substitute for several small servers.

Minicomputers: In terms of size and processing capacity, minicomputers lie in

between mainframes and microcomputers. Minicomputers are also called mid-range
systems or workstations. The term began to be popularly used in the 1960s to refer to
relatively smaller third generation computers.

Servers: They are computers designed to provide services to client machines in a

computer network. They have larger storage capacities and powerful processors.
Running on them are programs that serve client requests and allocate resources like
memory and time to client machines. Usually they are very large in size, as they have
large processors and many hard drives. They are designed to be fail-safe and resistant
to crash.

Supercomputers: The highly calculation-intensive tasks can be effectively performed

by means of supercomputers. Quantum physics, mechanics, weather forecasting,
molecular theory are best studied by means of supercomputers. Their ability of parallel
processing and their well-designed memory hierarchy give the supercomputers, large
transaction processing powers.

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 Figure2. Classification of Computer
Microcomputers: A computer with a microprocessor and its central processing unit it
is known as a microcomputer. They do not occupy space as much as mainframes do.
When supplemented with a keyboard and a mouse, microcomputers can be called
personal computers. A monitor, a keyboard and other similar input output devices,
computer memory in the form of RAM and a power supply unit come packaged in a
microcomputer. These computers can fit on desks or tables and prove to be the best
choice for single-user tasks.

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 Personal computers come in different forms such as desktops, laptops and
personal digital assistants (refer to Figure 3). Let us look at each of these types of
computers.

Desktops: A desktop is intended to be used on a single location. The spare parts of a

desktop computer are readily available at relatively lower costs. Power consumption is
not as critical as that in laptops. Desktops are widely popular for daily use in the
workplace and households.

Laptops: Similar in operation to desktops, laptop computers are miniaturized and

optimized for mobile use. Laptops run on a single battery or an external adapter that
charges the computer batteries.

Netbooks: They fall in the category of laptops, but are inexpensive and relatively
smaller in size. They had a smaller feature set and lesser capacities in comparison to
regular laptops, at the time they came into the market.

Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs): It is a handheld computer and popularly known

as a palmtop. It has a touch screen and a memory card for storage of data. PDAs can
also be used as portable audio players, web browsers and smart phones. Most of
them can access the Internet by means of Bluetooth or Wi-Fi communication.

Tablet Computers: Tablets are mobile computers that are very handy to use. They
use the touch screen technology. Tablets come with an onscreen keyboard or use a
stylus or a digital pen. Apple's iPod redefined the class of tablet computers.

Wearable Computers: A record-setting step in the evolution of computers was the creation of
wearable computers. These computers can be worn on the body and are often used in the study
of behavior modeling and human health. Military and health professionals have incorporated
wearable computers into their daily routine, as a part of such studies. When the users' hands
and sensory organs are engaged in other activities, wearable computers are of great help in
tracking human actions. Wearable computers do not have to be turned on and off and remain in
operation without user intervention.

What’s More

Activity 2: FILL IN THE BLANKS

Direction: Identify the type of computer being described in the following sentences and write your
answer on space provided.

1. These are mobile computers that are very handy to use. ___________________
2. They are computers designed to provide services to client machines in a computer
network.____________________
3. They are also called mid-range systems or workstations.____________________
4. A computer with a microprocessor and its central processing unit._____________
5. They fall in the category of laptops, but are inexpensive and relatively smaller in
size.__________________________
6. A type of computer which is intended be used on a single location. ____________

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7. They use digital circuits and are designed to operate on two states, namely bits 0 and
1._________________________
8. Computers that have the capacities to host multiple operating systems and operate as a number
of virtual machines and can substitute for several small servers.________________
9. It is a handheld computer and popularly known as a palmtop.__________________
10. These computers can be worn on the body and are often used in the study of behavior
modeling and human health. ________________________

Activity 3: MATCH ME

Direction: Match Column A to Column B and Column B to Column C. Blue pen for Column A to Column B and
Red Pen Column B to Column C.
Column A Column B Column C

It is intended to Classification of
be used on a single Computer
location

Are mobile computers Types of Computer

that are very handy to
use.

It is also called mid-range Types of Personal

systems or workstations Computer

It has the capacity to host

multiple operating systems

It uses digital circuits and

are designed to operate
on two states, namely
bits 0 and 1.

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 What I Have Learned

Test 1. Multiple Choice. Select the letter of the best answer from among the given choices.

1. What computer that is also known as Personal Computer?

a. Microcomputer b. Mainframe Computer
c. Supercomputer d. none of the above
2. What is the type of computer which are used by the majority of the people in their daily lives?
a. Microcomputer b. Mainframe Computer
c. Desktop Computer d. all of the above
3. It can easily record everything from your signature, to your handwriting, to original
drawings directly to your computer.
a. Laptop b. Digital Tablets
c. Notebook d. all of the above
4. It is a small and portable compared to the immobile desktop computer.
a. Laptop b. Netbook
c. Notebook d. all of the above
5. What computer that is also much smaller, portable and very lightweight?
a. In-car Computer b. Netbook
c. Notebook d. all of the above
6. It is essentially designed for surfing the net, while notebooks have different
features, including better operating systems, optical drives and more offline use. 
a. In-car Computer b. Netbook
c. Mainframe d. all of the above
7. What computer that is typically have a display screen with touch input and/or a
miniature keyboard and weighting less than 2 pounds (0.91 kg)?
a. In-car Computer b. Handheld Computer
c. Mainframe d. all of the above
8. What computer which is referred to as the mid sized computers and they serve as
the same functions as the normal desktop computers?
a. Minicomputers b. Handheld Computer
c. Mainframe d. all of the above
9.What type of computer that is large in size, large in memory and powerful?
a. Minicomputer b. Handheld Computer
c. Mainframe d. all of the above
10. What type of computer that is used for problems requiring complex calculations?
a. Minicomputer b. Supercomputer
c. Mainframe d. all of the above

Test II. Direction: Identify the type of computer being described in the following sentences
and write your answer on space provided.

1. These are mobile computers that are very handy to use. ___________________
2. They are computers designed to provide services to client machines in a computer
network.____________________
3. They are also called mid-range systems or workstations.____________________
4. A computer with a microprocessor and its central processing unit._____________
5. They fall in the category of laptops, but are inexpensive and relatively smaller in
size.__________________________
6. A type of computer which is intended be used on a single location. ____________
7. They use digital circuits and are designed to operate on two states, namely bits 0 and
1._________________________
8. Computers that have the capacities to host multiple operating systems and operate as a number
of virtual machines and can substitute for several small servers.________________
9. It is a handheld computer and popularly known as a palmtop.__________________
10. These computers can be worn on the body and are often used in the study of behavior modeling
and human health. ________________________

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 What I Can Do

STUDENT ASSESSMENT:

Direction: Write down either location/venue or situation were each type of personal computer is commonly
used in our society. Write 5 each type of personal computer and write it in your activity notebook.

CRITERIA FOR THE ACTIVITY PERCENTAGE SCORE

Accurate to task given 30  
Precise on the exact type of
computer 30  
Informative answer 40  
TOTAL 100  

Range: NO. OF CORRECT

ANSWER PERCENTAGE
4-5 30/40
3-4 20/30
2-3 10/20
1-2 0/10

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 Lesson COMPUTER BASIC OPERATION

What’s In

In reference to the previous module, consider the figure below. Answer the following questions based
on your own understanding.

Activity 1: Venn Diagram

TYPES OF
COMPUTER
TYPES OF
CLASSIFICATION PERSONAL
OF COMPUTER COMPUTER

Guide Questions:

1.What is computer?
________________________________________________________________________________
2. What are the different types of computer?
________________________________________________________________________________
3. What are the different types of Personal Computer?
________________________________________________________________________________
4. What are the classification of computer?
________________________________________________________________________________

What I Need to Know

As you go through this module, you will be able to understand computer basic operations. Readings and
enhancement activities are provided to serve you as a guide. All you need to do is to read carefully all the
topics and apply the knowledge you’ve gained through the distinct activities provided in this module. So keep
going and good luck!

LO 1. Plan and prepare for installation

1. Identify computer 5 basic operations.

2. Familiarize with the computer basic operations.
3. Define a computer and describe its primary operations.
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1.

12
 What’s New

Activity 1: MULTIPLE CHOICE

Based your answer from the diagram below and write your answer in your activity notebook. Write the letter
only.

1. Which of the following function is not performed by computers?

a. Calculate data b. Compare data c. Analyze data d. Output data

2. Which of the following is soft output device?

a. Microphone b. Plotters c. Projectors d. Card Punchers

3. Identify the direct entry input device:

a. Keyboard b. Mouse c. OMR d. All of above

4. Which of the following unit does encoding?

a. Input Unit b. ALU c. CU d. Output Unit

5. The actual execution of instructions takes place in 

a. Arithmetic Logical Unit b. Control Unit c. Memory d. Output Unit

6. The storage unit holds:

a. data to be processed b. intermediate result c. both of above d. none of above

7. The fastest and most close storage device to CPU is 

a. Flash Memory b. RAM/ROM c. Registers d. Cache

8. After completion of processing, the final results are sent to the _____ before it goes to output device.
a. Monitor b. Printer c. Storage d. ALU

9. Which of the following is not input unit device

a. Microphone b. OCR c. Projector d. Touch Screen

10. The unit that manages and co-ordinates the whole system is
a. Input Unit b. CPU c. ALU d. CU

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 What Is It

Guide Questions:

* What is Computer?
* What are the computer basic operation?

5 Basic Operations of a Computer System

  Inputting
  Storing
  Processing
  Outputting
  Controlling

The internal structure of a computer looks like above:

Input unit:

Input unit links the external environment with the computer system. Data and instruction must be entered to
the computer before performing any competition. Data or instructions can be entered through input devices.

eg. Key board, or any other input devices.

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Input unit transferred this data into binary coded in short input unit performs the following function:
 It accepts data or instructions from external world.
 It converts these instructions and data in computer acceptable form.
 It supplies the converted instruction & data to the computer for further processing.

Output unit:

The job of output unit it is just the viewers of that any input unit it provides information reasons of computation
to the output of the world. Output unit links the computer with the external world. A computer prepares results
in binary code. Output unit converts these results into human acceptable forms. In short perform the following
functions.
 It accepts the result produced by the computer.
 It converts these coded results to human acceptable form.
 It supplies the converted to the outside world.

Storage unit:

Before actual processing start, data & instructions entered to the computer must be stored inside the
computer. Similarly, results produced by the computer are required to be stored before being passed to the
output unit. The intermediate result produced by the computer must also be stored for further processing. In
short the function of storage unit:
 It stores all the data to be process.
 It stores intermediate results.
 It stores final result are realizing an output device.

ALU:

ALU is the place where actual execution of the instructions takes places during the processing operations. All
calculations & comparisons are made in the ALU. The data and instructions stored in the primary storage are
transferred as where required. Intermediate results are also transferred back to the ALU for the final
processing. After completion of processing the final results are send to storage units from ALU.

Number of arithmetic & logical operation that a computer can perform is determined by the design to perform
the four basic arithmetic operations. They are +,-,*,/. The logic operations like <,=,>.

Control unit:

ALU dose not know what should be done with the data likewise, output unit dose not know when the result
should be displayed. By selecting, interning and seeing to the execution of the program the CU is able to
maintain order and direct the operations of the entire system CU doesn’t perform any actual processing on
data yet it is known as a central nervous system for the comforts of the computer.

It manages co-ordinates the entire system.

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 What’s More

Activity 2: FILL IN THE BLANKS

Select you answer from the box and fill-in the missing word.

Input Unit Instruction ALU CU Output Unit

Binary Data Processing Computer
External Central

1._________ links the external environment with the computer system.

2.________ and _______ must be entered to the computer before performing any competition.
3.___________ links the computer with the ___________world. A computer prepares results in ___________
code.
4._______ is the place where actual execution of the instructions takes places during the
_____________operations.
5._______doesn’t perform any actual processing on data yet it is known as a ____________ nervous system
for the comforts of the _________.

Activity 3: DRAW ME

Draw the Diagram on the Basic Computer Operations. Draw the Diagram in your activity notebook/workbook.
And explain the diagram below your drawing. You will be graded based on the Rubrics given.

CRITERIA FOR THE ACTIVITY PERCENTAGE SCORE

Accurate to task given 30  
Creatively draw the correct
diagram 30  
Persuasive answer 40  
TOTAL 100  

What I Have Learned

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TEST II. Multiple Choice: Write your answer in the space provided.

1. Which of the following function is not performed by computers?

a. Calculate data b. Compare data c. Analyze data d. Output data
2. Which of the following is soft output device?
a. Microphone b. Plotters c. Projectors d. Card Punchers
3. Identify the direct entry input device:
a. Keyboard b. Mouse c. OMR d. All of above
4. Which of the following unit does encoding?
a. Input Unit b. ALU c. CU d. Output Unit
5. The actual execution of instructions takes place in 
a. Arithmetic Logical Unit b. Control Unit c. Memory d. Output Unit
6. The storage unit holds:
a. data to be processed b. intermediate result c. both of above d. none of above
7. The fastest and most close storage device to CPU is 
a. Flash Memory b. RAM/ROM c. Registers d. Cache
8. After completion of processing, the final results are sent to the _____ before it goes to output device.
a. Monitor b. Printer c. Storage d. ALU
9. Which of the following is not input unit device
a. Microphone b. OCR c. Projector d. Touch Screen
10. The unit that manages and co-ordinates the whole system is
a. Input Unit b. CPU c. ALU d. CU

What I Can Do

STUDENT ASSESSMENT:

Label the diagram, draw the arrow and explain the basic computer operation.

INPUT OUTPUT
DEVICE DEVICE

MEMORY
UNIT

Write down your explanation legibly in not less than 200 words:

________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
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________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________

Summary

The knowledge and skills acquired by the learners in lesson one which is all about understanding
computers and in lesson two that discuss the computer basic operations can be of help to them to augment
personal income and become productive individuals. Upon learning the fundamental concepts and skills, they
are now ready to take and earn the Computer System Servicing NC II National Certificate. The competencies
learned in Computer System Servicing can provide opportunities for the learners to be employed or put up
their own shop as computer technician.

Assessment: (Post-Test)

Multiple Choice. Select the letter of the best answer from among the given choices.
1. What computer that is also known as Personal Computer?
a.Microcomputer b. Mainframe Computer
c.Supercomputer d. none of the above
2. What is the type of computer which are used by the majority of the people in their daily lives?
a. Microcomputer b. Mainframe Computer
c. Desktop Computer d. all of the above
3. It can easily record everything from your signature, to your handwriting, to original
drawings directly to your computer.
a. Laptop b. Digital Tablets
c. Notebook d. all of the above
4. It is a small and portable compared to the immobile desktop computer.
a.Laptop b. Netbook
c. Notebook d. all of the above
5. What computer that is also much smaller, portable and very lightweight?
a. In-car Computer b. Netbook
c. Notebook d. all of the above
6. It is essentially designed for surfing the net, while notebooks have different
features, including better operating systems, optical drives and more offline use. 
a. In-car Computer b. Netbook
c. Mainframe d. all of the above
7. What computer that is typically have a display screen with touch input and/or a
miniature keyboard and weighting less than 2 pounds (0.91 kg)?
a. In-car Computer b. Handheld Computer
c. Mainframe d. all of the above
8. What computer which is referred to as the mid sized computers and they serve as
the same functions as the normal desktop computers?
a. Minicomputers b. Handheld Computer
c. Mainframe d. all of the above
9.What type of computer that is large in size, large in memory and powerful?
a. Minicomputer b. Handheld Computer
c. Mainframe d. all of the above
10. What type of computer that is used for problems requiring complex calculations?
a. Minicomputer b. Supercomputer
c. Mainframe d. all of the above
11. Which of the following function is not performed by computers?

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 a. Calculate data b. Compare data c. Analyze data d. Output data
12. Which of the following is soft output device?
a. Microphone b. Plotters c. Projectors d. Card Punchers
13. Identify the direct entry input device:
a. Keyboard b. Mouse c. OMR d. All of above
14. Which of the following unit does encoding?
a. Input Unit b. ALU c. CU d. Output Unit
15. The actual execution of instructions takes place in 
a. Arithmetic Logical Unit b. Control Unit c. Memory d. Output Unit
16. The storage unit holds:
a. data to be processed b. intermediate result c. both of above d. none of above
17. The fastest and most close storage device to CPU is 
a. Flash Memory b. RAM/ROM c. Registers d. Cache
18. After completion of processing, the final results are sent to the _____ before it goes to output device.
a. Monitor b. Printer c. Storage d. ALU
19. Which of the following is not input unit device
a. Microphone b. OCR c. Projector d. Touch Screen
20. The unit that manages and co-ordinates the whole system is
a. Input Unit b. CPU c. ALU d. CU

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