CS 7

Name:

Module 2
Lesson 1 – History of Computers
Lesson 2 – Elements of the Computer System
Lesson 3 – How does computer works?

At the end of this module, you are expected to:

1. Recognize the different types of computers;

2. Identify the types and purpose of input and output devices;
3. Give the importance of computers;

EXPLORE ACTIVITY
Instructions: Read the statements carefully then write TRUE if the statement is correct and write FALSE if it is wrong.

_______1. Computers are changing our lives.

_______2. In this digital world, having the knowledge and skills in computer servicing is the start and
most fundamental of all.
_______3. A computer is a mechanical machine that processes information.
_______4. The computer system is a collection of entities like hardware, software and electricity.
_______5. Hardware refers to the physical and tangible computer equipment.
_______6. Output device accepts data and instructions from the user.
_______7. Microphone is one of the output devices of the computer.
_______8. A projector is an input device.
_______9. The system unit is the main part of a desktop computer.
_______10. CPU is an acronym for Central Processing Unit.
_______11. A storage device stores data and programs.
_______12. Software refers to the collection of electronic instructions that tells the computer what to
do.
_______13. Search engine is a program that enable the users to search for documents or information
on the World Wide Web.
_______14. Use the Anti-Virus to eliminate the virus.
_______15. Make sure the pins are misaligned when connecting a cable connector.

FIRM-UP - IT’S TIME TO LEARN

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 Many scientific and technological advances mark the beginning of the twentieth century. These
advances include inventions such as airplane, television, and most especially the computer.
Computers are changing our lives, they are sweeping away the old ways of doing things with their
superb speed and reliability.

As many of today’s basic functions are being simplified by technology, computers have been
on the forefront in developing innovations through its many functions.

In this digital world, having the knowledge and skills in computer servicing is the start and most
fundamental of all.

YEARS AGO TODAY

We use calculator to We use computers to solve

compute. It takes some time to billions of math problems.
solve huge amount of numbers.

CALCULATOR MICROSOFT EXCEL

We use landline telephone to We use mobile phones to call

call our friend. anyone anywhere.

TELEPHONE CELLPHONE

We send messages through

We send our mails through the computer. It takes only a
post office. It takes several few seconds before they are
days to received received.
SNAIL MAIL EMAIL

We go to the library to look We search information on

for information in books. the internet.

LIBRARY SEARCH ENGINES

Lesson 1: The Computer

System WHAT IS A COMPUTER?
 A computer is an electronic machine that processes and stores information. It takes in raw information
using input devices, stores in the memory until it is ready to be processed in the processing unit and
sends out results using output devices.

 A programmable device that can store, retrieve, and process data. The term was originally given to
humans who performed numerical calculations using mechanical calculators, such as the abacus and
slide rule. The term was later given to a mechanical device as they began replacing the humans.

 It is an electronic device that manipulates information, or data. It has the ability to store, retrieve,
and process data. You may already know that you can use a computer to type documents, send
email, play games, and browse the Web. You can also use it to edit or
create spreadsheets, presentations, and even videos.
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 1. Microcomputers

 It is small computer designed for use by a single user at a time.

 Microcomputers are relatively small and low-cost. They consist of a CPU, an input unit, an
output unit, a storage unit, and the software. Although microcomputers are stand-alone
machines, they can be connected together to create a network of computers that can serve
more than one user.

 “Microcomputer” is now primarily used to mean a Personal Computer (PC), but it can refer to
any kind of small computer, such desktop computers, notebook computers or laptops, tablet
computers, handheld computers, smartphones, and netbooks.

2. Minicomputers

 Minicomputers are medium-sized computers developed in the 1960s. It lies in between

mainframe and microcomputers.
 It is a digital and multi-user computer system with the connection of more than one CPU.
 It is also known as “Midrange” computer fill the space between the mainframe and
microcomputer. It is smaller than Supercomputer or Mainframe computer but bigger and
more powerful than the microcomputer. They are generally used as mid-range servers.

3. Supercomputer

 A Supercomputer is the very fastest and powerful, and expensive type of computer for

processing data. Supercomputers’ size and storage capacity are also huge (can occupy huge
premises) designed to process vast amounts of data in a short time with high productivity.

 A supercomputer’s design is complicated, like it can be heterogeneous, combining computers of

different architectures, is significantly surpassed most existing personal computers. This made
this machine an ultra-high-performance supercomputer. It is the fastest and most powerful
computer in terms of performance and data processing. It uses its power to run one program at
a time.

 Each part of a supercomputer is responsible for its own specific task, such as structuring and
solving the most complex problems requiring an incredible amount of calculations.

The uses of supercomputers are dedicated to;

a. In research and study of energy and nuclear weapons and designing the aircraft,
airplanes, and flight simulators.
b. Climate research and Weather Forecasting and Prediction of Natural Disasters.
c. Spaceship and Satellite Launching.
d. Used in scientific research laboratories.
e. Used in Chemical and Biological research and for highly calculation complex tasks.

4. Mainframe Computer

 Mainframe computers are multi-programming, high-performance computers, and multi-user,

which means they can handle the workload of more than 100 users at a time on the computer.
The storage capacity of the mainframe is enormous, with a high-speed data process as well. As
well as handling hundreds of input and output devices at a time.
 The mainframe computer is a highly efficient computer capable of simultaneously
solving complex calculations and continuously for a long time.
 These computers have several microprocessors that have the ability to function the data at too
high performance and speed. It is not as powerful as the supercomputer. It is designed to run
multiple programs concurrently.

Lesson 2: The Elements Computer

System
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 A computer system is a collection of entities that are designed to receive, process, manage,
and present information in a meaningful format. It has 3 elements that will make a computer really
useful.

Elements of a Computer System

Hardware Software Peopleware

1. HARDWARE - refers to the physical, tangible computer equipment and devices which
provides support for major functions such as input, process, output and storage.

Components of Computer Hardware

Input Devices Output Devices

Process Devices Storage Devices

A. INPUT DEVICES are composed of a device that accepts data and instructions from
the user or from another computer system.

Keyboard Mouse Scanner Microphone

A.1. Keyboard
A computer keyboard is an input device used to enter characters and functions into
the computer system by pressing buttons, or keys. It is the primary device used to
enter text.

A.2. Mouse
The mouse is another input device used to point and select objects on the computer
monitor. Using the mouse and keyboard in combination allows the computer user
substantial latitude in how to accomplish a wide variety of tasks.

A.3. Scanner
A scanner is use to capture a source document and converts printed data or images
into an electronic data format that a computer can store or process as required.

A.4. Microphone
Microphone is used to input sound that is then stored in a digital form. It is used for
various applications such as adding sound to a multimedia presentation or for mixing
music.

B. OUTPUT DEVICES is any piece of computer hardware that displays results after the
computer has processed the input data that has been entered.

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 MONITOR PRINTER SPEAKER PROJECTOR

B.1. Monitor
A monitor is an electronic visual computer display that includes a screen, circuitry,
and the case in which that circuitry is enclosed.

B.2. Printer
The printer is a device use to print texts and pictures.

B.3. Speaker
A computer speaker is an output hardware device that produces sound.

B.4. Projector
A projector is an output device that projects an image onto a large surface, such as
a white screen or wall.

C. PROCESS DEVICE is the computer’s circuitry in the system unit. It plays an

important role in processing operations. It is used to process data, using instructions
from the program.

MOTHERBOARD CPU RAM VIDEO CARD

C.1. Motherboard / Mainboard / System Board – is the main circuit board of a

computer. It contains all the circuits and components that run the computer.

C.2. CPU (Central Processing Unit) - The processor is the main “brain” or “heart” of a
computer system. It performs all of the instructions and calculations that are needed
and manages the flow of information through a computer.

C.3. RAM – (Random Access Memory) RAM is volatile, meaning it holds data only
when the power is on. When the power is off, RAM's contents are lost.

C.4. Video Card/GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) - also called a display card,
graphics card, display adapter, or graphics adapter is an expansion card which
generates a feed of output images to a display device (such as a computer monitor).

SYSTEM UNIT

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 The system unit, also known as a "tower" or "chassis," is the main part of a desktop
computer. It encloses the motherboard, CPU, RAM, video card, and other internal
components.

Other Internal Components of the System Unit

a. Power Supply Unit (PSU) - Installed in the back corner of the PC case, next
to the motherboard. It converts 220/110vac (standard house power) into DC
voltages that are used by other components in the PC.

b. Heat sink (also commonly spelled heatsink) - is a passive heat exchanger that
transfers the heat generated by an electronic or a mechanical device to a fluid
medium, often air or a liquid 12 coolant, where it is dissipated away from the
device, thereby allowing regulation of the device's temperature.

c. Optical Drive - An optical drive is a storage device that uses lasers to read
data on the optical media. There are three types of optical drives: Compact Disc
(CD), Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) and Blu-ray Disc (BD).

D. STORAGE DEVICE stores data and programs. These hold data, information,
and programs permanently.

D.1 Magnetic Storage

D.1.1 Hard Disk Drive (HDD) - also known as hard drive, is a magnetic storage device
that is installed inside the computer. The hard drive is used as permanent storage for
data.
D.1.2 Floppy Disk - is a removable data storage magnetic medium that housed in a
rigid plastic cartridge measuring 3.5 inches square and about 2millimeters thick. Also
called a "3.5-inch diskette," it can store up to 1.44 megabytes (MB) of data.

D.2. Optical Storage

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 D.2.1. BD (Blu-ray Disc) – is simply called as Blu-Ray, a digital optical disc data
storage format. It was designed to supersede the DVD format, and is capable of storing
several hours of video in high definition.
D.2.2. CD (Compact Disc) - also called optical disc is a nonmagnetic, polished metal
disk used to store digital information. The disc is read by the CD- ROM.

D.2.3. DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) - an optical disc technology with a 4.7 gigabyte
storage capacity on a single-sided, one-layered disk, which is enough for a 133-minute
movie.

D.3. Flash Memory

D.3.1. Solid State Drive – is a storage medium that uses non-volatile memory.
D.3.2. Memory Card – is a solid-state electronic flash memory data storage device
used with digital cameras, handheld and tablet/mobile computers and other electronics
D.3.3. USB flash drive - is a plug-and-play portable storage device that uses flash
memory and is lightweight enough to attach to a key chain. A USB drive can be used in
place of a floppy disk, Zip drive disk, or CD.

2. SOFTWARE – this term refers to the collection of electronic instructions that tells the
computer what to do. It is a computer program that is installed in your computer. The
diagram below shows the classification of software.

Kinds of Computer Software

A. System Software coordinates the activities and functions of hardware and software.
It controls the operations of computer hardware and provides an environment or
platform for all the other types of software to work in. It is the most basic type of
software in any computer system, which is essential for other programs, applications
and the whole computer system to function.

A.1. Operating System – is the program that, after being initially loaded into
computer by a boot program, manages all the other programs in a computer.
Examples– Microsoft Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Ubuntu
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 A.2. Utility Programs – are small, powerful programs with a limited capability,
they are usually operated by the user to maintain a smooth running of the computer
system. Software System Software Operating System Utility Programs Application
Software www.google.com 15

B. Application Software is a computer program that performs a specific task.

(Application software examples – MS Office, OpenOffice, Media Players, MS Access,
educational software, media development software, Antivirus software, etc.)

3. PEOPLEWARE – the most important element of a computer system is its users. The
following types of people interact with a computer system:

a. System Analysts - are people who design the operation and processing of
the system

b. System Programmers – are people who write codes and programs to

implement the working of the system.

c. System Operators – are people who operate the system and use it for
different purposes. Also called the end users like students, teachers, and other
professionals.

Lesson 3: How the Computer

Works?
Data are raw facts about things, events, or activities that are captured, recorded,
and stored on the computer. These can be in the form of words, numbers, or pictures.

Data become information when these have been arranged or organized to be of

use and to have meaning to the user.

INPUT – in this step, data are entered into the computer through input devices, such as
keyboard and mouse.

PROCESS – is the computer’s method of analyzing, managing, or manipulating data.

The data entered into the computer undergo changes.

The Central Processing Unit (CPU) directs the operation of the input and output devices
to create the needed information.

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 OUTPUT – You get the output once the computer is finished processing the data. It
could be displayed on the monitor, printed on paper, or heard through speakers.

PROCESS – is the computer’s method of analyzing, managing, or manipulating data.

The data entered into the computer undergo changes. The Central Processing Unit
(CPU) directs the operation of the input and output devices to create the needed
information.

OUTPUT – You get the output once the computer is finished processing the data. It
could be displayed on the monitor, printed on paper, or heard through speakers.

STORAGE – The processed data are kept for future use. We use Hard Disk Drive to
store the information.

DEEPEN YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Activity 3. Direction: Name the following computer hardware & software.

TRANSFER YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Activity 4. Classify the following devices. Write ID for input device, PD for process device, OD for
output device and SD for storage device.

___________ 1. Mouse

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___________ 2. Printer
___________ 3. Monitor
___________ 4. USB Flash Drive
___________ 5. Speaker
___________ 6. Hard Disk Drive
___________ 7. Keyboard
___________ 8. SSD
___________ 9. Scanner
___________ 10. GPU

Activity 5. Enumeration.

1. What are the elements of Computer System?

2. What are the Input Devices?
3. What are the Output Devices?
4. What are the Storage Devices?

Congratulations! You are done with your module.

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” - Philippians 4:13

Subject Teacher: Ms. Hazel D. Aseñas, LPT

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