Computer Literacy Grade 7

HARDWARE COMPONENTS OF A COMPUTER

Computer hardware refers to the physical parts of the computer. It includes the electrical parts, electronic
parts, and mechanical parts of the computer. Computers work by integrating its different parts in order to
be useful to people. For example, a computer can function well even without a monitor, but it cannot
display information (output). A computer can also function without a keyboard, but this will limit its
usefulness because a keyboard allows people to enter data into the computer (input). Combining input,
processing, and output gives us the computer working principle.

The computer working principle is a process of entering data in a computer by means of input of input
devices, which are then processed and stored in a system unit as data representation, and finally displayed
through an output device.

SYSTEM UNIT
INPUT OUTPUT

Basic Parts of a Computer

1. Monitor is like a television screen that displays the information such as text, numbers, and graphics.

2. System Unit (Central Processing Unit) is known as the brain of the computer because it does the
thinking and it analyzes the data entered to the computer.

3. Keyboard is used to enter the data into the computer by typing its keys.

4. Mouse is a hand held device that is used also to enter the data into the computer by clicking its button.

5. Printer produces a print-out copy of the data done in the computer.

6. Speakers allow the user to hear the sound or music from the computer.

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Classification of Computers

Mainframe Computers are large computers that could occupy an entire room. These computers are
expensive and very powerful because it has many processors working at the same time.

Minicomputers are computers that are a bit smaller than mainframe computers but bigger and more
powerful than microcomputers because they have more storage capacity.

Mainframe Computers Minicomputers

Microcomputers are being used in schools, malls, offices, conferences and even at home. They are also
easily transferred from one place to another and even carry it anywhere. They are also called personal
computer or (PC). They are called such because their price is affordable and they are compact or small
in size.

Types of Microcomputers

Desktop Computers are microcomputers that are small enough to be placed on flat surface like desk or
table.

Laptop Computers are the popular microcomputers because of its small size. It is not very heavy and
can be carried anywhere and placed on your lap. It is also called as notebook computer. Laptop can run on
electricity or batteries.

Palmtop Computer are the smallest among portable microcomputers. This is also called as personal
digital assistant. They are of the same size as a small pocket calculator and some are only as big as your
palm. They are less powerful than desktop and laptop computers. They operate in batteries.

Desktop Laptop Computer Palmtop

Computer Computer
Current ICT Trends

The 21st Century is marked by the rapid development of technology in various fields like health care,
energy, transportation, and most especially, communication. Technological breakthroughs in these fields
enabled people to cure previously incurable diseases, produce goods efficiently, travel faster and safer,
and communicate with their counterparts from the opposite side of the globe in seconds. Technology
seems to have made the world smaller. Today's latest technology has come a long way from its
smokestack past, and it still has a long way to go. Here are some of the emerging trends in the field of
information and communications technology:
a. Smartphones

Mobile phones nowadays are no longer limited to voice calls and

text messaging. In today's digital world, a versatile mobile phone
can perform a wide range of functions to meet the demands of a
highly digital age. Thus, smartphones became very popular.

b. Tablet Computers

By definition, tablets are general-purpose mobile computers

contained in a single screen panel. It can perform almost all
the functions of a regular PC with only a few restrictions.
This device is especially suitable for image editing, outdoor
computing, image and design presentation, or simply for
entertainment ends.

c. Cloud Computing

Everyday, more and more information is being uploaded to the internet due to the rapid computerization
of people's everyday dealings. Simple transactions, from paying electric bills, ordering fast food, and
shopping for clothes, to expanding one's circle of friends (social networking), can now be done on the
internet. IT companies are advocating the creation of a unified network model known as Cloud
Computing. In this system, data will be centralized in a single internet data storage network. Data will no
longer be stored locally in the user's computer, but stored remotely in a data center (most likely in another
country).

Computer Peripheral Devices

Input Devices are peripheral devices that are used to enter or send data into the computer.

Examples:

Keyboard Di
Mouse

Output Devices are peripheral devices used by the computer so the data processed would be
displayed, heard, or printed.

Examples:

Earphone
Printer
Monitor
Input/ Output Devices (I/0 Device) are peripheral devices that do dual function as input device and as
output device.
Examples:

Headset Touch Screen Digital Camera

Storage Devices are devices capable of storing data. The term usually refers to mass storage devices,
such as disk and tape drives.

Examples:

Computer System Unit Devices

The system unit contains a computer's vital parts. There are two basic types of cases: Desktop casing and
Tower. Desktop casing is placed on a desk in a horizontal orientation. Towers come in three sizes (mini-
tower, mid-tower, and full-tower) and is vertically orientated.

The following are parts of a computer system unit:

1. Motherboard (MBO) is the computer's basic circuit, to which all computer components are connected,
directly or indirectly. Devices are connected to the motherboard through a system bus. System bus
connects all devices and ensures data flow and communication among different devices using
predefined protocols.

2. Protocol describes a manner in which communication between devices is defined. Buses can,
according to the purpose, be divided into:

a. Serial - USB, Firewire, etc; b. Parallel - AGP, PCI, etc.; c. Mixed - Hyper Transport, InfiniBand, PCI,
etc.

3. Central Processing Unit (CPU) or Processor is a central part of a computer and can be referred to as
the computer's “brain.” It manages all other computer parts, monitors their mutual communication, and
performs arithmetic-logical operations.

4. ROM (Read-Only Memory) is a type of permanent internal memory that is used solely for reading.

5. RAM (Random Access Memory) is a working memory in which analyzed data and programs are
stored while the computer runs. It allows reading and writing data, and is deleted/cleared when the
computer shuts down.

6. Hard Disk Drive (HDD) is a place for permanent data storage. Data do not disappear when the
computer shuts down.

7. Floppy Disk Drive is used for storing and reading data stored on a floppy disk with a disk capacity of
1.44MB.
8. CD-ROM Drive is used for reading CD media.

9. DVD Drive is used for reading DVD disc. DVD disc capacity ranges from 4.7GB to 18GB.

10. Soundcard is a device used for sound creation and production by means of computer speakers.

11. Graphics card is responsible for image processing and displayıng on a monitor. It has its own
graphics processor and memory. Its quality depends on the strength of these components.

12. Modem enables computers to communicate via telephone lines and the connect computers to the
Internet.

13. Connectors or ports are slots on the back and the front side of common Input /Output Ports such as
mouse, keyboard, USB memory, etc.

In this era, it’s difficult to deny technology’s influence. We are living in an age where it is
computerized and automated. Amidst all the technological progress that humankind has attained, one
device was created that has become relevant to our lives, the computer. Nobody can deny that computers
are an important part of our lives, the way TV and a mobile phone does. It’s safe to say that in this day
and age, it’s essential that we know how our computer works that we’d be conscious of the things that we
ought to do if it stops working. If you know how to take care of the hardware of a computer and
understand their functions, it is simple to determine what the problem is in the event the unit stops
working. Every hardware component is very important to the operation of the computer. Your computer’s
functioning depends upon how good your hardware is, make certain that they’re always in good condition.

Activity No. 2-Computer Hardware Care Tips (6o pts.)

Directions: Think of yourself as a computer technician. As an expert in troubleshooting computer

hardware related problems, you are tasked to give a short talk to a group of IT students.
Before creating your multimedia presentation for this talk, you are going to prepare first a list
of ways to take good care of the computer system. You will list down 7 computer hardware
care tips in the space provided. You will also provide a symbol for each of these tips. You
will be graded based on the criteria below.

Criteria 1-7 8-14 15-20 Score

Usefulness The tips are not that The tips are useful. The tips are very
useful. useful.

Creativity The symbols are not The symbols are The symbols are very
that creatively done. creatively done. creatively done.

Organization/ The tips are not that The tips are listed in an The tips are very
Neatness organized and organized manner and organized and written
written neatly. written neatly. very neatly.

Total Score
 Computer Hardware Care Tips
Tips Symbols

1.______________________________________________________________ ____________

2.______________________________________________________________ ____________

3.______________________________________________________________ ____________

4.______________________________________________________________ _____________

5.______________________________________________________________ ____________

6.______________________________________________________________ ____________

7._____________________________________________________________ _____________

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Claour, J. P. (2017).Tech Book Series 7 Mastering Information and Multimedia Technology. The Library
Publishing House, Inc.

Lee,G. M.A., Maximo, A. C.(2009).Desktop Productivity . Philippines. TechFactors Inc.

Gorres, M.M. J. (2007). Computer Concepts. Philippines. Jemma Inc. Publishing Group

(2018).Exploring ICT.Office Application with Basic PC Troubleshooting.Computer Assisted

Learning Corporation

That in all things God may be glorified