MODULE 2

A Review of
Basic Computer System

OVERVIEW
Welcome once again to your 2nd Module of this Course. As you can read from the title
of the Module, you will be reviewed the basic computer systems for you to remember their parts
and function. It is quite a couple of years or more when you have your computer subject in high
school or during your first year in college so I guess you forgot some of its parts and function.
You will be reviewing what a computer is, its general parts and function from hardware,
software, and peopleware, its classification, capabilities, and limitation. This Module, however,
does not give you all you need to know, but somehow it would give the basics of it. Thus, I
encourage you to do your research for additional knowledge that you wish to add to your
collection of perceptions about computer systems.

OBJECTIVES
At the end of this module, you should be able to:
 Familiarize themselves with the computer.
 Identify the elements of the computer system.
 List the classifications of computers
 State the capabilities and limitations of computers.

1.0 INTRODUCTION
Many of us perceive a computer as an electronic piece of equipment that
is wrapped by plastic, glass, metal, and wires, and look like a small television –
used to make our work easier. As technology innovates in a fast pace motion – so
as the computer packaging and looks innovate too. From Supercomputers to a
mainframe. Mainframe to Mini-computers, Mini-computers into Microcomputers
such as desktops, laptops, tablets, PDAs, cellular phones to smartwatches are just
a few innovations that happened in the computer. And still, a lot more amazing inventions will come and
surprises and maybe surpasses human being. With the amazing invention of the computer, it is now
possible for everyone to see the world differently. Achieving new goals that were impossible before,
and even control the world around us. Computers have transformed everyone's lives – the way we
communicate, how we work and learn from it, and even how our children play. We accepted that
computers are efficient and effective tools in processing data into useful, accurate, and reliable
information. These are essential tools in every field of research and applied technology because of their
capabilities. Because of the widespread use and availability of computers, it is essential that everyone,
Elmer L. Abayon, MIT IT Application Tools in Business
Assistant Professor
UEP College of Business Administration
[email protected]
(0939)606 8048; (0915) 473 5359 Page 1
take note, of everyone must acquire an understanding of what computers are and how it works for
them. In today’s modern world, no one is left ignorant of the important role of computers in any career
or business of choice. Being computer literate will give everyone a great edge in every endeavor.
Hence, every one of us in this modern world must know how a computer looks and works, but
what is a computer or computer system?

Sounds interesting right? just keep reading!

A computer is an electronic device that receives data, processes data, stores data, and produces
a result. (Wells & Ambrose, 2011)

A computer is a programmable machine. This means it can execute a programmed list of

instructions and respond to new instructions that it is given. (Christensson, 2006).

A computer is a device used for computing and otherwise processing information; specifically,
an electronic machine which, through stored instructions and information, is used to perform rapid,
often complex calculations, compile and correlate data, download and play audio and video
communications, access the World Wide Web, send and receive an e-mail, etc. (yourdictionary, n.d)

A computer is an electronic data processing device, which requires input raw data for processing
and generates the output in the desired form. It stores the data in its memory which can be accessed
any number of times for reference from its memory. It is made up of a lot of electronics, software, and
mechanical parts. (includehelp.com, n.d)

A computer is a general-purpose machine that processes data according to a set of instructions

temporarily stored internally. (yourdictionary, n.d)

Indeed, a computer is not merely an electronic data processing machine. But

is specifically defined as a general-purpose electronic device that performs
high-speed arithmetic and logical operations according to the internal
instructions without human intervention.
General-purpose - a computer that is designed to be able to carry out many
different tasks. It could be used for business or scientific operations.
Electronic device – electricity is the lifeblood of a computer, without it, a
computer can't work.
High-speed operation – speedy data processing operation is one of the computer’s
characteristics.
Arithmetic – addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division as well as complex mathematical
operations.
Logical comparison - it is easy for a computer to check if A > B, and C < D.
Internal Instructions – the program of instructions that are stored internally in the computer's
memory.
Without human intervention – once the computer starts it processing no one can interrupt it,
except if you unplug the computer. Like, when you press the send button on your cellphone.
Once you press it the message will be sent even you remove the battery. That’s why to be
careful in sending messages, be sure that it goes to the right person. You know what I
mean…..

Elmer L. Abayon, MIT IT Application Tools in Business

Assistant Professor
UEP College of Business Administration
[email protected]
(0939)606 8048; (0915) 473 5359 Page 2
 Now, let’s try your understanding of the topic above by doing SAQ 1-1.

SAQ 1-1
Understanding the different definitions mentioned above. Can you mention some of
the characteristics of a computer?

a. ______________________

b. ______________________

c. ______________________

d. ______________________

e. ______________________

f. ______________________

g. ______________________

Elmer L. Abayon, MIT IT Application Tools in Business

Assistant Professor
UEP College of Business Administration
[email protected]
(0939)606 8048; (0915) 473 5359 Page 3
 1.1 WHAT IS A COMPUTER SYSTEM?
As mention, a computer is said to be an electronic device that accepts
input, processes this input, stores it, and presents output (result).
Understanding a system, according to the Oxford dictionary, a System is a set
of things working together as part of a mechanism or an interconnecting
network.

A System is an organized collection of parts (or subsystems) that are highly

integrated to accomplish an overall goal. The system has various inputs, which go through certain
processes to produce certain outputs, which together, accomplish the overall desired goal for the
system. (authenticityconsulting, n.d)

Techopedia defines a computer system as a basic, complete, and functional hardware and
software setup with everything needed to implement computing performance.

In other words, putting a computer and system together, or should I say “computer system”
includes the hardware (the computer itself), software (different programs can be used), data (raw data
use for input), and peopleware (user). They are called the main elements of a computer system.

HARDWARE DIFFERENT SOFTWARE

RAW DATA COMPUTER USER

Elmer L. Abayon, MIT IT Application Tools in Business

Assistant Professor
UEP College of Business Administration
[email protected]
(0939)606 8048; (0915) 473 5359 Page 4
 1.2 MAIN ELEMENTS OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM
The main elements or components of a computer system which
work hand-in-hand with each other to produce a sound output are as
follows:

1.2.0 HARDWARE
The hardware simply refers to the physical component or equipment of a computer system or
electronic data processing machine. These are the parts of the computer we can touch, like keyboard,
mouse, monitor and to name it. I’ll discuss more these different hardware components in the
succeeding module.

1.2.1 SOFTWARE
The software is a set of instructions developed by programmers and runs in hardware so that
specific tasks are performed. These are detailed instructions encoded by computer programmers to
solve problems and produce an output (result) so that the machine (computer) and peopleware (user)
understand each other. Not like with hardware that you can touch, this one is untouchable because it
has no substance. You can only read it through the monitor. Program is another term of software.
Therefore, software and program are of the same meaning. More will be tackled in the succeeding
module.

1.2.2 DATAWARE
The dataware or simply data are the unorganized facts or figures coming from the peopleware
(user) that needs a solution. These are the problems in the form of mathematical equations, analytical
problems, and logical problems that needed to be solved by the computer.

1.2.3 PEOPLEWARE
The peopleware or also known as a computer user or operator is a person or group of persons
who uses or operates the computer to generate the desired output. More will be discussed in the
succeeding modules.

Elmer L. Abayon, MIT IT Application Tools in Business

Assistant Professor
UEP College of Business Administration
[email protected]
(0939)606 8048; (0915) 473 5359 Page 5
 Again let’s try assessing your understanding of the topic above by doing SAQ 1-2.

SAQ 1-2
Knowing the elements of a computer system and each function. Do you think that
missing one of them can seriously affect the whole operation of the system in
solving a problem? If your answer is YES, support it with an explanation. And if NO,
you need to defend it.

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Elmer L. Abayon, MIT IT Application Tools in Business

Assistant Professor
UEP College of Business Administration
[email protected]
(0939)606 8048; (0915) 473 5359 Page 6
SUMMARY

This Module has provided you with a brief review of what a computer and computer system is.
The main elements of a computer system such as the hardware referring to the computer machine.
The software which is also known as a program makes a computer work and process data. Dataware or
simply data was mention as one of its elements that concern with the raw data needed to be processed
and of course the peopleware or known as computer user/operator that helps in inputting the data to
the hardware (computer) to process and generate output.

REFERENCES
Christensson, P. (2006). Computer Definition. Retrieved 2020, Nov 26, from https://techterms.com

https://www.yourdictionary.com/computer. Retrieved 2020, Nov 26.

https://www.includehelp.com/basics/computer-definition-parts-functions-and-its-advantages.aspx.
Retrieved 2020, Nov 26.

http://www.authenticityconsulting.com. Retrieved 2020, Nov. 27.

Elmer L. Abayon, MIT IT Application Tools in Business

Assistant Professor
UEP College of Business Administration
[email protected]
(0939)606 8048; (0915) 473 5359 Page 7