Computers have become a useful part of our everyday lives.

The types of computers we use at home

or at work are referred to by varied names such as PCs, microcomputers, workstations, laptops and desktops.
These computers are most popularly referred to as “personal computers” or PCs, the most common type of
computer in the world.

Today, an average person uses computer-based assistance several times each day and it becomes an
integral part of our lives. So it is very important to be aware of and understand them.

Preliminary Activity:
Direction: List 10 uses of computers you are familiar with. Write your answer on the bubbles provided below:

COMPUTER
USES

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What is a Computer?
Computer is an electronic device that accepts, processes, stores, and outputs data at high speeds according to
programmed instructions.

Some ways in which the computer is used:

• Word processing

• Calculations

• Communication

• Computer-assisted learning

• Research

• Presentations

• Database management

• Automation

• Entertainment

• Gaming

What are the types of Computers?

1. Supercomputer

Fig. 1-1 – An example of a supercomputer is called the Columbia

Supercomputer at NASA's Advanced Supercomputing Facility at Ames
Research Centre. Credit: Tower, NASA

• A supercomputer is the fastest and very expensive type of computer.

• Generally it occupies one floor of a building to install all the nodes or components of the
supercomputer or it is as large as a gymnasium.
• The uses of supercomputers include weather forecasting, creating animated graphics, fluid dynamic
calculations, nuclear energy research, and petroleum exploration.
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 2. Mainframe Computer

• Generally, they are as large as

the size of the room of the
building.
• They are mainly used for banking
transaction processing, for ATM
(Automated Teller Machine)
processing and for large
programs which run for months.

Fig. 1.2 Examples of Mainframe computers

3. Minicomputer
• Nowadays, minicomputers are merely obsolete.
• It is typically about the size and shape of a closet, mounted in a single tall
rack.
• A minicomputer is a multiprocessing system capable of supporting from 4 to
about 200 users simultaneously.

4. Microcomputer Fig. 1.3 The PDP-11/20 was

the first minicomputer.
• Microcomputer is generally a synonym for the personal computer or PC
which is a computer designed for an individual. It has a microprocessor chip
called the central processing unit (CPU).

• It can be as small as a regular typewriter that can be placed on a desk or on a

person’s lap or as small as a wallet that can be inserted inside your pocket.

• Microcomputer typically used at home, at school, or in business. They use it for

word processing, accounting, desktop publishing, surfing the web, database
management, editing photographs, creating graphics and playing music
or games. Fig. 1.4 A typical Personal Computer

Embedded Computers
There are a lot of electronic devices we use in our everyday lives. Calculators, phones, DVD players,
remote controls, TVs, and microwaves are some examples of these. These electronic devices contain
microprocessor chips that made them as special-purpose computers called embedded computers. Embedded
computers are computers integrated into the design of the device and run programs to control the equipment
and optimize their performance.

Fig. 1.5 Examples of devices with embedded computers 3

Directions: On a separate sheet of paper, copy the table below. Fill-in the table with what is being asked.

A B

C D
Computer Type Size Purpose

A.

B.

C.

D.

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 Computer Type Size Purpose
A. Supercomputer A floor of a - weather forecasting - animated graphics - nuclear energy research
building - fluid dynamic calculations - petroleum exploration
B. Microcomputer Size of a - word processing - accounting - desktop publishing - surfing the web
typewriter - database management - editing photographs - creating graphics
machine or
wallet - playing music or games

C. Minicomputer Size of a - used in industrial control - interactions with one or more computers
closet
D. Mainframe Room-sized - banking transaction processing - ATM processing
of a building - for very large programs which run for months

Directions: Perform the following procedure in identifying the types, sizes, performance and purposes of
computers:
Procedure:
1. Copy the table on a separate sheet of paper.
2. Exchange your answer sheet with that of your seatmate and check the appropriate box whether the
indicators were met or not by the partner.
3. Count the number of points earned. Copy the score for each row to the Total column and then add the
scores vertically. Use the scoring guide.
4. Return your seatmate’s answer sheet.

INDICATORS 4 3 2 1 Total
Accurately labelled the types of computer.
Correctly Indicated the sizes of the types of computer.
Precisely included the performances of the types of computer.
Accordingly stated the purposes of the types of computer.
Grand Total

Reminder: You ought to have at least attained 12 points or else you

have to repeat the activity.

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Directions: Choose the appropriate word or group of words from the box with what is being described on the
following statements.

Supercomputer Minicomputer
Mainframe computer Microcomputer
Embedded computer

_________1. This type of computer is faster and has a greater capacity than a microcomputer but is slower
and has less capacity than a mainframe computer.
_________2. This type of computer has a performance rate of teraflops.
_________3. This type of computer is used for word processing, accounting, desktop publishing, surfing the
web, database management, editing photographs, creating graphics and playing music or
games.
_________4. This computer is integrated into the design of the device and run programs to control the
equipment.
_________5. It is the fastest and very expensive type of computer.
_________6. This type of computer is mainly used for banking transaction processing.
_________7. It is typically about the size and shape of a closet, mounted in a single tall rack.
_________8. This computer is designed for an individual.
_________9. Examples of this type of computer are home appliances.
_________10. It supports hundreds or even thousands of users simultaneously.

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Lesson 2: Understanding the Computer System

As an aspiring computer technician, it is very important to know the different components of a computer
system. These are the hardware, software and people ware. Each component plays an important role, without
each other computer systems will not work properly.

2.1 Hardware- the physical, touchable, electronic and mechanical parts of a computer system.
A. Input Devices – devices that accepts data and instructions from the user or from another computer
system.
Two (2) Types of Input Devices Alphanumeric Keys

1. Keyboard Entry – Data is inputted to the Functions Keys Special Keys

computer through a Numeric Keypad
keyboard.
Keyboard - The first input device
developed for the PC.
Data is transferred to the PC over a
short cable with a circular 6-pin
Mini-din connector that plugs into the Arrow Keys
back of the motherboard. Figure 2.1a Keyboard and its parts

2. Direct Entry – A form of input that does not require data to be keyed by someone sitting at a
keyboard. Direct-entry devices create machine-readable data on paper, or magnetic
media, or feed it directly into the computer’s CPU.

Three Categories of Direct Entry Devices

1. Pointing Devices - An input device used to move the pointer (cursor) on screen.
• Mouse - The most common 'pointing device' used in PCs. Every mouse has two buttons and most
have one or two scroll wheels.

Right Button

Left Button

Wheel

Palm Rest
Figure 2.2a. Parts of the Mouse
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 How to hold the mouse:

Figure 2.3a. Proper way of

holding the mouse

Mouse Actions:
1. Click – Press and quickly release the left button.

2. Double-click –
Press and quickly
release the mouse
left button twice.

3. Right-Click – Press and quickly release the right button.

Right-clicking an item usually displays a list of things you
can do with the item.

4. Point – Placing the mouse pointer over any icon or data without pressing any button.

5. Drag – Keep the left button pressed while you move

the mouse to move icons and data around the
screen.

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• Touch screen- A display screen that is sensitive to the touch of a finger or stylus. Used in myriad
applications, including ATM machines, retail point-of-sale terminals, car navigation and industrial
controls. The touch screen became wildly popular for smart phones and tablets.

Figure 2.4a. Touch Screen

Devices
• Light Pen - A light-sensitive stylus wired to a video terminal used to draw pictures or select menu
options. The user brings the pen to the desired point on screen and presses the pen button to
make contact.

Figure 2.5a. Light Pens

• Digitizer Tablet - A graphics drawing tablet used for sketching new images or tracing old ones.
Also called a "graphics tablet," the user contacts the surface of the device with a wired or wireless
pen or puck. Often mistakenly called a mouse, the puck is officially the "tablet cursor."

Figure 2.6a. Digitizer Tablets

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2. Scanning Devices- A device that can read text or illustrations printed on paper and
translates the information into a form the computer can use.

Figure 2.7a. Image scanner

Figure 2.8a. Bar Code Reader

3. Voice- Input Devices - Audio input devices also known as speech or voice recognition systems that
allow a user to send audio signals to a computer for processing, recording, or
carrying out commands. Audio input devices such as microphones allow users
to speak to the computer in order to record a voice message or navigate
software.

Figure 2.9a. Microphones

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A. Directions: Copy the tree diagram on a separate sheet of paper. Fill in each type of input devices with the
appropriate examples by choosing from the pool of words written inside the box above the
diagram.

EXAMPLES OF INPUT DEVICES

Digitizer Tablet Light Pen Touch screen

Image Scanner Keyboard Barcode reader

Microphone Mouse Speaker LCD Projector

TREE DIAGRAM

TYPES OF INPUT DEVICES

Direct Entry
Keyboard Entry

Pointing Devices Scanning Devices Voice-Input Devices

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Directions: Match the description in column A with the appropriate input device in column B. Write the
letter of your answer on a separate sheet of paper.

Column A Column B
1. The first input device developed for the PC. a.
Light Pen

2. A light-sensitive stylus wired to a video terminal b.

used to draw pictures or select menu options. Barcode Reader

3. It is a computer display that is sensitive to pressure c.

making it possible for the user to send commands
by touching pictures or words on the screen. Mouse

4. It is an electronic device which converts pictures or d.

printed text into digital format allowing the user to
Keyboard
modify and improve the picture using the
computer.

5. The most common 'pointing device' used in PCs. e.

Digitizer Tablet

6. A graphics drawing tablet used for sketching new f.

images or tracing old ones.
Microphone

7. It is an electronic device for reading printed g.

Drag
barcodes from the item bought.

8. It is an input device in which sound energy (an h.

analog signal) is changed into electrical energy (a Touch screen
digital signal) used in sending or recording sound
like your voice.

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9. A mouse action done by pressing and quickly i.
releasing the left button. Scanner

10. A mouse action done by Keeping the left button j.

pressed while you move the mouse to move icons Click
and data around the screen.

k.
Right Click

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 B. Processing Devices – a component in a computer that manages the storage and retrieval of
information.
1. System Unit- The main part of a microcomputer, sometimes called the chassis. It includes the
following parts: Motherboard, Microprocessor, Memory Chips, Buses, Ports, Expansion Slots and
Cards.

Figure 2.1b. Tower Type System Unit

2. Motherboard / Mainboard / System Board- The main circuit board of a computer. It contains all the
circuits and components that run the computer.

Integrated Circuit
Memory Slots

Data Bus AGP

CPU Socket PCI Slots

Figure 2.2b. The Motherboard

3. 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.

Figure 2.3b. Examples of CPU (Intel Core 2 Duo and AMD Athlon)

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 4. Primary storage- (internal storage, main memory or memory) is the computer's working storage
space that holds data, instructions for processing and processed data (information) waiting to
be sent to secondary storage. Physically, primary storage is a collection of RAM chips.
Two (2) Types of Memory
a. ROM – (Read Only Memory) ROM is non-volatile, meaning it holds data even when the power is
ON or OFF.
b. 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.

Figure 2.4b. Examples of RAM

5. Expansion Bus - A bus is a data pathway between several hardware components inside or outside a
computer. It does not only connect the parts of the CPU to each other,
but also links the CPU with other important hardware.

6. Adapters- Printed-circuit boards (also called interface cards) that

enable the computer to use a
peripheral device for which it does
not have the necessary
connections or circuit boards.
They are often used to permit Figure 2.5b. Expansion Bus
upgrading to a new different
hardware.

Figure 2.6b. Adapter (Network Adapter)

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

Figure 2.7b. Power supply

8. 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. In a
Windows computer, the hard drive is usually configured as the C: drive and
contains the operating system and applications.

9. 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).

Figure 2.8b. Hard Disk Drive

Figure 2.9b. CD ROM

10. Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) - Designed to optically access data

stored on a DVD. A laser moves back and forth near the disk surface and
accesses data at a very fast rate.

Figure 2.10b. DVD ROM 11. Floppy Disk - This storage media is
also known as a diskette.
• It is a circular piece of oxide-coated plastic that stores data as magnetic
spots.
• Personal computers most commonly use floppy disks that are 3 ½ inches
in diameter which have a capacity of 1.44 MB. With this capacity, it can
contain a fully text-sized book.
• The 3 ½ floppy disk is usually assigned as drive A: in the computer.
Figure 2.11b. Floppy Disk

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Directions: Given are the internal parts of the system unit included on the multi-flow map. Copy the multi-
flow map and fill-in the purposes of the internal parts indicated on each of the box. One point
is given for each box.

POWER SUPPLY UNIT

HARD DISK DRIVE __________________
__________________ __________________
__________________ __________________
__________________

CD-ROM DRIVE ADAPTERS

__________________ INTERNAL PARTS ________________
__________________ OF THE SYSTEM ________________
__________________ UNIT ________________

MOTHERBOARD
CPU __________________
__________________
__________________
__________________ __________________
__________________

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Directions: Label the following illustrations of internal parts of system unit and the components of motherboard.
Write the answers on a separate sheet of paper. One point is given for each item.

A. Internal Parts of the System Unit

1. 4.

2.
5.

3. 6.

B. Motherboard

10.__________
7.__________

8.__________ 11._________
9.__________ _12._________
_

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C. Output Devices - Any piece of computer hardware that displays results after the computer has processed
the input data that has been entered.
1. Computer Display Monitor- It displays information in visual form, using text and graphics. The
portion of the monitor that displays the information is called the screen or video display terminal.

Types of Monitor
a. CRT Monitors - Cathode Ray Tubes (CRT)
were the only type of displays for use with
desktop PCs. They are relatively big (14" to
16" deep) and heavy (over 15 lbs).

b. LCD Monitors - Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)

technology has been used in laptops for some
time. It has recently been made commercially
available as monitors for desktop PCs.

Figure 2.1c. Cathode Ray Tube Monitor

c. LED Monitors (Light Emitting Diode) -
A display and lighting technology used in
almost every electrical and electronic product
on the market, from a tiny on/off light to digital
readouts, flashlights, traffic lights and
perimeter lighting.

2. Figure 2.2c. Liquid Crystal Display Monitor

LCD Projectors- utilize two sheets of polarizing

material with a liquid crystal solution between them. An
electric current passed through the liquid causes the
crystals to align so that light cannot pass through them.
Each crystal, therefore, is like a shutter, either allowing
light to pass through or blocking the light. Figure 2.3c Light Emitting Diode Monitor

3. Smart Board -
A type of display
screen that has a
touch sensitive
transparent panel
covering the
screen, which is
similar to a touch
screen.
Figure 2.4c. LCD Projector

Figure 2.5c. Smart Board

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 4. Printer - A device that prints text or illustrations on paper.
Types of printer
• Ink-Jet or Bubble-Jet Printer - sprays ink at a sheet of paper. Ink-jet
printers produce high-quality text and graphics.

Figure 2.6c. Ink- Jet Printer

• Laser Printer - Uses the same
technology as copy machines. Laser printers
produce very high quality text and graphics.

Figure 2.7c. Laser Printer

• LCD and LED Printer- Similar to a laser printer, but uses liquid
crystals or light-emitting diodes rather than a laser to produce
an image on the drum. Figure 2.8c. LCD Printer

• Line Printer - Contains a chain of characters or pins that print

an entire line at one time. Line printers are very fast, but produce low-
quality print.
Figure 2.9c. Line Printer

Figure 2.10c. Thermal Printer

• Thermal Printer- An inexpensive printer that works by pushing heated pins against heat-sensitive
paper. Thermal printers are widely used in calculators and fax machines.

5. Speakers - Used to play sound. They may be built into the system unit or connected with cables.
Speakers allow you to listen to music and hear sound effects from your computer.

Figure 2.11c. Speakers

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Directions: Copy the table below on a separate sheet of paper. Write in the appropriate box the different
types of output devices and their function/ purpose.
OUTPUT DEVICES
NAME FUNCTION/PURPOSE
1

2. ___________
1. _______
_

4. _____________

3. _______

5. __________
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D. Storage Devices – devices that store the entered information and
programs for future use.

1. Primary Storage (Main Memory) – the internal storage directly used by

the CPU in processing data or instructions. There are
two kinds of main memory namely:
a. Random Access Memory - commonly referred to as RAM, Figure 2.1d. Read Only Memory
stores data and instructions that are used by the CPU to perform tasks
done by the user.
• A RAM is a module inserted on the memory slots etched on the motherboard.
• The instructions in RAM are volatile. When the computer is turned off, the information in RAM also
disappears.

b. Read Only Memory - commonly referred to as ROM, stores instructions that test the
computer if all the devices attached on it are working properly.
• The software contained in the memory is called the Basic Input Output System or BIOS.
• It prepares itself to load the operating system.
• The instructions in ROM are non-volatile. They stay in ROM even when the computer is turned off.
2. Secondary Storage Devices – used to store instructions and data when they are not being used in
memory; disk drive is a generic term for data storage devices for computers.
a. Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
• A hard disk drive is found inside the computer case which is
made of a stack of rotating disks called platters. Data is recorded on a
series of tracks that have been divided into sectors.
• It is where the system files of the computer are stored.
• Along with the permanent files stored in it, a hard drive can
store files equivalent to all the books that can be found inside a library.
That is how much data the drive can contain!
Figure 2.2d. Hard Disk Drive

b. Compact Disk - more conveniently called a CD, can be used to put both
sound and images into a computer.
• Compact disks use an optical disk drive which uses a laser beam to read
tiny holes in the compact disk media which the drive translates into
digital data.

Types of Compact Disk Figure 2.3d. Compact Disk

o CD-ROM (Compact Disk, Read-Only Memory) – a type of CD that can
only be read by the computer so new data cannot be added

o CD-R (Compact Disk-Recordable) – a type of CD that enables you to

store files on them although once data is written, you cannot
erase it. A CD-R can usually store up to 700 MB of data Figure 2.1d. Random Access
Memory
o CD-RW (Compact Disk-Rewritable) – unlike a CD-R, CD-RW allows you to store and erase files on it
for a limited number of times

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o DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) – the newer generation of optical disk storage technology which is
essentially faster and of greater storage capacity. This kind of optical disk can hold cinema-like
videos, still photos and computer data better than CDs. A single sided DVD can usually store up to
4.7 GB of data.

c. USB Flash Drive

• This device is also known as a flash drive, thumb drive or memory stick.
• Flash drives are much bigger in capacity than floppy disks but smaller in
size while offering better performance.
• Flash drives use non-volatile memory chips to store data.
Figure 2.4d. USB Flash Drive

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Directions: Write the letter of the correct answer on a separate sheet of paper.
Test A. Match the description in column A with the appropriate storage device in column B.
Column A Column B
1. A primary storage device that stores non-volatile a. Floppy Disk
instructions that test the computer if all the
b. Random Access Memory
devices attached on it are working properly
c. Read Only Memory
2. A device that requires an optical disk drive which
uses a laser beam to read in the media which the d. Hard Disk
drive translates into digital data
e. Primary Storage Device
3. Any internal storage directly used by the CPU in
f. Compact Disk
processing data or instructions
4. A circular piece of oxide-coated plastic that stores
data commonly up to 1.44 MB
5. A storage device that stores data and instructions
that are used by the CPU to perform tasks
initialized by the user
Test B. Match the described file in column A with the appropriate storage device in column B.
Column A Column B
1. A 1.23MB thesis
2. An audio album 699MB in size
a. Zip Disk
3. 84GB of bank account information
4. An e-book which has an actual size of 74MB
5. A 1.66 GB movie b. Hard Disk

c. DVD

d. Floppy Disk

e. CD-R

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2.2 Software - is the set of instructions (also called a program) that guides the hardware to operate
effectively. Software can be splitted into two main types:

1. System Software – Any software required to support the production or execution of application
programs, but which is not specific to any particular application. Common operating systems
include Windows, the Macintosh OS, OS/2 and UNIX.

LINUX
MAC

WINDOWS

2. Application Software – Designed to help the user to perform singular or multiple related tasks.
Examples of application software are as follows:
a. Word processing software - Creates, edits, saves, and prints documents. Example: MS Word,
WordPerfect, Ami Pro, MacWrite, Writer.

MS Word – owned by Microsoft

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 b. Spreadsheet software - An electronic spreadsheet consisting of rows and columns is used to present
and analyze data. Example: MS Excel, Lotus 123, Quattro Pro, Calc.

MS Excel – owned by Microsoft

c. Presentation Software - Create slides or handouts for presentations (speaker delivered or self-
running. Special effects provided, similar to manual process of using different pieces of audio or video
equipment. Example: MS PowerPoint, Presentations, Impress

MS PowerPoint – owned by Microsoft

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d. Database management software - Used to structure a database, a large collection of computer
programs. Data is organized as fields and records for easy retrieval. Example: MS Access, dBase, Fox
Pro, Oracle.

MS Access – owned by Microsoft

e. Graphic software - Graphics programs display results of data manipulation for easier analysis and
presentation. Example: Macromedia Flash, Harvard Graphics, 3D Studio Max, Adobe Photoshop

CorelDraw – owned by Corel Corp.

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 f. Electronic Mail (e-mail) - Process of sending e-mail similar to manual process for
addressing, writing, and then mailing letter on paper. Only need e-mail program, correct e-mail
address, and connection to the Internet or mail server.

Outlook Express – owned by Microsoft

g. Web Browsers - Allows you to connect to the Internet and view web sites for different companies,
organizations, or individuals

MS Internet Explorer – owned by Microsoft

3. People ware - Refers to people involved in the data processing operations such as the system
administrator, office workers, students and others.

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Directions: Identify what is being described in each statement. Write your answer on a separate
sheet of paper.

1. It is the set of instructions (also called a program) that guides the hardware to operate
effectively.
2. Any software required to support the production or execution of application programs,
but which is not specific to any particular application.
3. A software designed to help the user to perform singular or multiple related tasks.
4. An application software that creates, edits, saves, and prints documents.
5. An application software consisting of rows and columns is used to present and analyze
data.
6. An application software that creates slides or hand-outs for presentations (speaker
delivered or self-running.
7. An application software used to structure a database, a large collection of computer
programs.
8. An application software with graphics programs display results of data manipulation for
easier analysis and presentation.
9. An application software that sends e-mail similar to manual process for addressing,
writing, and then mailing letter on paper.
10. An application software that allows you to connect to the Internet and view web sites for
different companies, organizations, or individuals

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