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HISTORY OF COMPUTERS: BASIC COMPUTER PERIODS

MODULE
2
INTENDED LEARNING
At the end of the module, students will be able to:
 Explain the applications of ICT (computers) in our daily lives.
 Familiarize themselves to the basic computer periods, important
authorities, and breakthrough inventions.
 Familiarize themselves to the basic parts of a computer, either
hardware or software.
 Execute basic computer operations.

LESSON PROPER

DEFINITION OF COMPUTER
 Computer is a programmable machine.
 Computer is an electronic device that manipulates information, or data.
It has the ability to store, retrieve, and process data.
 Computer is a machine that manipulates data according to a list of
instructions (program).
 Computer is any device which aids humans in performing various kinds
of computations or calculations.

THREE PRINCIPAL CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPUTER

 It responds to a specific set of instructions in a well-defined manner.
 It can execute a pre-recorded list of instructions.
 It can quickly store and retrieve large amounts of data.

APPLICATIONS OF ICT (COMPUTERS) IN OUR DAILY LIVES

1. BUSINESS - Almost every business uses computers nowadays. They
can be employed to store and maintain accounts, personnel
records, manage projects, track inventory, create
presentations and reports. They enable communication with people
both within and outside the business, using various technologies,

Course Code: GEElect 101

Descriptive Title: Living in the IT Era Instructor: JOHN PAUL G. GONZAGA
 ILOCOS SUR
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MODULE
including e-mail. They can be used to promote the business and enable
direct interaction with customers.

2. EDUCATION- Computers can be used to give learners audio-visual

packages, interactive exercises, and remote learning, including
tutoring over the internet. They can be used to access
educational information from intranet and internet sources, or
via e-books. They can be used to maintain and monitor student
performance, including through the use of online examinations, as well
as to create projects and assignments.

3. HEALTHCARE- Healthcare continues to be revolutionized by

computers. As well as digitized medical information making it easier
to store and access patient data, complex information can also
be analyzed by software to aid discovery of diagnoses, as well
as search for risks of diseases. Computers control lab equipment,
heart rate monitors, and blood pressure monitors. They enable
doctors to have greater access to information on the latest
drugs, as well as the ability to share information on diseases with
other medical specialists.

4. RETAIL AND TRADE- Computers can be used to buy and sell

products online - this enables sellers to reach a wider market with
low overheads, and buyers to compare prices, read reviews, and
choose delivery preferences. They can be used for direct trading
and advertising too, using sites such as eBay, Craigslist, or local
listings on social media or independent websites.

5. GOVERNMENT- Various government departments use computers

to improve the quality and efficiency of their services. Examples
include city planning, law enforcement, traffic, and tourism.
Computers can be used to store information, promote services,
and communicate internally and externally, as well as for
routine administrative purposes.

6. MARKETING- Computers enable marketing campaigns to be more

precise through the analysis and manipulation of data. They facilitate
the creation of websites and promotional materials. They can be
used to generate social media campaigns. They enable direct
communication with customers through email and online chat.
7. SCIENCE- Scientists were one of the first groups to adopt computers
as a work tool. In science, computers can be used for research,
sharing information with other specialists both locally and
internationally, as well as collecting, categorizing, analyzing,

Course Code: GEElect 101

Descriptive Title: Living in the IT Era Instructor: JOHN PAUL G. GONZAGA
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and storing data. Computers also play a vital role in launching,
controlling, and maintaining space craft, as well as operating
other advanced technology.

8. PUBLISHING- Computers can be used to design pretty much any type

of publication. These might include newsletters, marketing
materials, fashion magazines, novels, or newspapers.
Computers are used in the publishing of both hard-copy and e-books.
They are also used to market publications and track sales.

9. ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT- Computers are now used in virtually

every branch of the arts, as well as in the wider entertainment
industry. Computers can be used to create drawings, graphic
designs, and paintings. They can be used to edit, copy, send, and
print photographs. They can be used by writers to create and edit.
They can be used to make, record, edit, play, and listen to music.
They can be used to capture, edit, and watch videos. They can be
used for playing games.

10. COMMUNICATION- Computers have made real-time

communication over the internet easy, thanks to software and
videoconferencing services such as Skype. Families can connect
with audio and video, businesses can hold meetings between
remote participants, and news organizations can interview
people without the need for a film crew. Modern computers
usually have microphones and webcams built-in nowadays to facilitate
software like Skype. Older communications technologies such as email
are also still used widely.

11. BANKING AND FINANCE- Most banking in advanced countries

now takes place online. You can use computers to check your
account balance, transfer money, or pay off credit cards. You
can also use computer technology to access information on
stock markets, trade stocks, and manage investments. Banks
store customer account data, as well as detailed information on
customer behavior which is used to streamline marketing.

12. TRANSPORT- Road vehicles, trains, planes, and boats are

increasingly automated with computers being used to maintain safety
and navigation systems, and increasingly to drive, fly, or steer. They
can also highlight problems that require attention, such as low
fuel levels, oil changes, or a failing mechanical part. Computers
can be used to customize settings for individuals, for example, seat
setup, air-conditioning temperatures.

Course Code: GEElect 101

Descriptive Title: Living in the IT Era Instructor: JOHN PAUL G. GONZAGA
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13. NAVIGATION- Navigation has become increasingly

computerized, especially since computer technology has been
combined with GPS technology. Computers combined with
satellites mean that it's now easy to pinpoint your exact
location, know which way that you are moving on a map, and
have a good idea of amenities and places of interest around you.

14. WORKING FROM HOME- Computers have made working from

home and other forms of remote working increasingly common.
Workers can access necessary data, communicate, and share
information without commuting to a traditional office.
Managers are able to monitor workers' productivity remotely.

15. MILITARY- Computers are used extensively by the military.

They are used for training purposes. They are used for
analyzing intelligence data. They are used to control smart
technology, such as guided missiles and drones, as well as for
tracking incoming missiles and destroying them. They work with
other technologies such as satellites to provide geospatial information
and analysis. They aid communications. They help tanks and planes to
target enemy forces.
16. SOCIAL AND ROMANCE- Computers have opened up many
ways of socializing that didn't previously exist. Social media enables
people to chat in text or audio in real time across large
distances, as well as exchange photographs, videos, and
memes. Dating sites and apps help people to find romance.
Online groups help people to connect with others who have similar
interests. Blogs enable people to post a variety of views,
updates, and experiences. Online forums enable discussions
between people on specialist or general topics.

17. BOOKING VACATIONS- Computers can be used by

travelers to study timetables, examine route options, and buy
plane, train, or bus tickets. They can be used to explore and book
accommodation, whether traditional hotels, or through newer services,
such as Air BnB. Guided tours, excursions, events, and trips can also be
explored and booked online using computers.

18. SECURITY AND SURVEILLANCE- Computers are increasingly

being combined with other technologies to monitor people and goods.
Computers combined with biometric passports make it harder
for people to fraudulently enter a country or gain access to a
passenger airplane. Face-recognition technology makes it

Course Code: GEElect 101

Descriptive Title: Living in the IT Era Instructor: JOHN PAUL G. GONZAGA
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easier to identify terrorists or criminals in public places. Driver
plates can be auto scanned by speed cameras or police cars. Private
security systems have also become much more sophisticated with the
introduction of computer technology and internet technology.

19. WEATHER AND FORECASTING- The world's weather is

complex and depends upon a multitude of factors that are constantly
changing. It's impossible for human beings to monitor and process all
the information coming in from satellite and other technologies, never
mind perform the complex calculations that are needed to predict what
is likely to happen in the future. Computers can process the large
amounts of meteorological information.

20. ROBOTICS- Robotics is an expanding area of technology which

combines computers with science and engineering to produce
machines that can either replace humans, or do specific jobs that
humans are unable to do. One of the first use of robotics was in
manufacturing to build cars. Since then, robots have been developed
to explore areas where conditions are too harsh for humans, to help
law enforcement, to help the military, and to assist healthcare
professionals.

THE EVOLUTION OF TECHNOLOGY

The evolution of technology has always depended on one thing: the
human rationale. Humans tend to think of ways on how to discharge tasks or
workload or do daily activities easily. The concept of technology always starts
with the basic tool.

By combining a set of tools, people have come up with machines that

can do the tasks faster and more efficiently. A single-wheel transportation
tool has inspired the creation of a machine capable of transporting, not just
objects, but also passengers. Thus, vehicles nowadays become more of
necessity rather than a form of luxury.

Another type of machine that is considered a necessity is the

computer.
COMPUTER- Is an electronic device, operating under the control of
instruction stored in its own memory, that can accept data, manipulate the
data according to specified rules, produce results, and store the results for
future use.

However, as technology evolves, so do machines. Computers today are

no longer the same computers your parents must have first used. Most

Course Code: GEElect 101

Descriptive Title: Living in the IT Era Instructor: JOHN PAUL G. GONZAGA
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machines, including computers have evolved through the process of
automation.

AUTOMATION- Automation is defined as “the technique of making an

apparatus, a process, or a system operate automatically”. Automation
includes a broad range of technologies normally connecting computer
systems to other system, such as sensor, wireless application, expert
system, and systems integration, among others. The integration is made in
such a way that these interconnected systems are capable of self-acting or
self-regulation.

Automated systems can reduce the instances of errors, which are

usually caused by human-based decision and comprehension. Production
companies often the use automated system as part of their business process
as automation increases productivity and lessens time to the market.

However, an automated system is not the same as an intelligent

system. Intelligent systems are far more complex and are capable of
learning. This is where the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI) comes in. One
of the latest inventions in the automotive industry is the intelligent car which
is capable of driving and parking itself.

HISTORY OF COMPUTER: BASIC COMPUTING PERIOD

A. THE PRE-MECHANICAL AGE- is the earliest age of information
technology. It can be defined as the time between 3000B.C. and
1450A.D. We are talking about a long time ago. When humans first
started communicating, they would try to use language or simple
picture drawings known as petroglyphs which were usually carved in
rock. Early alphabets were developed such as the Phoenician
alphabet.

As alphabets became more

popular and more people
were writing information
down, pens and paper began
to be developed. It started off
as just marks in wet clay, but
later paper was created
out of papyrus plant. The
most popular kind of
paper made was probably
by the Chinese who made
paper from rags.

Course Code: GEElect 101

Descriptive Title: Living in the IT Era Instructor: JOHN PAUL G. GONZAGA
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Now that people were writing a lot of information down, they needed ways to
keep it all in permanent storage. This is where the first books and libraries
are developed. You’ve probably heard of Egyptian scrolls which were
popular ways of writing down information to save. Some groups of
people were actually binding paper together into a book-like form. Also,
during this period were the first numbering systems. Around
100A.D. was when the first 1-9 system was created by people from
India. However, it wasn’t until 875A.D. (775 years later) that the
number 0 was invented. And yes, now that numbers were created, people
wanted stuff to do with them, so they created calculators. A calculator was
the very first sign of an information processor. The popular model of
that time was the abacus.

B. THE MECHANICAL AGE- is when we first start to see connections

between our current technology and its ancestors. The mechanical
age can be defined as the time between 1450 and 1840. A lot of
new technologies are developed in this era as there is a large explosion
in interest with this area. Technologies like the slide rule (an
analog computer used for multiplying and dividing) were
invented. Blaise Pascal invented the Pascaline which was a very
popular mechanical computer. Charles Babbage developed the
difference engine which tabulated polynomial equations using
the method of
finite
differences.

There were lots of

different machines
created during this era
and while we have not
yet gotten to a machine
that can do more than
one type of calculation in
one, like our modern-day
calculators, we are still
learning about how all of
our all-in-one machines
started. Also, if you look
at the size of the
machines invented in
this time compared to
the power behind them it seems (to us) absolutely ridiculous to understand
why anybody would want to use them, but to the people living in that time
ALL of these inventions were HUGE.

Course Code: GEElect 101

Descriptive Title: Living in the IT Era Instructor: JOHN PAUL G. GONZAGA
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C. ELECTROMECHANICAL AGE- Now we are finally getting close to

some technologies that resemble our modern-day technology. The
electromechanical age can be defined as the time between
1840 and 1940. These
are the beginnings of
telecommunication.
The telegraph was
created in the early
1800s. Morse code was
created by Samuel
Morse in 1835. The
telephone (one of the
most popular forms of
communication ever)
was created by
Alexander Graham Bell
in 1876. The first radio
developed by
Guglielmo Marconi in 1894. All of these were extremely crucial
emerging technologies that led to big advances in the information
technology field.
The first large-scale automatic digital computer in the United States was the
Mark 1 created by Harvard University around 1940. This computer was
8ft high, 50ft long, 2ft wide, and weighed 5 tons - HUGE. It was
programmed using punch cards. How does your PC match up to this hunk
of metal? It was from huge machines like this that people began to look at
downsizing all the parts to first make them usable by businesses and
eventually in your own home.

D. ELECRONIC AGE- is what we currently

live in. It can be defined as the time
between 1940 and right now. The ENIAC
was the first high-speed, digital
computer capable of being
reprogrammed to solve a full range
of computing problems. This computer
was designed to be used by the U.S.
Army for artillery firing tables. This
machine was even bigger than the

Course Code: GEElect 101

Descriptive Title: Living in the IT Era Instructor: JOHN PAUL G. GONZAGA
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Mark 1 taking up 680 square feet and weighing 30 tons - HUGE.
It mainly used vacuum tubes to do its calculations.
There are 4 main sections of digital computing. The first was the era of
vacuum tubes and punch cards like the ENIAC and Mark 1. Rotating
magnetic drums were used for internal storage. The second
generation replaced vacuum tubes with transistors, punch cards
were replaced with magnetic tape, and rotating magnetic drums
were replaced by magnetic cores for internal storage. Also, during this
time high-level programming languages were created such as FORTRAN
and COBOL. The third generation replaced transistors with
integrated circuits, magnetic tape was used throughout all
computers, and magnetic core turned into metal oxide
semiconductors. An actual operating system showed up around this time
along with the advanced programming language BASIC. The fourth and
latest generation brought in CPUs (central processing units) which
contained memory, logic, and control circuits all on
a single chip. The personal computer was developed (Apple II). The
graphical user interface (GUI) was developed.

- HISTORY OF COMPUTERS: GENERATIONS OF COMPUTER

There are 5 generations of computer:
• First-generation Computer (1946-1959)
• Second-generation Computer (1959-1965)
• Third-generation Computer (1965-1971)
• Fourth-generation Computer (1971-1980)
• Fifth-generation Computer (1980-onwards)

With the evolution of technology, computers have taken a major in the

last three decades. This is due to the fact that people have become
increasingly dependent on computers to do their daily tasks in
school, at work, or in their routines. What started off as simply for
research purposes, computers are designed to more compact, more
mobile, and more integrated in people’s daily activities.

Computers have evolved based on the type of components used in the

design. At present, scientists and researchers have identified five
generations based on design, suitability, and reliability. These
generations of computers are briefly defined below.

A. First-generation Computer (1946-1959)

The first electronic computer was developed in 1946. Designed
by J. Presper Eckert and John W. Mauchly from the university of
Pennsylvania and financed by the United States Army, the Electronic
Numeric Integrator and Calculator (ENIAC) is considered to be the

Course Code: GEElect 101

Descriptive Title: Living in the IT Era Instructor: JOHN PAUL G. GONZAGA
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first-generation computer. ENIAC was a modular computer,
composed of several panels capable of performing different
functions. However, it could store only limited or small amount
of information and only do arithmetic operations such as
addition and subtraction of up to 10 digits. The computer was
roughly 167 square meters in size and weighed 27 tons.

Examples: ENIAC – EDSAC – UNIVAC I, UNIVAC II, UNIVAC 1101

B. Second-generation Computer (1959-1965)

In this generation, the transistor was used as the interior
sections of the computer. Transistors were much smaller, faster,
and more dependable than the vacuum tubes of the first-
generation computer. They generated less heat and consumed less
electricity but were still very costly.

Examples: UNIVAC III, RCA 501, Philco Transact S-2000, NCR 300
series, IBM 7030 Stretch, IBM 7070, 7080, 7090 series

C. Third-generation Computer (1965-1971)

In 1965, Jack Kilby invented the integrated circuit (IC) that
was used instead of transistors as the interior sections to build the
computer. A single IC has many transistors, resistors, and capacitors
that even the full circuit board of a transistor can be replaced
entirely with one chip. This chip made the computers smaller,
unfailing, and effective. In this third generation, remote
processing, time sharing, and multiprogramming operating
system were used.

D. Fourt-generation Computer (1971-1980)

From 1971 to 1980, very large scale integrated (VLSI) circuits
were used to build computers. These circuits have about 5,000
transistors and other circuits elements with their connected
circuits on a single chip known as the microprocessor. These
fourth-generation computers such as personal computers became more
powerful, dense reliable, and inexpensive. The other application of this
microprocessor technology can be used and applied for pocket
calculators, television sets, automotive devices, and audio and
video appliances.

E. Fifth-generation Computer (1980-Onwards)

In this fifth generation, the VLSI technology has evolved into what is
called ultra-large-scale integration (ULSI) technology, with the
manufacturer of microprocessor chips having 10 million electronic

Course Code: GEElect 101

Descriptive Title: Living in the IT Era Instructor: JOHN PAUL G. GONZAGA
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components. This generation involves computer intelligence which
is associated with artificial intelligence (AI), natural language,
and expert systems that interpret the means and practices of
producing computers that think like human beings.

PARTS OF COMPUTER – HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE

Components of a Computer
What makes a computer work? By definition, a computer is an
electronic device that manipulates information or data. It has the ability to
store, retrieve, and process data. It contains both hardware components and
software applications.

The hardware pertains to the computer’s physical devices. It is any

part of the computer that can be seen and touched. A computers hardware
consists of interrelated electronic devices that are used to manipulate the
computer operation, input device and output devices.

1. The computer case or Chassis

This component holds all of the physical parts of a
computer system. It is usually designed in such a manner to make
fitting a motherboard, wiring, and primary and secondary
storage devices as easy as possible. Some are designed so well
that it is easy to make everything look tidy and presentable. They
can also accommodate CD or DVD drives, allowing users to listen to
music using compact discs or watch Blu-ray movies from their
computer.

Cases come in
all different sizes
and shapes to
accommodate
various computer
components and
satisfy the
consumer’s
needs. Not only
do computer
builders need to

Course Code: GEElect 101

Descriptive Title: Living in the IT Era Instructor: JOHN PAUL G. GONZAGA
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ensure compatibility between components, but also the case. Cases
typically have extra connectors on the front of them for more
convenience. USB ports and headphone jacks are commonly found.
Computer cases rely on fans inside them to create proper airflow to
keep all the internals cool and working reliably. A good way to
discharge yourself from electrostatic charge before working on a
computer is to touch the case. It will safeguard the computer’s
circuits from being damaged by static discharge.

2. Motherboard

The motherboard is the main board mounted directly inside the

computer case. All other cards plug directly into the motherboard,
hence its name. It is a printed circuit board in which the CPU,
RAM, drives, power
supply, expansion
cards, and more are
plugged into it. Its
function involves
integrating all the
physical components
to communicate and
operate together. A
good motherboard
offers a wide amount
of connectivity
options.

3. Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The CPU or central processing unit is basically like the brain
of computer systems. It processes all the information on a
computational level. It takes all the processes from the RAM and
processes them to perform the tasks required by the computer system.
The faster the processor, the more instructions it can execute at any
given time. The central
processing unit is usually seated
in a socket that utilizes a lever or
a latch with a hinged plate with a
cut-out in the center to secure

Course Code: GEElect 101

Descriptive Title: Living in the IT Era Instructor: JOHN PAUL G. GONZAGA
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the CPU onto the motherboard. It has many copper pads underneath it
for the socket contacts to push up against them to make electrical
contact.

4. Random Access Memory (RAM)

RAM is a data storage device that can provide fast read
and write access. RAM is volatile memory, meaning it loses all the
stored data when power is lost.
The RAM keeps data ready for
the CPU to process. The RAM
speed is a big contributor to the
overall speed of a computer system.
It plugs directly into a long slot that
has contacts on either side of the
slot. RAM has evolved like any other
component. RAM used on the motherboard often uses DDR (Double
Data Rate) SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access
Memory) type memory. RAM Amount always comes in powers of 2, so
you will always see numbers like 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB of RAM, to
mention some examples of memory units.

5. Graphics Card or Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

A graphics card is an output device that processes the data
from the motherboard and sends the appropriate information
to the computer’s screen for display. You can connect monitors to
it using HDMI,
DisplayPort, DVI, or VGA
connectors. It can also be
referred to as a video or
display card. A video card
takes the burden of all the
video processing from the
main CPU. This gives a
computer a big boost in
performance. Fans are
almost a given because of the large processing requirements for a
gaming GPU.

A video card plugs into a PCI Express (Peripheral

Component Interconnect Express) slot on the motherboard. It is a
serial expansion bus slot capable of high bandwidth in two
directions. A graphics card has a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), the
main part of a computer system that requires cooling.

Course Code: GEElect 101

Descriptive Title: Living in the IT Era Instructor: JOHN PAUL G. GONZAGA
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6. Sound Card
Most of the time, the sound chip built into the motherboard is
used for audio output. But, if you are a sound enthusiast or prefer high-
quality audio output while
playing a game, you might be
inclined to use a sound card.
Sound cards plug into a
computer in multiple ways. It
can be through USB, PCI slot,
or PCI Express x 1 slot.

7. Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

A mechanical drive’s purpose is to store all your information for
retrieval at any time. A hard disk drive (HDD) is an internal or
external computer component that stores data, such as the
operating system,
applications, and user files.
HDDs are “non-volatile”
storage devices, meaning they
retain stored data even when
power isn't being supplied.

8. Solid State Drive (SSD)

An SSD is also a type of hard drive, but it doesn’t have any moving
bits. It consists of a bank of flash memory that can hold a reasonable
amount of information.
SSD is a solid-state storage device. It
provides persistent data storage using no moving parts, only electronic
circuits, to provide its function. It is
sometimes called semiconductor
storage device, solid-
state device and, despite not having
a disk-shaped part such as in a hard
disk drive (HDD) or a floppy

Course Code: GEElect 101

Descriptive Title: Living in the IT Era Instructor: JOHN PAUL G. GONZAGA
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disk, solid-state disk. An SSD is often used as secondary storage to
provide relatively fast, persistent, local storage in a computer.

9. Power Supply Unit (PSU)

A power supply unit mounts inside the computer case. It converts
the AC mains supply from the power cord from a wall socket and supplies
the correct DC voltages to all the parts of a computer. A power supply
unit (PSU) converts mains AC to low-voltage regulated DC
power for the internal
components of a computer.
Modern personal computers universal
use switched-mode power supplies.
Some power supplies have a manual
switch for selecting input voltage,
while others automatically adapt to
the main voltage.

10. Monitor / Visual Display Unit (VDU)

A monitor is an output device to visualize the graphics
information sent from the computer’s GPU. A monitor is an
electronic output device used
to display information being
entered and processed on a
computer. The primary use of a
monitor is to display images, text,
video, and graphics information
generated by the computer via a
computer’s video card. It can be
referred to as the main output
device of a computer device. The first monitor display was
introduced on 1 March 1973.

a. Cathode ray tube (CRT) - is a vacuum tube containing an

electron gun at one end and a fluorescent screen at
another end. From this electron gun, a process called
thermionic emission generates a strong beam of
electrons. These electrons travel through a narrow path within
the tube with high-speed using various electromagnetic devices
and finally strike the phosphor points present on the fluorescent
screen, thus creating an image. Monitors employ the CRT
technology used most commonly in the manufacturing of

Course Code: GEElect 101

Descriptive Title: Living in the IT Era Instructor: JOHN PAUL G. GONZAGA
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television screens. A stream of intense high-energy electrons is
used to form images on a fluorescent screen.

b. Liquid crystal display (LCD) - is a flat-panel display that

consists of a layer of color or monochrome pixels
arranged schematically between a couple of transparent
electrodes and two polarizing filters. Optical effect is
achieved by polarizing the light in varied amounts and making it
pass through the liquid crystal layer.

c. Light-emitting diode (LED) - is a flat-panel display that uses

light-emitting diodes for backlighting. The display is of LCD only,
but the backlighting is done by LEDs. LED monitors are said to
use much lesser power than CRT and LCD. Thus, they are also
considered environment friendly.

11. Keyboard
A keyboard is an input device that is one of the ways to
communicate with a computer. Typing a key from the keyboard sends
a small portion of information to tell it which key was pressed. Once the
computer receives input from the
keyboard, it can use the
keystrokes in digital form to
produce a specific task in any
software being used. The
computer system can use this
information in many ways. An
example could be a command or
a character that can be used in a
document. There are two main
different types of keyboards. Mechanical and membrane types.

A. Mechanical- A mechanical keyboard is a type of keyboard

that uses mechanical switches instead of membrane
switches. This means that each key on a mechanical
keyboard has its own switch underneath, which is responsible
for registering key presses. Gamers and typing
enthusiasts often prefer mechanical keyboards

Course Code: GEElect 101

Descriptive Title: Living in the IT Era Instructor: JOHN PAUL G. GONZAGA
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because they offer a more tactile and satisfying
typing experience, with each keypress registering more
distinctly than on a membrane keyboard. They are also
typically more durable and long-lasting than membrane
keyboards.

B. Membrane- A membrane keyboard is a keyboard that

consists of a membrane layer that sits on top of a
circuit board. Its keys are not separate moving parts but
act as a pressure pad. The membrane layer has a printed
circuit that connects to the circuit board. When a key is
pressed, the circuit is completed, and a signal is sent to the
computer. This type of keyboard is commonly used in
budget-friendly or low-profile keyboard designs
because it is inexpensive and easy to manufacture.
They also provide good protection from dirt, debris, and
liquid.

12. Mouse or Trackpad

A mouse is an input device that allows the user to move a pointer
displayed on the monitor and experience a more intuitive interaction
with computer systems. A mouse is a small device that a computer
user pushes across a desk
surface in order to point to
a place on a display screen
and to select one or more
actions to take from that
position. The mouse first
became a widely used
computer tool when Apple
Computer made it a standard
part of the Apple Macintosh.

COMMON PERIPHERAL PARTS OF COMPUTER

13. 1E Printer
a printer is considered
a peripheral device that serves

Course Code: GEElect 101

Descriptive Title: Living in the IT Era Instructor: JOHN PAUL G. GONZAGA
 ILOCOS SUR
POLYTECHNIC STATE
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MODULE
the purpose of creating a permanent representation of text or
graphics, usually on paper. While the majority of outputs produced by
printers are readable by humans, there are instances where barcode
printers have found a utility beyond this traditional use.

14. Scanner
A scanner can take anything on paper, and it functions by
scanning it to produce a replicated digital image for a computer to
save. This is also handy for saving physical photos you want to
preserve. Once the photo is
stored digitally, it won’t decay
as a physical photo does over
time. The flatbed scanner is one
of the most commonly used
today.

15. Computer Speaker

Allow one to hear music, voice, and other sounds. The
signal used to produce the sound that comes from a computer
speaker is created by the computer’s sound card.

16. Microphone
Microphone is a device that converts sound waves into an
electrical signal. It allows you to capture audio and transmit it to
various devices, such as computers, amplifiers, or recording
equipment.

Course Code: GEElect 101

Descriptive Title: Living in the IT Era Instructor: JOHN PAUL G. GONZAGA
 ILOCOS SUR
POLYTECHNIC STATE
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MODULE

17. Camera or Webcam

A webcam is a video camera which is designed to record or
stream to a computer or computer network. They are primarily used
in video telephony, live streaming and social media, and security.
Webcams can be built-in computer hardware or peripheral devices, and
are commonly connected to a device using USB or wireless protocols.

SOFTWARE COMPONENTS OF
COMPUTER
Software- The Software is a collection of programs and data that
tell a computer how to perform specific tasks. Software often
includes associated software documentation.[1] This is in contrast
to hardware, from which the system is built and which actually
performs the work.

1. Operating System (OS):

The operating system (OS) is the core program that controls
computer hardware resources and gives users a way to
communicate with the system. Windows, macOS, and Linux are a
few examples of well-known operating systems.

2. Application Software:
Programs created to carry out particular duties or functions are
referred to as application software. Word processors, online
browsers, spreadsheets, photo editing programs, and video
players are a few examples. For them to operate, the underlying
operating system is essential.

Course Code: GEElect 101

Descriptive Title: Living in the IT Era Instructor: JOHN PAUL G. GONZAGA
 ILOCOS SUR
POLYTECHNIC STATE
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MODULE
Software of this type has specific activities that relate to end
users and their usability. Unlike system software, they are not
necessary for the functioning of a computer. The installation and
removal of this program depends on what the users desire. However,
the choice is based on the requirements. They could only have one
program or numerous programs.

A. Word Processing Software

This piece of software enables users to produce work which can
be edited, and which can be revisited at any point in time. They can
add textual information or update the available content as needed. The
other functionalities in addition to this capability may also be available
depending on the specific application. WordPad, Google Docs, or
Microsoft Word are among them.

B. Spreadsheet Software
The purpose of this is to create spreadsheets and to work with
information and numbers. To table all of the data in an accurate way it
has grids and columns, which makes it easy for the user to keep
records. Large files data processing is made possible by it. Besides,
there are also chances of computing with the aid of different formulas.
There are various examples, for instance, Microsoft Excel, Google
Sheets, and other apps.

C. Applications for Multimedia

These are used for editing movies, audios, and texts, and also
provide the users the ability to merge text, audio, and video. They are
able to use multimedia software to improve their documents by
incorporating visually appealing and auditorily engaging elements. For
example, the VLC player, Premier Pro, Window Media Player, and
others are types of such programmes.

D. Enterprise Software
The enterprise software is developed to tackle certain
processes that are carried out within the business that the
company has a large number of tasks that have to be
completed no matter the circumstances. This stands true for
things like bookkeeping, billing, inventory management, online traffic
analysis, and so forth. MailChimp, Google Analytics, and different
customer support systems are just some providers of such platforms.

3. IB IA Programming Software

Course Code: GEElect 101

Descriptive Title: Living in the IT Era Instructor: JOHN PAUL G. GONZAGA
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There are many types of software that writes programs by
transforming different programming languages into machine code.
These tools are used by the developers in building, debugging,
and maintaining programs. A few other names for it include
programming and software development tools.
For example, Eclipse, Coda, Notepad++ and others belong to
this type.
4. Device Drivers
Device drivers are software applications that connect and
interact with hardware devices on behalf of the operating
system. They serve as translators, turning requests from the OS into
instructions that are understood by particular hardware components.
5. Firmware
Software that is integrated with hardware devices is
known as firmware. During system startup, it initializes hardware
and offers low-level control. It is a low-level program that serves a very
specific function in directing hardware to undertake its tasks. Its role is
very specific. Most of them are permanent and once they have been
established, they are difficult to alter. Some people think that it is an
element of the hardware system; however, it is not.

Firmware is a form of microcode or program embedded

into hardware devices to help them operate effectively.
Hardware like cameras, mobile phones, network cards, optical drives,
printers, routers, scanners, and television remotes rely on firmware
built into their memory to function smoothly.

BASIC COMPUTER OPERATIONS

A computer as shown in Fig. 2.1 performs basically five major
operations or functions irrespective of their size and make. These are:

1. it accepts data or instructions by way of input,

2. it stores data,
3. it can process data as required by the user,
4. it gives results in the form of output, and
5. it controls all operations inside a computer.

Course Code: GEElect 101

Descriptive Title: Living in the IT Era Instructor: JOHN PAUL G. GONZAGA
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1. Input - This is the process of entering data and programs

into the computer system. You should know that computer is an
electronic machine like any other machine which takes as inputs
raw data and performs some processing giving out processed data.
Therefore, the input unit takes data from us to the computer in an
organized manner for processing.

2. Storage - The process of saving data and instructions

permanently is known as storage. Data has to be fed into the
system before the actual processing starts. It is because the
processing speed of Central Processing Unit (CPU) is so fast that the
data has to be provided to CPU with the same speed. Therefore, the
data is first stored in the storage unit for faster access and
processing. This storage unit or the primary storage of the computer
system is designed to do the above functionality. It provides space
for storing data and instructions.

3. Processing - The task of performing operations like

arithmetic and logical operations is called processing. The
Central Processing Unit (CPU) takes data and instructions from the
storage unit and makes all sorts of calculations based on the
instructions given and the type of data provided. It is then sent back
to the storage unit.

4. Output- This is the process of producing results from the

data for getting useful information. Similarly, the output
produced by the computer after processing must also be kept
somewhere inside the computer before being given to you in human
readable form. Again, the output is also stored inside the computer
for further processing.

5. Control: The manner how instructions are executed, and the

above operations are performed. Controlling of all operations
like input, processing and output are performed by control unit. It
takes care of step-by-step processing of all operations inside the
computer.

Course Code: GEElect 101

Descriptive Title: Living in the IT Era Instructor: JOHN PAUL G. GONZAGA
 ILOCOS SUR
POLYTECHNIC STATE
Candon Campus
COLLEGE

MODULE

IC DONE

END OF MODULE 2

Course Code: GEElect 101

Descriptive Title: Living in the IT Era Instructor: JOHN PAUL G. GONZAGA