1. KEMENTERIAN PELAJARAN MALAYSIA
Self Access Learning Module
ICT Literacy for
Secondary School
Programme
Computer Hardware
Computer System
PUSAT PERKEMBANGAN KURIKULUM
KEMENTERIAN PELAJARAN MALAYSIA

2. ICTL for Secondary School - Computer Hardware Module
MODULE 2
Overview of the Computer System
Curriculum Development Centre
Ministry of Education Malaysia
1

3. ICTL for Secondary School - Computer Hardware Module
1.
Name of Module :
Computer Parts and Components
– Overview of the Computer System
2.
Learning Outcomes: The students should be able to:
•
•
state the functions of the main components in the computer system
•
3.
Identify main components in the computer system
explain briefly the data processing cycle of a computer system
Knowledge and Skills:
1. What is a computer
2. The different types of computer
4.
Module Summary:
At the end of the module, students should be able to identify and
state the functions of the main components in the computer system as well as explain
briefly the data processing cycle of a computer system.
This module contains 2 activities:
Activity 1:
Identifying the main components in the computer system
and their functions
Activity 2:
Briefly explain the data processing cycle of the computer
system
2

4. ICTL for Secondary School - Computer Hardware Module
Activity 1
MAIN COMPUTER SYSTEM
monitor
system Unit
speaker
keyboard
mouse
Monitor
A monitor is a computer display that is like a TV monitor. A computer monitor image is made up
of pixels (dots). In general, the higher the resolution, the better the image. The smaller the dots
pitch (typically from 0.25 mm to 0.31 mm), the better the image. The different types of display
screens are:
•
Standard television set
An ordinary home televisionthat can be used for computer output.
•
Standard computer monitors
These monitors have better resolution than TV monitors. Some are
flat screens.
•
Liquid Crystal Displays (LCD)
These screens are made up of two glass plates with liquid in
between.
3

5. ICTL for Secondary School - Computer Hardware Module
Keyboard
Multimedia keyboard
Wireless keyboard
The keyboard is the main input device for text and commands. The computer keyboard uses the
same key arrangement as typewriters. It also contain standard function keys, such as the
escape, cursor movement and control keys.
Keyboards come with three (3) different types of port such as:
•
Serial port
•
PS/2 port
•
USB port.
4

6. ICTL for Secondary School - Computer Hardware Module
Speakers
Speakers give out information in the form of sound. Computer speakers range widely in quality
and price. Computer speakers are typically packaged with computer systems in small plastic
boxes with mediocre sound quality. The internal amplifiers requires an external power source,
known as 'wall-wart'.
Mouse
PS/2 port mouse
A mouse is an input device used to controls the movement of the cursor or pointer on a display
screen. It has right click, left click and double click to function
USB port optical mouse
Cordless optical mouse
An optical mouse uses camera technology and digital processing to compare and track the
position of the mouse, rather than a ball and rollers used on PS/2 port mouse. A small LED
(light-emitting diode) provides light underneath the mouse, helping to highlight slight differences
in the surface underneath the mouse. It does not require maintenance or regular cleaning.
(source : http://images.search.yahoo.com)
5

7. ICTL for Secondary School - Computer Hardware Module
System Unit
A system unit is also known as a base unit. It is the main body of a desktop computer
consisting of a metal or fibre enclosure containing the motherboard, power supply, cooling fans,
internal disk drives, memory modules and expansion cards(such as video and network cards)
that are plugged into the motherboard.
(source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/System_unit)
Printer
A printer is a device that produces a hard copy (permanent human readable text or graphics) of
documents stored in electronic form that prints texts or illustrations on paper.
Many printers are used as computer peripherals and are attached by a printer cable to a
computer that serves as a document source.
There are many types of computer printers.
Dot-Matrix printer
The dot matrix printer is a low-cost printer that produces low quality output. It works like an
automatic typewriter. It can also be used when carbon copies of a document are required.
6

8. ICTL for Secondary School - Computer Hardware Module
Ink-Jet printer
The ink jet printer is a low-cost printer that produces a mid-quality output. This type of printer is
the most economical for colour output.
Laser printer
The laser printer uses a laser beam to produce the best quality output. The speed of a laser
printer is typically about 8 ppm (page per minute).
7

9. ICTL for Secondary School - Computer Hardware Module
Activity 2
Data Processing Cycle
The computer system processes data into information through four operations; input, process,
storage and output.
Input
Process
Output
Storage
The user enters the data by using an input device (such as keyboard, mouse) electronically
and is processed by the processor. In the processing operation, data is manipulated to process
or transform it into information
The storage (such as hard disk, compact disc (CD), diskettes) holds data, information and
programs. The output devices (such as monitor, printer) present the processed data as useful
information products to the user
8

10. ICTL for Secondary School - Computer Hardware Module
Activity 3
Task A
Label the pictures below . Write your answers in the boxes given.
1.
2.
5.
3.
4.
9

11. ICTL for Secondary School - Computer Hardware Module
Task B
Look at the pictures given in Column A. Then, name the components of the computer and state
their functions.
COLUMN A
COLUMN B
(Component name and function)
10

12. ICTL for Secondary School - Computer Hardware Module
Task C
Complete the data processing cycle of a computer system below.
Input
11

13. ICTL for Secondary School - Computer Hardware Module
Reference
Cashman, S. (2006) Discovering Computers 2006. USA : Thomson Course Technology.
Ibrahim Ahmad, Mohd Hafiz et al (2007) Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Based on SPM Syllabus. Selangor: Venton Publishing (M) Sdn Bhd.
NCC Education (2002) Computer Studies, Computer Ace. Sri Lanka : Computer Pioneers.
Basic Computing (2003) by TMEdu Tech (M) Sdn Bhd
http://www.wikipedia.org
http://images.search.yahoo.com
http://www.google.com.my
12