This document provides an overview of the main components in a computer system and explains the data processing cycle. It identifies the key components as the monitor, keyboard, mouse, system unit, speakers, and printer. It describes the functions of each component and different types. The document also explains the four stages of the data processing cycle: input, processing, storage, and output. Activities are included to help students identify the components and their functions, as well as complete the data processing cycle.

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

3. ICTL for Secondary School - Computer Hardware Module
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1. Name of Module : Computer Parts and Components
– Overview of the Computer System
2. Learning Outcomes:The students should be able to:
• Identify main components in the computer system
• state the functions of the main components in the computer system
• explain briefly the data processing cycle of a computer system
3. 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

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Activity 1
MAIN COMPUTER SYSTEM
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.
system Unit
mouse
keyboard
speaker
monitor

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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.
Wireless keyboardMultimedia keyboard

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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
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
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)
USB port optical mouse
PS/2 port mouse
Cordless optical mouse

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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.

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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).

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Activity 2
Data Processing Cycle
The computer system processes data into information through four operations; input, process,
storage and output.
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
Input Process Output
Storage

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Activity 3
Task A
Label the pictures below . Write your answers in the boxes given.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

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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)

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Task C
Complete the data processing cycle of a computer system below.
Input

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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