Fundamentals of Computer

T H E C O L L E G E O F M A A S I N C O M P U T E R E D U C A T I O N
“ N i s i D o m i n u s F r u s t r a ” w a l d e n J M 1 | P a g e
COMPUTER EDUCATION 8
1st
Quarter Module
CHAPTER 2
FUNDAMENTALS OF COMPUTER
INTRODUCTION
Computer as a revolution left no area of life untouched in the present world. It is of
tremendous help in all field of life. Hence, the knowledge of computer is a necessity for
existence of everybody in this global village. The invention of computer has transformed
our simple manual works to sophisticated life of automated works to meet the global
demand for the higher productivity and increased efficiency with high precision.
Computer is increasingly becoming compulsory in nearly all fields of studies, not
because of anything but its accuracy and versatility in processing data. Many tasks at
home or office are being automated rapidly with computer. Thus, it is becoming
apparent that in whatever discipline or working sector, the computer is now a very vital
tool for efficiency improvement and precision of job or task execution.
This is designed to meet the prerequisite need of everybody that are interested and
wish to know about computers science and computing in general. A computer is an
electronic device, operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory.
These instructions tell the machine what to do. The computer can accept data (input),
processing data arithmetically and logically, producing output from the processing, and

storing the results for future use. Most computers that sit on a desktop are called
Personal Computers (PCs).
The "computer" is an ensemble of different machines that you will be using to get your
job done. A computer is primarily made of the Central Processing Unit (usually referred
to as the computer), the monitor, the keyboard, and the mouse. Other pieces of
hardware are commonly referred to as peripherals.
In everyday life activities, we process data or encounter cases of data processing. A
typical example of data processing is the generation of statement of student result from
the marks score in an examination and continuous assessment. It is essential to know
that information is as good as the data from which it is derived, and the transformation
process which they are subjected to. Meaningless data or inappropriate processing
produces wrong information. Thus, computer gives you results corresponding to what
data you supply and how you process it (i.e. ‘gabbage- in, gabbage-out’).
Summarily, the intelligent performance of a computer depends on correctness of input
data and the intelligence performance of the human being that drives it.
OBJECTIVES
1. to understand fundamentally the general scope of the computer system
2. to interact effectively with the computer
3. to know the uses of the basic components of the computer
4. to manage the system to some extent before involving an expert
5. to know some basic things about the computer and the world

COMPUTERS ALL AROUND US
Computers fill the lives of most people. They are everywhere; at home, at school, at
work and even at play. Our day to day activities involve the use of computers. We get
information from computers.
Computers have become a medium of communication for people around the globe and
have expanded the scope in great magnitude in terms of the ability to reach other
people, access to information and share ones expertise, and expperiences. One
important aspect that contributed to the wide spread use of computers is the relatively
low price of operation considering its many capabilities.
Computers come in a variety of sizes, types and for a whole range of use. Computers
connected to the internet can be used to make a telephone call, meet new friends,
search for old acquaintances, share ones ideas and opinions, book a flight, read the
latest news in business, sports and weather, to research and study, to purchase a book
or movie, play an online games and a lot more.
What is Computer?
A computer is a programmable electronic
machine which has the capacity to execute,
manipulate and respond to specific and
prerecorded lists of instructions or
programs in an efficient , well defined
manner. Its ability to store a huge amount
of data and execute lists of instructions
called programs makes the computer
exceptionally versatile and handto to use.
Computers however can only cary out this instruction with the aid of a user which
could be a programmer, teacher or a student. Since computers don’t have a brain like a
human being, a user must tell the computer to perform or carry out several tasks by
speaking the computer language.
More often than not, the programmers are the ones who are capable to speak the
computer language and use this to write programs that command the computer what to

do. On one hand, normal users or the so called end users are the ones who use the
programs that a programmer designs.
Thus, computers are able to do anything from solving complex mathematical problems
to enjoyable stuff such as listening to music, watching a movie and writing reports and
assignments.
COMPUTER DATA PROCESSING SYSTEM
A computer is a data processing piece of electronic device that processes input data
into useful information. It is a system since it is composed of six important elements
(people, procedure, hardware, software, data and connectivity) that work together to
achieve results. Computers usually hold data, programs or instructions and information
in its storage for present and future use.
Computer needs input data and commands from the user to
work. Input data and commands are commonly entered into
the computer using the keyboard and mouse. When you
type letters and numbers using the keyboard that is a kind
of input. When you click the mouse, that is an input. Input
is defined as the data and command entered into the
computer.
The computer then works on these data and command input. This step is called
process. The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is where the process takes place. The CPU
is called the brain of the computer. The CPU does its processing very fast. Process is
defined as the work done by the computer to input data and commands. The Arithmetic
Logic Unit (ALU) and the Control Unit of the CPU process the input data using the
program used.
The result displayed on the monitor after the data is processed
is called output. Output is defined as the result of the data
processing. The processed data is now called information. This
information will be transmitted through an output device.
Output devices include the monitor, printer, camera and
speaker.

Processed information and raw data are usually needed by the user and other people
for present and future use. Computer Storage is data retention which requires that
data is still present even when power is off. Computer storage is an important function
of modern computer. Today, it refers to hard disks, optical discs, memory cards and
flash drives.
ELEMENTS OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM
There are six elements that make up a computer system: people involve or the user,
the procedure or instructions to follow, the software, the hardware, the data and last
but not the least, connectivity all working together for the whole system. Each of these
elements is essential to the system itself.
The following are the vital elements of a computer system:
People. People are the most important element of a
computer system. They use and operate the computer. People
use computers for a variety of applications. Computer
engineers study computer hardware design and they build and
improve computers. Computer programmers write the
programs to come up with desired output from a set of input
data.
Software. Software are programs or instructions that a
computer must follow to do its task. The purpose of
software is to process data into useful information for
people. Software give flexibility to computers. Computers
become a tool for typing using a word processing,
program, they become a drawing tool with a graphics
program and music or video player with a media player
program.
Hardware. Harware are the physical equipment that you can
feel and touch. Hardware include CPU, mouse, keyboard,
printer, speaker, microphone, monitor and many more. The
hardware needs software to function properly. Hardware come
in a variety of shapes, size, price and computing power.

Data. Data or computer data is the information required
by the computer to be able to operate, run programs,
store system configuration information such as text files,
numbers, sounds, images or other files that are
associated with the program. Raw data are normal inputs
entered into the computer. The software that the user
decides to operate on them determine largely the
resulting output. Processed data are called information
and they are useful to people.
Connectivity. Connectivity usually refers to maintaining a
connection to the Internet and the World Wide Web.
Connectivity also allows you and others to perform different
tasks simultaneously. For instance, you can send and
received email messages while your sister download free
MP3’s and your brother surf the Internet. Using the
internet, people can share and access data and greatly
expands ones capacity and reach.
Procedure. They are the steps or set of instructions to
follow when handling and using various data, software and
hardware. These procedures are normally written in manuals
of software and hardware manufacturers. The instruction
and procedures are carefully explained to guide the users in
every step they will make. These are written by computer
specialists and are shipped together with the computer
product in printed or electronic form.
LIMITATIONS OF A COMPUTER
➢ Computer is as intelligent as the program that runs it. Without the program
computer is useless.
➢ Computer cannot detect wrong feeding of Data.

ADVANTAGES OF USING COMPUTERS
There are advantages and disadvantages of using the computer. Among the
advantages of using the “wonder box” are the following:
1. You can easily access information on all subject matters that you want to
know.
2. You can easily do a week’s work or an assignment in one day.
3. Computers provide a fast, efficient form of communication through email and
chat rooms.
4. Computers help you back up copies of work without having to re-write
everything.
5. Computers also allow some parents to work from home and spend more
quality time with their families.
6. Computers are great tools to people with disabilities.
7. Computers can be used by teachers to provide audio and video presentation
of their lectures.
8. Computers are also a means for teachers to have more lecture notes because
there’s a lot of websites available that they can use to supplement their
lesson plans.
9. Computers allow young mothers to explain to their children how something
works.
10. Students like you and children really enjoy using computers probably because
the majority of computer software has a high fun factor.
11. Computers contain many programs that allow you to present a piece of work
in a specialized manner.
12. It’s internet accessibility puts knowledge at the finger tips of the users.

DISADVANTAGES OF USING COMPUTERS
1. Computers rely on electricity, thus limiting their reliability.
2. Prolonged exposure to computer use can cause eyesight disorders.
3. Computers have too much information that it’s difficult to know and validate
which is true and which is false.
4. Computers are also addictive that students sometime just sit, play and chat
the whole day neglecting their assignments.
5. Some people spend all their time alone in their rooms on the computers
which give them a leeway to surf unnecessary stuff.
6. Computers at some point do not help develop the analytical thinking of
students because sometimes they can find the sources online, thus copying
them as they are.
7. Computers are sometimes detrimental to some businesses, like illegal
downloading of music and movies.
8. Bank records can be hacked, harvesting vital information of bank deposits
that can be used to withdraw money or use credit cards without account
owners knowing about the transaction.
9. It allows the old way of learning like handwriting to be forgotten.
10. Its fun programs like computer games are big distraction to the user.
11. The internet provides easy access to certain things that shouldn’t be seen,
especially to young children like you.

DIFFERENT PARTS OF COMPUTER
A. HARDWARE – a physical component that you can feel and touch.
1. MONITOR – is the display output of the computer.
LCD CRT
2. KEYBOARD – is the input device of the computer.
3. MOUSE – is the input device of the computer that controls the motion.
USB Type PS/2 Type Wireless Bluetooth

4. SPEAKER – is the audio output of the computer.
Wireless Bluetooth Headphone
With Cable Cord / Wired
5. TOWER CASE – the box or case that holds the parts that make up a computer.
also known as “System Unit”.
6. PRINTER - a machine for printing text or pictures onto paper, especially one
linked to a computer.

7. SCANNER - a device that scans documents and converts them into digital data.
8. WEBCAM - a video camera that inputs to a computer connected to the Internet,
so that its images can be viewed by Internet users.
9. MODEM – is defined as an abbreviation for modulator-demodulator, a device
that makes it possible for computers to communicate with one another without
being directly connected to each other. An example of a modem is the device
used for a computer to communicate with a satellite.
10.ROUTER – A router is a device that communicates between the internet and the
devices in your home that connect to the internet. As its name implies, it “routes” traffic
between the devices and the internet.
Modem vs. Router: What's the Difference? Your modem is a box that connects your home network to the
wider Internet. A router is a box that lets all your wired and wireless devices use that Internet connection at once
and allows them to talk to one another without having to do so over the Internet.

OTHER COMPUTER HARDWARE PARTS:
INTERNAL
1. RAM (Random Access Memory) – refers to the physical devices used to store
programs or data on a temporary basis for use in computer and other digital
electronic device.
2. CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT (CPU) – is the main brain of the computer.
3. Hard Disk Drive – is a data storage device used for storing and retrieving
digital information using rapidly rotating disc coated with magnetic material.

4. Power Supply – the power source of the computer.
5. DVD / CD ROM – is an optical disc storage format invented and developed to
store data in compact discs.
6. Motherboard – the mainboard or system board. It holds many of the crucial
electronic components of the computer system.

MOTHER BOARD with their parts
Motherboard BACK PANEL PARTS

B. SOFTWARE – a collection of computer programs and related data that provide
the instructions telling a computer what to do.
1. APPLICATION SOFTWARE – is a collection of programs
designed to operate, control, and extend processing
capabilities of computers.
Examples:
➢ MS Word, WordPad, and Notepad.
➢ Internet browsers like Firefox, Safari, and Chrome.
➢ Microsoft Power Point, Keynotes.
➢ Auto CAD.
➢ MySQL, Oracle, MS Access.
➢ Apple Numbers, Microsoft Excel.
➢ Real Player, Media Player
2. SYSTEM SOFTWARE – a set of programs that allow
computer to perform a specific data – processing job
for the user.
Examples:
➢ Operating systems
➢ Device drivers
➢ Middleware
➢ Utility software
➢ Shells and windowing systems
3. UTILITY SOFTWARE – is an special purpose
software that improves the operations of system
software by providing additional and specialized
functionality to it. It helps to keep your system in
shape by eliminating / correcting error.
Examples:
➢ USB Disk Security
➢ DeepFreeze
➢ Compiler
➢ Anti-Virus
➢ Disk Defragmentation and Disk Cleaner
➢ CCleaner

COMPUTERS CLASSIFICATION
Computers can be generally classified by size and power as follows, though there is
considerable overlap:
• Personal Computer: A small, single-user computer based on a
microprocessor. In addition to the microprocessor, a personal
computer has a keyboard for entering data, a monitor for displaying
information, and a storage device for saving data.
• Workstation: A powerful, single-user computer. A workstation is
like a personal computer, but it has a more powerful
microprocessor and a higher-quality monitor.
• Minicomputer: A multi-user computer capable of supporting from
10 to hundreds of users simultaneously.
• Mainframe: A powerful multi-user computer capable of supporting
many hundreds or thousands of users simultaneously.
• Supercomputer: An extremely fast computer that can perform
hundreds of millions of instructions per second.
LAPTOP AND SMARTPHONE COMPUTERS
• LAPTOP: A laptop is a battery or AC-powered personal
computer that can be easily carried and used in a variety of
locations. Many laptops are designed to have all the
functionality of a desktop computer, which means they can
generally run the same software and open the same types
of files. However, some laptops, such as netbooks, sacrifice
some functionality in order to be even more portable.
Netbook: A netbook is a type of laptop that is designed to
be even more portable.

• NETBOOKS are often cheaper than laptops or desktops.
They are generally less powerful than other types of
computers, but they provide enough power for email and
internet access, which is where the name "netbook" comes
from.
• MOBILE DEVICE: A mobile device is basically
any handheld computer. It is designed to be
extremely portable, often fitting in the palm of
your hand or in your pocket. Some mobile
devices are more powerful, and they allow you to
do many of the same things you can do with a
desktop or laptop computer. These include tablet
computers, e-readers, and smartphones.
• TABLET COMPUTERS: Like laptops, tablet
computers are designed to be portable. However,
they provide a very different computing experience.
The most obvious difference is that tablet
computers don't have keyboards or touchpads.
Instead, the entire screen is touch-sensitive,
allowing you to type on a virtual keyboard and use
your finger as a mouse pointer. Tablet computers
are mostly designed for consuming media, and they are optimized for tasks like
web browsing, watching videos, reading e-books, and playing games. For many
people, a "regular" computer like a desktop or laptop is still needed in order to
use some programs. However, the convenience of a tablet computer means that
it may be ideal as a second computer.
• SMARTPHONES: A smartphone is a powerful mobile
phone that is designed to run a variety of applications in
addition to phone service. They are basically small tablet
computers, and they can be used for web browsing,
watching videos, reading e-books, playing games and
more.

A. Give the Cycle of Computer Data Processing System. (Answers must be in order)
B. Using the Venn Diagram, research and differentiate INPUT DEVICES from
OUTPUT DEVICES. Give at least 5 examples in each device.
INPUT DEVICE OUTPUT DEVICE

ACTIVITY1: SELF CHECK!
A. IDENTIFICATION. Write your answers on the space provided.
__________________1. Defined as the data and command entered the computer.
__________________2. Are the most important element of a computer system.
__________________3. The ones who use the programs that a programmer design.
__________________4. It is a programmable electronic machine which has the
capacity to execute, manipulate and respond to specific and
prerecorded lists of instructions or programs.
__________________5. The audio output of the computer.
__________________6. The ability to store a huge amount of data and execute lists of
instructions.
__________________7. It is the “brain and heart” of the computer.
__________________8. The physical components of computer which you can feel and
touch.
__________________9. Are the ones who use the programs that a programmer design.
__________________10. Is the result of the data processing.
B. IDENTIFY THE IMAGE. Identify what is being ask and write your answers on
the space provided.
_________ _________ _________
_________ _________

ACTIVITY # 2:
EXPLANATION. Share your thoughts or ideas and answer briefly. Write your answers
on the space provided.
1. “Computers have too much information that it’s difficult to know and validate
which is true and which is false”
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________.
2. “Computers rely on electricity, thus limiting their reliability”
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________.
3. “It’s fun programs like the computer online games are big distraction to the
user”
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________.

ASSESSMENT
A. TRUE OR FALSE. Write T if the statement is true and F if the statement is false.
Write your answers on the space provided.
______ 1. Computers fill the lives of most people. They are everywhere; at home, at
school, at work and even at play.
______ 2. People use computers for a variety of applications.
______ 3. Our day to day activities involve the use of computers.
______ 4. Today, communication has also evolved tremendously through the use of
computers and the internet.
______ 5. Computers rely on electricity, thus limiting their reliability.
B. CONCEPT MAPPING. Using your own idea, kindly fill out the boxes below.

C. MATCHING TYPE. Match column A to column B. Write your answers on the
space provided.
Column A Column B
_____ 1. Power source of the computer a. CPU
_____ 2. Input device of the computer b. Speaker
_____ 3. The audio output of the computer c. Printer
_____ 4. Temporary storage of the computer d. Mouse
_____ 5. The main brain of the computer e. Motherboard
f. Keyboard
g. Monitor
h. Power Supply
i. RAM

Students comment on the lessons and their learnings and Teachers comment on the
learner’s accomplishments:

RESOURCES
Books:
➢ Starting Computer made easy for children by Evangeline Madrid-Hirata, Ed.D.
➢ Understanding Computers: Computer Concepts and Fundamentals by Maribeth N.
Nacar and Jesus Salvador R. Que
Internet:
➢ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/283540479_INTRODUCTION_TO_COM
PUTER
➢ https://peda.net/kenya/ass/subjects2/computer-studies/form-1/itc2
Videos:
➢ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3KnlfATUek
➢ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExxFxD4OSZ0

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