At the end of module 2, you should be able to:
1. Plan and prepare for task to be undertaken.
2. Input data and access information using computer 3. Produce output/data using computer.
4. Maintain computer equipment and systems.
Introduction to Computers
Many scientific and technological advances mark the beginning of the twentieth century. These advances include inventions such as airplane, television, and most especially the computer. Computers are changing our lives, they are sweeping away the old ways of doing things with their superb speed and reliability.
As many of today’s basic functions are being simplified by technology, computers have been on the forefront in developing innovations through its many functions. In this digital world, having the knowledge and skills in computer servicing is the start and most fundamental of all.
MODULE 2: Computer Operations
Timeframe: 4 Weeks
Computer and Its Types
A computer is an electronic machine that processes and stores information. It takes in raw information using input devices, stores in the memory until it is ready to be processed in the processing unit and sends out results using output devices.
Computers are classified into four (4) different types based on its processing power and size:
www.google.com
THE TYPES OF COMPUTERS
1. Supercomputer is the fastest and most powerful computer in terms of performance and data processing. It uses its power to run one program at a time. Used in:
• Research and exploration
• Weather forecasting
• Nuclear weapon testing
2. Mainframe computer is not as powerful as the supercomputer. It is designed to run multiple programs concurrently. It
is commonly used in:
• Banks
• Educational Institution
• Insurance companies
3. Minicomputer, also known as “Midrange” computer fill the space between the mainframe and microcomputer. It is smaller than Supercomputer or Mainframe computer but bigger and more powerful than the microcomputer.
They are generally used as mid-range servers.
Some of its uses are as:
• Data Management device
• Communications Portal
• Process Control
www.google.com
www.google.com
www.google.com
4. Microcomputer is the most widely used computer – desktop, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. It is the cheapest among the different classes of computers. This computer is design for general usage such as entertainment, education and work purposes.
The Elements of Computer System
A computer system is a collection of entities that are designed to receive, process, manage, and present information in a meaningful format.
BLOCK DIAGRAM OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM
www.google.com
Data are raw facts about things, events, or activities that are captured, recorded, and stored on the computer. These can be in the form of words, numbers, or pictures.
Data become information when these have been arranged or organized to be of use and to have meaning to the user.
INPUT – in this step, data are entered into the computer through input devices, such as keyboard and mouse.
PROCESS – is the computer’s method of analyzing, managing, or
manipulating data. The data entered into the computer undergo changes. The Central Processing Unit (CPU) directs the operation of the input and output devices to create the needed information.
OUTPUT – You get the output once the computer is finished processing the data. It could be displayed on the monitor, printed on paper, or heard through speakers.
STORAGE – The processed data are kept for future use. We use Hard Disk Drive to store the information.
Computer system has 3 elements that will make a computer really useful.
I. Hardware refers to the physical, tangible computer equipment and
devices which provides support for major functions such as input, process, output and storage.
A. INPUT DEVICES are composed of a device that accepts data and instructions from the user or from another computer system.
Keyboard Mouse Scanner Microphone
www.google.com
Elements of a Computer System
Hardware Software Peopleware
Components of Computer Hardware
Input
Device Output Device Processing
Device Storage
Device
Keyboard
A computer keyboard is an input device used to enter characters and functions into the computer system by pressing buttons, or keys. It is the primary device used to enter text.
Mouse
The mouse is another input device used to point and select objects on the computer monitor. Using the mouse and keyboard in combination allows the computer user substantial latitude in how to accomplish a wide variety of tasks.
Scanner
A scanner is use to capture a source document and converts printed data or images into an electronic data format that a computer can store or process as required.
Microphone
Microphone is used to input sound that is then stored in a digital form.
It is used for various applications such as adding sound to a multimedia presentation or for mixing music
B. OUTPUT DEVICE is any piece of computer hardware that displays results after the computer has processed the input data that has been entered.
Monitor Printer Speaker Projector
www.google.com
Monitor
A monitor is an electronic visual computer display that includes a screen, circuitry, and the case in which that circuitry is enclosed.
Printer
The printer is a device use to print texts and pictures.
Speaker
A computer speaker is an output hardware device that produces sound.
Projector
A projector is an output device that projects an image onto a large surface, such as a white screen or wall.
C. PROCESSING DEVICE is the computer’s circuitry in the system unit. It plays an important role in processing operations. It is used to process data, using instructions from the program.
SYSTEM UNIT
The system unit, also known as a "tower" or "chassis," is the main part of a desktop computer. It encloses the motherboard, CPU, RAM, video card, and other internal components.
Components of The Processing Unit
The primary components of the processing unit are the following:
ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) - performs mathematical, logical, and decision operations;
CU (Control Unit) - directs all of the processor’s operations.
D. STORAGE DEVICE stores data and programs. It is a device capable of holding information either temporarily or permanently and also known as digital storage, storage media, or storage medium.
Two Types of Storage
Primary Storage – It stores data temporarily. Ex. RAM
Secondary Storage – It stores data permanently. Ex. Hard Disk Drive/Solid State Drive
SSD (Solid State Drive) HDD (Hard Disk Drive) RAM (Random Access Memory)
Kinds of Computer Storage
Examples of Storage Device
Magnetic Storage Device – one of the most popular types of storage used.
• Floppy diskette – A normal 3 ½ inch disk can store 1.44 MB of data.
• Hard disk drive – An internal hard drive is the main storage device in a computer. An external hard drive is also known as removable hard drive. It is used to store portable data and backups.
• Magnetic strip – Magnetic tape drive stores video and audio using magnetic tape, like tape and video tape recorders.
• Cassette tape – A magnetic storage device used for audio recording and playback.
• Zip diskette – Like a floppy diskette but more advanced.
Optical Storage Device – uses lasers and lights as its mode of saving and retrieving data.
• Blu-ray disc – A digital optical storage device which was intended to replace the DVD format.
• CD-ROM disc – An optical storage device that is read-only or cannot be modified nor deleted.
• CD-R and CD-RW disc – CD-R is a recordable disc that can be written to once, while CD-RW is a rewritable disc that can be written to multiple times.
• DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW and DVD+RW disc – DVD-R and DVD+R are recordable discs that can be written to once, while DVD-RW and DVD+RW are rewritable discs that can be written to multiple times. The difference between the + and – is in the formatting and compatibility.
Flash Memory Device – is now replacing magnetic storage device as it is economical, more functional and dependable.
• Memory card – An electronic flash memory device used to store digital information and commonly used in mobile electronic devices.
• Memory stick – A memory card that is removable.
• SSD (Solid State Drive) – A flash memory device that uses integrated circuit assemblies to save data steadily.
• USB flash drive – A small, portable storage device connected through the USB port.
Online and Cloud – is now becoming widespread as people access data from different devices.
o Cloud storage – Data is managed remotely and made available over a network. Basic features are free to use but upgraded version is paid monthly as a per consumption rate.
• Network media – Audio, Video, Images or Text that are used on a computer network. A community of people create and use the content shared over the internet.
II. Software – this term refers to the collection of electronic instructions that tells the computer what to do. It is a computer program that is installed in your computer. Computer software refers to the intangible components of a computer. The diagram below shows the classification of software.
Software
System Software
Operating System
Utility Programs
Application
Software
1. SYSTEM SOFTWARE – System software is the software that controls application processing and hardware resources of the computer system such as memory, disk space, and peripheral devices. System software are files and programs that make up your computer's operating system.
Operating system (Examples: Windows 7, Windows 8 Windows 10 etc.) The Operating system is a collection of programs that perform a variety of
tasks or functions. The tasks performed by the operating system (OS) involve communicating with the disk drives, printers, hard disks, CD/DVD ROMS, monitor, modem and other peripheral devices.
2. APPLICATION SOFTWARE – Application software is a program that is created to assist users with a specific task. Programs to perform word processing, manipulate spreadsheets, manage database, and communicate with other computers are some of the popular applications.
(Examples: MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint and so on)
The Word processing technology today make it possible to enjoy typing effectively. The typist will no longer suffer the agony of retyping the text to produce clean and a neat draft. Through the used of word processing software such as the Microsoft Word, a user can concentrate on thinking about the ideas and let the computer handle the details of laying out the words and spacing neatly on the page.
III. Peopleware – the most important element of a computer system is its users. The following types of people interact with a computer system:
a. System Analysts - are people who design the operation and processing of the system
b. System Programmers – are people who write codes and programs to implement the working of the system.
c. System Operators – are people who operate the system and use it for different purposes. Also called the end users like students, teachers, and other professionals.
WEB BROWSERS
• A browser is an application that enables users with an Internet connection to access and view webpages on a computer or mobile device
– Internet-capable mobile devices such as smartphones use a special type of browser, called a mobile browser
THE WORLD WIDE WEB
• The World Wide Web (WWW), or web, consists of a worldwide collection of electronic documents (webpages)
• A website is a collection of related webpages and associated items
• A web server is a computer that delivers requested webpages to your computer or mobile device
• HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) is a set of symbols that developers use to specify the headings, paragraphs, images, links, and other content elements that a webpage contains
• A web app is an application stored on a web server that you access through a browser
– Web apps usually store users’ data and information on their hosts’ servers
Figure 1.1 Web and mobile apps often work together, enabling you to access your content from a variety of computers and devices.
THE INTERNET
The Internet is a worldwide collection of networks that connects millions of businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, and individuals
• The Internet originated as ARPANET in September 1969 and had two main goals:
– Allow scientists at different physical locations to share information and work together
– Function even if part of the network were disabled or destroyed by a disaster
Figure1.2 shows the brief history of the Internet
Figure 1.3 Connecting to the Internet
Basic Computer System Maintenance
Folders
Folders are used to organize and categorize files in your computer storage.
Antivirus
Use the antivirus to check your computer, flash drives and other storage for any files infected with viruses and malware. Make sure that your antivirus has the latest update.
Backup
Creating a backup of your files will give you the assurance that if something goes wrong with your file, you can still retrieve a duplicate of your file from your backup storage.
Examples of backup storage
System Update
System updates were designed to address software and security issues and problems in our computers.
This ensures safe computing.
Firmware/Driver Update
Firmware updates are updates designed to improve the functionality of components in your computer system such as the keyboard, mouse, display, sound, network, BIOS, USB and many more.
Installed Third Party Software Update
Third party software should be updated to improve their functionality. Most of the third-party software will automatically search for the updated version of software every time you open them like the web browsers, Microsoft Office, Adobe suits, networking tools and many more.
TASK IDENTIFICATION
Task Identification is a process of identifying what is known, what is needed, what problem might occur and who will be the right person for the task.
Planning Stage:
1) Assess yourself if you have a prior knowledge related to the task.
2) Ask other members/co-workers what they know about the task.
3) Identify what is needed (information, tools and materials) in accordance with the required output.
a. List down all the information needed in accomplishing the task.
b. List down all the tools and materials needed.
4) Think of possible problem that might occur through the process and think of ways to overcome these problems.
a. List down possible problems that might occur.
b. List down possible solution to the problems.
5) Assign the task to a member/co-worker that is most qualified to do the job.
Preparing Stage:
1) Prepare yourself and gathered all your prior knowledge related to the given task.
a. Mentally you should be ready. Presence of mind is important in working with computer.
b. Physically you are fit to do the job.
2) Familiarize yourself with the workplace. Make sure it is neat and conducive to the task given.
a. Know your work area/workspace.
b. Know where the cabinets for the tools, materials and equipment.
c. Make sure your workspace is clean, in order, for you to work productively and safely.
3) Prepare the tools, materials, and equipment needed in accordance to given task.
a. Make a list of materials, tools and equipment.
b. Gather all the necessary tools, materials and equipment needed.
Task Identification Sample Form:
TASK IDENTIFICATION
Date: ___________________________
Work Area: _________________________ Work Area Supervisor:_____________
Task Description Frequency Days
Person Responsible
Time Needed to Complete the Task Sun M T W TH F Sat
The parts of the task identification form are as follows:
1. Date–Write the date you accomplish the form (month, day and year).
2. Name of the Work Area–Write the area you were assigned to work.
3. Name of the Work Area Supervisor – Write the name of the immediate supervisor in your work area/workplace.
4. Task Description–Write a brief description of the nature of your work/task.
5. Frequency – Write how often you are doing the task.
6. Days of the Week – Check the day/s that the worker has been doing the task.
7. Person Responsible–Write the name of the person assigned in the task.
8. Time Needed to Complete the task – Write the specific Date (month, day, year) needed to complete the task and meet the required output. Source:
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH and SAFETY (OHS)
Occupational health and safety (OHS)is a safety protocols in computer laboratory in schools and other workplaces. OHS is consist of different measures to prevent various accidents that may place the students or workers in great danger while working.
Occupational health and safety (OHS) relates to health, safety, and welfare issues in the workplace.
OHS includes the laws, standards, and programs that are aimed at making the workplace better for workers, along with co-workers, family members, customers, and other stakeholders.
Occupational health and safety is concerned with addressing many types of workplace hazards, such as:
• Chemicals
• Physical hazards
• Biological agents
• Psychological fallout
• Ergonomic issues
• Accidents
Occupational health and safety standards are in place to mandate the removal, reduction, or
replacement of job site hazards. OHS programs should also include material that helps minimize the effects of the hazards.
Employers and company management are obliged to provide a safe working environment for all their employees.
OHS for Protecting Yourself inside the Computer Laboratory
1. Do not run inside the computer lab.
2. Take a note of all the exits in the room and take note of the location of fire extinguishers in the room for the sake of fire safety.
3. Keep bags and coats in the designated area, as they can cause people to trip if they are simply lying around the room.
4. Try not to type continuously for extremely long periods.
5. Look away from the screen occasionally to give your eyes a rest.
6. Do not touch any exposed wires or sockets.
7. Avoid making loud noises and speaking loudly.
8. Do not attempt to open any machines, and do not touch the backs of machines when they are switched on.
9. Do not spill water or any other liquid on the machine, in order to maintain electrical safety.
OHS for Protecting the Equipment inside the Computer Laboratory
1. Do not bring any food or drinks near the machine.
2. Turn off the machine you were using, when you are done using it.
3. Do not access external devices without scanning them for computer viruses.
4. Ensure that the temperature in the room stays cool, since there are a lot of machines inside a lab, and these can overheat easily. This is one of the many ways of ensuring computer safety.
5. Try not to touch any of the circuit boards and power sockets when something is connected to them and switched on.
6. Always maintain an extra copy of all your important data.
7. Dust can affect computers adversely. Ensure that the machines are cleaned on a regular basis.
Importance of OHS
1. Well implemented and maintained OHS save lives of employees.
2. Well maintained OHS saves money. An injured employee easily means countless lost manpower’s hours and quickly adds up to not only thousands but millions of pesos in company’s expenses.
3. OHS create new opportunities. Employees may give their own ideas and suggestion to improve the safety of the employees as well as the customers who will buy their products.
4. OHS affect the company’s reputation and productivity. No company should want a possible future recruit to read online that the workplace is not investing in occupational safety. Read more:
1. (Question 2.1) How does a computer work? Explain it in your own words and style.
2. (Question 2.2) What are the parts of the computer system and their functions?
3. (Quiz 2.1) Please refer to Google forms. Quiz name: Computer Operations
4. (Activity 2.1) Identifying a computer hard-drives “read and write” capability, CPU’s data processing and computer system upgradability.
5. (Activity 2.2) Computer Maintenance
6. (Quiz 2.2) Quiz name: Computer Maintenance 7. (Activity 2.3) Task Identification
1. (Activity 2.1) Computer Specifications
Instruction: Briefly compare the two devices based on their “read and write”
speed, data processing, and upgradability. Convert your file into PDF and upload it in our CSS folder with the filename format: Activity2.1_Section_Batch_FamilyName.
Example, Activity2.1_AR_B1_Tiemsin. (20 Points)
2. (Activity 2.2) Submit a 2 minute video clip that shows your way of properly maintaining a computer system. Upload your file in our CSS folder with the filename format:
Activity2.2_Section_Batch_FamilyName.
Example, Activity2.2_AR_B1_Tiemsin. (20 Points)
3. (Activity 2.3) Plan a task identification form to ensure that OHS guidelines and procedures are follow. Upload your file in our CSS folder with the filename format:
Activity2.3_Section_Batch_FamilyName.
Example, Activity2.3_AR_B1_Tiemsin. (20 Points)
1. The ability of identifying the correct computer specifications when performing a computer-related tasks for more efficient computer functionality.
2. Managing files and maintaining computer systems.
3. Troubleshooting skills in computer technology.
4. Awareness in the internet safety.
