Elements of a Computer

LESSON 3
Elements of a Computer

INTRODUCTION

“Computers themselves, and software yet to be developed, will revolutionize the

way we learn.” -Steve Jobs
Computers are found in schools, offices and in homes.
Computers generally helped each one of us in many different
aspects.

Teachers do use computers to teach students in a better

and faster way. Scientist use computers to invent new things such
as medicine and other ways to improve life. Pilots use computers
to fly and land the airplane safely. Businesses found computers to
be more useful in their fields. Doctors use it to treat and diagnose
the illness of their patients. Students just like you use computers to
do their assignments, do research, play games and talk to relatives
and friends through the internet.

Figure 1. Connectivity We are all aware of what computers are and their immense
Source: importance in our daily lives. It is an electronic device that not only
https://www.toppr.com/guides/accountancy/appli
cation-of-computers-in-accounting/meaning-and- stores data but also processes and manipulates data to carry out
elements-of-computer-system/
functions. Upon receiving valid instructions, a computer can perform
a variety of operations. What allows us to perform such tasks on the computer is a computer
system. In this module you will learn about the following:
✓ What is a Computer?
✓ Four Main Parts of a Computer
✓ The Six Elements of a Computer System

OBJECTIVES
At the end of the module, you should be able to:
identify the main components of a computer system;
differentiate the elements of a computer;
identify the advantages and disadvantages of a computer;
discuss element and functions of computer;
create an organizational structure showing the different elements of a computer;
and
appreciate the use of computer in your daily life.

UNLOCKING OF DIFFICULTIES
manipulate to manage or influence skillfully

computer system the is the sum total of all the components (hardware and
software) that makes up a fully functional computer
hard disk drive (sometimes abbreviated as a hard drive, HD, or HDD) is
a non-volatile data storage device. It is usually installed
internally in a computer, attached directly to the disk
controller of the computer's motherboard.

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 Elements of a Computer

PRE-ASSESSMENT

Find the correct answer! (Individual)

Direction: Read and analyze each statement and identify what is asked or described in each item.
Encircle the letter of the correct answer.

1. It is an electronic device which allow the user to input data, process, store and output
result.
A. Computer C. Abacus
B. Machine D. Laptop

2. These are the main functions of a computer except

A. Accepts C. Control
B. Processes D. Stores

3. All of the following are main components of a computer except

A. System Unit C. Keyboard
B. Monitor D. USB

4. What is the tangible element of a computer?

A. Procedure C. Hardware
B. Software D. Data

5. These are raw facts and figures that we input in the computer.
A. Procedure C. Hardware
B. Software D. Data

6. What element is termed when computers are link to a network?

A. Procedure C. Hardware Devices
B. Connectivity D. Software Devices

7. These are electronic instructions, software applications and computer programs.

A. Procedure C. Hardware Devices
B. Connectivity D. Software Devices

8. These element is composed of manager, users, designers and programmers.

A. Peopleware C. Hardware
B. Procedure D. Data

9. It is the set of instructions, written code to instruct computer.

A. Peopleware C. Hardware
B. Procedure D. Data

10. What element of computer does keyboard, monitor and mouse belong?
A. Procedure C. Hardware
B. Software D. Data

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LEARNING TASKS

Task 1: Draw Me! (Individual)

Directions: Sketch below the main or basic components of a computer. Label each part and provide a
brief discussion.

Task 2: Brilliant Idea! (Individual)

Directions: List at least 5 computer input devices and 5 computer output devices.

INPUT DEVICES OUTPUT DEVICES

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

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Task 3: Fun Yet Learning! (Individual)

Directions: Group the following software listed inside the big circle. Write the names inside their
respective boxes.

Microsoft Vista Video Software

Microsoft XP Database Programs

Word Processing Presentation Software

Linux Graphics Software

MacOS Windows 10

SYSTEM SOFTWARE/OS

•
APPLICATION SOFTWARE

• •

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MAIN CONTENT

Things to Ponder! Read and Understand. (Individual)

Directions: Read, understand, and analyze the text below and accomplish the following activities.

What is a Computer?

A computer is a machine that can be programmed to accept data (input), process it

into useful information (output), and store it away (in a secondary storage device) for
safekeeping or later reuse. The processing of input to output is directed by the software
but performed by the hardware.
✓ Comes from the Latin “computus” and “computare” (computer)
✓ An electronic device which allow the user to input data process it (CPU), store
(memory) and output the result.

The four basic functions of a computer system are as follows:

✓ Input (Accepts Data)
✓ Processing (Processes Data)
✓ Output (Produces Output)
✓ Storage (Stores Result)

Let's look at each individually:

• Input
Transferring of information into the system. This may be through a user input device -
i.e. keyboard, mouse, scanner etc. Or though previously loaded software/program, cd
etc.
• Processing
This is where the computer actually does the 'work' - manipulating and controlling data
over the entire system.
• Output
Output is the exact opposite of input. Output is the function that allows a computer to
display information, from the system, for the user. This can be accomplished through
the monitor (or other graphical display), printer, speakers etc.
• Storage
Most computers are able to store data both temporarily (in order to process), but also
long-term (i.e., permanently). Storage takes place on hard-drives or external storage
devices.

Main Parts of computer

Four Main Parts of a Computer

System
Unit

Figure 2. Main Parts of a Computer

Source: http://sciencewithdpskamal.blogspot.com/2011/08/notes-gr3-computers-all-about-computers.html

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 Elements of a Computer

• referred to as a box, main unit, and system box

SYSTEM • the case that contains all the main parts of a computer
UNIT
• contains the CPU (Central Processing Unit) –brain of the computer

• an output device that displays video images and text

MONITOR • A monitor looks like a TV screen. The CPU uses the monitor to
show us photos, movies and games.
• The front portion of the monitor is called the screen, or display.
• one of the primary input devices used with a computer
KEYBOARD • composed of buttons called keys that create letters, numbers,
and symbols, as well as perform other functions
• handheld hardware input device that controls a cursor in
a GUI (graphical user interface)
MOUSE • can move and select text, icons, files, and folders on your
computer
• it is used to point at items shown on the monitor.
• usually has two or three buttons and a small wheel between the
buttons.
Table 1. Main Parts of a Computer

Did you know that …

The limitations of a computer are the following:

✓ It has no brain of its own. Therefore, it cannot take any decision by itself.
✓ The computer works according to instructions given to it by the user.
It has no feelings.

Six Main Elements of a Computer

1. Hardware Devices- physical components, tangible, you can touch

2. Software Devices – electronic instructions, software applications, computer program

3. Peopleware – simply the people such as the manager, users, designer, programmer

4. Procedure- set of instructions, written in code to instruct computer

5. Data – raw facts and figures that we input in the computer

6. Connectivity – when computers are link to a network; sharing of information

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Hardware Devices

Hardware can actually be of four types, depending on which function they perform. The four types
of hardware are,

• Input Hardware: For users to input data into the computer system. Examples: Keyboard,
mouse, Scanner

• Output Hardware: To translate and display the result of the data processing. Example:
Monitor Screen, Printer etc.

• Processing and Memory Hardware: Where data and information are processed and
manipulated to perform the task at hand. It is also the workspace of the computer, where
it temporarily stores data. Examples: Central Processing Unit (CPU), Read Only Memory
(RAM)

• Secondary Storage Hardware: Where the computer system stores data permanently.
Example: Hard disk, Pen drive etc.

Software Devices

Basically, there are six main types of software, which are as follows,

• Operating System: These specialized programs allow the communication between

software and hardware. The operating systems run all the other computer programs,
and even regulate the startup process of the computer. Examples: Windows XP,
Macintosh etc.
• Application Software: These are designed to perform a specific task or a bunch of
tasks. They can be user-designed (specific to the user’s needs) or readymade
application software. Example: PowerPoint, Tally etc.
• Utility Software: Like operating systems, it is a system software. It helps maintain
and protect the computer system. For example, Anti-virus software is a utility
software.
• Language Processors: Software that interprets computer language and translates it
into machine language. It also checks for errors in language syntax and fixes the
problems.

System Software: This types of software control the hardware, the reading of the data and
other such internal functions.
Peopleware
Connectivity Software: The special software that facilitates the connection between the
computer
The peoplesystem and the
interacting withserver. This allows
the computer systemtheare
computer
also an to share of
element information
it. We call and
this element
the Live ware. They are the
communicate with each other. ultimate “users” of the computer systems. There are three types of
people that interact with the system, namely

• Programmers: Professionals who write the computer programs that allow users to
interact with the computer. They must have technical knowledge of computers
and computer languages.

• System Analyst: They mainly design data processing systems, and solve problems that
arise in data processing

• End-Users: Also known as operators, they are the people who interact with the computer
system.

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Procedure
There are three types of procedures in a computer They are the Hardware-Oriented Procedure,
Software Oriented Procedure and Internal Procedures

Data
The data gets processed via the computer system and becomes information, which is processed
and organized data. Information can then be used for decision-making purposes.
• The measurement of data is done in terms of “bytes”. One kilobyte (KB) is approximately
1000 bytes, 1 megabyte (MB) is 1 million bytes and finally, 1 gigabyte (GB) is approximately 1
billion bytes.

Connectivity

This is when the computers are linked to a network.

• It facilitates sharing of information, files, and other facilities. Computers can connect to a
network via LAN cables, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, satellites etc. The internet is the most obvious
example of connectivity in a computer system.

ANALYSIS

Task 4: How do computer affect you? (Individual)

Directions: Write the advantages and disadvantages of a computer.

ADVANTAGES

DISADVANTAGES

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ABSTRACTION

Task 5: Answer me briefly. (Individual)

Directions: Discuss the following in your own understanding. (minimum of 200 words and a
maximum of 250)

1. How do the main parts function in a computer?

__________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

______________________________________________.

2. Among the 6 six element of a computer, what is the most

essential? Why?
________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

_________________________________________.

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APPLICATION

Task 6: Extra Challenge! (Individual)

Direction: Make your own an organizational structure showing the different elements of a computer.
Provide examples in each element. (you can use smart art graphics) Print it after and paste in the box.
See example below.
Elements of a Computer

REFLECTION

Task 7: My Reflection (Individual)

Direction: Share some learning insights/reflection about the knowledge and skills gained from the
present lesson. Do the following activities.

The computer is important to me as a student because ________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________.
Today I have learned that ________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________.

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POST-ASSESSMENT

Task 8: Modified True or False.

Direction: Identify whether the following statements are true or false. Write T if the statement is correct
otherwise F and change the underlined word/s to make the statement true.

___________________1. Hardware components are the electronic or mechanical instruments, like

keyboard, monitor, printer etc.

___________________2. Computer display the result of the data processing in the output hardware

like monitor screen and printer.

___________________3. Utility software helps maintain and protect the computer system thru anti-

virus.

___________________4. System analysts are also known as the operators or the people who

interact with the computer system.

___________________5. Ten megabyte (MB) is 1 million bytes.

___________________6. The internet is the most obvious example of connectivity in a computer

system.

___________________7. System Unit (SU) is also known as the brain of the computer.

___________________8. Tally and PowerPoint are examples of operating system.

___________________9. Primary storage consists of devices, such as diskettes, which can store

data and programs outside the computer itself.

___________________10. Procedures are set of instructions written in code to instruct computer.

GLOSSARY
GLOSSARY
The following terms used in this module are defined as follows:

Hardware-Oriented Instructs the hardware components of the system, ensures they

Procedure work smoothly
Directs the flow of information and sequences the data
Internal Procedures
Software Oriented Provides instructions to launch and run software programs
Procedure
an on premise accounting solution that caters primarily to small
Tally and midsize businesses across several industries

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CS URI. (n.d.). Retrieved from cs.uri:

https://homepage.cs.uri.edu/faculty/wolfe/book/Readings/Reading01.htm

Enotes. (2015, September 10). Retrieved from Enotes: https://www.enotes.com/homework-

help/4-basic-functions-computer-system-500521

Toppr. (n.d.). Retrieved from Toppr: https://www.toppr.com/guides/accountancy/application-of-

computers-in-accounting/meaning-and-elements-of-computer-system/

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