Southern Maramag Colleges Module 2 of 5

P2 South Pob., Maramag, Buk.

+63 953 255 9195

Name: ___________________________________________________________ Date: _________________

Diploma in Midwifery Midyear – SUMMER 2021
Descriptive Title: HEALTH INFORMATICS

Introduction

A computer is an electronic device, operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory that
can accept data (input), process the data according to specified rules, produce information (output), and store
information for future use. It is a glorified calculator that can do millions of binary calculations in a second. These
calculations are the basis for programming. These binary calculations together form commands, and these
commands are grouped together to tell the computer to do tasks. Programs can contain millions of commands
that have that can take information from a computer user and do something with it to produce a useful result.
Computer components are divided into two major categories, the hardware and the software. Computer
hardware alone is not sufficient to to power computers that is why software is required. Hardware is any physical
device used in your machine , whereas software is a collection of codes installed into your device hard drive.

Learning Outcomes
1. Identify the basic and main concept of a computer.
2. Determine basic computer terminologies and its main parts.
3. Identify the basic types of software.
4. Identify the different types of computers and the correct posture in using it.
Activity/Activities
Brainstorming and short quiz

Discussion
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER CONCEPTS

A special machine that performs tasks, such as calculations, data processing and handling, and electronic
communication under the control of a set of instructions called a program. Programs usually reside within the
computer and are retrieved and processed by the computers electronics system. When you turn on your computer
it immediately searches for instructions in its memory, these instructions tell the computer how to start up and
process a specific task. One of the first sets of these instructions is a special program called the operating system
which is the software that makes the computer work. The operating system then loads the program in the
computer’s memory and runs the program when a user request to run a program.
The central processing unit (CPU) locates the next instructions in the appropriate memory device. A
computers CPU handles all instructions it receives from hardware and software running on the computer. CPU in
appearance is a microprocessor chip that is a single piece of silicon containing millions of tiny, microscopically
wired electrical components. Information is stored in CPU memory location called the register.

Note: Many computer users may improperly call their computer and sometimes their monitor the
CPU. Its proper to refer it as “monitor” and not a CPU. The CPU is a chip. inside the monitor.

Meanwhile, the program counters changes increasing a small amount so that it can contain the location of
the instructions that will be executed next. The current instruction will be analyzed by a decoder, which determines
what the instructions will do. This entire sequence of steps is called an instruction cycle. Frequently, several
instructions may be in a process simultaneously, each at different stage in instruction cycle. This is called the
pipeline processing.
FOUR MAIN FUNCTIONS OF COMPUTER
 accepts data.  produces output.
 processes data  stores result

RANGE OF COMPUTER ABILITY

Computers exist in a wide range of sizes and power. The smallest can be found within the circuitry of
appliances such as televisions and wristwatch. These are typically preprogrammed for a specific task, such as
turning to a particular TV frequency or keeping accurate time. They are generally hard-wired so that their
programs cannot be reprogramed.
 Programmable computers vary in their computational power, speed, memory, and size. Small
computers that can be held by hand are called personal digital assistants (PDA’s). They are used as
notepads, scheduling system, and address books; if equipped with a cellular phone, they can connect
to worldwide computer networks to exchange information regardless of the location.
 Laptops, notebook computers, desktop PCs are typically used in business and at home. They have
large amount of internal memory to store hundreds of programs and documents. They are equipped
with a keyboard, a mouse, trackball, or other pointing devices, and a video display monitor or liquid
crystal display (LCD).
 Workstations are like personal computers but have greater memory and more extensive mathematical
abilities which are connected to other computers to exchange data. These types of computers are
usually found in scientific, industrial, and business environments which requires complex and fast
computations.
 Mainframes have more memory, speed, and capabilities than workstations and are shared by multiple
users through a series of interconnected computers. The most powerful mainframe computers are called
supercomputers, it processes complex and time-consuming calculations such as those who create
weather predictions. Some supercomputers have many sets of CPUs, these break tasks into small
pieces, and each CPU process a portion of the task to increase overall speed and efficiency. These
computers are called parallel processors.

MAIN COMPONENTS OF A TYPICAL COMPUTER

 Central processing unit (CPU)- the brain of the
computer also known as the microprocessor.
Everything that a computer does is overseen by the
CPU.
 Memory- very fast storage used to hold data. It has
to be fast because it connects directly to the
microprocessor. There are several types of memory
in a computer:
 Random-access memory (RAM)- used to
temporarily store information that the computer is
currently working with.
 Read-only memory (ROM)- a permanent type of
memory storage for important data that does not
change.
 Basic input/output system (BIOS)- a type of ROM
that is used by the computer to establish basic
communication when the computer is first turned on.
 Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) Bus-
the most common way to connect to connect
additional components to the computer, PCI uses a
series of slots on the motherboard that PCI cards
plug into.
 Caching- the storing of frequently used data in
extremely fast RAM that connects directly to the
CPU.
 Virtual memory- space on a hard disk used to
temporarily store data and swap it in and out of RAM
as needed.
 Motherboard- the main circuit board that all other
internal components connected to. The CPU and
memory can be found on the motherboard.
 Power supply- an electrical transformer that
regulates the electricity used by the computer.
 Hard disk- a large capacity permanent storage used
to hold information such as programs and
documents. Operating system- the basic software
that allows the user to interface with the computer.
 Integrated Drive Electronic (IDE) Controller- this
is the primary interface for the hard drive, CD-ROM,
and floppy disk drive.
 AGP- Accelerated Graphics Port is a very high-
speed connection used by the graphics card to
interface with the computer.
 Sound card- used by the computer to record and
play audio by converting analog sound into digital
information and back again.
  SCSI- pronounced as “scuzzy” the small computer  Graphics card- this translates image data from the
system interface method that helps on adding computer into a format that can be displayed by the
additional devices, such as hard drives and monitor.
scanners.

TYPES OF COMPUTERS
 Analog computer- refers to the circuits or numerical values that have continuous range. Analog
computer systems were the first type to be produced. The slide rule was the popular analog computer
used in the 20th century. It is a device consisting of graduated scales capable of relative movement, by
means of which simple calculations may be carried out mechanically, it contains scales for multiplying,
dividing, and extracting square roots, trigonometric functions, and logarithm. The slide rule remains
essential tool science and engineering until it was superseded by the portable electronic calculator.
 Digital computer- all modern computers are digital. It operates on data including magnitudes, letters,
and symbols that are expressed in binary number system since the computer understands only digits
such as 0’s and 1’s. all the content written in English will be converted to binary language and this is
how humans communicate with computer. Some examples of this digital devices are personal
computers, laptops, and smartphones.

BASIC COMPUTER TERMINOLOGIES

 Cursor- is a movable item on the screen that lets you
know where your mouse is usually positioned, it can
be seen as an arrow or a blinking line in text
programs.
 Desktop- is the view on the monitor that you usually
see after starting your computer, it displays your
icons and shortcuts. Most desktops will have at least
an icon for My computer, Recycle Bin and My
Briefcase.
 Drive- any part of the computer where disks reside
and operate, temporarily or permanently.
 Monitor- the screen on which you see your work.
The other important setting in monitors is the
resolution, this resolution indicates how densely
packed the pixels (color dots that make up an image)
are.
 CPU or processor- a central processing unit that
serve as the brain of the computer. This does all the
binary calculations to make programs run.
 Hard drive or Hard disk- it is a special storage
device on a computer that contains all the information
needed to operate a computer. A hard drive is a
bunch of disks inside a metal case that spins very
quickly.
 ROM (Read-Only Memory)- this is where
information is saved and can never be altered. For
example, CD-ROM drives read information saved on
compact disks (CDs). A CD-ROM drive can read that
information but cannot make changes to it.
 Mouse- a device used to control the computer. it is
normally a teardrop shaped gadget with buttons at
one end.
 RAM (Random Access Memory)- also referred as
“computer memory” where the computer does short
term tasks. If you “ran out of memory” it means that
there are too many tasks in RAM, sometimes these
tasks use the same part of the memory that causes
the computer to crash. When the computer is turned
off or restart, the RAM is wiped clean, and the
computer can operate normally again.
 CD-ROM Drive- a computer drive that reads
Compact Disks like the ones you can play on a
stereo. Data CDs can contain computer programs
and data, this information is recorded as tiny pits on
the surface of the CD. A laser is used to read these
pits and converts into 0’s and 1’s (binary
information). But if the lens has been damaged, the
CD-ROM drive fails to read the CD.
 Hardware- the physical components of a computer,
including cables, keyboard, CPU, monitor, etc.
 Peripherals- are devices connected to a computer
which aren’t part of the main machine. This includes
the mouse, speakers, keyboards, printers, and
scanner.
 Monitor or Display- a television like screen where
the computers tasks are displayed. Some monitors
have bulbous backs called Cathode Ray Tube which
refers to the technology inside the monitor. But
nowadays, monitors are mostly flat, these are called
flat-panel or thin film transfer displays.
File/document- any single item created with an
application; this can be anything that is saved to your
computer.
 Keyboard- a computer keyboard contains all the
letters of the alphabet and numbers 1-9. It operates
like a typewriter keypad, but instead of moving an arm
which strikes the paper, it sends an electronic
impulse to the computer which displays a character
on the monitor.
 Floppy drive and Floppy disk- a floppy drive is part
of the computer that can read and record onto a
special disk referred to as a floppy disk. You will only
see it as a slit in the front of computer, this slit is
where the floppy disk is inserted. The actual floppy
disk is inside a 3.5-inch square plastic covering, it is
magnetic and can contain about 1.44 megabytes of
data. It is used to store information outside the
computer or to move data files between computers.
 Application/program- a specially designed piece of
software created to do a specific task or function, like
word-processing, spreadsheets creating graphics,
etc. examples of these programs are Word,
PowerPoint, and Excel.
 Gig- refers to the amount of memory used to
describe data storage. 1 gig is equal to 1,024
megabytes, and 1 megabyte is equal to 1,048,576
bytes.
 Icons- pictures that are shortcuts to programs or
files. By clicking on an icon, you start a program or
open the file.
 Operating System- these terms refer to the software
that your computer uses to operate also known as
OS and not to a manufacturer or a company.
Windows 2000, Windows XP, and OSX (Mac) are
common platforms.
 Windows- this has two terms. One is, it is a graphic
way of displaying information on a screen that allows
you to view the contents of each window. Another
term is it refers to a series of operating systems sold
by the Microsoft Corporation.

TWO MAIN PARTS OF A COMPUTER

 Hardware- are the parts of computer itself.
 Central Processing Unit (CPU)  Monitor  Cards
 Keyboard  Printers Modem  Cables
 Disk Drives  Scanners Digital Camera  Memory
 Mouse  Case
 Software- is the information that the computer uses to get the job done. There are many terms used for
process of accessing software this includes running, executing, starting up, opening, etc. Examples of
software programs are:
 Operating System- DOS, Windows 9x,  Database- patients record.
Millennium, XP, UNIX  Graphics program- Graphical user Interface (GUI)
 Word processor- typing letters.  Internet Browser
 Spreadsheet- financial info  Email

THREE BASIC TYPES OF SOFTWARE

1. Commercial 2. Shareware 3. Open-source software
TYPES OF COMPUTERS AS TO USE (GENERAL PERFORMANCE LEVEL)
 Personal or micro- personal computers comes in all shapes and sizes, from tiny PDAs (Personal Digital
Assistant) to PC (Personal Computer) towers.
 Server- refers to computers function rather than to a specific kind of computer. It runs a network of computers
that handles the sharing of equipment like printers and the communication between computers on the
network.
 Mainframe- a mainframe is the heart of a network which allows hundreds of people to work at the same time,
it is also the workhorse of the business world.
 Supercomputer- is in the top in terms of power and expense. It is used in weather forecasting, engineering
and design and testing, serious decryption, economic forecasting, etc.

PROCESSING
 Processing is the special ability of the computer (calculations, comparisons, decisions)
 Word processing is the application that is used most often and most widely.
 A database is a collection of data that you want to manage, rearrange, and add to later.
TYPES OF DATABASES
 Flat Database- the earliest and simplest database. This consist of a single table of data that has no
interrelation, typically text files.
 Text Database- is a system that maintains text collection and provides fast and accurate access to it.
An example of these is natural language text (books, journals, etc.), biological sequence (protein
sequence), continuous signal (audio and video sequence).
 Spreadsheet- each field is in a separate column and each row is a single record.
 Relational Database- this uses a set of tables which are linked together, it is far more advanced and
more efficient.
 Queries- you often want to look at just part of the data in data in a database. You can reorder or filter
your data using Structural Query Language (SQL).
 Paint- programs work with pictures on a pixel-by-pixel basis. MS Paint is the example if this program.
 Drawing- this program defined images in terms of vectors. A presentation program links together a
sequence of slides containing text and graphics.
 File Transfer Protocol (FTP)- this program manages the moving of files between computers. When
you download a file over the internet, you are using an FTP program.
 Chat- in a chat program you join a chatroom, write messages that appear in a window that shows all
the messages being sent in this chatroom.
 Email or Electronic mail- it leaves a written record to refer to for a response, it can be sent to whole
list of people instantly.
 Instant Messaging- a program that notifies when your friends are online, then you can send them
message where they can read immediately.
 Project Management- this program tracks all the people, tasks, and deadlines in a major project.
 Personal Information Management (PIM)- a special kind of database, it includes an address
book, a calendar and a to-do-list.
 Contact Manger- is an advance PIM. This program is optimized to make it easy to track who you have
talked to or met with.

TYPES OF INPUT
 Data is the raw facts given to the computer.
 Programs are sets of instructions that direct the computer.
 Commands are special codes or key words that user inputs to perform a task.
 User response is the users answer to the computers question such as YES, OK OR NO.
 The Keyboard
It is used to type information into the computer or input information. The standard keyboard has 101
keys. Some of the keys have a special use, they are referred to as command keys (CTRL, Alternate,
Shift, etc.).
 Most characters from any Roman based language can be created on any computer using American
Standard Code for Information Interchange or ASCII. Most computer also recognized American
National Standards Institutes (ANSI) formatting standards as well. The following chart displays the
character symbols on a standard keyboard:
 Alphabet Keys
The alphabet keys are A-Z, these keys help us to write words and sentences on the computer.
There are 26 alphabet keys on the keyboard.
 Alt
The Alt key will not work unless you hold it down while pressing another key. It is used to change
the function of another pressed key; it is also known as the modifier key.
 Arrow Keys
There are four arrow keys, used to move the cursor on the screen.
 Backspace
Used to erase the character on the left of the cursor and moves the cursor on that direction too.
 Caps Lock
When the caps lock key is on, pressing any alphabet key will result in a capital letter.
 Control
It must be pressed in combination with the other keys. It also a modifier key that performs a special
operation.
 Delete
Typically used to delete either the character ahead of or beneath the cursor.
 End
The end key is a navigation key. It well sends the cursor to the end of the current line.
 Enter
Used to perform various functions, such as executing a command or selecting options on a menu.
 Escape
Used to cancel actions in progress before they finish. It is also used to close certain dialog box.
 Function Keys
The function keys are numbered F1-F12, these are programmable keys. This is use so programs
can assign actions so the keys can produce different actions and results in different programs.
 Home
It is a navigation key for the cursor, it will move the cursor to the beginning of the current line.
 Insert
The insert key toggles how text is inserted by inserting or adding text in front of other text or
overwriting text after the cursor as you type.
 Numeric Keypad
Also known as number pad is palm-sized, usually-17-key section usually on the far right of the
keyboard. It useful for entering long sequences of numbers quickly.
 Minus
When Num Lock is on, it performs subtraction, when off it prints a -.
 Number/Symbol Keys
Number sign is part of any standard keyboard layout. On US standard keyboard layout, it appears
along with number 3 key, you can simply use “Shift and number 3” keys to type number sign #.
 Num Lock
When Num Lock is on, it responds with numbers as an adding machine. Whet it is off, it responds
as navigation keys.
 Page Down
It is a navigation key which will drop the displayed area down the page one screen’s worth.
 Page Up
A navigation key which will move the cursor up the displayed area one screens worth.
 Pause
It is used to halt actions in progress, often so that messages on the screen can be read before they
scroll off the screen.
 Spacebar
Used to enter a blank space in text. It can also be used instead of a mouse click o buttons.
 Slash
When Num Lock is on, the slash key acts as a division sign on the numbers entered. When Num
Lock is off, the slash key types as /.
 Shift
The Shift key ⇧ Shift is a modifier key on a keyboard, used to type capital letters and other alternate
"upper" characters.
 Scroll Lock
Pressing it will stop text on the screen from scrolling off the top of the screen. This gives you time
to read or print before continuing.
 Plus
When Num Lock is on, it performs addition, when off it prints a +.
 Tab
Used to advance the cursor to the next tab stop. This especially used in word processing to line up
text vertically.
 Print Screen
Pressing this key immediately sends the contents of the screen to the printer or clipboard.
 Times
When Num Lock is on, it performs multiplication, when off it prints a *.
 INPUT DEVICES
Pointing Devices
 Mouse- A mouse is a small hardware input device used by hand. It controls the movement of the
cursor on the computer screen and allows users to move and select folders, text, files, and icons
on a computer.
 Optical mouse- A mice that don’t have a ball. They use a laser to sense the motion of the mouse
instead.
 Trackball- a stationary pointing device with a ball on its top or side. Essentially, the trackball is an
upside-down mouse that rotates in place within a socket.
 Glide pad- an input device on laptops and some keyboards. It allows the user to move a cursor
with their finger. It can be used in place of an external mouse.
Game Devices
 Cursor motion is controlled by a vertical stick called a joystick. A joystick gives more natural-feeling
control for motion in games, especially those where you are flying a plane or a spaceship. It has
more muttons with special functions than a mouse.
Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)
 Touch screen- make selection just by touching the screen.
 Digitizers and Graphics Tablet- convert drawings, photos, etc. to digital signal.
 Terminals- consists of a keyboard and a screen. It has some specialized types.
 Multimedia- a combination of sound and images with text and graphics (movies, animation, etc.)
 Sound Input- can capture sounds from the air at which the sound signal is converted to a comuter
signal for easy processing (microphone).
Sound Effects or Voices
 For music the best results come from using a musical instrument that is connected directly to the
computer. software can combine music recorded at different times. Voice input systems are now
becoming available at the local retail level.
Video Input
 Video camera recorder (VCR)- can record data that can be uploaded to the computer system.
 Web Cam- a tiny video camera designed specially to sit on your computer.

DATA AUTOMATION
 Data automation is the process of updating data on your open data portal programmatically,
rather than manually. Automating the process of data uploading is important for the long-term
sustainability of your open data program. Any data that is updated manually risks being delayed
because it is one more task an individual must do as part of the rest of their workload.
There are three common elements to data automation:
 Extract: the process of extracting your data from one or many source systems.
 Transform: the process of transforming your data into the necessary structure, such as a flat file
format. This could also include things like changing all state abbreviations to the full state name.
 Load: the process of loading the data into the final system, in this case the open data portal.

GENERAL DEVICES
 Page Scanner- works like a copy machine, it captures a whole page and converts into a digital image.
 Hand Scanner- it will capture only a section of a page or a larger image.
 Optical Character Recognition (OCR)- can convert printed documents such as newspaper articles
to text that can be used in your word processor.
 Bar Code Reader- track inventory and calculate the sale at the checkout counter.
 Optical Marks- a special machine that reads the marks.
CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT
 Main Memory stores the command that the CPU executes and the results.
 Operating
 Application
 Input/output
 Working storage
 Unused storage
 Control Unit + ALU = CPU
 Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)- execute the computers command. It represents the
fundamental building block of the central processing unit (CPU) of a computer.
 Control Unit- part of computer that controls the Machine Cycle, it takes numerous
cycles to do even a simple addition of two numbers.

 Main Memory = Primary Storage

 Primary storage device
 Compact disks- can store 650 megabytes.
 Compact disk- Read Write (CD-RW)- can copy or burn information to a blank cd.
 DVD disks- can store over 4 gigabytes.
 Hard disks- can store 30 gigabytes or more.
 Auxiliary Storage = Secondary storage
 Flash Memory- removable storage cards, memory cards and flash memory cards.
 USB drive- used for backup, data transfer between computers and for disseminating product
information.
 Removable hard drives- a regular external hard drive that can be used for compressing data.
 Optical cards-chip on the card that holds information like health and auto repair records.

OPERATING SYSTEM
 Working Storage- a part of a computer's memory that is used by a program for the storage of
intermediate results or other temporary items.
 Computer Communication- the transmission of data and information over a communications
channel between two computers. There are basic communication types:
 Data communications
 Telecommunications
 Teleprocessing

REPETITIVE STRAIN INJURY

 A general term used to describe the pain felt in muscles, nerves and tendons caused
by repetitive movement and overuse. It's also known as work-related upper limb disorder, or
non-specific upper limb pain. RSI occurs frequently among computer users, musicians, and lab
workers. In order to prevent RSI, adjust your desk and computer area to promote good posture.
 CORRECT POSTURE IN USING THE COMPUTER
 Computer ergonomics on human posture

1.

2.

3.

REFERENCES
 Orestes, Gabriel. 2010. Application of Computer to Health Profession. Nursing Informatics 1: 47-89
 http://picscrunch.blogspot.com/2010/12/right-way-to-use-keyboard-and-mouse.html
 https://support.socrata.com/hc/en-us/articles/212871018-Data-Automation-Overview
 Video: Ergonomics Expert Explains How to Set Up Your Desk | WSJ (3:23).
https://youtube.com/watch?v=F8_ME4VwTiw&feature=share
 Computer Keyboard. 2016. Retrieved from https://informationq.com/computer-keyboard/
 Computer Hope. 2021. Machine Cycle. Retrieved from https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/m/machcycl.htm.
 https://banaenglish.org/knowledge-base/computer-learning/

Prepared by: Edlymar Y. Avelino

Contact info: 09758882441
Email ad: avelinoedly@gmail.com
NAME ______________________________________________ HEALTH INFORMATICS Module 1 of 5

DATE ________________________ SCORE ________________________

Detach and submit this page before Module 3 will be released. Submit your activities on time.

Exercise
Answer the following using the space provided. Make your answer brief and concise.
1. Enumerate and define the two basic parts of a computer.

2. Differentiate the following terms below:

o ROM and RAM

o Hardware and Software

o Laptop and Desktop

Assessment
What is the proper way of turning off your computer? Use a block diagram to illustrate the step by step
process.
Reflection
Write about a gadget that you own.

Which hardware do you most utilize? _________________________________________________

Reflect on top 3 applications that you interact with on a daily basis and what do you use it for? Write at least
3 sentences in each box.

App ____________________ App ____________________ App ____________________

A mother asks for your advice on her teenage boy. She reports, “My son is always on his gadget. His eyes
seem glued to the screen the minute he wakes up and even uses his smartphone in bed at night. I tell him
that too much screentime is bad for his health but he doesn’t listen.”

Write 3 practical approaches you can advise to this mother. (at least 300 words)