Module II

The Computer System

Scope of the Module

This module consists of three lessons, namely:

Lesson 1. Components of Computer System

Lesson 2. Microcomputer Hardware

Lesson 3. Hardware Problems

Overview of the Module

This module presents the components of computer system, the hardware itself including
other peripherals. The management and maintenance of computer system are discussed
including the possible hardware problems, safety precautions, and trouble shooting strategies.

Objectives of the Module

After completion of this module, you should be able to:

1. To understand the components of computer system.
2. To distinguish the difference between input and output devices.
3. To sustain interest in managing computer system.
4. To evaluate various peripheral devices
5. To analyze the importance of learning computer system

Suggested Reading

Crisostomo, Conchita. Information Technology Perspectives. Manila: 3K-IT Educational

Services, 1999

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Introduction to Information Technology
Module II

Lesson 1. COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEM

Lesson Objectives:

After completing this lesson, you should be able to:

1. Identify the functional parts of computer system
2. Differentiate the various input and output devices
3. Understand how the computer operates
4. Compare the different secondary storage unit currently available in the market

Lesson 1.1 Introduction

Computer system is a series of devices that read input data, process it, and produce
output information. It is a group of integrated parts that have the common purpose of
performing various operations. It consists of a computer, all the support equipment necessary
for its use, instructions that specify the performance of certain tasks, procedures that people
must follow to use the computer, and the people who use the system.

This module introduces the computer system in action, its components, the hardware
itself, and various peripheral devices.

Lesson 1.2 Components of Computer System

The computer system consists of a series of devices that operates together to

accomplish one or more goals. All system elements are tied and controlled together so that
the system’s goal is achieved. The components of computer system typically consist of four
functional parts, namely: Input Device, Output Device, Central Processing Unit, and Auxiliary
Storage Unit. These units are interrelated to one another as shown below.

Input Unit Processing and Output Unit

Memory

Auxiliary Storage
Unit

A Computer System

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1. Input Unit - It is the component of computer system designed for data entry operations.
It allows direct human or machine communication while others require data to be
recorded on an input medium. The input device reads and transmits data to the main
memory of the computer. Input may be in the form of keyboarding, pointing, scanning,
or voice recognition device. Data are entered into this device by pressing appropriate
keys. Examples of input devices are:

a. Card Reader - It reads punched card data and transmits it to the CPU. Data is
recorded as punched holes.

b. Punched Paper Tape - Data are recorded as holes punched in a continuous

paper and transmit it to the CPU. Punched paper tape may be produced by
special adding machines, accounting machine's teletypes, and card registers.

c. Magnetic Ink Character Recognition Reader - It reads characters and data

imprints with magnetic ink, such as on checks. These characters are found at the
bottom of the checks that indicate the account number and a code to design the
bank where the account is located.

d. Optical Character Recognition Reader - It is commonly known as read typed or

handwritten document. It senses data using photoelectric device. Major users of
this device are the department stores, groceries and gasoline stations in printing
credit card receipts.

e. Bar Codes - These are printed pattern of wide and narrow vertical bars used to
represent numerical codes in machine-readable form. They are printed on almost
all products sold in supermarkets and bookstores. These codes conform to the
Universal Product Code (UPC), a standard bar code format that lists the product
maker’s identification number and a product number. Scanning Devices
translate images of text, drawings, and photos into digital forms. The images can
then be processed by a computer, displayed on a monitor, stored in a storage
device or communicate to another computer. Examples of scanning devices are:
image scanning, fax machines and optical scanner. When the bar code is
dragged past an optical scanner at the check out counter, the point of sale
computer matches the product number with its database of price lists and rings
up the correct amount.

Fax machine is a device that scans an image and sends it as electronic signals
over telephone lines. The image is sent to a receiving fax machine, which
re-creates the image on the paper.

f. On- Line Terminal - Data is entered in a typewriter-type device (e.g., keyboard)

which is directly connected to the CPU. Other input tools include mouse, trackball
and joystick.

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 g. Voice Input - It is a relatively new input device and the latest in technology. It
promises to improve the efficiency of data entry for a wide range of applications
where the user normally enters the words in a normal speaking voice. The
computer then digitizes the sound of each system word and stores the digitized
data in its memory. This is used for calling an airline reservation directing
through a computer system.

2. Output Unit - It is the component of computer system that gives out to the user the
results of the processed data. The information is transmitted from the CPU to this
output device, where it is then printed or recorded. Examples of output devices are
given below:

a. Printer - It produces printed paper output known as “hardcopy” or a paper

printout.

b. Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) or Monitor - A terminal device that prints message on a
television-like tube. The output is said to be “soft copy” since it is not retained as
a permanent record.

c. Card Punch - A device in a computer system that punches card information which
has transmitted from the CPU.

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d. Plotter - A graphical device that displays and prints information in graphical form.
An example of this device is Roland Plotter used for Computer Aided Design
(CAD) by architects, draftsmen, and civil engineers.

e. Paper Tape Punch - It produces punched holes on a continuous paper tape.

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 f. Computer Microfilm - It produces output as miniaturized microfilm records.

g. Flat Panel Display - This is the screen of a laptop or a notebook. It is a thin

display screen that uses number of technologies in order to reduce the screen
size and weight. The technologies include Liquid Crystal Display (LCD),
electroluminiscent, and plasma display.

3. Processing Memory Hardware - It is the physical device that controls the computer
operations. It accepts and stores the program and data in the main memory or primary
storage. Once the program and data are stored, the Central Processing Unit (CPU)
executes and processes the data. CPU is known as the “brain of the computer." It is
composed of three parts, namely: Primary Storage, Arithmetic Logic Unit, and Control
Unit.

a. Primary Storage - It is the internal storage and main memory of the computer that
contains the stored program or set of instructions necessary to read input data
and convert it to output.

b. Arithmetic Logic Unit - It is the part of the CPU that has special circuitry for
performing arithmetic operations, manipulates data, and makes comparison.

c. Control Unit - It is a part of the CPU which controls, supervises and directs the
operations of the computer.

4. Secondary Storage Unit - It is the component of computer system that stores

information subsequently used by the CPU or a more permanent basis in secondary or
auxiliary storage. Examples of auxiliary storage devices are:

a. Paper - It is a traditional medium for storing data. It is easy to use but so bulky
that businesses need huge space to store paper records and documents.
Finding data and information in a firm’s paper archives can take hours, days or
weeks.

b. Micrographics - It uses photographic techniques to reduce the paper into

miniature-sized products on microfilm. This is a form of computer output that
bypasses paper and reduces pages of output into tiny images stored on film. A
hand-sized card or microfiche can store hundreds of pages but it takes several
minutes to locate the data and cannot be changed.
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 c. Disk Drive - It is a device that holds, spins and reads data from and writes data
to a floppy disk. It is a mechanical machine with a spindle on which disk can be
mounted. It accesses data from the disk or stores data into the disk. A disk can
be a soft disk or a hard disk. Soft disk refers to diskettes or floppy disk, and a
hard disk is a magnetic disk built on a rigid base that has a higher storage
capacity and has a faster access than a floppy disk or diskette.

d. Magnetic Disk - It is a flat, circular plotter on which data can be stored using the
magnetic process. This device is used to read data from the disk into the CPU
and writes data from the CPU onto the disk. The data can be represented
as magnetized dots according to a predetermined code.

e. Optical Disk - It is a disk that is written and read by lasers. It is also called as
CD-ROM, which stands for Compact Disk - Read Only Memory. It holds text,
graphics, and sound and accommodates hundreds of times more data than
floppy disks and seven or more times as much as hard disks.

f. Magnetic Tape - It is a flexible, flat plastic ribbon on which data can be stored
using the magnetic process. The plastic tape is coated with magnetic material
where data can be represented as magnetized dots according to a
predetermined code. It reads data from the tape into the CPU and writes data
from the CPU onto the tape.

Combining all the components of computer system, the configuration of computer is

given below:

ALU CU
Input Arithmetic Logic Control Unit Output
Device Unit Device

Primary Storage

Secondary Storage
Devices

Components of Computer System

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Introduction to Information Technology
Module II
Lesson 1
SELF-PROGRESS CHECK TEST
Test I. Multiple Choice

Directions: Write the letter representing your answer on the blank before the number

_____ 1. It is not one of the components of computer system

a. Input Unit
b. Communication Unit
c. Output Unit
d. Auxillary Unit

_____ 2. Translate images of text, drawings and photos in digital forms

a. UPS
b. CPU
c. Scanning Device
d. OCRL

_____ 3. Device that scans an images and sends it as electronic signals over telephone
lines
a. Scanner
b. Fax Machine
c. Internet
d. Terminal

_____ 4. Internal storage and main memory of the computer

a. Primary Storage
b. Secondary Storage
c. Hardcopy
d. Softcopy

_____ 5. Uses photographic techniques to reduce the paper into miniature-sized products
on microfilm
a. Paper
b. Optical Disk
c. Magnetic Tape
d. Micrographics

_____ 6. It is an output device

a. Plotter c. Magnetic Disk
b. Card Reader d. Keyboard

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_____ 7. It is known as CD-ROM
a. Hard Disk
b. Disk Drive
c. Optical Disk
d. Magnetic Tape

_____ 8. An example of auxillary storage device

a. Disk Drive
b. Keyboard
c. CPU
d. Monitor

_____ 9. Printed pattern of wide and narrow vertical lines used to represent numerical codes
in machine-readable form
a. Optical Scanner
b. CD-ROM
c. Card Reader
d. Bar Codes

_____ 10. It is not an example of scanning devices

a. Image Scanning
b. Fax Machine
c. Optical Scanner
d. CD-ROM

Test II. Identification

Directions: Identify whether the following computer peripherals and devices are either Input
Device, Output Device, or Storage Device.

1. Bar Code ___________________ 6. Printer ___________________

2. Monitor ___________________ 7. Mouse ___________________

3. Micrographics ___________________ 8. Hard Disk ___________________

4. CD-ROM ___________________ 9. On-line Terminal _________________

5. Magnetic Tape ___________________ 10. Paper ___________________

Introduction to Information Technology

Module II

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Lesson 2. MICROCOMPUTER HARDWARE

Lesson Objectives:

After completing this lesson, you should be able to:

1. Identify and describe the various microcomputer hardware
2. Differentiate the different microprocessors
3. Enumerate and discuss the different types of disks
4. Classify the various types of printers
5. Identify other computer peripheral devices

Lesson 2.1 Introduction

Microcomputers are the cheapest and the most available type of computers in the
Philippines. The basic microcomputer hardware is composed of the Keyboard, the Central
Processing Unit, the Video Display Unit or the Monitor, and the Storage Device.

Lesson 2.2 Keyboard

The keyboard is an input device similar to the typewriter keyboard. It is used for
entering data and instructions. The placement and position of keys vary according to its brand.
A typical keyboard is shown below:

The Keyboard

The IBM PC-XT/AT keyboard consists of typewriter alphabetic keys, numeric keypad,
and the function keys. The typewriter key consists of letters A to Z, numbers 0 to 9, standard
punctuation and other additional keys that perform control functions. The additional keys are:

CAPS CAPITAL LOCK KEY - When this key is

LOCK pressed once, it locks the characters A to Z in the uppercase position. While
the Caps Lock is on, letters may be shifted to lower case by pressing the SHIFT

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 KEY. The uppercase mode may be released by pressing back the Caps Lock
Key.

SHIFT SHIFT KEY - Pressing either of the shift keys changes the alphabetic keys to the
uppercase mode. When the upper keys (numbers) are being pressed with the
shift key, special characters or upper portion of the keys will appear on the
screen.

ENTER ENTER KEY OR RETURN - This is the carriage return key. This is pressed if you
want to go to the next line.

PRINT PRINT SCREEN KEY - When the printer is on

SCR and this key is pressed together with the Shift key, whatever is displayed on the
screen will be printed on paper.

BACKSPACE KEY - This key is pressed to move the cursor one character to the
left of the cursor while deleting the character. To avoid deleting the character,
use the cursor left key on the numeric keypad.

SPACE BAR - This is used for entering spaces. Unlike in the typewriter, space
bar cannot be used to move over character already on the screen.

ALT ALTERNATE KEY - When this key is pressed together with the alphabetic key, it
enables the user to enter some of the basic key words.

CTRL CONTROL KEY - When this CTRL is pressed together with the alphabetic key, it
enables the user to perform specific functions and commands.

ESC ESCAPE KEY - This is pressed in case of process interruption or to abandon the
previous command.

TAB KEY - It is used to move the cursor to the next tab stop at the right of the
cursor’s present position.

The numeric keypad is used to facilitate numeric data entry. It consists of numbers 0 to
9, Num Lock, Scroll Lock, Ins, Del, Home, End and arrow keys.

NUM NUMERIC LOCK - When this key is pressed

LOCK once, keys 0 to 9 of the numeric keypad will be placed in the numeric state.
Pressing NUM LOCK again will return to cursor control keys.

SCROLL SCROLL LOCK BREAK KEY - When this key

LOCK is pressed together with CTRL, it enables the user to return to the command
level without saving any changes that were made.

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INS INSERT - When the NUM LOCK is off, this key is used to insert or add
characters in the middle of the 0 line. To get back to normal operation, press the
INS key again.

DEL DELETE - When the NUM LOCK is off, this key is used to delete any characters
at the right of the erased character and will move one position to the left.

CURSOR UP - This is used to move the cursor one line up.

CURSOR DOWN - This is used to move the cursor one line down.

CURSOR RIGHT - This key is used to move the cursor one character position to
the right.

CURSOR LEFT - This key is used to move the cursor one character position to
the left.

HOME HOME - This key is used to move the cursor to the upper left position of the
display screen.

END END - This key is used to move the cursor one position to the right of the last
character on the line.

The function keys consist of ten (10) to twelve (12) functions depending on the model of
the keyboard. (F1, F2...F12). If any one of these keys is being pressed, it performs specific
functions.

Lesson 2.3 Central Processing Unit

The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the processor and known as the brain of the
computer. It controls and manipulates data to produce information. It consists of three parts,
namely: Primary Storage, Control Unit and Arithmetic Logic Unit. The Primary Storage
contains the stored program and addressable locations in terms of bytes. This is the main
memory of the computer where data and program are stored while the job is in progress. The
Control Unit (CU) of the CPU selects, interprets, and executes the program instruction. It
supervises the activities and functions of the entire system. The speed with which an
instruction is executed is directly related to the computer’s built-in clock speed or the number
of pulses produced each second. Most personal computers have clock speed of 2 to 32
megahertz. One megahertz (MHz) measures one million times per second. The Arithmetic and
Logic Unit (ALU) performs arithmetic operations at high speed, manipulates data operations,
and makes comparison.

The limits of a computer’s capabilities are determined by its microprocessor. A

microprocessor is a tiny chip of silicon that contains the equivalent of hundreds of thousands of
transistors. The microprocessors commonly found in today’s personal computer’s are:
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a. 8088, 8086 and Turbo compatibles - These chips are used in 1970’s personal
computers like Apple II and they cannot run in today’s leading application software.

b. 80286 - It is used for IBM PC XT’s computers with a conventional memory of 640 Kb.

c. 80386 - It is an excellent bargain for small business users and used mainly for DOS
applications. 80386 DX delivers better performance and more expensive than 80386
SX.

d. 80486 - It has a state of the art microprocessor that includes numeric co-processor that
speeds mathematical computations. It is ideal for windows environment.

e. 68030 - It is the microprocessor for Macintosh applications.

f. 586 / Pentium - It is the enhance and advance version next to 80486 microprocessor.
Some of the hardware developments of Pentium are as follows:

• Pentium MMX
• Pentium Pro
• Pentium II
• Pentium III

Lesson 2.4 Video Display Unit

A monitor is a visual display device similar to a television screen. It is also known as

Cathode Ray Tube (CRT), terminal or video board. It is capable of displaying at least 16 lines
of 64 characters or 16 lines of 40 characters, or 24 lines of 40 characters, or a common size of
24 lines of 80 characters.

The two general types of monitor are monochrome and color monitors. Monochrome
monitors come in three varieties: black and white, black and green, and black and amber.
Color monitors are more expensive than monochrome and they are ideal for computer graphics
and for displaying business charts and graphs. The number of distinct dots or pixels that the
monitor can display represents the resolution of monitor. The more the dots, the higher the
resolution.

Video display adapter is a circuit board that determines the resolution, number of colors,
and how fast images appear on the display screen. A video display adapter with 256
kilobytes of memory provides 16 colors while one megabyte supports 16.7 million colors.

Higher resolution monitor uses range of color that adds dimension to the display screen.
Color graphics monitor is powered by one of several types of display adapters or arrays. The
Color Graphics Array (CGA) supports 640 by 200 pixels, the Enhanced Graphics Array (EGA)
supports resolution of 640 by 350 pixels, the Video Graphics Array (VGA) has resolution of 640
by 480 pixels or 16 colors, and the Super Video Graphics Array (SVGA) has resolution of
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1,024 by 768 pixels and supports 256 colors. XGA or eXtended Graphics Array supports up to
16,777,216 colors depending on the video display adapter memory.

Lesson 2.5 Storage Device

A disk is a storage device found inside the motherboard of the computer. It is a

mechanical machine with a spindle on which a disk can be mounted. Its function is either to
store data into the disk or access data from the disk. Inside the disk drive is a head that can
read and write information to any location on the surface of the disk.

The Disks

A disk is a random access storage device referring to both fixed disks and diskettes.
There are two types of disks that can be used for microcomputers, namely: hard disk and the
soft disk.

a. Hard Disk - permanent record of output in a computer system. It is rigid and coated with
a magnetic substance that stores megabytes of data. Hard disk costs P4,000 to
P20,000 depending on the storage capacity that ranges from 40 megabytes (MB) to 2
gigabytes (GB).

b. Soft Disk - refers to the floppy diskette commonly known as “floppies” or “floppy disk." It
is the most popular type of disk made of circular vinyl material enclosed in a rigid plastic
envelope. The size of the diskette varies, storing 360 KB to 1.44 MB. Available sizes
are 8 inches (floppies), 3.5 inches (microfloppies) and 5.25 inches (minifloppies) in
diameter. Information is written along the concentric part of the circle known as tracks.
Looking at an inserted diskette into the disk drive, the read and write head spins,
moving back and forth from one track to another. The tracks are divided into sections
known as sectors and the space on the diskette is measured in terms of bytes.

1 track = 16 sectors
1 sector = 256 bytes
1 byte = 8 bits
1 byte = 1 character
1 kilobyte (KB) = 1,024 bytes
1 megabyte (MB) = 1,048, 576 bytes
1 gigabyte (GB) = 1,073,741,824 bytes
1 terabyte (TB) = 1 trillion bytes

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 The Diskettes

c. Optical Disk - optical disk technology involves the use of a laser beam to store or
retrieve data as microscopic spots on a disk. A single optical disk can store the
equivalent of over 400 diskettes. The first optical disk came out in 1978 and the audio
compact disk came out in 1982. The CD-ROM was the first application of optical
storage for business processing. They emerged in 1985 for publishing databases,
directories and encyclopedias.

Lesson 2.6 The Diskettes

Diskettes are flexible magnetic disk enclosed in a protective envelope and they are
used mainly with microcomputers. The types of diskettes are:

a. Single Sided - contains 40 tracks, 8-9 sectors per track, and holds up to 160-180 kbytes
of information.

b. Double Sided - contains 40 tracks per side, 8-9 sectors per track, and holds up to
320-360 kbytes of information. Other types of double sided diskette contain 80 tracks
per side, 9 sectors per track and holds up to 720 kbytes of information.

c. High Density - contains 80 tracks per side, 15 sectors per track and holds 1.4
megabytes of information.

The parts of diskettes are illustrated below:

relief notches

head access slot

Index hole
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 jacket

center hole
Write protective
notch hub ring

hub ring
index label Permanent label
5.25” diameter

write protect

fixed plastic jacket

Spring metal cover

3.5” diameter

In handling diskettes, the following are reminders:

a. Never bend a diskette.

b. Never touch the negative surface of the diskette.
c. Do not wipe or clear the diskette surface.
d. Always keep the diskette in their storage envelopes after use.
e. Protect the diskettes from heat, direct sunlight, moisture, and magnetic fields like
transformers, AC motors, magnets, TV, radio, etc. Strong magnetic fields will erase
data stored in a diskette.
f. Never insert or remove the diskette while the disk drive’s light is on.
g. Avoid contamination of diskettes with cigarette ashes, dust or other particles.
h. Do not write directly on the diskette jacket with a hard point device such as ball point or
lead pencil. Use felt tip pen.

Lesson 2.7 Printer

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 A printer is a primary output device that produces printed information or paper output
from the computer. The printout or printed outputs are known as hardcopies. Printers can be
classified by how they print and by how fast they operate.

Printers are classified as follows:

a. According to the Amount of Information Printed at a Time.

i. Character or Serial Printer - prints one character at a time just like a typewriter

ii. Line Printer - prints one line of characters at a time

iii. Page Printer - prints the whole or entire page at a time

b. According to Operation

i. Impact Printer - prints character by physically striking paper, inked ribbon and
characters at the same time. It uses the familiar typewriter approach of pressing
a typeface against paper and ink ribbon using daisy-wheel or dot matrix printing
mechanism.

ii. Non-impact Printer - prints character by means of photography, heat or thermal

method, ink spray, electrostatic, chemical, inkjet technology, or laser xerographic
method. Laser printers write the desired output image on a copier drum with a
beam of laser light that operates under computer control. The printout is high
quality, higher than 300 dots per inch and is suitable for desktop publishing.

c. According to Style

i. Character Printer - prints the whole letter or character similar to a typewriter

ii. Dot Matrix Printer - prints character with dots or short dash/line that are activated
within grid. In the dot matrix mechanism, an arrangement of tiny hammers strikes
to produce the desired characters.

character matrix dot matrix

iii. Laser Printer - uses laser-beam source to create images on drum. These
images are then treated with magnetically changed ink-like toner and transferred
from drum to paper. Laser printers print character clearly, smoothly, and much
better image quality than dot-matrix printers do and can print in many more
colors. Laser printers produce 10 - 300 pages per minute.

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 iv. Bubble Jet Printer - prints character in semi-laser form; sprays one or more colors
of small duplets of ink at high speed onto paper. The image is of high quality like
that of laser printers but it is slower than laser printers.

Other graphic output devices include plotters and film recorders. Plotters use pen or
inkjet approaches. Pen plotters use either drum or flat-bed paper holders that move along the
carriage to produce motion across the paper. Inkjet plotters are used to create graphics with
curves and complex shapes used for engineering and architectural applications. Film
recorders print design drawings or graphic presentations based on the screen display. The
screen of the Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) is photographed with black and white or color film to
produce printouts and 35 millimeter slides.

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Lesson 2.8 Peripheral Devices

Computer system can be equipped with an amazing variety of peripheral equipment.

1. Mouse - It is an input device equipped with one or more buttons, housed in a palm-sized
case and designed to roll on the mouse pad next to the keyboard. It is used to move
chunks of text from one place in a document to another, to select from lists, to create
charts and other graphics, and to communicate with the computer. As the mouse
moves, the circuits relay signals move a pointer on the screen. Mouse are connected
either via the serial port or via a special mouse port using a 9 pin mouse port connector.
Macintosh and Windows environment come with a mouse for performing operations.

A Mouse

2. Modem - A device used to convert the digital output from a computer to an analog
signal that can be sent over analog transmission lines. A modem, short for
MOdulator/DEModulator, links the computer by telephone to other computers and
information services. A network modem encodes data for transmission along
telephone lines. A modem is required at each end of the communication channel - at its
sources (to change a computer signal into an analog signal that can be carried over
telephone lines), and at its destination (to change the analog signal back into digital
signal). Modulation converts data from digital form (computer signals) to wave form
(sound signals). Demodulation converts data from wave form back to digital form.

The rate at which the modem transfers information is called the baud rate. At lower
speed, the baud rate roughly equals the number of hits transmitted per second. A 300
baud used by microcomputer modems includes 200, 1200, and 2400 baud, however,
rate of 110, 150, 600, 4,800, 9,200 and 9,600 are supported by DOS.

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 Modem

3. Joystick or Hand Controls - A joystick is a pointing device that consists of a vertical

handle like a gearshift lever mounted on a base with one or two buttons. Hand controls
and joysticks control the movement of creatives or objects in the figure game program,
video games, and in some computer-aided design systems.

Hand Controls

4. Fax Machine - A fax machine or facsimile transmission machine scans an image and
sends it as electronic signals over telephone lines to a receiving fax machine, which
creates the image paper. It is fast and reliable way of transmitting text document.

The two types of fax machines are:

 Dedicated Fax Machine - specialized device that sends and receives fax documents

 Fax Modem - installed in a circuit board inside the computer system. It sends
signals directly from the computer to someone else’s fax or computer fax modem.
Fax modem can be installed in a computer notebook and can be linked up in a
cellular phone and thereby receive wireless fax messages.

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 Fax Machine

5. Scanner - It is a peripheral device that digitizes artwork or photographs, and stores the
image as a file that can be merged with text in many word processing and page layout
programs. It is used for capturing ready-made picture images to be added in the text.
Hand-held scanner is applicable for light desktop publishing where the user needs to
scan pictures and store them in the computer. Flatbed scanner reads a full page of text
at a time and offers optical character recognition capabilities which can scan printed
objects with typed text and convert it into text that can be displayed, edited or printed in
the word processing program.

Hand-held Scanner

6. Math co-processor - The Math co-processor is used for 386 microprocessor in order to
run a Computer Aided Design program. It includes a set of floating point numbers which
are strongly needed for specific types of applications like spreadsheets, Autocad,
Computer Aided Manufacturing Program like fluid flow, thermal calculations, nuclear
applications, and other scientific calculations. In 486 and 586 microprocessor, Math
co-processor is an integrated feature into its capabilities.

7. Read-Only Optical Disk (CD-ROM) - A disk that stores data using an optical process
and whose data can only be read and cannot be changed. It is referred to as
CD-ROM, an acronym for Compact Disk Read Only Memory. It uses the same
technology as CD audio disks. In an optical disk reader, the laser system reads the
intensity of light reflected from the disk surface and sends these data as a digital signal
to the computer. In business, this technology is suitable for storing large data like
industrial catalogs, company’s policy manual, personnel directories, encyclopedia,
children’s games, etc.

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 CD-ROM Disk

8. Trackball - A trackball is a movable ball that is rotated with fingers or palm of the hand.
This is an alternative peripheral to the mouse. The trackball uses the principle of
twirling the ball for fast positioning of the cursor. Instead of moving the mouse around
on the desktop, trackball is moved with the tips of the fingers. It is especially suited to
portable computers.

A Trackball

9. Tape Drives - This is used as a point-of-sale terminal for a busy retail operation or for
works that produces a lot of data everyday. Tape drives can be added to the system to
back-up the entire hard disk quickly.

10. Bar Code Readers - Bar codes are vertical stripped marks that can be seen on most
manufactured retail products. Bar code readers scans a computer-readable code such
as the Uniform Product Code (UPC) of retail items and transform the codes into
ordinary numbers in digital forms. This is attached to the computer by a serial port or
expansion slot. The price of particular item is set within the store’s computer and
appears on the sales-clerk’s point-of-sale terminal and on the receipt. Records of sales
are input to the store’s computer and used for accounting, restocking store inventory,
and identifying products that do not sell well.

11. Touch Screen - A touch screen is a video display screen that has been sensitized to
receive input from the touch of a finger. The screen is covered with a plastic layer,
behind which are invisible beams of infrared light. It is used to convey information
quickly particularly for locating directives and guides in hotels and shopping malls, and
for displaying menus in fast-food restaurants.

12. Light Pen - A light pen is a light-sensitive stylus, or pen-like device, connected by a wire
to the computer terminal. The user brings the pen to a desired point on the display
screen and presses the pen button which identifies that screen location to the computer.
Light pens are used by graphic designers, engineers, and illustrators.
22
13. Pen-based System - Pen-based computer system uses pencil-like stylus to enter
handwriting and marks into a computer. This handwriting method is used for entering
data and convert it to typed text. This kind of handwriting recognition is found in some
kinds of electronic organizers, such as the sharp wizard, IBM’s pen-based Think Pad
computer, and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs).

14. Digitizing Tablets - A digitizing consists of a tablet connected by a wire to a stylus. A

stylus is a pen-like device with which the user copies or sketches an image. It is used
primarily in drawing, painting, shading and in designing.

15. Electronic Cameras - The electronic camera captures images in electronic form for
immediate viewing on a television or computer display screen. Still-video cameras are
like camcorders and capture only single video image at a time. Pictures must be
converted by a video capture board before they can be stored in a computer. An
example of a still-video camera is Canon RC-570. Digital camera uses a light-sensitive
silicon chip to capture photographic images in digital form. The bits of digital
information can be copied directly into the computer’s hard disk for manipulation and
printing. Examples of digital cameras are Logitech’s Fotoman, Dycam’s Model 4,
Newscamera 200, and Apple Computer’s Quick Take 100.

16. Sensors - A sensor is a type of input device that collects specific kinds of data directly
from the environment and transmits it to a computer. It is used for detecting all kinds of
things like speed, movement, weight, pressure, temperature, humidity, wind, current,
smoke, light, images, etc. In other countries, sensors are use to detect the volume of
traffic, sudden changes in wind direction, monitor companies with air-pollution
standards, and detect robbers from looting.

17. Human-Biology Devices - Movements and characteristics of the human body, when
interpreted by sensors, optical scanners, voice recognition systems, and other
technologies can become human-biology devices. Some examples are as follows:

• Biometric Systems - Identify a person through fingerprint, voice intonation or other

biological characteristics. For example, vetinal - identification devices use a ray of
light to identify a network of blood vessels at the back of one’s eyeball. Biometric
systems are used in place of password for identifying authorized person to use a
computer system.

• Line-of-Sight System - Enables a person to use his/her eyes to “point” at the screen
in directing a computer. This is accomplished by a video camera. Mounted beneath
the monitor in front of the viewer. When the user looks at a certain place on the
screen, the video camera and computer translate the area being focus into screen
coordinates.

• Cyber Gloves - Used in virtual-reality games as sensor in detecting body

movements. The data for the movements are sent to a computer system. This

23
 technology is used for human-controlled robot hands applied in nuclear plants and
dangerous activities.

• Brainwave Device - Analyzes the electrical signals of the brain and translates them
into computer commands. This is best applied as artificial intelligence.

18. Optical Character Reader (OCR) - An optical character reader detects alphanumeric
characters printed or typewritten on paper. It may be a handheld scanner or a page
scanner to detect light reflected from a line or from a page of the text. It is used to scan
large-volume applications such as computer-oriented bills prepared by public utilities.

Lesson 2.9 Surge Protector and Voltage Regulator

In installing the computer system, surge protector is very important peripheral device. It
is a device that stops current surges before they can harm your computer. Surges are
common in electrical lines caused by the intermittent operation of power-hungry equipment
such as cooling units, elevators, heaters, and switching operations. Lightning can also be a
cause of surges that send surges of millions of volts headed straight in the computer.

For severe voltage fluctuations and brownouts, a voltage regulator ensures a steady
voltage delivered to the computer. For brownouts and power outages, an Uninterrupted Power
Supply (UPS) is advisable. UPS switches automatically to back-up battery power in the event
of a power failure, giving the user enough time to back-up important business records. When
the power comes back, the battery charges automatically.

Lesson 2.10 Microcomputer Do’s and Dont’s

The following suggestions shall ensure safety in managing computer system:

1. Make sure the power is off before connecting or disconnecting any peripheral;

2. If the computer system does not work, turn off the power. Read the instruction manuals
or if this does not help, call a technician;

3. Do not attempt to repair faults;

4. Make back-up copies of important files;

5. Take special care of disks;

6. Check polarity connections twice before turning power on. Plugs and cards should be
connected the right way to avoid any damage of the peripheral;

7. Disk drives are fragile and should be transmitted carefully with head locking card
inserted;
24
 8. Avoid moving the computers from one place to another;

9. Prevent computers from dust, too much heat, and moist; and

10. Where possible, have one competent person operates the computer.

25
Introduction to Information Technology
Module II
Lesson 2
SELF-PROGRESS CHECK TEST
Test I. Multiple Choice

Directions: Write the letter representing your answer on the blank provided for

_____ 1. Similar to a typewriter

a. Mouse
b. Keyboard
c. CPU
d. Monitor

_____ 2. Key to be pressed in case of process interruption or to abandon the previous

command
a. Alt
b. Ctrl
c. Scroll Lock
d. Esc

_____ 3. Microprocessor for Macintosh applications

a. 8088
b. Pentium
c. 80586
d. 68030

_____ 4. Known as monitor

a. CPU
b. CGA
c. CRT
d. VGA

_____ 5. It is a random access storage device

a. Video Display Unit
b. Disk
c. CPU
d. VDU

_____ 6. The number of sectors in 1 track

a. 256
b. 8
c. 1,024
d. 16
_____ 7. The first optical disk came out in the year ______
a. 1972
26
 b. 1981
c. 1978
d. 1990

_____ 8. Type of diskette that contains 80 tracks per side

a. Single Sided
b. Double Sided
c. High Density
d. None of the above

_____ 9. It is known as printed output or printout

a. Softcopy
b. Hardcopy
c. Serial Printer
d. Diskette

_____ 10. Peripheral device that digitizes artwork or photographs

a. Fax Machine c. Internet
b. Math-coprocessor d. Scanner

Test II. Identification

Directions: Identify the function of the following keys

1. Scroll Lock _____________________________________

2. Home _____________________________________

3. End _____________________________________

4. Alt Key _____________________________________

5. Ctrl Key _____________________________________

6. Esc _____________________________________

7. Print Screen _____________________________________

8. Shift _____________________________________

9. Num Lock _____________________________________

10. Ins _____________________________________

27
Introduction to Information Technology
Module II

Lesson 3. HARDWARE PROBLEMS

Lesson Objectives:

After completing this lesson, you should be able to:

1. Identify the common hardware problems
2. Understand the different trouble shooting strategies
3. Determine the symptoms and causes of the common hardware problems

Lesson 3.1 Hardware Problems

The common hardware problems usually encountered are as follows:

Hardware Symptoms Causes

Power Supply Power light on base - Does the power card

unit does not come on does not come on firmly
plugged into a functioning
electrical outlet or base unit?

- Are the on/off switches for all

of the system components are
in the on position?

Power light stickers - Does the on/off toggle switch on

the base unit or outlet strip faulty?

Monitor No output - Does the monitor power cord

plugged in?

Distorted output - Does the monitor power switch

turned on?

Display is flickering - Does the video cable connected

firmly at both the computer end and
the monitor end?

28
Hardware Symptoms Causes

Monitor Screen image is too - Are the brightness and/or

bright or too dim contrast controls adjusted
properly?

Letters appear small - Does the switch on the RF

and blurry Modulator in the correct position
if you are using a TV as a
monitor?

Unexpected output - Did you switch from one

program to another quickly?

Gibberish appears or - Does the application

Unusual characters program you are appear
attempting to use was designed
for earlier models?

Disk Drive Power light on the base - Are the cables of drives
unit is on but drive does firmly attached?
not start
- Does the interface cable
properly plugged into the
disk controller card?

The drive containing - Did you insert diskette

the disk does not whirl in the proper drive?

Drive does not stop - Does the disk drive whirling

door closed?

Disk Drive Drive does not stop - Is there a disk in the drive?

- Does the right disk inserted in

the drive?
- Does the disk centered properly
in the drive?

Drive does not stop - Is the disk damaged?

whirling

- Does the drive out of

alignment?

Drive whirls stop and - Did you boot a non-

an error message is system disk?
displayed
- Is there a proper connection
between the computer and the
disk drive?

- Did you insert an old diskette?

Printer Printhead does not - Does the printer power

move cord firmly plugged into a
29
 functioning electrical outlet?

- Does the printer turned on?

- Does the on-line select light on?

Printhead does not - Does the printer cable

move firmly connected?

- Are the printer config-uration

properly set?

Printer head moves - Did you set the paper at

but printer does not the middle instead of
print at the top of the page?

Print looks streaky - Did you use old ribbon?

or faint

Paper jams - Is anything hinders the movement

of the paper?

Paper jams - Does the paper positioned

properly?

Printhead does not - Does the printer rail

move smoothly along dirty?
its rail

Keyboard Sticky keys - Do you have a clean keyboard?

Keyboard error - Does the keyboard firmly connected?

Hard Disk Does not boot or - Did you check for

load program possible virus attack?

30
Lesson 3.2 Troubleshooting Strategies

The following strategies are basic trouble shooting and repair:

1. Strategy No. 1: Observe the hardware symptoms and find out the causes

a. Locate the hardware problem and try its remedy

b. If the problem still persists, clean the systems parts
c. If the problem still persists, ask computer technician for help

2. Strategy No. 2: Swap identical parts

a. Change electrical outlets

b. Swap cables, computers, and peripherals. The swapping of peripherals will
determine the defective hardware parts.

3. Strategy No. 3: Give the system a thorough cleaning

a. Disconnect the internal cables then vacuum up the dust or blow out the parts with
compressed air
b. Press down all the chips to make them firmly connected

4. Strategy No. 4: Look for the duration of the warranty and call for a computer technician
for repair

31
Introduction to Information Technology
Module II
Lesson 3

SELF-PROGRESS CHECK TEST

Directions: Identify the symptoms and causes of the following hardware problems.

Symptoms Causes

1. Display is flickering ____________________________________________

2. Drive does not stop ____________________________________________

3. Unexpected output ____________________________________________

4. Keyboard errors ____________________________________________

5. Printer does not move ____________________________________________

6. Hard Disk does not boot ____________________________________________

7. Paper jams ____________________________________________

8. Print looks faint or streaky ____________________________________________

9. Sticky keys ____________________________________________

10.Power light does not

come “on” ____________________________________________

32
Introduction to Information Technology
Module II

ANSWER KEY TO SELF-PROGRESS CHECK TESTS

Lesson 1

Test I
1. b 6. a
2. d 7. c
3. b 8. a
4. a 9. d
5. d 10. d

Test II
1. Input Device 6. Output Device
2. Output Device 7. Input Device
3. Storage Device 8. Storage Device
4. Storage Device 9. Input Device
5. Storage Device 10. Storage Device

Lesson 2

Test I
1. b 6. d
2. d 7. c
3. d 8. c
4. c 9. b
5. b 10. d

Lesson 3
1. The video cable is not firmly connected at both the CPU and the monitor end.
2. The disk drive whirling door is not close.
3. You switch from one program to another quickly.
4. The keyboard is not firmly connected.
5. The printer cable is not firmly connected.
6. Check for possible virus attack.
7. There is anything that hinders the movement of the paper or the paper is not positioned
properly.
8. You use an old ribbon.
9. The keyboard is not clean.
10. The power cord is not firmly plugged into a functioning electrical outlet. Check the
on/off switches for all the system components are in the on position.

33
Name : ______________________________________ Date : __________________
Address : ______________________________________ Student No. : _____________

Introduction to Information Technology

Module II

MODULE II TEST

1. Fill in the blanks

__________ a. Peripheral device that digitizes artwork or captures ready made picture
images
__________ b. It is referred to as Compact Disk Read Only Memory or CD-ROM
__________ c. Device used to scan a computer-readable bar code
__________ d. Device that stops current surges before harming the computer
__________ e. Device that ensures a steady voltage delivered to the computer
__________ f. Device that switches automatically to back-up battery power in the event
of power failure
__________ g. Device used to convert the digital output from a computer to an analog
signal
__________ h. Device used to move chunks of text from one place in a document to
another
__________ i. The main memory of the computer where data and program are stored
while the job is in progress
__________ j. Measures one million times per second

2. Enumeration

Three parts of CPU

Five microprocessors commonly found in today’s personal computer

Four types of display adapters

Three types of printer according to the amount of information printed at a time

Two types of output devices other than printer

Three sizes of diskette found in the market today

34
3. Identify the following acronyms and give their primary function

a. ALU

b. AVR

c. OCR

d. CRT

e. MICR

f. UPS

g. MHz

h. MODEM

i. CD-ROM

j. CU

35