a

TECHNOLOGY
AND LIVELIHOOD
EDUCATION
7
INTERNET AND COMPUTING
FUNDAMENTALS I
Technology and Livelihood Education – ICF-I 7
Quarter 1 – Module 2: Identifying, Explaining and Differentiating the
Types of Microcomputer

First Edition, 2020

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Published by the Department of Education - Schools Division of Pasig City

Development Team of the Self-Learning Module

Writer: Catherine G. Santos
Editor: Michael Ivan S. Ordillano
Reviewer: Michael Ivan S. Ordillano
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Layout Artist:
Management Team: Ma. Evalou Concepcion A. Agustin
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 T. L. E. 7
Quarter 1
Self-Learning Module 2
Identifying, Explaining and
Differentiating the Types of
Microcomputer
Introductory Message

For the Facilitator:

Welcome to the (Internet and Computing Fundamentals I) Self-Learning

Module on (Identifying, Explaining, and Differentiating the Types of Microcomputer)!

This Self-Learning Module was collaboratively designed, developed and

reviewed by educators from the Schools Division Office of Pasig City headed by its
Officer-in-Charge Schools Division Superintendent, Ma. Evalou Concepcion A.
Agustin, in partnership with the City Government of Pasig through Mayor, Honorable
Victor Ma. Regis N. Sotto. The writers utilized the standards set by the K to 12
Curriculum using the Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELC) in developing
this instructional resource.

This learning material hopes to engage the learners in guided and independent
learning activities at their own pace and time. Further, this also aims to help learners
acquire the needed 21st century skills especially the 5 Cs, namely: Communication,
Collaboration, Creativity, Critical Thinking, and Character while taking into
consideration their needs and circumstances.

In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the
body of the module:

Notes to the Teacher

This contains helpful tips or strategies that
will help you in guiding the learners.

As a facilitator you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this
module. You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing them to
manage their own learning. Moreover, you are expected to encourage and assist the
learners as they do the tasks included in the module.
 For the Learner:

Welcome to the (Internet and Computing Fundamentals I) Self-Learning

Module on (Identifying, Explaining, and Differentiating the Types of Microcomputer)!

This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful
opportunities for guided and independent learning at your own pace and time. You
will be enabled to process the contents of the learning material while being an active
learner.

This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:

Expectations - This points to the set of knowledge and skills

that you will learn after completing the module.

Pretest - This measures your prior knowledge about the lesson

at hand.

Recap - This part of the module provides a review of concepts

and skills that you already know about a previous lesson.

Lesson - This section discusses the topic in the module.

Activities - This is a set of activities that you need to perform.

Wrap-Up - This section summarizes the concepts and

application of the lesson.

Valuing - This part integrates a desirable moral value in the

lesson.

Posttest - This measures how much you have learned from the
entire module.
 EXPECTATIONS

At the end of learning activity, the students should be able to:

A. Define Microcomputer operationally;
B. Identify the different types of Microcomputer and its characteristics; and
C. Cite an advantages and disadvantages of using Microcomputer in different
field of work.

PRETEST

Directions: Read the questions carefully and choose the letter of the best answer.
Write your answer on the spaces provided.

________1. The following are main components of microcomputers except one.

a. CPU c. I/O buses
b. Memory d. Motherboard

________2. This type of computer is small enough that can be placed in a desk and
some are a very handful that can be carried out whenever you go.
a. Minicomputer c. Mainframe
b. Microcomputer d. Supercomputer

________3. Just like Desktop Computer, they can also perform various complex
functions, however, it can run on their in-built battery as well as wall outlet supply.
a. Laptop c. Notebook
b. Palmtop d. Tablet

________4. It is a personal computer that can be placed in the desk or a table.

a. Laptop c. Desktop
b. PDA d. Smartphone

________5. The features of this microcomputer are like tablet, palmtop and
Smartphone but smaller in size.
a. Notebook c. PDA
b. Netbook d. Desktop
 RECAP
Directions: Arrange the JUMBLED letters to form the correct answer. A description
on the right side will help you recognize the type of computer being described. Write
your answer on the spaces provided.

FMINAMEAR 1. These are large sized computers just like the

supercomputer equally powerful but has lesser ability in
terms of the computation.

OMMICPTERINU 2. Also known as mid-range computers.

UTCROCOPERMIM 3. The smallest computer among them all, they have also
small memory, less processing power but has moderately
powerful microprocessor.

IITLDGA 4. These computers are the most commonly used high

speed programmable electronic devices nowadays that
perform mathematical calculations, compare values and
store results.

RVSEER 5. These types of computers are very functional and

provide resources and services to client computers in a
server-client network model.

LESSON

Lesson 2: THE MICROCOMPUTERS

Definition:
Microcomputer commonly known as a personal computer is designed in which
the Central Processing Unit (CPU), the brain of the computer, is contained in one
single chip called microprocessor as well as it consists data memory (RAM, ROM),
and Input/Output buses all connected on the motherboard.
Physically speaking Microcomputers are small enough that can be placed in
a desk and some are very handful that can be carried out whenever you go and work
conveniently even riding on a bus or a train. Because of its affordable price, it
became practically used in most offices and people's homes nowadays.
In its technical aspect, a microcomputer means a computer with a
microcontroller. It is used in home appliances such as microwaves, TV, refrigerator
and more.
Although most Microcomputers were small, it has powerful microprocessors
that lead to its popularity in the 1970s and 1980s and continuously growing
especially in this COVID-19 Pandemic time. It became a necessity and an amazing
tool to satisfy the needs of people staying home and coping up to the new normal
situation due to the existing COVID-19 Pandemic.

Common Features of Microcomputer

• Affordable cost
• Small in size
• Used by a single user
• Friendly user
• Consumes less processing power
• Often designed for personal usage
• With single integrated semiconductor chip
• Produce less heat
• Mostly portable
• Compatible in some software

Types of Microcomputer
Desktop
Desktop microcomputer as its name implies it is a
personal computer that can be placed in the desk or a table.
This type of computer has various attached components
through wires such as keyboard, mouse, monitor, and system
unit. It is very convenient for the users and can perform several
complicated tasks a few times without getting any interruption.
https://binged.it/3iFbcPY
It has the capability to link the internet through Wi-Fi or LAN.
Compared to other microcomputers such as Laptops and
Notebooks, drawbacks mentioned as not portable because it needs a fixed area due
to its bigger size.
Laptop
The laptop microcomputer was designed like a stylish
briefcase. They are smaller compared to desktop
microcomputers. Just like Desktop Computer, they can also
perform various complex functions. However, it can run on
their in-built battery as well as wall outlet supply.
The best advantage of this type of computer is its portability
https://binged.it/3f9znE because various small size components are built in such as the
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keyboard, touchpad LCD display, and other internal parts
(Motherboard, CPU, Hard disk, and more).
These microcomputers are sometimes more expensive to desktop computers
depending on brands and system specifications.
A laptop computer usually weighs 4-8 pounds (2 to 4 kilograms), depending
on display size, hardware, and other factors. It has fans and another system like in
desktop adjusted to suit its use.
Notebook

Notebook microcomputer is just like a smaller Laptop.

It has lighter weight and easy to carry from one place to another
and conveniently put in a briefcase or travel bags/backpacks.
This computer typically weighs less than 5 pounds and
is small enough like "notebook-sized". Compared to Laptops, it
has less processing power that is why it usually does not have
https://binged.it/3gzaNw
an effective cooling system.
I

Tablet
Tablet microcomputers are handheld portable devices
that are a smaller size than notebooks devices but bigger to
smartphones. An amazing feature was added because of its
touch screen interface. Both (Input/output) activities can be
performed on its LCD screen.
Just like Smartphone, tablets are enabled to Wi-fi,
https://binged.it/38Axu0
has touch screen display, power full Battery Backup, and
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can already run several applications such as word
processing and spreadsheets. Users who are not used to touch screens can
use an external keyboard if more needed. Users can even call and receive a
call, take pictures, and anything using a tablet.
Smartphone
A smartphone microcomputer is a touch screen mobile
phone that functions like a computer. Expensive and new
generation smartphones are build using advanced technology. It
has the capability to perform numerous advanced functions
similar to a computer such as install an operating system,
download different apps, internet access, and more activities.
https://binged.it/323QljR Smartphones are now multi-purpose and multi-tasking.
Remarkable features of this computer are its ability to send E-
mail, take pictures while listening to music, access sites and open other social media
platform at the same time, and more.

PDA
PDA stands for “Personal Digital Assistant”, is another
handheld device with great portability. The features are like a
tablet, palmtop, and Smartphone but smaller in size. PDA has a
small LCD screen for performing both task input/output with
the use of Stylus Pen. It can communicate with other computers
like laptops, desktops, and other through LAN cable, infrared
https://binged.it/38Ae10s
(IR), Bluetooth, radio beams, Wi-Fi, and radio waves. Office
workers and businessmen mostly use PDA for maintaining the
record to appointment calendars, to-do lists, address books, and for taking notes.
Palmtop
Palmtop microcomputer is also a handheld device as big
as a palm and too small to put in a pocket, that is why called
“Pocket computer”. It is smaller than PDA making it more
portable than any other microcomputer. Palmtops use PCMCIA
slots for enabling disk drives, memory management, modems,
and another terminal due to their smaller size. It also uses the
https://binged.it/2ZInn6e
Windows CE operating system and usually consumes less
power. They need a stylus pen stick instead of a keyboard for
inserting the input.
Uses of Microcomputer

In-Home for Personal Usage

Accomplishing household chores, listening to music, watching movies, playing
games, entertainment, and using in any social media are only some uses of
microcomputers at home. The increasing demand for microcomputer has been
elevated due to Covid-19 where it doesn’t only serve now as a leisure device but had
been used for communication to order food, buy hygiene products, medical supplies,
and most importantly to call emergency hotlines.
In Business
Complex calculations have been taken care of by computers nowadays making
it very convenient for almost all organizations, businessmen, and bank employees to
process massive data and perform any task in a short duration.
Graphic design, architecture firms, film studios, tax returns, and other
business sectors become lenient to microcomputers accomplish their jobs.
Medical Sector
Hospitals and even small clinics now rely on microcomputers to keep track of
the records of their patient. Sophisticated equipment like X-ray machines and (MRI)
magnetic resonance imaging devices are only some the example of medical
microcomputers used by several lab technicians.
Education Sector
Microcomputers are commonly used devices in various colleges, universities,
and even public elementary and secondary schools now in the Philippines. Smart
TVs, LCD projectors, Smartphones, and Laptops are some examples of
microcomputers used for providing computer education to their students.
It can also be used in several applications such as word processing, well-
designed presentation, E-spreadsheet, communications, database management
systems, and graphic designs.
Mobile Computing Device
The advent popularity of microcomputers is due to the use of devices like PDA,
tablet, palmtop, and Smartphone. You can bring and access them anytime and
anywhere with a wireless network.
Use as Microcontrollers
Most of the microcomputers are microcontrollers. These are made by enabling
it with CPU, program memory, and input/output connectors. Embedded programs
stored in medical and office equipment, robot, toys, automobile engine control
systems, are some of the example applications of this kind of computer.

Advantages of Using Microcomputer

• Maintenance is low.
• For designing different software and App.
• Users can easily assemble and replace all hardware part of the microcomputer
• Easy to use even by the untrained office staff.
• Are very useful for students to perform their research work.
• Easily connected to the internet and source of communication.
• Most of the microcomputer devices are portable.
• Affordable.
• Microcomputer is multi-tasking.
• Calculate complex data.

Disadvantages of Microcomputer
• Due to its affordability, people easily acquire it in the market, leading to
computer addiction like online games and misuse of the internet.
• It has less storage capacity; an external storage device is needed.
• Microcomputer has less computing performance due to low performing
processor.
• Weak performance due to inefficient power processors
• Users can get physical problems such as neck and back pain, eye strain.
• Difficult to upgrade and increase its performance because the motherboard is
made for different types of processors.
• Microcomputer has not strong protection power, so intruders can easily steal
your data by spreading viruses on your computers.

ACTIVITIES

Activity I - Tell Me You Know Me!

Direction: List down at least two (2) characteristics of the following

Microcomputers:

1. Desktop________________________________________________________.
________________________________________________________________.
2. Laptop _________________________________________________________.
________________________________________________________________.
3. Notebook ______________________________________________________.
________________________________________________________________.
4. Smartphone ___________________________________________________.
________________________________________________________________.
5. Palmtop _______________________________________________________.
________________________________________________________________.
Activity II - Draw Me/ Paste Me Here!

Direction: Draw as much as you can in the box the type of Microcomputer you are
using at home or you used in school for learning. Label it with its name. Or you
can cut out from books or magazines and paste it inside the box.

PERFORMANCE SCORE CARD (RUBRICS)

CRITERIA PERCENTAGE SCORE

Creativity- was able to draw 40%
microcomputer creatively with label.
Adherence to the Procedure-followed 4o%
the directions correctly.
Workmanship-was able to submit the 20%
output within the given period.
PERFORMANCE RATING
 WRAP-UP

Using the graphic organizer below, list down two (2) uses of Microcomputers in the
following sectors mentioned below. Explain your answer briefly. (5 points each)

Home Business
Sector

Medical Education

VALUING

Directions: Complete the following statement below. Write your answer on

the spaces provided.

1. During this Covid-19 Pandemic time, internet and computer are……………….

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
2. I use my smartphone/mobile phone in ……………………………………………….
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
 POSTTEST

Directions: Identification: Select your answer inside the smart shape of which type
of microcomputer being described below. Write your answer in the space provided
for you.

Desktop Laptop Notebook

Tablet Smartphone PDA Palmtop

_____________1. It is a touch screen mobile phone that functions like a computer.

_____________2. They are handheld portable devices that are smaller size than
notebooks devices but bigger to Smartphone.

_____________3. It is also called as pocket computer.

_____________4. It is usually used for maintaining the record to appointment

calendars, to-do lists, address books, and for taking notes.

_____________5. This computer typically weighs less than 5 pounds and are small
enough like "notebook sized".
Recap Pretest Post test
1. Mainframe 1. D 1. Smartphone
2. Minicomputer 2. B 2. Tablet
3. Microcomputer 3. A 3. Palmtop
4. Digital 4. C 4. PDA
5. Server 5. C 5. Notebook
Activity I
Activity I - Tell Me You Know Me!
1. Desktop
a. It is a personal computer that can be placed in the desk or a
table.
b. This type of computer has various attached components
through wires such as keyboard, mouse, monitor and system
unit.
2. Laptop
a. They are smaller compared to desktop microcomputer.
b. It can run on their in-built battery as well as wall outlet
supply.
3. Notebook
a. This computer typically weighs less than 5 pounds and are
small enough like "notebook-sized".
b. Compared to Laptops, it has less processing power that is
why it usually does not have an effective cooling system.
4. Smartphone
a. It is a touch screen mobile phone that functions like a
computer.
b. Remarkable features of this computer are its ability to send
E-mail, take pictures while listening to music, access sites
and open other social media platform at the same time, and
more.
5. Palmtop
a. is also a handheld device as big as a palm and too small to
put in a pocket, that is why called as “Pocket computer”.
b. It is smaller than PDA making it more portable than any
other microcomputers.
Wrap up- answers may vary
Valuing- answers may vary
KEY TO CORRECTION
 Tablet Smartphones PDA Palmtop

Desktop Laptop Notebook

Activity II - Draw Me/ Paste Me Here!

References
Online Sources

Banger, Er R. “What is Microcomputer? Its Types, Examples and Uses”. Digital

Thinker Help.com. 2020, March 11. Retrieved from https://bit.ly/3e2txTU
Pandey, Avinash. “Types of Microcomputer”. Quick Learn Computer.Com. 2020,
April 29. Retrieved from https://bit.ly/3e50gHW

“What are the Different Types of Microcomputer? Reference.com. 2020.

Retrieved from https://bit.ly/31OT3cM

“Microcomputer”. Wikipedia.com. 2007, August.

Thakur, Dinesh. “What is Microcomputer”. Ecomputer Notes.com. Retrieved from

https://bit.ly/3gBMI8N

Adkins, Linden. “Who Made the Microcomputer”. Quora.com. 2018, October 12,
Retrieved from https://bit.ly/31Otp7V
“Laptops vs. Notebook”. Differ.com. Retrieved from https://bit.ly/2VLUEMD

“Duplichecker.com”