Pamantasan ng Cabuyao

College of Computing and Engineering

Katapatan Subd., Banay-banay, City of Cabuyao, Laguna

Course Code: CCS101

Course Description: Introduction to Computing
Course Intended Learning Outcomes:
1. Discuss about fundamentals of Information Technology and Computing.
2. Discuss about fundamentals of computer software/hardware and Office Application
Software
3. Explain the Social Issues in Computing

Learning Materials for Week #1:

I. TITLE : An Introduction to Information Technology and Computing

II. OBJECTIVES
After week 1, you are expected to:
1. discuss the basic operation of computer;
2. identify the parts and uses of computer; and
3. identify the common components of a system unit

III. INTRODUCTION

This topic will introduce the computer and its components. A computer is a machine
which manipulates data according to a list of instruction. Computer system and its
operating system as well as software and hardware will also be introduced.

IV. BODY

1. Computer Definition and Parts

A computer is a fast-electronic calculating machine that accepts digitized input information,
processes it according to a list of internally stored instructions, and produces the resulting
output information.
The operation of a computer can be summarized as follows:
1. The computer accepts information in the form of programs and data through an
input unit and stores it in memory.
2. Information stored in the memory is fetched, under program control, into an
arithmetic and logic unit, where it is processed.
3. Processing of information is directed by the control unit in the microprocessor.
4. Resulting information leaves the computer through an output unit.
 Monitor - A monitor is the screen on which words, numbers, and graphics can
be seen. The monitor is the most common output device.

Printer - A printer prints whatever is on the monitor onto paper. Printers can
print words, numbers, or pictures.

Headphones - Headphones give sound output from the computer. They are
similar to speakers, except they are worn on the ears so only one person can
hear the output at a time.

Speaker - A speaker gives you sound output from your computer. Some speakers are
built into the computer and some are separate.

Disk Drives - A disk drive is used to record information from the computer onto a
floppy disk or CD.

Floppy Disk - A floppy disk is used to record information on. The information is
stored on the floppy disk and can be used later or used on another computer.

Compact Disk - Some compact disks can be used to put information on.
This is called burning information to a CD.

Hard Disk Drive. This is a non-volatile storage medium; all modern PCs will
have one if not more than one. A magnetic disk that stores data. Usually a fixed
disk, permanently sealed in the drive, though possibly a removable hard disk. A
hard disk can store a huge amount of data up to 400GB on one disk.

The keyboard is a primary input device. It has letter and number keys,
and what are called function keys, computer specific task keys, that allow
you, the user, to use an English-like language to issue instructions to an
electronic environment. It uses a cursor to keep your place on the screen
and to let you know where to begin typing.

Mouse - The mouse is a hand held device that lets you point to and selected items
on your screen. In a PC mouse there are mostly 2-3 buttons and on a Mac there is
 one. A ball under the mouse senses movement. To ensure smooth motion you should
remove the ball and clean it regularly.

The central processing unit (CPU) is the actual brain of a computer. It is

responsible for processing instructions and carrying out users' commands. Other
parts of the computer serve the microprocessor, enabling it to do its job.

Read-only memory (ROM) contains the commands your computer needs to activate
itself. Instructions in ROM let the computer start when the power is turned on, and,
unlike RAM, its contents are retained even when the power is turned off.

RAM (random-access memory) provides the "working space" for open

applications. The CPU uses RAM to access instructions and data more quickly
than could be done from a storage device. To a large extent the amount of RAM
you have determines how many and what type....

The motherboard (also called a system board or circuit board) is the most
important part of the system. Acting as the foundation of a computer, the
motherboard supplies all of the electrical connections among various
components of the computer, including the CPU, ROM, and RAM. interface
between the network medium (cable, radio waves etc.) and your PC.

An expansion card is a circuit board that slides into an slot on the motherboard. These
cards add functions such as sound, video, or communications to your computer.

A video adapter (alternate terms include graphics card, display adapter,

video card, video board and almost any combination of the words in these
terms) is an integrated circuit card in a computer or, in some cases, a
monitor that provides digital-to-analog conversion, video RAM, and a video
controller so that data can be sent to a computer's display.

A sound card is an expansion card that enables a computer to produce

sound. Examples of uses for sound capabilities include games, music
applications, and interactive educational software.

A network card allows you to connect your PC to a network A network card

is also called network adapter, network interface controller (NIC), network
interface card, or LAN adapter it is a computer hardware component
designed to allow computers to communicate over a computer network.

2. Computer Terminologies
 Data – the symbols that represent people, events, things and ideas
  Information – data presented in a format that people can understand and use
 Bit – binary codes used by computers consisting of either 1 or 0
 Byte – eight bits and are used to represent one character
 Character – may be a letter, number, or punctuation mark
 File – a named collection of data that exists on a storage medium, such as hard
disk, floppy disk or a CD
 Data File – files which are regarded as passive, the data does not instruct the
computer to do anything
 Executable file – files which are considered as active, the instructions stored in the
file cause the computer to carry out some action

Units of Information
 Kilobyte (KB)
o 1KB = 1,024 bytes
o 1KB = 140 words
 Megabyte (MB)
o 1MB = 1,000 KB
o 1MB = 1, 000,000 bytes
o 1MB = 500 pages of text or one large book
 Gigabyte(GB)
o 1GB = 1,000 MB
o 1GB = 1,000,000 KB
o 1GB = 1,000,000,000 bytes
o 1GB = 1,000 books of text

3. Parts of the computer according to their function:

 1. Processing unit = the "brain" of the computer where processing occurs. The
central processing unit (CPU), contained in the system unit box, manipulates
(calculates, compares) data supplied by input and storage devices. While "thinking,"
it temporarily stores results in its internal memory, called RAM. Feedback is
returned to the user via output devices.
2. Input devices = allow the user to send information to the computer. These include:
keyboard, mouse, joystick, trackball, touch-sensitive monitor, voice-input.
3. Output devices = receive information from the CPU and return feedback to the
user. These include: monitor, printer, speakers
4. Storage units = permanent disk storage, using floppy, hard disks, CD-ROMs,
memory cards, memory sticks.

4. Parts of the computer according to their location

1. External parts – computer devices and peripherals that are connected to but are
outside the system unit. Examples are: mouse, keyboard, monitor, speakers,
webcam, printer, scanner, AVR, etc
2. Internal parts - computer parts and peripherals that are inside the system unit.
Examples are: power supply, hard disk drive, floppy disk dive, CD drive, RAM, CPU,
motherboard, sound card, video card, network card, etc.

5. Common components of a System Unit

Ports and Connectors

Motherboard

V. REFERENCES
[1] Besueña, Jerelyn S., Introduction to information technology and computer
fundamentals, Unlimited Books, Philippines 2019
[2] Revano, Teodoro F., Information Systems Fundamentals, S&A Local, Philippines, 2019
[3] Revano, Teodoro F., Living In the Information Era, Mindshapers Co., Inc., Philippines,
2019
[4] Tayuan, Ronina R. Caoili, Living in the information technology era, C & E Publishing,
Inc., Philippines, 2019
5] Shelly, Gary B., Microsoft: Word, Excel and PowerPoint 2010, Cengage Learning, 2015