UNIT 01: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEFINED as often as snail mail and 5 times more than a telephone.

5. Routine daily tasks such as banking, buying groceries are affected by computer technologies.
TECHNOLOGY has reshaped our lives at home, at work and in education. Almost all
businesses have an online presence, and most business processes require the use of computers in
some way.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY is the use of any computer, storage, networking, and
other physical device to create, process, store, secure and exchange all forms of electronic data. IT
focuses on the information processing from the collection, to the processing, and the sharing of
information. IT deals with the methods and tools used in the information processing.
Information is now a necessity in today's society, sometimes even provided real-time and
reaches people in different parts of the world. This is an engagement in the 21st century that is
lucrative in a business setting. IT, beyond communications, offers many personal career paths and
company growth leading to competitive advantage in each respective field. To become more
competent in each respective field, one must know basic computer skills and must build a
foundation using the fundamental technology concepts.
In a world that is being defined by technology and digital trends, the demand for digital
literacy has increased exponentially.
We need to expand our knowledge to avoid unfamiliar situations and modernize our skills
to stay relevant in a dynamic work environment.
That is why it is important for us to learn the fundamentals of information technology.
UNIT 02: COMPONENTS OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM
A lot of people believe that computers are extremely complicated devices because of the
tasks they perform. Like any machine, there are components that are complicated from an
outsider's perspective, but as soon as you learn about these components, the complexity unravels
and becomes understandable.

We go beyond learning the basic definition of information technology in the classroom, but
also in an online or digital presence. An individual's ability to find, evaluate, and compose clear
information through writing and other media on various digital platforms is known as digital
literacy. Computer literacy is also known as digital literacy. An individual must keep up with the
changes in technology and become computer literate.

Now why do we need to study information technology? Simply because we use these
technologies in our everyday lives, and we need to further understand how these hardware and
software are working. Computer skills are needed regardless of setting and field, whether at home,
work, school or play. By understanding computers, you become self-sufficient whether you use it
for research, communications or time management. By mastering fundamentals, you will develop a
strong base to support furtherance of your knowledge in the years to come.

SOME COMPUTER ROLES IN OUR LIVES:

1. Tiny embedded computers control alarm clocks,
entertainment centers and home appliances
2. Today's automobiles cannot run efficiently without embedded computer systems A COMPUTER SYSTEM (All the different parts of a computer, including the
devices you plug into it, are known collectively as ‘a computer system’.)
3. An estimated 10 mil people work from home instead of
commuting to work because of pcs and networking technologies.
4. People use social media for communications nearly 10 times
 A computer system is a collection of parts, a computer combined with hardware and
software used to perform desired tasks. No matter the size and capability, a computer system
consists of four components: HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, DATA, and the USER.

HARDWARE
 This is the first component of a computer system. It refers to the tangible, physical
computer equipment and devices which provide support for the major functions of the
computer system.
 Mainly the mechanical aspects of the computer.
 The hardware controls the input of data into the computer system and the output of
information from the computer system.
 All these devices are interconnected with each other.
Kinds of According to Function: INPUT DEVICES, OUTPUT DEVICES & INPUT AND
OUTPUT DEVICES
1. INPUT DEVICES
Used to enter data or instructions into a computer system. Input devices fall into two
categories:
 MANUAL INPUT DEVICES (needs to be operated by a human to input data) and
automatic input devices can input data on their own.
 EACH INPUT DEVICE is concerned with a specific type of data: Scanner -
documents or images, Digital Camera - still moving images.
3. INPUT AND OUTPUT DEVICES - are hardware devices that have the capability to
accept data and information and at the same time send them.
 3.1 HEADSET is a Headphone combined with a microphone. Used in call centers and
by people in telephone-intensive jobs, headsets provide the equivalent functionality of a
telephone handset with hands-free operation.
 3.2 ALL IN 1 PRINTER is a single printer device that serves several functions,
including printing, faxing, scanning, and copying.
 3.3 MOBILE DEVICE is a computing device small enough for a user to hold in his or
her hand.
 3.4 MP4 DEVICE is a device that lets you listen to music, watch movies, listen to the
radio, has a built-in microphone that lets you record up to 16 hours, can view photos,
and can read e-books.
Almost all input and output devices are known as 'PERIPHERAL DEVICES'. These
are nonessential hardware components that usually connect to the system externally.
Peripherals are called non-essential because the system can operate without them.

2. OUTPUT DEVICES
 Used to convey information from the computer system to one or more people. When raw
data has been processed it becomes usable information.
 Output devices are pieces of hardware that send this usable information out of the
computer.
 Output devices send information out temporarily and some send information out
permanently: temporary output device (monitors) and permanent output devices (printers
which output information onto paper as hard copy).
COMMON PERIPHERAL DEVICES
3. SYSTEM UNIT - houses the electronic components to process data
 • Motherboard-This is the main circuit board of the system unit. The motherboard is
central to any computer system.
• All components are plugged into the motherboard either directly (straight into the
circuit board) or indirectly (vis USB ports)
 PROCESSOR
• The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the brain of the computer.
• Electronic component that interprets and carries out basic instructions.
• The CPU 'controls' what the computer does and is responsible for performing
calculations and data processing.
MEMORY
• Electronic component that store instructions waiting to be executed and data needed by
those instructions.
• There are two types of internal memory. These two memories are used to store
computer data, and this can be directly accessed by the CPU.
• The RAM and ROM device are sometimes referred to as 'PRIMARY STORAGE'.
ROM (READ ONLY MEMORY)
• ROM is used to permanently store instructions that tell the computer how to boot (start-
up). It also loads the operating system (e.g. Windows).
• These instructions are known as the BIOS (Basic input/output system) or the boot
program.
• Information stored in ROM is known as READ ONLY. This means that the contents of
ROM cannot be altered or added to by the user.
• ROM is fast memory. Data stored in ROM can be accessed and read very quickly.
• ROM is Non-Volatile memory. This means that stored information is not lost when the
computer loses power.
OTHER EXAMPLES OF ROM INCLUDE:
• DVD/CD ROMS bought in stores containing pre-recorded music and movie files.
These are played back at home but cannot be altered.
• ROM in printers which is used to store different font types.
RAM (RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY)
• RAM is used to temporarily store information that is currently in use by the computer.
This can include anything from word documents to videos.
• RAM can be read from and written to and so the information stored in RAM can
change all the time (it depends what tasks you are using the computer for).
• RAM is a fast memory. Data can be written to and read from RAM very quickly. RAM
is generally measured in GB (Gigabytes).
• RAM is Volatile Memory and stores date 'NON- PERMANENTLY'. This means that
information stored in RAM is deleted as soon as the computer is turned off.
• The more RAM you have installed in your computer -- the faster it can perform. You
can open and use more programs at the same time without slowing the computer down.
 * CD-R AND CD-RW DISC - CD-R is a recordable disc that can be written to
once, while
* CD-ROM DISC - An optical storage device that is read-only or cannot be
modified nor deleted.
* CD-R AND CD-RW DISC - CD-R is a recordable disc that can be written to
once, while CDRW is a rewritable disc that can be written to multiple times
* DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW and DVD+RW disc - DVD-R and DVD+R
are recordable discs that can be written to once, while DVD-RW and DVD+RW are
rewritable discs that can be written to multiple times. The difference between
the + and - is in the formatting

FLASH MEMORY DEVICE - is now replacing magnetic storage device as it is

economical, more functional, and dependable.
* MEMORY CARD - An electronic flash memory device used to store digital
4. STORAGE DEVICES - Holds data, instructions, and information permanently for future information and commonly used in mobile electronic devices.
use. It records (writes) and/or retrieves (reads) items to and from storage media. Secondary * MEMORY STICK - A memory card that is removable.
storage devices are used to store data that is not instantly needed by the computer. Secondary * SSD (SOLID STATE DRIVE) - A flash memory device that uses integrated
storage devices permanently store data and programs for as long as we need. These devices are circuit assemblies to save data steadily.
also used to back-up data in case original copies are lost or damaged. There are two categories * USB FLASH DRIVE, JUMP DRIVE OR THUMB DRIVE - A small,
of storage devices: internal storage (internal hard disk drives) and external storage (external portable storage device connected through the USB port.
hard disk drive, memory sticks, etc.)
Hard 
ONLINE AND CLOUD STORAGE - is now becoming widespread as people access
data from different devices.
EXAMPLE OF STORAGE DEVICES * CLOUD STORAGE - Data is managed remotely and made available over a
• MAGNETIC STORAGE DEVICE - one of the most popular types of storage used. network. Basic features are free to use but upgraded version is paid monthly as
* HARD DRIVE - An internal hard drive is the main storage device in a a per consumption rate.
computer. An external hard drive is also known as removable hard drive. It is used * NETWORK MEDIA - Audio, Video, Images or Text that are used on a
to store portable data and backups. computer network. A community of people create and use the content shared over
 OPTICAL STORAGE DEVICE - uses lasers and lights as its mode of saving and the internet.
retrieving data. CLASSIFICATION OF MEMORY AND STORAGE DEVICES
* BLU-RAY DISC - A digital optical storage device which was intended to  ACCORDING TO DATA RETENTION
replace the DVD format. A. VOLATILE MEMORY
* CD-ROM DISC - An optical storage device that is read-only or cannot be - Device requires power to retain its stored data - data is lost as soon as
modified nor deleted. power is cut-off from the device
 B. NON-VOLATILE MEMORY
- Device can retain stored data even after computer power is turned-off
 ACCORDING TO ACCESS TECHNIQUE
A. RANDOM ACCESS
- Data stored in the device can be accessed in any order, i.e. random
B. SEQUENTIAL ACCESS
- Data stored in the device can be accessed only in sequential order from
start to finish
- Example: A movie stored in a BluRay Disc is accessed in sequential
order so that the movie stored therein can be viewed from start to finish
 ACCORDING TO ACCESS RIGHTS
A. READ/WRITE ACCESS
- The device allows data to be read and written onto it.
B. READ-ONLY ACCESS
- The device only allows data to be read from it - its contents is
prefabricated during the production of the device.
5. COMMUNICATION DEVICES - Enables a computer to send and receive data,
instructions, and information to and from one or more computers. A hardware device capable
of transmitting an analog or digital signal over the telephone, other communication wire, or
wirelessly.
Examples: Bluetooth devices, Infrared devices, Modem (over phone line), Network card
(using Ethernet), Smartphone, Wi-Fi devices (using a Wi-Fi router)
SOFTWARE
 Software is a collection of instructions that enables a user to interact with the computer
or have the computer perform specific tasks for them. Without any software the
computer would be useless.
 Software is a generic term for organized collections of computer data and instructions,
often broken into two major categories: system software that provides the basic non-
task-specific functions of the computer, and application software which is used by
users to accomplish specific tasks.
SYSTEM SOFTWARE is responsible for controlling, integrating, and managing the
individual hardware components of a computer system so that other software and the users of
the system see it as a functional unit without having to be concerned with the low-level details
such as transferring data from memory to disk, or rendering text onto a display. Generally,
system software consists of an operating system and some fundamental utilities such as disk
formatters, file managers, display managers, text editors, user authentication (login) and
management tools, and networking and device control software.
APPLICATION SOFTWARE, on the other hand, is used to accomplish specific tasks other
than just running the computer system. Application software may consist of a single program,
such as an image viewer; a small collection of programs (often called a software package) that
work closely together to accomplish a task, such as a spreadsheet or text processing system; a
larger collection (often called a software suite) of related but independent programs and
packages that have a common user interface or shared data format, such as Microsoft Office,
which consists of closely integrated word processor, spreadsheet, database, etc.; or a software
system, such as a database management system, which is a collection of fundamental programs
that may provide some service to a variety of other independent applications.
Software is created with programming languages and related utilities, which may come
in several of the above forms: single programs like script interpreters, packages containing a
compiler, linker, and other tools; and large suites (often called Integrated Development
Environments) that include editors, debuggers, and other tools for multiple languages.
KINDS OF OPERATING SYSTEM
1. MICROSOFT WINDOWS- PC and IBM compatible operating system. Microsoft
Windows is the most commonly found and used operating system.
2. APPLE MACOS MACINTOSH OPERATING SYSTEM - Apple computer operating
system. The only Apple computer operating system.
3. UBUNTU LINUX - A popular variant of Linux used with PC and IBM compatible
computers.
4. GOOGLEANDROID -operating system used with Android compatible phones.
5. iOS - Operating system used with the Apple iPhone, iPad.
TYPES OF UTILITY SOFTWARE
a. DISK DEFRAGMENTER is Windows designed to increase rearranging files stored on a
utility in Microsoft access speed by a disk to occupy contiguous storage locations. Disk
Defragmenter also reduces system startup times.
b. DISK CLEANER is a computer maintenance utility included in Microsoft Windows
designed to free up disk space on a computer's hard drive. The utility first searches and
analyzes the hard drive for files that are no longer of any use, and then removes the
unnecessary files.
c. DISK PARTITIONER it is the dividing of a hard disk drive into multiple logical storage
units referred to as partitions, to treat one physical disk drive as if it were multiple disks.
d. BACKUP UTILITIES are computer programs used to perform backup; they create
supplementary exact copies of files, databases, or entire computers. These programs may later
use the supplementary copies to restore the original contents in the event of data loss.
e. ANTI-VIRUS UTILITIES is software used to prevent, detect and re such as computer
viruses, adware, backdoors, malicious BHOs, dialers, fraud tools, hijackers, keyloggers,
malicious LSPs, rootkits, spyware, trojan horses and worms. Computer security, including
protection from social engineering techniques, is commonly offered in products and services of
antivirus software companies.
KINDS OF APPLICATION SOFTWARE
A. WORD PROCESSING SOFTWARE is usually what leads people to using a computer
for their work. Word processors will normally have the following capabilities built into them:
 Spell checking
 Standard layouts for normal documents
 Have some characters appear in bold print, italics, or underlined.
 Center lines, make text line up on the left side of the paper, or the right side of the
paper.
 Save the document so it can be used again.
 Print the document.
Two of the most common word processing programs are WordPerfect and Microsoft Word.
B. SPREADSHEET SOFTWARE. The spreadsheet packages are designed to use numbers
and formulas to do calculations with ease. Examples of spreadsheets include:
 Budgets
 Payrolls
 Grade Calculations
 Address Lists
The most commonly used spreadsheet programs are Microsoft Excel and Lotus 123.
C. DATABASE SOFTWARE is an application software that allows users to create, access, DATA - This is the third component of a computer system. It consists of individual facts or
and manage a database. A database is a collection of data and records. Database programs are pieces of information that are used by the computer system to produce information. Data by
designed for these types of applications: themselves may not make much sense to a person. The computer's primary job is to process
 Membership lists data in various ways, making them useful. Without data, the computer wouldn't be able to
 Student lists function properly.
 Grade reports
 Instructor schedules Example: The grades of fifty students in one class, all different pieces of data which doesn't
make much sense yet, but when a chart is created from the data, and frequencies are
Some of the most commonly used database programs are Microsoft Access and dBASE. developed. This now makes sense at a glance.

D. GRAPHIC PRESENTATION SOFTWARE. The presentation programs can make giving

presentations and using overheads easier. Other uses include:
 Slide Shows
 Repeating Computer Presentations on a computer monitor
 Using Sound and animation in slide shows

The most recognized graphic presentation programs are Microsoft PowerPoint and Harvard
Graphics.

E. DESKTOP PUBLISHING SOFTWARE is a tool for graphic designers in creating visual

communications for professional or desktop printing as well as for online and on-screen
electronic publishing. Example of desktop publishing software is Microsoft Publisher.
USERS - This is the fourth component of a computer system. The operator of a computer is
known as 'peopleware', other books call them liveware, or human ware. The user commands
F. GRAPHIC SOFTWARE is a program that enables the user to manipulate visual images on
the computer system to execute on instructions. Some computer systems are complete without
a computer. Example of graphics software is Adobe Photoshop.
a person's involvement, but not all computers are totally autonomous. Basically, anyone who
communicates with a computer system or uses the information it generates.
G. MULTIMEDIA SOFTWARE is a program that can combine text, graphics, full-motion
video, and audio into an integrated package. Example of multimedia software is Windows
Example: programmer, developer, teacher using MS Excel, student using MS Word Knowing
Movie Maker.
the parts of a computer system allows us, users, to understand better each function of the
computer system and our make the experience of using the computer system more efficient.
H. ENTERTAINMENT SOFTWARE is a program designed to listen to music and watch
video clips using the computer. Example of an entertainment software is Windows Media
 Management Information Systems (MISO)
Player.
 IT Director
  Systems Analyst
 Programmer
 Computer Technician
 Encoder
UNIT 03: COMPUTER TYPES AND VARIETIES
Before we learn the types of computers still being used today, let us define what a
computer is. A computer is defined by Peter Norton as "An electronic device that processes
data according to a predetermined set of instructions that convert data info information useful
to people. They perform specific tasks based on the instructions provided by a software or
hardware program".
Also, according to Gary Shelly, a computer is defined as "An electronic device
operating under the control of instructions stored in its memory that can accept data, process
the data, produce and store results for future use". Computers can also store data for future use
with the appropriate storage devices.
A computer is a programmable device that can automatically perform a sequence of
calculations or other operations on data once programmed for the task. It can store, retrieve,
and process data according to internal instructions. Computers can be categorized in many
ways: by size and capacity, by data handling and operating system capabilities, based on the
number of microprocessors, and based on the number of users. In this module, we're going to
classify computers according to the size and capacity.
Before cloud computing and the use of digital systems, large companies use (01)
SUPERCOMPUTERS because they required a big amount of computing power. A
supercomputer has an incredibly high level of performance. These are usually used on a large-
scale operation like industrial function, space exploration, weather forecasting, and nuclear
testing.
A supercomputer is a computer at the leading edge of data processing capability, with
respect to calculation speed. Supercomputers are used for scientific and engineering problems
(high performance computing) which crunch numbers and data, while mainframes focus on
transaction processing.
(02) MAINFRAME COMPUTER are like big centralized machines that contains the
large memory, huge storage space, multiple high-grade processors, so it has ultra- processing
power compare to standard computer systems. The use of the primary memory and having
multiple processors are done by mainframe computers. These are used in moderate data
processing, banking, and insurance. It handles bulk data processing, statistics, and analysis
them.
The term originally referred to the large cabinets called "main frames" that housed the
central processing unit and main memory of early computers. Later, the term was used to
distinguish high-end commercial machines from less powerful units. Most large-scale
computer system architectures were established in the 1960s, but continue to evolve.
Mainframe computers are often used as servers.
(03) MINICOMPUTERS were introduced in the mid-1960s. It has the most of the
features and capabilities of a large computer but more compact in size. This is also called a
midrange computer. Minicomputers were primarily used for process control and performing
financial and administrative tasks, such as word processing and accounting. Some machines
were designed for medical laboratory and teaching aids.
(04) A MICROCOMPUTER has a central processing unit (CPU) as a microprocessor.
These are also known as personal computers (PC). Microcomputers are primarily used for
word processing, managing databases or spreadsheets, graphics and general office
applications.
A microcomputer is a small and relatively inexpensive computer that has a
microprocessor as its central processing unit. It includes memory, a microprocessor, and
minimal input/output circuitry built on a single printed circuit board. Micro-computers are
classified into workstations - Also known as desktop machines, workstations are mostly used
for intensive graphical applications, personal computers-more affordable and easier to use than
workstations and are self-sufficient computers intended for one user, laptop computers and
Mini PCs - Mini PCs are tiny computers that can fit in the palm of your hand.
KINDS OF MICROCOMPUTER
 DESKTOP COMPUTER
 LAPTOP COMPUTER
 PALMTOP
CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTER ACCORDING TO PURPOSE
 GENERAL PURPOSE COMPUTER
 SPECIAL PURPOSE COMPUTER

(05) AN EMBEDDED COMPUTER, which is an integral component of most

embedded systems, is a combination of hardware and software that is designated to perform a
highly specific function. For example, the type of embedded computer in a washing machine
will not be the same as the embedded computer in a Nikon camera. Because the software in
embedded computers is designed to only execute certain tasks, the computer's software in one
device can be totally distinct from that of another.

UNIT 04: EVOLUTION OF A COMPUTER

The history of computers is a remarkable journey that spans several centuries,
witnessing transformative advancements that have revolutionized human society. From ancient
calculating devices to the powerful supercomputers and smartphones we have today, this
course aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the evolution of computers, highlighting
key examples that illustrate major milestones in this remarkable progression.
1. PRE-COMPUTER ERA (PRE-20TH CENTURY)
A. ABACUS: One of the earliest known calculating devices, the abacus has roots
dating back to around 2400 BCE in ancient Mesopotamia and China. It allowed users to
perform basic