Week 4 CC101

Lesson: Components of a Computer

Learning Outcomes: Provide a comprehensive understanding of the various components of a computer

and their roles, enabling students to grasp the fundamental concepts and principles
of computer hardware and software.

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COMPONENTS OF A COMPUTER
People living in the 21st century can be generally considered “techie” people.
Almost everywhere we go, we notice people using their phones taking selfie or “groufie”
photos, update their status in social media or having video calls; others are may be using
laptops for their presentations or checking their smartwatches while doing their routine
exercises, submit application online, book for a ticket or hotel reservations or make a
research. All of these and more are things we can do with computers.
A computer is a machine that accepts data as input, processes that data using programs
and outputs the processed data as information.
Data is a collection of unprocessed facts, figures, and symbols.
(e.g. Ram, age, 32, years, old).
Information is a processed form of data. It is organized, meaningful, and useful.
(e.g. Ram is 32 years old. Or Ram’s age is 32 years.)
It uses a set of instructions (called program) to process the data and give the result
(output). The result can be used immediately or saved for future use.

In the process of converting data to information, a computer uses hardware and software.
At the simplest level, all computers consist of these two basic components; the hardware
and the software.
Hardware is any part of the computer that has a physical structure that can be
seen and touched, though some may be so tiny that they are invisible to the naked eye.
Software is the instruction set that tells the computer how to perform tasks.
Software is intangible i.e., that cannot be seen and touched, but its effect is clearly
defined.

Functions of a Computer
A computer has four main functions: Input, Processing, Output and Storage.
 1. Input – is the data entered to a computer from the input devices such as keyboard,
mouse, scanner, camera, microphone, etc. The input data can also be a character,
word, image, sound, etc.

2. Processing – the task of performing operations like logical and arithmetic

operations. It performs all types of calculations based on the instructions given
such as editing or modifying a document, etc. It is then stored in the computer’s
main memory.

3. Output – the result generated after processing the input data. Output data can be
in the form of text, sound, image, printed document, etc. The devices used in
displaying or generating an output may be a monitor, printer, speaker, etc.

4. Storage – the process of storing instructions and data permanently. Storage

devices include a flash drive, disk or tape.

Characteristics of a Computer
The reasons why computer are widely used are the following characteristics:
a. Speed – The computer can process data fast that no human being can compete.
It can solve complex computations and analyze data in a few seconds.
Examples are calculators, weather forecasting, PCOS machines.
b. Accuracy – Aside from being fast, computers can give result accurately. Since it is
programmed, any error that may occur can be attributed to human error (either the
user or the programmer).
c. Diligence – Unlike humans, a computer can consistently perform any task for a
long period of time. They do not suffer from human traits like boredom and
tiredness so it can perform a series of repetitive tasks with the same speed and
accuracy from beginning till end.
d. Storage Capability – Todays computers can store a large volume of data. Once
data or information is stored, it can never be forgotten and can be retrieved at any
time.
e. Versatility – computers are capable of performing any task even at the same time.

Advantages of using a Computer

Just like any other things, computers have pros and cons. The advantages of using
a computer include:
Multitasking With the use of computers, the processing of tasks
becomes faster and easier. Since computers perform
faster and more accurately, people can save time and
energy.
Record Keeping Since computers have a large storage capacity,
organizations can maintain accounts and manage
transactions even for a long period of time.
Best for Entertainment and People can use their gadgets or mobile phones for
online services watching movies or videos, listening to music, playing
computer games, communicating with loved ones or
friends or even paying bills online.
Great Educational Tool Students can have access to any information on the
internet. They can have their research for additional
information other that what is taught inside the
classrooms.

Disadvantages of using a Computer

Reduction in Employment Opportunity Since tasks are performed automatically

using computers, it reduces the need for
people.
Wastage of time and energy Other people do not use computers wisely.
They spend most of their time using social
media or playing computer games.
Computer Crimes Computers become a venue for
committing cybercrimes like hacking,
cyberbullying, pornography, etc.
Health Risks The use of computers for a prolonged
period of time can result in neck and back
pain, poor eye sights, etc.

BASIC Components of a Computer

1. COMPUTER MONITOR
This is the TV-type screen on which you see the work you’re doing on your
computer.

2. SYSTEM UNIT
The system unit, also known as a "tower" or "chassis," is the main part of a
desktop computer. The part that houses the primary devices that perform
operations and produce results for complex calculations. It includes the
motherboard, CPU, RAM, and other components, as well as the case in which
these devices are housed. The case keeps them neatly and safely together.
3. KEYBOARD
The keyboard is used for entering data into the computer system. It can type
words, numbers, and symbols.

4. MOUSE
The mouse is a pointing device. It is a handheld hardware input device that
controls a cursor in a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for pointing, moving, and
selecting text, icons, files, and folders on your computer.

5. SPEAKERS
The speakers are the output devices that produce different types of sounds
processed by the computer. It is used to play sounds. They may be built into the
system unit or connected with cables. Speakers allow you to listen to music and
hear sound effects from your computer.

6. MICROPHONE
A device that translates sound vibrations in the air into electronic signals and
scribes them to a recording medium or over a loudspeaker. It allows you to input
sounds like speech and songs into the computer. You can record your voice with
the help of a microphone.

7. Printer
A printer prints the results of your work from the computer screen on a sheet of
paper. This is called a printout.

8. Web Camera
A small camera in which images can be accessed through the internet, instant
messaging, or video conferencing. This webcam is attached to our desktop
computer or already built-in in our laptop computer.

9. Headsets
A piece of equipment worn on the head that allows someone to hear sound when
using a phone, music, or computer system.
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References:
Introduction to Information Technology and Computer Fundamentals 2 nd Edition by Jerelyn S. BesueÑa,Lpt ; Jake R. Pomperada, MAED-IT 2023

Computer Fundamentals by Teodoro F. Revano, Jr., Ph.D. 2023

A “GAMIFY” LABORATORY ACTIVITY for 100points by group was conducted.