Page19LEARNING OUTCOME #1PLAN AND PREPARE FOR THE TASK TO BE
UNDERTAKEN
CONTENT/S: Main Types of Computers and Basic Features of
Different Operating Systems.ASSESSMENT CRITERIA: Requirements of
tasks determined in accordance with the required output Appropriate
hardware and software selected according to task assigned and
required outcome Task planned to ensure that OH and S guidelines
and procedures followed Client-specific guidelines and procedures
followed Required data security guidelines applied in accordance
with existing proceduresCONDITIONS:The student/trainee must be
provided with the following: Equipment: 1 unit of computer voltage
regulator / UPS Learning Materials: Learning Manuals Work
Instruction Hand-outs Supplies / Materials: Operating System
Application program
ASSESSMENT METHODS: Hands-on Direct observation Practical
demonstration
Learning Experiences Learning Outcome 1:
Plan and Prepare for the Task to be Undertaken
Learning ActivitiesSpecial Instructions
Read Information Sheet 5.1-1Main Types of Computers and Basic
Features of Different Operating Systems This Learning Outcome deals
with the development of the Institutional Competency Evaluation
Tool which trainers use in evaluating their trainees after
finishing a competency of the qualification. Go through the
learning activities outlined for you on the left column to gain the
necessary information or knowledge before doing the tasks to
practice on performing the requirements of the evaluation tool. The
output of this LO is a complete Institutional Competency Evaluation
Package for one Competency of Consumer Electronics Servicing NC II.
Your output shall serve as one of your portfolio for your
Institutional Competency Evaluation for Perform Computer
Operation.
Feel free to show your outputs to your trainer as you accomplish
them for guidance and evaluation.
Answer Self-check 5.1-1Compare with the model answer
Information Sheet 5.1-1
Main Types of Computers and Basic Features of Different
Operating Systems
Learning Objectives:
After reading this information sheet, you must be able
to:1.Understand the types of computers.2.Learn the basic features
of operating systems.3.Identify the parts of computer systems.
Introduction;
Acomputeris an electronic device that manipulates information,
or data. It has the ability tostore,retrieve, andprocessdata. You
can use a computer to type documents, send email, and browse the
Web. You can also use it to handle spreadsheets, accounting,
database management, presentations, games, and moreComputer
Electronic device Converts data into information Modern computers
are digital Work by the numbers Break information into tiny units,
represented by numbers Older computers were analog Represent data
as variable points along a continuous spectrum of values
Computers for Individual Users1. Desktop Computers The most
common type of PC Sits on the desk or floor Seen in schools, home,
offices Performs a variety of tasks Model : desktop or tower
2. Workstations Specialized computers More power and features
than a desktop Popular among scientists, engineers, architects,
animators Have greater-than-average speed and power to perform
sophisticated tasks Often have high-resolution monitors and
accelerated graphics-handling capabilities
3. Notebook Computers Also called laptop computers Mobile
computers - portability Weighs between 3 and 8 pounds, about 8 by
11 inches Can operate on alternating current or special
batteries
4. Tablet Computers Has the functionality of a notebook PC
Lighter Input is through a pen (stylus or digital pen) Run
specialized versions of office products
5. Handheld PCs Computing devices that fit the handEx. Personal
Digital Assistants (PDA) Appointment book Note taking Contact
management (tel #s, addresses) Keep tracks of dates & agenda
Most uses pen May have tiny built-in keyboard & microphone
Internet access through wireless connection
6. Smart Phones Hybrid of cell phone and PDA Web surfing, e-mail
access Personal organizer Digital camera Music player
Computers for Organizations1. Network Servers Centralized
computer All other computers connect Usu. a powerful PC with
special software & equipment that function as primary computer
in the network Provides access to network resources
2. Mainframe Computers Large, powerful systems used in large
organizations Handle thousands of users who frequently need the
same data Users access through a terminal Dumb terminal - only I/O
device, does not process or store data Intelligent terminal- can do
some processing, usually no storage3. Minicomputers Called midrange
computers (power between mainframe and PC) Handle hundreds of users
in smaller organizations Users access through a terminal or a
standard PC
4. Supercomputers The most powerful computers made Handle large
and complex calculations Process trillions of operations per second
Found in research organizationsEx. Human genome mapping Weather
forecasting Nuclear fission modelingComputers in Society More
impact than any other invention Computers are important because:
Provide information to users Information is critical to our society
Managing information is difficult
Computers at home Computers are used for Communication : e-mail
Business : home-based Finances : pay bills, shop Education
Entertainment
Computers in education Classes aided w/ computers nowadays
Distant learning classes Schools add computer technology to
curricula Computer literacy required at all levels
Computers in small business Makes businesses more profitable,
self-sufficient & have reduced operating expenses Enable
business owners to manage & handle tasks :Ex. Accounting,
Inventory management, Marketing, Payroll
Computers in industry Use computer-aided design or
computer-aided manufacturing system in product creation,
fabrication & assembly Production facilities use robotics to
manufacture products Assembly lines are automated Track vehicle
location & contents Manage maintenance, driver schedules,
invoices, billing etc.
Computers in government First computer users US government
played a key role in developing the Internet Military : calculate
trajectory of missiles primary purpose Necessary to track data for
population Tax calculation and collection Police operations :
search info on criminals, crime scenes, procedures etc.
Computers in science Biology Astronomy Meteorology Surgery
Medicine
Computers in health care Revolutionized health care for more
accurate procedures : Ultrasound, fetal monitoring, magnetic
resonance imaging Laser surgeries Virtual reality trainings
Surgeons use robotic surgical devices Perform delicate operations
or implants Take pictures inside the body to detect polyps, cancer,
other abnormalities Conduct surgeries remotely Managing schedules
Hospitals & doctors maintaining patient records, medical tests
Billings
Computers in publishing Special software assists graphic designs
Develop pages w/ text, graphics & pictures
Computers in travel Onboard navigation system Online
reservations in car, hotel, flights Print directions & map from
the Web
Four (4) Parts of the Computer System 1. Hardware Parts of
computer that can be touched Interconnected devices used to control
the computers operation, input & output
2. Software Set of instructions that tells the computer what to
do Also called a program Thousands of programs exist
3. Data Individual facts or pieces of information (no sense by
themselves) Processed to become useful
4. Users People operating the computer Design, build, program,
repair computer systems etc.
Information Processing Cycle Set of steps the computer follows
to process data Input Processing Output Storage
Four (4) Hardware Categories 1. Processing devices Processor -
brain of the computer Carries out instructions from the program
Consists of 1 or more specialized chips (microprocessors), which
are slivers of silicon or other material etched with many tiny
electronic circuits Manipulate the data Most computers have several
processors Central Processing Unit (CPU) Processors made of silicon
and copper
system unit case that contains the electronic components of the
computer that are used to process data its circuitry usu. is part
of or is connected to a circuit board (motherboard)
2. Memory devices Stores data or programs a. Random Access
Memory (RAM) Volatile Stores current data and programs More RAM
results in a faster system Read/write memoryb. Read Only Memory
(ROM) Non-volatile Permanent storage of programs Holds the computer
boot directions
byte - unit for describing computers memory - amount it takes to
store a single characterUNITABBREVATIONACTUAL VALUE (bytes)
KilobyteKB1,024
MegabyteMB1,048,576
GigabyteGB1,073,741,824
TerabyteTB1,099,511,627,776
3. Input and output devices Allows the user to interact Input
devices accept data & instruction keyboard, mouse Output
devices return processed data monitor, printer, speaker Some
devices are input and output touch screens communication devices
(in networking) modem (modulator-demodulator), Network Interface
Card (NIC)4. Storage devices Hold data and programs permanently
Different from RAM Magnetic storage Floppy disk, hard disk Uses
magnet to access data Optical storage Compact disc (CD), digital
video disc (DVD) Uses laser to access data
Keyboard The most common input device Must be proficient with
keyboard Keyboarding is the skill of fast & accurate typing
Alphanumeric keys Typewriter keys, TAB, CAPS LOCK, BACKSPACE, ENTER
keys QWERTY layout Modifier keys SHIFT, ALT (Alternate), CTRL
(Control) keys Numeric keypad Calculators keypad 10 digits,
mathematical operators (+ - * /), NUM LOCK Function keys F1 to F12
keys arranged in row along the top Cursor-movement keys
Cursor/insertion point shows where the next character typed will
appear Arrow keys, Page Up/Down, Home/End Special-purpose keys
START (Windows logo), SHORTCUT, ESC, PRINT SCREEN, SCROLL LOCK,
PAUSE, INSERT (insert/overtype mode), DELETEMouse Input device
moved around on a flat surface (usually on mouse pad) to control
the pointer A pointer/mouse pointer is an on-screen object, usu. an
arrow 2 types of mouse :1. Mechanical mouse- Rubber ball determines
distance, direction & speed- The ball often requires cleaning2.
Optical mouse- Emits a beam of light onto mouse pad- Lights
reflection determines distance, direction & speed- Requires
little maintenanceInteracting with a mouse Pointing to an object
Clicking selects the object Double-clicking launches a program
Dragging click-and-drag, drag-and-drop Right-clicking activates the
shortcut menu Modern mice include a scroll wheel
Benefits of Using Mouse
Pointer positioning is fast Menu interaction is easy Users can
draw electronically
Variants of the Mouse1. Trackballs Upside down mouse Hand rests
on the ball User moves the ball Uses little desk space
2. Trackpads/Touchpads Stationary pointing device Small plastic
rectangle Finger moves across the pad Popular on laptops
3. TrackPoint Little joystick on the keyboard Move pointer by
moving the joystick
Devices for the Hand Pen based input Pen-based systems : tablet
PCs, PDAs Pen (stylus) used to write data & as a pointer
Touch screens Sensors determine where finger points Sensors
create an X,Y coordinate Usually presents a menu to users Found in
cramped or dirty environments
Game controllers Enhances gaming experience Provide custom input
to the game Modern controllers offer feedback 2 broad
categories:
Joystick Enable user to fly or drive through a game, directing a
vehicle or character May include actual steering wheel, foot
pedals, gearshifts
Game pad Small, flat device, provides 2 sets of controls for
each handOptical Input Devices Allows the computer to see input
through the use of light
Bar Code Readers Converts bar codes to numbers Computer find
number in a database
Image Scanners or Scanners Converts printed media into
electronic form that can be stored in computers memory into a
bitmap (grid of dots) Reflects light off of the image, sensors read
the intensity Filters determine color depths RGB (red, green, blue)
primary additive colors
Optical Character Reader (OCR) Converts scanned text into
editable text Letters are compared to known letters
Audiovisual Input Devices Microphones Used to record speech Also
used for audio & videoconferencing over the Internet
Speech/voice recognition Translates voice to text Understands human
speech Allows dictation or control of computer (instead of typing)
Matches spoken sound to known phonemes Enters best match into
document
Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) Connects musical
instruments to computer Digital recording or playback of music
Musicians can produce professional results Use it to write, record,
edit music & control instruments & effects during
performances
PC Video Camera Digitize images by breaking them into individual
pixels* pixel 1 or more dots expressing a portion of an image
Webcam - popular & inexpensive type of PC video camera- sits on
top of PC monitor or placed on a stand- user can capture images
while working at computer- handy for videoconferencing (multiple
users see & talk to one another in real time over an Internet
connection) Digital cameras Captures images electronically No film
is needed Image is stored as a JPG file Memory cards store the
images Image can be edited, copied, printed, embedded in a document
or transmitted to another user
Monitors Most common output device Categorized by color output
Monochrome monitors One color (green, amber, white) against
contrasting black background Used for text-only displays
Grayscale monitors Varying degrees of gray (from very light gray
to black) against white/off-white background Used in low-end
portable systems to keep cost down
Color monitors Display between 16 to 16 million colors Can be
set to work in monochrome or grayscale mode
Types of Monitors:a. Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) Most common type of
monitor Looks like a TV screen & works the same way CRT
drawbacks Very large Very heavy Uses a lot of electricity
b. Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) Flat-panel display Creates
images with special kind of liquid crystal Commonly found on
laptops Solve the problems of CRT Drawbacks to LCD More expensive
than CRT Must sit directly in front of screen (limited viewing
angle) Difficult to see images in bright light Can be more fragile
than CRTData Projectors Digital light projectors/video projectors
Replaced overhead and slide projectors Project image onto wall or
screen LCD projectors Most common type of projector Small LCD
screen Require a darkened room
Headphones and Headsets Replacement for speakers and microphones
Offer privacy Does not annoy other people Outside noise is not a
factor Headsets have 1 or 2 speakers & a microphone, mounted on
adjustable head strap Headsets useful for speech-recognition
applications, use computer to make phone calls, participate in
videoconferences
Categories of Printers Impact printers Generate output by
striking the paper Uses an inked ribbonEx. Dot matrix printers Used
to print multi-sheet pages Print head strikes inked ribbon Can
produce plain text very quickly Speed measured in characters per
second (cps)
Non-impact printers Use methods other than force Tend to be
quiet and fastEx1. Ink jet printers Inexpensive home printer Sprays
ink through tiny nozzles onto paper Color output common using CMYK
Cyan, magenta, yellow, black (subtractive colors) Speed measured in
pages per minute Quality expressed as dots per inch
Ex2. Laser printer Produces high quality documents, faster More
expensive than ink jet printers Colored or black & white Print
process Laser draws text on page Toner sticks to text Toner melted
to page Speed measured in pages per minute Quality expressed as
dots per inchOther Printers All-in-one peripherals Printer,
scanner, photocopier & fax machine Popular in home offices,
small businesses Prices are very reasonable Black & white,
colored
High-Quality Printers Photo printers Produces film quality
pictures Prints very slow Prints a variety of sizes Thermal wax
printers Dye-sublimation (dye-sub) printers Plotters Used to print
large-format images & high quality blueprintsEx. construction
drawings by architects Older models draw with pens Operational
costs are low Output is very slow
Storage a. Magnetic Storage Devices Most common form of storage
All magnetic drives work the same Ex. diskettes/floppy disks, hard
disks b. Optical Storage Devices CD-ROM Most software ships on a CD
Read using a laser Written from the inside out DVD-ROM Digital
Video Disc Use both sides of the disk Capacities can reach 18 GB c.
Solid State Devices Data is stored physically No magnets or laser,
have physical switches Very fast Flash memory Found in cameras and
USB drives Combination of RAM and ROM Long term updateable storage
Smart cards Credit cards with a chip Chip stores data Eventually
may be used for cash Hotels use for electronic keys Software
Consists of instructions, tells the computer what to do (program)
Two major categories1. System software Most important software
Program that controls the hardware, or maintains the computer to
run efficientlya. Operating System (OS) Tells the computer how to
use its own components Interpreter between HW, SW & userEx.
Windows XP, Linuxb. Network Operating System (NOS) Allows computers
to communicate & share data Controls network operations,
oversees network security Ex. Windows Server 2003c. Utility perform
maintenance-type task usu. related to managing a computer, its
devices, or its programsEx. Symantec AntiVirus 2. Application
software Accomplishes a specific task consists of programs designed
to make users productive or assist them w/ personal tasks Major
Categories of Application Software: Word processing Spreadsheets
DBMS (Database Management System) Presentation programs Graphic
programs Multimedia authoring applications Entertainment &
educational softwares Games
Computer Data Fact with no meaning on its own Piece of info
without context Digital, i.e., reduced to digits or numbers, stored
using the binary number system Data is organized into file
SELF-CHECK 5.1-1
Identification1. It is a part of the computer that houses the
CPU, motherboard, bus wires etc.
2. AVR stands for what?
3. It is like a TV structure where we see the output or
softcopy.
4. It is the physical component of the computer system that can
be touched.
5. This is one of the steps in the information processing cycle
wherein the user enters data in the keyboard or clicks the
mouse.
6. This is an output device that produces hardcopies or
printouts.
7. This is the brain of the computer.
8. This is a repetitive stress syndrome where the wrist or hand
swells.
9. Bit stands for what?
10. It is an electronic device that can accept process and
output data.
Answer key Self Check 5.1-1
1. System unit
2. Automatic Voltage Regulator
3. Monitor / computer screen
4. Hardware
5. Input
6. Printer
7. CPU (Central Processing Unit)
8. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
9. Binary digit
10. Computer
Date Developed: July 18, 2013Republic of the
PhilippinesTechnical Education and Skills Development Authority
XIPROVINCIAL TRAINING CENTER - DAVAOPoinsettia St. Mintal, Tugbok
District Davao CityConsumer Electronics Servicing NC II
Developed by: Dante F. De Castro