n

Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
REGION V-BI COL
SCHOOLS DI VI SI ON OF CAM ARI NES SUR
DON SERVI LLANO PLATON M EM ORI AL NATI ONAL HIGH SCHOOL

COMPUTER
SYSTEMS SERVICING
NC II
(Quarter 1- Week 2)
 WEEK 2: UNDERSTANDING BASIC COMPUTER CONCEPTS
LESSON 4: Understanding the Computer

At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:

A. Appreciate the history of computers;
B. Differentiate the different types of computers;
C. Recognize the basic computer operating systems.

D.
We all know that computers are essential pieces of technology
that we use to make life easier and perform jobs faster.

A computer increases our productivity, connects us to the internet, lets us talk with
people across the world, helps us store a lot of information, and even make money!

In this lesson, we will start with the basics.

We want to understand how the computer works, how many types of computers are there, what are the
functions of the computer, and more!

 The Computer
In technical terms, the computer is a device that accepts information in the form of digitalized data, and
manipulates it for some result based on a program or sequence of instructions on how the data is to be processed.
 A computer is one of the most brilliant inventions of mankind. Thanks to the computer technology, we were
able to achieve storage and processing of huge amounts of data; we could rest our brains by employing computer
memory capacities for storing information. Due to computers, we have been able to speed up daily work, carry out
critical transactions and achieve accuracy and precision in work. Computers of the earlier years were of the size
of a large room and were required to consume huge amounts of electric power. However, with the advancing
technology, computers have shrunk to the size of a small watch. Depending on the processing power and size of
computers, they have been classified under various types. Let us look at the classification of computers.

A. TYPES OF COMPUTER

TYPES OF COMPUTERS BASED ON DATA HANDLING CAPABILITIES:

1. Analogue Computer- Analogue computers are designed to process analogue data.

Analogue data is continuous data that changes continuously and cannot have discrete
values. We can say that analogue computers are used where we don't need exact values
always such as speed, temperature, pressure and current. Speedometer and mercury
thermometer are examples of analogue computers.

Analogue Computer. (2019). [Image]. https://www.britannica.com/technology/analog-computer

2. Digital computer - designed to perform calculations and logical operations at high

speed. It accepts the raw data as input in the form of digits or binary numbers (0 and
1) and processes it with programs stored in its memory to produce the output. All
modern computers like laptops, desktops including smartphones that we use at home
or office are digital computers.
HANSON, G. R. E. G. O. R. Y. (2020). What is a digital computer? [Image]. https://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-digital-computer.htm

3. Hybrid Computer - features of both analogue and digital computer. It is fast like an
analogue computer and has memory and accuracy like digital computers. It can
process both continuous and discrete data. It accepts analogue signals and convert
them into digital form before processing. So, it is widely used in specialized applications
where both analogue and digital data is processed.

Polish Hybrid computer WAT 1001. (2005). [Image].

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hybrid_computer#/media/File:WAT_1001.jpg

TYPES OF COMPUTER BASED ON ITS SIZE

1. Supercomputer - the biggest and fastest computers. They are designed to process
huge amount of data. A supercomputer can process trillions of instructions in a second.
It has thousands of interconnected processors. Supercomputers are particularly used
in scientific and engineering applications such as weather forecasting, scientific
simulations and nuclear energy research. The first supercomputer was developed by
Roger Cray in 1976.
Greene, T. (2019, November 18). 0 of the world’s fastest supercomputers [Image].
https://www.networkworld.com/article/3236875/embargo-10-of-the-worlds-fastest-supercomputers.html
 2. Mainframe computer - designed to support hundreds or thousands of users
simultaneously. They can support multiple programs at the same time. It means they
can execute different processes simultaneously. These features of mainframe
computers make them ideal for big organizations like banking and telecom sectors,
which need to manage and process high volume of data.
E.R.R.S.B.A.N.G.E.R. (2020, February 19). Mainframe Computer Definition with their Example, Types, and Uses [Image].
http://digitalthinkerhelp.com/mainframe-computer-definition-with-their-example-types-and-uses/

3. Miniframe or Minicomputer – a midsize multiprocessing computer. It consists of two

or more processors and can support 4 to 200 users at one time. Miniframe computers
are used in institutes and departments for tasks such as billing, accounting and
inventory management. A minicomputer lies between the mainframe and
microcomputer as it is smaller than mainframe but larger than a microcomputer.

M.A.L.C.O.L.M.T.A.T.U.M. (2020). What is a Minicomputer? [Image]. https://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-minicomputer.htm

4. Workstation - refers to an individual computer, or group of computers, used by a

single user to perform work. It has a faster microprocessor, a large amount of RAM
and high speed graphic adapters. It generally performs a specific job with great
expertise and is also intended for serious academic or professional computation.

J.C.B. (2017, November 13). How to Set Up an Efficient Computer Workstation [Image]. https://www.firealley.net/computer-workstation/

5. Microcomputer - also known as a personal computer. It is a general-purpose computer that is designed for
individual use. It has a microprocessor as a central processing unit, memory, storage area, input unit and output
unit. Laptops and desktop computers are examples of microcomputers. They are suitable for personal work that
may be making an assignment, watching a movie, or at office for office work.

Types of Micro computers:

 Desktop Computer or Personal Computer(PC) - A desktop computer is a

personal computer designed for regular use at a single location on or near a desk
or table due to its size and power requirements. It is not very expensive and is suited
t the needs of a single user at home, small business units, and organization.

Joel Santo Domingo, Tom Brant. (2020, May 7). The Best Desktop Computers for 2020 [Image].
https://sea.pcmag.com/desktops/7900/the-best-desktop-computers-for-2020

B. Notebook Computer or Laptop is a small, portable computer and have all the
features of a desktop computer. The advantage of the laptop is that it is small in
size, so it can be carried anywhere. Notebook computers use a variety of
techniques, known as flat-panel technologies, to produce a lightweight and non-
bulky display screen. Laptops Computers are higher in cost than the desktop
computers
Notebook Computers. (2020). [Image]. https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/n/notebook.htm
 C. Netbook. These are smaller notebooks optimized for low weight and low cost,
and are designed for accessing web-based applications. Netbooks deliver the
performance needed to enjoy popular activities like streaming videos ort music, e-
mailing, web surfing or instant messaging.

Notebook Computers. (2020). [Image]. https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/n/notebook.htm

D. Tablet A tablet is a wireless, portable personal computer with a touchscreen

interface. The tablet form factor is typically smaller than a notebook computer, but
larger than a smartphone.

Dan Seifert. (2019, July 31). Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S6 is its latest volley against the iPad Pro [Image].
https://www.theverge.com/2019/7/31/20748387/samsung-galaxy-tab-s6-tablet-announcement-price-specs-features

E. Handheld Computer or Personal Digital Assistant(PDA) It is a small

computer that can be held on the top of the palm. It is small in size. PDA
uses a pen or a stylus for input, instead of the keyboard. They have a
limited memory and are less powerful. PDAs can be connected to the
internet via wireless connection.
Personal Digital Assistants for Doctors/Medical Practitioners. (2020). [Image]. https://www.medindia.net/pda/pda_ersuite.asp

PDA. (2019). [Image]. https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/p/pda.htm

F. Smart Phones are mobile phone with highly advanced features. A typical
smartphone has a high-resolution touch screen display, WiFi connectivity,
Web browsing capabilities, and the ability to accept sophisticated applications.
The majority of these devices run on any of these popular mobile operating
systems: Android, Symbian, iOS, BlackBerry OS and Windows Mobile.

Sandeep Sarkar. (2018, December 26). 10 best ultra-premium smartphones of 2018 [Image].
https://www.gizbot.com/mobile/features/10-best-ultra-premium-smartphones-2018-056404.html

Different types of computer has different functions too which makes each computer
unique. Knowing the Types of computers gave us idea about what computer is used for a
specific purpose. Les us now jump to and learn the parts and peripheral devices of a
computer the different
 To make a computer fully functioning it has to have a software that can support a computer's
basic functions, such as scheduling tasks, executing applications, and controlling peripherals.
At this section, we are going to learn more about Operating system, its functions and the most
common used/ installed operating system.

What is an Operating system?

An operating system or OS is a software installed on a computer's hard drive that

enables the computer hardware to communicate and operate with the computer
software. Without a computer operating system, a computer and software
programs would be useless.
What is Operating System? Types of OS & Features.
(n.d.). [Image]. https://www.guru99.com/operating-
system-tutorial.html

Character User Interface or Command-Line User Interface, CUI

When computers were first introduced, the users interacted with them using a
command line interface. Short for character user interface or command-line
user interface, CUI is a way for users to interact with computer programs. It
works by allowing the user (client) to issue commands as one or more lines of
text to a program. Good examples of CUIs are MS-DOS and the Windows
Command Prompt.
MS-DOS. (2019). [Image]. https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/m/msdos.htm

Graphical User Interface, or GUI

Modern operating systems use a graphical user interface, or GUI (pronounced gooey). It lets you use your mouse
to click icons, buttons, and menus, and everything is clearly displayed on the screen using a combination of
graphics and text.

GUI overview
Below is a picture of the Windows 7 desktop and an example of a GUI.

GUI. (n.d.). [Image]. https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/g/gui.htm

GUI Overview. (n.d.). [Image].

https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/g/gui.htm
 Functions of an Operating System
An operating system software performs each of the function:

1. Memory Management - Keeps track of the primary memory,

i.e. what part of it is in use by whom, what part is not in use,
etc. and allocates the memory when a process or program
requests it.

2. Processor Management − Allocates the processor (CPU) to

a process and deallocates the processor when it is no longer
required.

3. Device Management − Keeps track of all the devices. This is also called I/O controller that decides which
process gets the device, when, and for how much time.

4. File Management − It manages all the file-related activities such as organization storage, retrieval,
naming, sharing, and protection of files.

5. Security − Prevents unauthorized access to programs and data by means of passwords and other similar
techniques.

6. Job Accounting − Keeping track of time & resource used by various job and users.

7. Control Over System Performance − Records delays between the request for a service and from the
system.

8. Interaction with the Operators − Interaction may take place via the console of the computer in the form
of instructions. The Operating System acknowledges the same, does the corresponding action, and
informs the operation by a display screen.

9. Error-detecting Aids − Production of dumps, traces, error messages, and other debugging and error-
detecting methods.

10. Coordination Between Other Software and Users − Coordination and assignment of compilers,
interpreters, assemblers, and other software to the various users of the computer systems.

11. Networking - A distributed system is a group of processors which do not share memory, hardware
devices, or a clock. The processors communicate with one another through the network.

3 Common Computer Operating Systems

1. MICROSOFT WINDOWS, also called Windows and Windows OS, computer operating system was developed
by Microsoft Corporation to run personal computers. Microsoft was founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen on April
4, 1975. Windows comes pre-loaded on most new PCs, which helps to make it the most popular operating
system in the world.
Windows. (n.d.). [Image]. https://www.pentagram.com/work/windows/story Windows. (n.d.). [Image]. https://www.pentagram.com/work/windows/story

Evolution of Operating Systems:

DOS or Disk Operating System was the first operating system used by IBM-
compatible computers. It was originally available in two versions that were
essentially the same, but marketed under two different names.

PC-DOS was the version developed by IBM and sold to the first IBM-compatible
manufacturers throughout 1980s. MS-DOS was the version that Microsoft bought
the rights to, and was bundled with the first versions of Windows.

MS-Dos. (n.d.). [Image]. Www.Britannica.Com.

https://www.britannica.com/technology/MS-DOS

 Windows 1.0 was introduced in November 20, 1985. It was initially sold for
$100. The use of Windows 1.0 as a GUI meant that MS-DOS users didn’t have
to manually enter text commands just to complete basic tasks. Now, they
could carry out tasks and browse their own files by just pointing and clicking
on icons and menus.

Anita George. (2020, April 6). The history of Windows: How the OS has changed over time
[Image]. https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/the-history-of-windows/

 Just two years later, in 1987, the technology company released Windows 2.0.
This version of Windows included such notable features as overlapping
windows, resizable windows, keyboard shortcuts, and support for VGA
graphics. The first Windows versions of Word and Excel also made their debut
with Windows 2.0.
Anita George. (2020, April 6). The history of Windows: How the OS has changed over time
[Image]. https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/the-history-of-windows/

 Windows 3.0 came out in 1990 and offered 256 color support. It features
multitasking DOS programs which may have contributed to Windows’ flow in
popularity. Another notable feature of Windows 3.0 is that it’s the version that saw
the first appearance of the classic desktop game Solitaire.

Anita George. (2020, April 6). The history of Windows: How the OS has changed over time
[Image]. https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/the-history-of-windows/

 In 1992, Windows 3.1 delivered quite a few new and essential features, such
as support for TrueType fonts, the ability to drag and drop icons,

Anita George. (2020, April 6). The history of Windows: How the OS has changed over time
[Image]. https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/the-history-of-windows/
  Windows 95 came out in 1995. It was the first 32-bit version of Windows
(previous versions had been 16-bit) new features include the taskbar, the Start
menu, long file names, and plug-and-play capabilities in which peripheral
devices only needed to be connected to a PC in order to work properly.
Windows 95 also saw the introduction of Microsoft’s web browser, Internet
Explorer.

Windows 95. (n.d.). [Image]. Microsoft.Fandom.Com.

https://microsoft.fandom.com/wiki/Windows_95

 Windows 98 came out in 1998. It offers support for a number of new

technologies. It’s most visible feature is the web browser’s and other internet-
based programs and tools, such as Outlook Express, Microsoft Chat.

Windows 98. (n.d.). [Image]. Microsoft.Fandom.Com.

https://microsoft.fandom.com/wiki/Windows_95

 Windows 2000 had a real focus on accessibility and introduced several features
to the OS, including Sticky Keys, a high-contrast theme, Microsoft Magnifier, an
on-screen keyboard, and a screen reader known as Microsoft Narrator. It allows
users to choose the language in which their display would be viewed. The users
could choose from a variety of languages, including Arabic, Japanese, and
Greek.
Windows 2000. (n.d.). [Image]. Microsoft.Fandom.Com.
https://microsoft.fandom.com/wiki/Windows_95

 Windows ME stands for “Millennium Edition. Some of its useful tool includes
System Restore, a recovery feature that, in the event your computer starts
having problems due to a poorly executed installation of a program or update,
updates can be remove and restore your computer back to how it was before .

Windows ME. (n.d.). [Image]. Microsoft.Fandom.Com.
https://microsoft.fandom.com/wiki/Windows_95

 Windows XP was released in 2001 and is widely considered to be great

among the versions of Windows that Microsoft had to offer. There were two
main versions of the OS. Home was for personal use, and Professional was
geared toward being used in work settings.
Some features include plug and play and utilization of the 802.11x wireless
security standard networks for connecting wireless LANS.
Windows XP. (n.d.). [Image]. Microsoft.Fandom.Com.
https://microsoft.fandom.com/wiki/Windows_95

 Vista was released in 2007. It introduced some helpful features, though, like
Windows Defender, DirectX 10 (for PC gaming), speech recognition, and
Windows DVD Maker.

Windows Vista. (n.d.). [Image]. Microsoft.Fandom.Com.

https://microsoft.fandom.com/wiki/Windows_95
  Windows 7 was launched on 2009. Enhancements and new features include
multi-touch support, Internet Explorer 8, improved performance and start-up
time, Aero Snap, Aero Shake, support for virtual hard disks, a new and
improved Windows Media Center, and improved security.

Windows Vista. (n.d.). [Image]. Microsoft.Fandom.Com.

https://microsoft.fandom.com/wiki/Windows_95

 Windows 8 was released on 2012 and is a completely redesigned operating

system. User interface primarily consists of a Start screen made up of Live
Tiles, which links to applications and features that are dynamic and updated in
real time, the ability to log in with a Microsoft account, support for USB 3.0 and
an actual lock screen.
Accessing System Commands. (n.d.). [Image].
https://news.microsoft.com/accessing-system-
commands/

 Windows 10 came out in 2015. Some features of Windows 10 included the

introduction of Cortana, a native digital personal assistant; the ability to switch
between tablet and desktop mode; and a new web browser called Microsoft
Edge.

Anita Georger. (2020, April 6). The history of Windows:

How the OS has changed over time [Image].
https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/the-history-of-
windows/

2. MAC OS – Macintosh OS previously called OS X, is a line of operating systems created by Apple. It comes
preloaded on all Macintosh computers, or Macs. Some of the specific versions include Mojave (released in 2018),
High Sierra (2017), and Sierra (2016). Steve Jobs is the co-founder and chief executive officer of Apple Company.

MacOS users account for less than 10% of global operating systems—much lower than the percentage of Windows
users (more than 80%). One reason for this is that Apple computers tend to be more expensive. However, many
people do prefer the look and feel of macOS over Windows.

Computer Basics - Understanding Operating Systems. (n.d.). [Image].

https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/computerbasics/understanding-operating-systems/1/
3. Linux- (pronounced LINN-ux) is a family of open-source operating systems, which means they can be modified
and distributed by anyone around the world. This is different from proprietary software like Windows, which can
only be modified by the company that owns it. The advantages of Linux are that it is free, and there are many
different distributions or versions you can choose from.

Linux users account for less than 2% of global operating systems. However, most servers run Linux because it's
relatively easy to customize. Linus Torvalds, a software engineer is the creator and the principal developer of the
Linux.

S.K. (n.d.). Inxi: Find System And Hardware Information

On Linux [Image]. https://www.unixmen.com/inxi-find-
Computer Basics - Understanding Operating Systems. (n.d.). system-hardware-information-linux/
[Image].
https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/computerbasics/understanding-
operating-systems/1/

 Windows is the dominant over the other two. 90% of computer users use Windows operating system.
 Windows and MAC are expensive operating systems however, MAC OS requires the users to buy the
MAC systems (Macbook, Mac) built by Apple.
 On the other hand, Linux is a free operating system.
 Windows and MAC have similar file structures while Linux has a different code base (single file tree
compared to Windows and MAC's many directories)
 Windows interface has a Start menu, Taskbar, System Tray, and the Windows Explore while Linux has
easy to switch interfaces.
 Linux is most preferred by programmers, MAC is preferred by graphic artists, and Windows is perferred
by gamers.
Name:____________________________ Section:_________ Date:_____________

Lesson 4: Understanding the Computer

Written Work #4
A. Direction: Write in the table below the types of computers according to its size and data handling capabilities
then answer the follow up questions. Write your answer in your data notebook.

SIZE DATA HANDLING CAPABILITIES

1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.

4.

5.

B. Fill in the Blank. Fill-out the missing word/s on each item below. Write your answer on a space provided.
1. ________________is the dominant over the other two. 90% of computer users use Windows operating
system.
2. Windows and MAC are expensive operating systems however, MAC OS requires the users to buy the
MAC systems (Macbook, Mac) built by___________________
3. On the other hand,___________________ is a free operating system.
4. Linux is most preferred by ______________MAC is preferred by ________________and
5. Windows is preferred by____________________

C. TRUE OR FALSE. Write TRUE if the statement is correct, FALSE if otherwise.

____________1. Since 1943, the computers started becoming smaller and more powerful.
___________ 2. The computer we know today is a result of various improvements made since the 19th century by
an English mathematics professor named Charles Babbage.
___________3. Improvements were slowly made to give us the Windows operating system we know today and
the Macintosh computer from Apple.
___________4. The PC or personal computer today is introduced in 1962 from MS-Dos.
___________5. The first electronic digital computer in 1937 was the Atanasoff-Berry Computer or ABC.
 D.ARRANGE ME. Parts and peripheral devices are not sufficient to make a computer functioning. Operating
systems are the most important software that runs in your computer. For this activity your task is to arrange the
Operating systems from PAST to PRESENT versions then answer the process questions below.
DOS WINDOWS ME

DOS WITH WINDOWS 3.X WINDOWS 8

WINDOWS 10 WINDOWS 9X

WINDOWS 2000 WINDOWS VISTA

WINDOWS 7 WINDOWS XP

Process Questions:

1. What Operating system mentioned above is the oldest OS? Newest?

2. What are the 3 biggest developer companies of Computer Operating
Systems?
3. Which of the 3 is commonly used/installed Operating System? Why?
4. Why is it important to have an Operating system?
5. How will you know if your computer has an operating system? Windows vs. MacOS vs. Linux: Does your OS affect
your privacy? (2019). [Image]. Https://Medium.Com/.
https://medium.com/@luc_23423/windows-vs-macos-
vs-linux-does-your-os-affect-your-privacy-
4bcaf2253b5d
 KEY ANSWERS

Lesson 4: Understanding the Computer

Written Work #4
A.

SIZE DATA HANDLING CAPABILITIES

1. Analogue 1. Supercomputer

2. Digital 2. Mainframe computer

3. Hybrid 3. Miniframe or Minicomputer

4. Workstation

5. Microcomputer

B. C.
1. Windows 1. False
2. Apple 2. True
3. Linux 3. True
4. Programmers and Graphic Artist 4. False
5. Gamers 5. True

D. PAST TO PRESENT
1 DOS

2 DOS WITH WINDOWS 3.X

3 WINDOWS 9X

4 WINDOWS ME

5 WINDOWS NT

6 WINDOWS 2000

7 WINDOWS VISTA

8 WINDOWS 7

9 WINDOWS 8

10 WINDOWS 10
Process Questions
1. The oldest Operating system is DOS and the newest or the latest on the list is Windows 10.
2. The 3 biggest developer companies of Computer operating systems are Windows, Apple and
Linux

3. In Philippines, Among the 3 biggest companies, Windows is the most used/installed

Operating system not because it surpasses the ability/functionality of MAC OS but
because Windows is way more cheaper than that of owning computer with MAC OS as
its operating system.
4. It is important to have an operating system to make a computer running. A computer without
operating system is useless.

5. You will know that a computer has an operating system when after turning on, you can
see a logo displaying in the screen, whether it is a windows logo, a MAC logo, Linux
logo and others. Also, being able to do even a simple task like playing a song, seeing
your desktop, navigating to different menus and having a software inside your computer
are few of the proof that your computer has an operating system.

References:
Computer Hardware Servicing Module Grade 7 & 8
Learning Module
Department of Education
TESDA

Computer Basics: Understanding Operating Systems. (n.d.). GCFGlobal.Org.

https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/computerbasics/understanding-operating-systems/1/
Computer - Operating System - Tutorialspoint. (n.d.). Tutorialspoint.Com.
https://www.tutorialspoint.com/computer_fundamentals/computer_operating_system.htm
DOS (Disk Operating System) Definition. (n.d.). Techterms.Com. https://techterms.com/definition/dos
What is Windows 7? Webopedia Definition. (n.d.). Webopedia.Com.
https://www.webopedia.com/TERM/W/Windows_7.html
George, A. (2020, April 10). The history of Windows: How the OS has changed over time. Digital Trends.
https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/the-history-of-windows/
The History of Windows Operating Systems - Webopedia. (n.d.). Webopedia.Com.
https://www.webopedia.com/DidYouKnow/Hardware_Software/history_of_microsoft_windows_opera
ting_system.html
Marc Davis. (2019, June 25). Steve Jobs’ 10 Most Innovative Creations. Investopedia.
https://www.investopedia.com/financial-edge/1111/steve-jobs-10-most-innovative-creations.aspx

Goodman, P. (2020, July 12). Computer Basics: 10 Examples of Storage Devices for Digital Data.
TurboFuture. https://turbofuture.com/computers/Examples-of-Data-Storage-Devices