COMPUTER FUNDAMENTAL 5 HAND-OUT LESSON 1 - 4

Lesson 1
WHAT IS COMPUTER?
A computer is an electronic device capable of performing mathematical and logical operations based
on a set of instruction to produce meaningful information. Computers have brought so many changes in our
country. Everyone has come to know something about computers from TV, in movies, in books, newspapers
and magazines.
Computers are commonly used I most offices, hospitals, government agencies, schools and even at
home. The amusement centers are also filled with different computers. Life today has been changed by the
presence of computers. The computer, as one of the most versatile tools, is changing business, education,
communication and others in so many ways.
Lesson 2
USES OF COMPUTERS
- IN MEDICINE
Computers are being used for medical diagnosis. Computer Tomography (CT Scan) is being utilized by
different hospitals in the country for examining the nervous system and some areas of the human body
to detect tumor’s, strokes, cancers and others. Other examples are: ultrasound, laser and others.
Computers are also used in histories of patients and for general hospital administrations.
- ON MONEY AND BANKING
Nowadays, most people no longer carry cash. Instead, they are carrying another piece of plastic in wallet
or bags- a general purpose debit or credit card. Using credit card are advantage to the users with regard
to convenience and safety. Computers are also used in transferring funds between branches, in
computing bank charges and in preparing bank statements for accounting and fud transactions.
- AS BUSINESS MANAGEMENT TOOLS
In other countries such as Japan, intelligent robots have been in widespread use since 1985. They are
used in agriculture, forestry, construction, nuclear power development, medicine and space. Computers
are also used for designing circuit microchips, aircraft, spacecraft, and even the latest car models.
- ON EDUCATION
Computers in school are used in many ways. Computers are used in drills and practice lessons such as
problem-solving and word processing. It is also used for leisure, research works and visual aids, tutorials,
grading system, college ad board examinations. Students develop more logical thinking and they are
able to follow instruction better and will show improvements in their reading and math skills.
- ON INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION
Computers significantly influence the development in information and communication technology. With
the use of computers, there has been a radical change in the media that information normally originates
from. Computers are also used in satellite broadcasting, electronic libraries, weather maps, and long
range weather forecast.
- AT HOME
Computers are widely used at home. Even housewives have learned the importance of computer. In the
future, microcomputers dedicated to home control will be available. In the future, microcomputers
dedicated to home control will be available. These computers will have the capability of electronically
managing your home.
- IN LAW ENFORCEMENT
Outside the country, tracking down a criminal or tracing stolen property using a whole network of
machines is easy. Computers are even to keep track of pawnshop records, gun license and previous
violation arrests.
- AS RECORD-KEEPING EQUIPMENT
COMPUTER FUNDAMENTAL 5 HAND-OUT LESSON 1 - 4

Computers are used to record government census, record taxes and taxpayers, public utility service and
voters. They are also used to maintain employee’s record, scheduling of classes, assigning classrooms
and performing other institutional record handling functions such as student’s records and data.
- IN SCIENCE AND EXPERIMENTATION
Computers are used to analyze research and test data. They are used to record and translate results.
They are essential to space exploration.
- AS CONTROL SYSTEM
Computers are used as control processes, as in manufacturing processes, reading, measuring and
sampling instruments. They can be used for controlling traffic, as electronic air traffic control and
environmental control mechanism.
- IN ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURE, ADVERTISING AND DESIGN
Computers are used for architectural and electrical designs of houses, buildings, machineries, for printing
and publishing, for computer animation for television, advertisements in video games for cartooning and
special effects in movie productions.
Lesson 3
Capabilities of Computer
- It can perform mathematical operation at high speed and with great precision.
- The computer calculates numbers and values faster, accurately and performs self-checking to keep the
integrity of data.
- It can perform repetitive task without fatigue or boredom.
- It can store and recall vast amount of facts and information.
- It can process data faster than any other machine designated to perform similar task.
- The computer can perform millions of operations in split seconds
- It can communicate with the user and other machine. One major development in technology is the
internet.
- Many large businesses have eliminated sending typewritten memorandum and messages.
Limitations of computer
- It cannot do what it is not instructed to do - Computers is dependent on the data and instructions.
The decision that it performs are based on the instruction and executes. It cannot perform operations
which are not tasked to do.
- It cannot correct wrong instructions - A computer is not capable of checking wrong instructions.
- It can only detect errors and the users are the ones checking the errors.
- It cannot perform creative thinking - Humans are more creative than computers. To bring out a
good output, the computer needs a good input.
- It is prone to occasional breakdown - Just like human, a computer needs caring because it is prone
to occasional breakdown due to improper maintenance and use.
CHARACTERISTICS:
1. It is electronic. 4. It has logical functions.
2. It is a machine. 5. It has memory.
3. It is automatic. 6. It can manipulate data.
Lesson 4
What is a Computer System?
A computer system is a group of interrelated parts. Each part has its own function and together they perform a
single task. The objective of a computer and together they perform a single task. The objective of a computer
system is to produce a timely and accurate information.
COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEM
COMPUTER FUNDAMENTAL 5 HAND-OUT LESSON 1 - 4

Hardware is physical component that makes up a computer system. It is tangible part of the system.
A computer is not actually a single machine. Instead it is a system composed of five distinct elements: (1) central
processing unit (CPU): (2) input devices: (3) memory sage devices: (4) output devices: (5) communication
devices.
The central processing unit performs all the processing of data while the storage devices hold raw data and
processed data for record keeping and for further processing. Instruction and raw data are entered into the
computer using the input devices while computer generated information is presented to the users using output
devices. Communication devices transmit data and information from one computer to another.

Software
-Refers to all computer programs which direct and control the computer hardware in computer processing.
Software is basically classified to two types, namely: System Software and Application Software.

System software
-Is a collection of programs which facilitates the programming and operation of the computer? They are the
integral part of the computer system itself. Specifically, it supervises the operation of the central processing
unit, controls the input/output functions of the computer system, translates programming languages and
provides other support services. Some system software is Disk Operating System (DOS), Data Base
Management System (DBMS), interpreters and compliers, and data communication system.

Operating system
Manages the computer’s internal functions and provides a means to control the computer’s operation. It is a
master control program, permanently stored in a memory that interprets user commands and requests various
kinds of services. The most popular operating system for personal computers includes MS-DOS and PC-DOS.

Applications software
Are programs written to solve specific problems? Application software may be written by programmers or may
be leased from computer vendors, software companies, or other computer users. Several other types of
software that facilitate computer use are available. Some classifications of application software are as follows.

Word processor
Is a software used to create, edit, proofread, format and print documents? with word processing, you can alter
the text before you print it. You can insert missing paragraphs, delete words and sentences with ease and you
can move text from one location in o document to another.
Examples: WordStar WordPerfect MS-Word

Spreadsheet
Is software which enables you to learn hidden formula that performs calculations on the visible data
Examples: Lotus 123 MS- Excel Quattro Pro

Data Base Management Program

It is an application program that provides the tools for data retrieval, modification, deletion and insertion. Such
programs can also create a database and produce meaningful output on the printer or on screen.
Examples: Dbase IV+ Fox Base Fox Pro

Liveware
- Refers to the personnel who are directly involved in the separation and execution of data processing
functions. These functions include: program developer, system analyst, computer operator.
System Analyst
Program Developer
Computer Operator