MPU3412 / TMX1022

ICT COMPETENCY
Unit 2: Computer Systems (Part I)
Unit Learning Outcomes
• By the end of this unit, students will be able to:
• Explain the computer system

• Distinguish between hardware and software

• Identify the function of each fundamental computer hardware and software

component

• Distinguish between hardware and software

• Explain the Input-Process-Output (IPO) Cycle

Image source: Google Image

THE COMPUTER
What is a computer?
• A computer is a multipurpose electronic device that can:
• accept data (input),
• process the data according to specified rules,
• produce information (output), and
• store information for future use
• These operations are done according to a series of stored
instructions

Image source: Google Image

What is a computer?
• There are TWO basic parts to a computer, the hardware
and software
• Hardware is any parts of the computer that has a physical
structure (tangible)
• Software is a collection of related instructions that tells
the computer to perform tasks

Image source: Google Image

A World of Technology
• Computer technologies are an integral part of everyday
life
• Computer echnologies are used at home, at work and at
school

Share photos and

Listen to music Communication
videos

Complete an Watch a streaming

Manage finances
assignment video

Book flight tickets Play games Online shopping

A World of Technology
• Users must keep up with the
changes in technology to
remain digitally literate
• Digital literacy involves having a
current knowledge and
understanding of computers,
mobile devices, the Internet,
and related technologies

Image: Vermaat, Sebok & Freund (2014)

COMPUTER HARDWARE
Computer Hardware
• The collection of a computer system’s physical parts
• Can be seen and touched

• Computer hardware components include:

System unit Input devices Output devices

Storage media & Ports & Communication

devices connections devices
System Unit
• The system unit consists of electronic components and
circuitry that are used to process data
• These are connected to the main circuit board, called the
motherboard

• The motherboard has two main components: the

processor and memory
• Processor: interprets and carries out the basic instructions that
operate the computer; also known as Central Processing Unit
(CPU)
• Memory: stores instructions waiting to be executed and data
needed by those instructions

• The motherboard is also known as system board

System Unit
• The system unit in a desktop and laptop:

Image source: Discovering Computers 2016

System Unit
• The system unit is
contained and protected in
cases

• The cases vary according

to the type of
computer/computing
device

Image source: Discovering Computers 2016

System Unit

Image source: Google Image

Input Devices
• An input device is any hardware device that sends data
and instructions into a computer/computing device,
allowing user to interact with and control the computer

• Common input methods include:

Keyboard Pointing device Touch screens Pen input

Scanners and
Motion input Video input Voice input
reading devices
Input Devices
• A keyboard contains keys that can be pressed to enter
data and instructions
• There are a variety of keyboard types for different
computers/computing devices

Image source: Discovering Computers 2016

Input Devices
• A pointing device allows user
to select and move symbols on
the screen such as text,
graphics, buttons, icons, links,
and menu commands

• Examples: mouse, touchpad,

trackball
• Mouse: fits under the palm of
user’s hand
• Touchpad: small, flat, rectangular
pointing device that is sensitive to
motion and pressure
• Trackball: stationary pointing trackball

device with a ball on its top or side

Image source: Discovering Computers 2016

Input Devices
• A touch screen is a touch-sensitive
display

• User can interact with touch screen

with fingers or a stylus to make
selections, type or gestures
• Gestures: tap, double tap, press and hold,
drag, slide, swipe, stretch, pinch

• Convenient because it is built-in to

the computer/computing device

Image source: Discovering Computers 2016

Input Devices
• A pen input uses stylus or digital pen is used to write,
draw, or make selections on a flat surface that can detect
the stylus/pen pressure and movements

Image source: Discovering Computers 2016

Input Devices
• Scanners and reading devices may use light, laser,
radio signals, and magnetized material to read and accept
data

• Examples:
• Scanners
• Optical reader
• Bar code reader
• QR (Quick Response) code reader
• Radio frequency identification (RFID)
• Magnetic stripe reader
• Data collection device reader
Input Devices
• Scanners and reading devices

Image source: Discovering Computers 2016 & Google Image

Input Devices
• QR (Quick Response) code is a
2D code
• It stores information in both
vertical and horizontal direction
in a square-shaped graphic
• QR codes can be read with
• QR bar code reader
• QR code reader app on smart mobile
devices

Image source: Discovering Computers 2018

Motion, Video and Voice Input
• Motion input: user’s movements, motions and gestures
are entered using consoles or motion sensing devices

• Video input: full-motion images (video) are entered into

the computer using cameras with digital video technology

• Voice input: audio, speech, music, and sound effects are

entered into the computer using microphone and music
devices/instruments
Input devices
• Motion, video and voice input

Image source: Discovering Computers 2016

Output Devices
• An output device functions to convey information
(processed data) from the computer to the user

• Usually for display, projection, or physical reproduction

• Common output devices:

Display devices Printers Speakers

Output Devices
• A display device consists of a screen that visually
conveys text, graphics, image and video information
• Display device is commonly called display

• Information on a display device is called softcopy

Image source: Discovering Computers 2016

Output Devices
• A printer produces text, graphics and image information
on a physical medium
• Physical media include paper, fabric, plastic, metal, and other solid
materials

• The information printed on a physical medium is called

hardcopy

Image: Discovering Computers (2016), Vermaat, Sebok & Freund (2014)

Output Devices
• There are many different types
and styles of printers with
different speeds, capabilities and
printing methods
• Ink-jet printers
• Photo printers
• Laser printers
• All-in-one/multifunction printers
• 3D printers
• Plotters
• Large-format printers
• Label printers
• Mobile printers
• Braille printer

Image source: Discovering Computers 2016

Output Devices – Printer Categories
• Non-impact printers • Impact printers
• Characters and graphics are • Characters and graphics are
formed on the physical medium formed on the physical medium
(paper, cloth, etc.) without by striking a mechanism
actually contacting (touching against an inked ribbon that
the paper) physically contacts the paper
• Use ink spray, heat or pressure • Usually noisy because of the
to print (no direct contact by striking activity
printer to physical medium)
• Common non-impact printers:
ink-jet printers, photo printers,
laser printers, all-in-one
printers, 3D printers, thermal
printers, mobile printers, label
printers, plotters, and large-
format printers
Output Devices
• Speakers are output devices that allow users to hear
audio (music, voice, speech, sounds)

• Headphones and earbuds are used to hear audio for

individual use only

Image source: Google Image and Discovering Computers 2016

Output Devices
• Other output devices:
• Data projectors
• Interactive whiteboards
• Force-feedback game
controllers and tactile output

Image source: Discovering Computers 2016

Storage Media & Devices
• Storage media are used
to keep data, information
and instructions

• Common storage media

include hard disks, USB
flash drives, memory cards
and optical discs
• Each media has different
storage capacities
• Storage media can be
portable or permanent
• Can be local (on the
computer itself) or on the
cloud (Internet service)

Image source: Discovering Computers 2016

Storage Media & Devices
• Storage media:
• Hard disks: contains one or more
inflexible, circular platters that use
magnetic particles to store data,
information and instructions; can
be fixed (internal) or external
(portable)

• USB flash drive: portable flash

memory storage device that is
small and lightweight enough to be
carried on a keychain or in a
pocket and plugs into a USB port
on a computer

• Solid-state drive (SSD): flash

memory storage that contains its
own processor to manage its
storage

Image source: Discovering Computers 2016

Storage Media & Devices
• Storage media:
• Optical discs: consists of a flat,
round, portable metal disc made of
plastic, metal and lacquer; optical
discs are read and written using
laser

• Memory cards: removable flash

memory that can be inserted and
removed from a lot in a
computer/mobile device, card
reader; usually no bigger than 1.5
inches

• Cloud storage: an Internet service

that provides storage to computer
users, as opposed to storing on
locally (on the computer itself)
• E.g. Dropbox, OneDrive

Image source: Discovering Computers 2016

Storage Media & Devices
• Cloud storage example: OneDrive

Image source: Google Image

Storage Media & Devices
• Enterprise storage allows
organizations to store and
manage huge amount of data
and information
• A network attached storage
(NAS) is a server that is placed
on a network with the sole
Network Attached Storage
purpose of providing storage to
users, computers, and devices
attached to the network

• A storage area network (SAN)

is a high-speed network with the
sole purpose of providing storage
to other attached servers
Storage Area Network

Image source: Discovering Computers 2016

Storage Media and Devices
• Storage devices are hardware that record and/or retrieve
items to and from the storage media
• Capable of holding information either temporarily or permanently
• Storage devices can function as input and output devices as they
transfer items from storage to memory and vice versa
• Examples: CD/DVD drives

• Reading is the process of retrieving items from a storage

media

• Writing is the process of recording items to a storage

media
Ports & Connections
• A port is the point at which a peripheral device attaches
to or communicates with a computer or mobile device so
that the peripheral device can send data to or receive
information from the computer or mobile device
• Peripheral devices include keyboard, printer, monitor, speakers,
etc.

Image source: Discovering Computers 2016

Ports & Connections
• A connector joins a cable to a port
• A connector at one end of a cable attaches to a port on the
computer or mobile device, and a connector at the other end of the
cable attaches to a port on the peripheral device

Image source: Discovering Computers 2016

Communication Devices
• Communications devices allows a computer to transmit
(send) and receive data, information and instructions to
and from one or more computers.
• Communications take place over cables, telephone lines,
cellular radio networks, satellites and other transmission
media.
• Some transmission media are wireless, so there are no
physical structures, lines or wires involved.
• Examples:
• Modem: short for MOdulator-DEModulator; converts digital and
analog data for computer-to-computer communication
• Router: connects multiple networks together so data can be
transmitter between computers on the networks
Communication Devices

Image: Vermaat, Sebok & Freund (2014)

Communication Devices

Image source: Google Image

COMPUTER SOFTWARE
Software
• Software is a series of related instructions that tells the
computer what to do.
• Example: word processors (MS Word), web browsers (Mozilla
Firefox), games (Defense of the Ancients)
• Software is also referred to as computer program
• Software is not available physically, users interact with
software by using a graphical user interface (GUI)
• There are 2 categories of software:
• System software: programs that control and maintain the
operations of the computers and its devices
• Application software: programs designed to make users more
productive and/or assist them with personal tasks
Software – System Software
• System software types

Operating system
A set of programs that Utility program
coordinates all the activities Allows user to perform
among computer hardware maintenance-type tasks usually
devices related to managing a computer,
Example: Microsoft Windows, its devices and programs.
MAC OS, Linux, Android Example: A program to transfer
digital photos to an optical disc
Software – Application Software
• Application software types
Graphics & Media
software Personal interest Productivity
• Computer-aided applications applications
design (CAD) • Lifestyle • Word processing
• Desktop publishing • Education • Presentation
• Image editing • Entertainment • Spreadsheet
• Video/audio editing • Medical • Note taking
• Website/multimedia • Convenience • Accounting
authoring • Personal finance

Communications File & disk management

Security tools
applications tools
• Personal firewall
• Blogging • File manager
• Antivirus program
• Browsing • Search tool
• Malware remover
• Chat room • Image viewer
• Internet/phishing
• Instant messaging • Uninstaller
filters
• Email • Disk cleanup tool
• Pop-up blockers
• VoIP • Screen saver
Software – Application Software

Presentation
software

Spreadsheet
software

Word processing software

Image source: Discovering Computers 2018

 Software – Application Software

Note taking
software

Contact and calendar management software

Personal
firewall

Image source: Discovering Computers 2018

Software – Application Software

Antivirus
program

Disk clean up tool Image viewer

Image source: Discovering Computers 2018

Software
• Software license types:
1) Free :- permission for anyone to use/copy/distribute both binary and source
code, either verbatim or with modifications (free here refers to “freedom”).
2) Open Source :- similar to (1.), but accept more restrictive licenses, for example,
not for commercial uses, outside the European Union, et cetera.
3) Public domain :- non/no longer copyrighted, usually the binary is released in
public domain but not the source code.
4) Non Free :- use, redistribution or modification is prohibited, requires you to ask
for permission.
5) Proprietary :- Similar to (4.), but user have to pay to get that permission
6) Freeware :- permits redistribution of the binary but not modification, and source
code is not available.
7) Shareware :- allows for redistribution, but anyone who continues to use a copy
is required to pay a license fee.
Operating Systems
• OS is a set of programs
that coordinate all the
activities inside a computer
or mobile device
• OS controls and maintains
the operations of the
computer/device

Image source: Discovering Computers 2018

Operating Systems

Image source: Discovering Computers 2018

Operating Systems
• The functions/tasks of an operating system:
• Start and shut down a computer or mobile device
• Provide a user interface
• Manage programs
• Manage memory
• Coordinate tasks
• Configure devices
• Monitor performance
• Establish an Internet connection
• Provide file management and other device or media-related tasks
• Updating operating system software
• Control a network
• Administer security
Operating Systems
• Example: how an OS coordinates printing activity

Image: Parsons & Oja (2013)

Operating Systems
Category of OS Examples
Desktop OS Windows
macOS
UNIX
Linux
Chrome OS
Mobile OS Apple iOS
Google Android
Windows Mobile
Server OS Windows Server
macOS Server
UNIX
Linux
Operating Systems
• Desktop OS - Windows

Image source: Discovering Computers 2018

Operating Systems
• Desktop OS - Windows

Image source:
Discovering
Computers 2018
Operating Systems
• Desktop OS - macOS

Image source: Discovering Computers 2018

Operating Systems
• Desktop OS – UNIX & Linux

UNIX

LINUX
Image source: Discovering Computers 2018
Operating Systems
• Mobile OS

Windows Mobile

Image: Parsons & Oja (2013)

THE IPOS MODEL
IPOS Model
• A computer accepts input, then processes the input using
a set of instructions to produce output.
• Input: whatever that is typed, submitted or transmitted into a
computer
• Output: the results produced by a computer after being processed;
can be stored for future use.
IPOS Model
• Input → Process (may involve Storage) → Output
• IPOS model describes how a computer works in general
• the most basic structure of an information processing entity
• All computer systems operate based on the information
processing cycle
IPOS Model

Image: Parsons & Oja (2013)

IPOS Model
• Data is a collection of unprocessed (raw) items.
• Information is the message/meaning being conveyed,
derived from data.

Image: Vermaat, Sebok & Freund (2014)

Summary

Computer
The Computer Hardware
System Unit, Storage Media & Devices,
Input Devices, Output Devices, Ports &
Connections, Communication Devices

Computer The IPOS

Software Model
System Software, Application Software
References/Credits
• Vermaat, M.E., Sebok, S.L., Freund, S.M., Campbell, J.T.,
and Frydenberg, M. (2016). Discovering Computers 2016:
Tools, Apps, Devices, and the Impact of Technology.
Singapore: CENGAGE Learning.