BANJO A. REYES, RPB, MBA (cand.

IT 101 Year Level/Semester

Bachelor of Science in Accountancy/CABEIHM PB Year 2/First Semester

Course Description
The goal of this course is to present overview of IT Fundamentals and Tools used in business
environment. This includes computer terminology, hardware, software, operating systems and
information and application systems. This course will also explore business applications of
software, including spreadsheets, databases, presentation graphics, word processing and
business-oriented utilization of the internet.
 OBJECTIVES

1. Enumerate key activities in the evolution of computing.

2. Discuss the types of computers.

3. Explain the computer hardware.

4. Differentiate hardware and software. Name

Job Title
5. Describe the functions of an operating system.

HISTORY OF COMPUTERS

Abacus
1100 BCE
Logarithms
1614
Pascaline (Arithmetic Machine)
1642
Jacquard Loom
1804-1805
Difference Engine
1825
Analytical Engine
1833
The First Programmer
1843
Herman Hollerith’s Census Tabulator
August 30, 1890
Harvard Mark I
1939-1942
Turing Machine
1936
Colossus Mark I
Dec 1943 – Jan 1944
ENIAC
February 15, 1946
Transistor
1947
UNIVAC
March 1952
IBM 360
April 7,1964
Minicomputer
1965
Microcomputer (PC)
1973
The Creation of Microsoft
April 4, 1975
The Creation of Apple Inc.
April 1, 1976
Graphical User Interface
1979

Research
Using relevant sources, research about the notable events, notable people and uses of computing
devices in relation to the timeline.

TYPES OF COMPUTERS

There are two bases on which we can define the types of computers. We will discuss the type
of computers on the basis of size and data handling capabilities. We will discuss each type of
computer in detail. Let’s see first what the types of computers are.
• Super Computer
• Mainframe computer
• Mini Computer
• Workstation Computer
• Personal Computer (PC)
• Server Computer
• Analog Computer
• Digital Computer
• Hybrid Computer
• Tablets and Smartphones
Supercomputer
When we talk about speed, then the first name that comes to mind when thinking of computers
is supercomputers. They are the biggest and fastest computers (in terms of speed of processing
data). Supercomputers are designed such that they can process a huge amount of data, like
processing trillions of instructions or data just in a second. This is because of the thousands of
interconnected processors in supercomputers. It is basically used in scientific and engineering
applications such as weather forecasting, scientific simulations, and nuclear energy research. It
was first developed by Roger Cray in 1976.
Characteristics of Supercomputers
• Supercomputers are the computers that are the fastest and they are also very
expensive.
• It can calculate up to ten trillion individual calculations per second, this is also the
reason which makes it even faster.
• It is used in the stock market or big organizations for managing the online currency
world such as Bitcoin etc.
• It is used in scientific research areas for analyzing data obtained from exploring the
solar system, satellites, etc.

Mainframe computer
Mainframe computers are designed in such a way that they can support hundreds or thousands
of users at the same time. It also supports multiple programs simultaneously. So, they can
execute different processes simultaneously. All these features make the mainframe computer
ideal for big organizations like banking, telecom sectors, etc., which process a high volume of
data in general.

Characteristics of Mainframe Computers

• It is also an expensive or costly computer.
• It has high storage capacity and great performance.
• It can process a huge amount of data (like data involved in the banking sector) very
quickly.
• It runs smoothly for a long time and has a long life.

Minicomputer
Minicomputer is a medium size multiprocessing computer. In this type of computer, there are
two or more processors, and it supports 4 to 200 users at one time. Minicomputer is similar to
Microcontroller. Minicomputers are used in places like institutes or departments for different work
like billing, accounting, inventory management, etc. It is smaller than a mainframe computer but
larger in comparison to the microcomputer.

Characteristics of Minicomputer
• Its weight is low.
• Because of its low weight, it is easy to carry anywhere.
• Less expensive than a mainframe computer.
• It is fast.
Workstation Computer
A workstation computer is designed for technical or scientific applications. It consists of a fast
microprocessor, with a large amount of RAM and a high-speed graphic adapter. It is a single-
user computer. It is generally used to perform a specific task with great accuracy.
Characteristics of Workstation Computer
• It is expensive or high in cost.
• They are exclusively made for complex work purposes.
• It provides large storage capacity, better graphics, and a more powerful CPU when
compared to a PC.
• It is also used to handle animation, data analysis, CAD, audio and video creation, and
editing.

Personal Computer (PC)

Personal Computers is also known as a microcomputer. It is basically a general-purpose
computer designed for individual use. It consists of a microprocessor as a central processing
unit (CPU), memory, input unit, and output unit. This kind of computer is suitable for personal
work such as making an assignment, watching a movie, or at the office for office work, etc. For
example, Laptops and desktop computers.
Characteristics of Personal Computer (PC)
• In this limited number of software can be used.
• It is the smallest in size.
• It is designed for personal use.
• It is easy to use.

Server Computer

Server Computers are computers that are combined data and programs. Electronic data and
applications are stored and shared in the server computer. The working of a server computer is
that it does not solve a bigger problem like a supercomputer but it solves many smaller similar
ones. Examples of server computer are like Wikipedia, as when users put a request for any
page, it finds what the user is looking for and sends it to the user.

Analog Computer
Analog Computers are particularly designed to process analog data. Continuous data that
changes continuously and cannot have discrete values are called analog data. So, an analog
computer is used where we don’t need exact values or need approximate values such as speed,
temperature, pressure, etc. It can directly accept the data from the measuring device without
first converting it into numbers and codes. It measures the continuous changes in physical
quantity. It gives output as a reading on a dial or scale. For example speedometer, mercury
thermometer, etc.
Digital Computer
Digital computers are designed in such a way that they can easily perform calculations and
logical operations at high speed. It takes raw data as input and processes it with programs stored
in its memory to produce the final output. It only understands the binary input 0 and 1, so the
raw input data is converted to 0 and 1 by the computer and then it is processed by the computer
to produce the result or final output. All modern computers, like laptops, desktops including
smartphones are digital computers.

Hybrid Computer
As the name suggests hybrid, which means made by combining two different things. Similarly,
the hybrid computer is a combination of both analog and digital computers. Hybrid computers
are fast like analog computers and have memory and accuracy like digital computers. So, it has
the ability to process both continuous and discrete data. For working when it accepts analog
signals as input then it converts them into digital form before processing the input data. So, it is
widely used in specialized applications where both analog and digital data are required to be
processed. A processor which is used in petrol pumps that converts the measurements of fuel
flow into quantity and price is an example of a hybrid computer.

Tablet and Smartphones

Tablets and Smartphones are the types of computers that are pocket friendly and easy to carry
is these are handy. This is one of the best use of modern technology. These devices have better
hardware capabilities, extensive operating systems, and better multimedia functionality.
Smartphones and tablets contain a number of sensors and are also able to provide wireless
communication protocols.

Computer Hardware and Software, both are essential parts of a Computer System. In short,
Hardware and Software make a System compatible with the user.

Consider This
Who use desktops?

Home and business users who do not require the portability of a mobile computer may work with
desktops for their everyday computing needs. Gaming enthusiast often choose a gaming
desktop, which offers high-quality audio, video and graphics with optimal performance for
sophisticated single-user and networked of Internet multiplayer games. Power users may work
with a high end desktop, sometimes called a workstation that is designed to handle intense
calculations and sophisticated graphics. For example, architects use powerful desktops to
design building and homes and graphic artists use them to create computer animated special
effects for motion pictures and video games. Some users configure a desktop to function as a
server on a network.
 COMPUTER HARDWARE
Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer. Computer Hardware is any part of
the computer that we can touch these parts. These are the primary electronic devices used to
build up the computer. Examples of hardware in a computer are the Processor, Memory Devices,
Monitor, Printer, Keyboard, Mouse, and Central Processing Unit.
Types of Computer Hardware
• Input Devices
• Output Devices
• Storage Devices
• Internal Component

1. Input Devices: Input Devices are those devices through which a user enters data and
information into the Computer or simply, User interacts with the Computer. Examples of Input
Devices are Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner, etc.
2. Output Devices: Output Devices are devices that are used to show the result of the task
performed by the user. Examples of Output Devices are Monitors, Printers, Speakers, etc.
3. Storage Devices: Storage Devices are devices that are used for storing data and they are
also known as Secondary Storage Data. Examples of Storage Devices are CDs, DVDs, Hard
Disk, etc
4. Internal Component: Internal Components consists of important hardware devices present
in the System. Examples of Internal Components are the CPU, Motherboard, etc.

Computer Software
Software is a collection of instructions, procedures, and documentation that performs different
tasks on a computer system. we can say also Computer Software is a programming code
executed on a computer processor. The code can be machine-level code or code written for an
operating system. Examples of software are MS- Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Chrome,
Photoshop, MySQL, etc.
Types of Computer Software
• System Software
• Application Software

1. System Software: System Software is a component of Computer Software that directly

operates with Computer Hardware which has the work to control the Computer’s Internal
Functioning and also takes responsibility for controlling Hardware Devices such as Printers,
Storage Devices, etc. Types of System Software include Operating systems, Language
processors, and Device Drivers.
2. Application Software: Application Software are the software that works the basic operations
of the computer. It performs a specific task for users. Application Software basically includes
Word Processors, Spreadsheets, etc. Types of Application software include General Purpose
Software, Customized Software, etc.
 Secure It

ATM Safety

Visiting an ATM to withdraw or deposit money is convenient, but it also is ripe with potential for
criminal activity. Avoid being a victim by exercising common sense and following these guidelines.

-Location
-ATM card and PIN
-Transaction
-Be suspicious of skimmers
-Valuables
-Exiting
-Statements

Secure It Question
Which of these guidelines/tips do you follow, and how will you change your behavior next time you
visit an ATM or other self-service stations? Which ATMs in your neighborhood appear to be in
safe locations?
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Difference between Hardware and Software

Parameters Hardware Software

Hardware is a physical
Basic part of the computer that Software is a set of instructions that tells a computer
Definition causes the processing of exactly what to do.
data.

Development It is manufactured. It is developed and engineered.

 Parameters Hardware Software

Hardware cannot perform

Dependency The software can not be executed without hardware.
any task without software.

Electronic and other

Process of Created by utilizing a computer language to write
materials are used to
creating instructions.
create hardware.

Hardware is tangible as
hardware is a physical Software is intangible as we can see and also use the
Tangible
electronic device, that can software but can’t touch them.
be touched.

Hardware typically wears The software does not wear out with time. However, it
Durability
out over time. may contain flaws and glitches.

It has four main

categories:
It is mainly divided into
Types 1. Input Devices
1. System software
2. Output Devices
2. Application software.
3. Storage Devices
4. Internal Components.

Hardware is not affected

Virus effect Software is affected by computer viruses.
by computer viruses.

It cannot be transferred
from one place to another
Transfer It can be transferred via a network means.
electrically through the
network.

Machine- Only machine-level The program accepts human-readable input, interprets

Level language is known to be it in machine-level language, and sends it to hardware
language understood by hardware. for additional processing.

If the hardware is
If the software is damaged, its backup copy can be
Replacement damaged, it is replaced
reinstalled.
with a new one.
 Parameters Hardware Software

Dust, overheating,
humidity, and other Overloading, systematic error, major-minor version
Failures factors are commonly error, and other factors are commonly responsible for
responsible for hardware software failures.
failures.

Ex: Keyboard, Mouse,

Monitor, Ex: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Photoshop, MySQL,
Examples
Printer, CPU, Hard etc.
disk, RAM, ROM, etc.

FUNCTIONS OF AN OPERATING SYSTEM

Process management in operating systems involves a variety of tasks, including creating,
scheduling, and terminating processes. The operating system must ensure that each process and
application has enough time on the CPU to run smoothly while using as many CPU cycles as
possible for the real task.

Memory Management
The operating system manages the Primary Memory or Main Memory. Main memory is made up
of a large array of bytes or words where each byte or word is assigned a certain address. Main
memory is fast storage and it can be accessed directly by the CPU. For a program to be
executed, it should be first loaded in the main memory. An operating system manages the
allocation and deallocation of the memory to various processes and ensures that the other
process does not consume the memory allocated to one process.

File management
A file system is organized into directories for efficient or easy navigation and usage. These
directories may contain other directories and other files. An Operating System carries out the
following file management activities. It keeps track of where information is stored, user access
settings, the status of every file, and more. These facilities are collectively known as the file
system. An OS keeps track of information regarding the creation, deletion, transfer, copy, and
storage of files in an organized way. It also maintains the integrity of the data stored in these
files, including the file directory structure, by protecting against unauthorized access.

Device Management
An OS manages device communication via its respective drivers. It performs the following
activities for device management. Keeps track of all devices connected to the system.
Designates a program responsible for every device known as the Input/Output controller.
Decides which process gets access to a certain device and for how long. Allocates devices
effectively and efficiently. Deallocates devices when they are no longer required. There are
various input and output devices. An OS controls the working of these input-output devices .It
receives the requests from these devices, performs a specific task, and communicates back to
the requesting process.

Security
The operating system uses password protection to protect user data and similar other
techniques. it also prevents unauthorized access to programs and user data. The operating
system provides various techniques which assure the integrity and confidentiality of user data.
Following security measures are used to protect user data:
• Protection against unauthorized access through login.
• Protection against intrusion by keeping firewall active.
• Protecting the system memory against malicious access.
• Displaying messages related to system vulnerabilities.

Job Accounting
The operating system Keeps track of time and resources used by various tasks and users, this
information can be used to track resource usage for a particular user or group of users. In a
multitasking OS where multiple programs run simultaneously, the OS determines which
applications should run in which order and how time should be allocated to each application.

Secondary Storage Management

Secondary storage is used as an extension of main memory in operating systems. Secondary
storage devices can hold the data permanently. Storage devices consist of Registers, Cache,
Main-Memory, Electronic-Disk, Magnetic-Disk, Optical-Disk, Magnetic-Tapes. Each storage
system provides the basic system of storing a datum and of holding the datum until it is retrieved
at a later time. All the storage devices differ in speed, cost, size and volatility. The most common
Secondary-storage device is a Magnetic-disk, which provides storage for both programs and
data. Disks are the mainly used secondary storage devices. The main activity that is performed in
secondary storage management is disk scheduling.

Networking
The OS provides network connectivity and manages communication between computers on a
network. It also manages network security by providing firewalls and other security measures.

Coordination between Other Software and Users

Operating systems also coordinate and assign interpreters, compilers, assemblers, and other
software to the various users of the computer systems.
 Module Summary
• The use of computing devices stems from the usage of abacus in performing basic
mathematical computations.
• Computers nowadays are used on the basis of size and data handling capabilities
• Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer. Software is a collection of
instructions, procedures, and documentation that performs different tasks on a computer
system.
 Batangas State University
The National Engineering University
College of Accountancy, Business, Economics and International Hospitality Management
IT 101 IT Application Tools in Business

Name: _________________________ Date: _____________________

Program/Year/Section: ____________ Score: ____________________

Activity 2
Hardware/Software Analysis

In this activity the student, will able to analyze different applications of day to day use of
hardware and software device or capabilities.

1. Pair Bluetooth Devices

Why is a passkey required when pairing two Bluetooth devices?
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2. Wi-Fi Network
If you have a data plan allowing unlimited data and you are within range of a Wi-Fi
network, is it better to use your mobile device provider’s network or the Wi-Fi
network? Why.
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3. Public USB Charging Stations

Should warning signs be posted by public charging stations?
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Would you use a public charging kiosks if your smartphone or mobile device was
running low on battery power?
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4. Mobile Computers
Based on your current computing needs, should you purchase a traditional laptop,
ultrathin laptop or tablet?
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What are the specifications of the mobile computer you would purchase?
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5. Determine the type of computer or mobile device that might be most appropriate for the
following employees. Explain your stand.
a. Graphic Designer who exclusively works in the office.
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b. A cashier who is responsible for assisting customers with purchases.
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c. Sales representatives who travels to various locations and needs wireless
communications capabililities.
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