NAME:____________________________________________________LEVEL:_____________________

LS6 Basic Computer

Let’s See What You Already Know
Before studying this module, take this simple test to determine what you already know about the topics covered.

A. Encircle the letter of the correct answer.

1. What is a computer?
a. An electronic device capable of interpreting and executing programmed commands
b. A machine used for counting
c. A device used for making books
d. A machine for teaching how to print.
2. What is not a fundamental component of a computer system?
a. Input b. Output c. Data d. Processing
e. Storage
3. What is computer hardware?
a. The electronic machine/equipment that does the computer’s work
b. Where computers are sold
c. A place where computers are repaired
d. A computer damage
4. What is a computer software?
a. A device for cleaning a computer
b. A covering for a computer
c. A set of programmed commands that a computer interprets and executes
d. A book about how computer work
5. The intelligence of a computer is found in its…
a. Input b. Output c. Processor d. Storage
6. Fuel is to a car, as ________ is to a computer.
a. Processor b. Storage c. Data d. Wires
7. What is a millisecond?
a. One hundredth of a second
b. One thousandth of a second
c. One millionth of a second
d. One billionth of a second
8. What is an e-mail?
a. Electrical mail b. Electronic mailc. Emergency mail d. Early mail
9. What device is traditionally thought of as the first ever computer?
a. Calculator b. Abacus c. Steam engine d. Maps
10. What is a main frame computer?
a. A computer that comes with a frame
b. A small computer
c. A computer that can process information from several computers
d. A new computer

B. Name the parts of a computer found in the illustration below. Write the name on the
blank beside each part.

C. Name the six properties or characteristics of a

computer.
1. ____________________________
2. ____________________________
3. ____________________________
4. ____________________________
5. ____________________________
6. ____________________________

D. Name the eight areas in which computers are

used.
1. ____________________________
2. ____________________________
3. ____________________________
4. ____________________________
5. ____________________________
6. ____________________________
7. ____________________________
8. ____________________________
What are the properties or characteristics of a computer? Read on to find out.
Properties of a Computer
Speed
Computers are fast. They perform various activities by executing programmed instructions.
For example, they can quickly multiply the number of hours of work per day by the rate of pay
of each employee per hour. These operations are done in fractions of a second. Computers
process information depending on the speed of their processor—the computer’s brain. A
processor with 500-megahertz speed can process data or information 5 times faster than one with
a speed of 100 megahertz. The faster the speed of the processor, the faster the programmed
commands are carried out. Do you expect computers with faster processors to cost more? If you
answered yes, you are correct. Faster processors are harder to produce. They cost much more
than slower processors.
Storage
You have learned earlier how much data hard disks can store. These are measured in
megabytes (1 million bytes) or gigabytes (1 billion bytes). A good computer can have access
to up to a billion characters or letters of data. Imagine how big this is knowing that one module
like this contains about 8,000 words or about 30,000-40,000 letters or characters.
Accuracy
Accuracy means the correctness of data. Information systems or computer systems can have
errors, too. But these errors are very rarely due to the computer itself. They are errors in
software programs or mistakes in computer use. Computers commit mistakes primarily only as a
result of human error.
Do you still remember what GIGO is from Lesson 1? It stands for “Garbage in –garbage
out”. The computer will always accurately perform its programmed commands regardless of the
accuracy of the data inputted.
Versatility
Versatility means being able to do many things and adapt to many situations. A single
computer can have many uses depending on the programs or software that its memory contains.
A computer can be used to write letters, to prepare graphs, compute interests, play games and
even create artwork! Can you think of other things it can do?
Automation
Once a computer is commanded to do something, it does so automatically and without
stopping. It will stop only when you want it to stop. This high level of automation (the ability to work
alone) makes computers fast and useful.
Reliability
Computers are highly reliable. They are very good at doing tasks that are repeated over and
over again. People usually get bored with such tasks. Computers don’t get sick or take coffee
breaks and very seldom complain. Can you understand why some bosses prefer working with
computers rather than their employees?
How Computers are Used in Today’s Society
In today’s society, computers have taken center stage. They can be found everywhere.
These are the eight areas in which computers are used.
♦ Information systems/data processing
♦ Personal computing
♦ Science, research and engineering
♦ Process/ device control
♦ Education
♦ Computer aided design (CAD)
♦ Entertainment
♦ Artificial intelligence
Do you want to know more about them? Read on.
Information systems/data processing
Computers are being used in many areas to handle data. Banks use computer to keep
records of deposits and compute interests. Schools use them to record and compute student’s
grades and the salaries of teachers. Airline industries depend heavily on computers to make sure
that airplanes arrive on time and passengers are booked for their flights.
Personal computing
At home, the personal computer can be very useful. Mothers can use computers to keep
family records, monitor household expenses and keep track of grocery supplies. They can even
use computers to place orders and shop. Fathers use computers to balance financial statements
and monitor household expenses. Children use the computer to do their assignments and make
greeting cards. Of course, computers can also be used to watch movies on CD ROMs, play
music or play computer games.
The personal computer has also stopped being a detached or stand-alone machine that
works on its own. Today, computers have become remote terminals, which can be linked to
larger networks of other computers. A good example would be the use of the internet. It is
possible for a person to use his/her computer at home to communicate with other computers or
websites all over the world. The data from computers travel through telephone lines. If you know
how to use a computer, you can be a part of the world wide web. This is a worldwide network
of computer users. Through this, you can chat with a friend abroad. You can also send an
electronic mail or even purchase products while sitting in front of your computer.
Have you heard of the dot.com revolution? Some businesses have already made
themselves accessible through the internet. An address in the internet usually ends with a .com.
For example, amazon.com is a world leader in book sales through the internet. If you have a
modem, a telephone and an internet server, you can already access the millions of business
and addresses on the web. This is like a postal system, where messages are sent in seconds!
Science, research and engineering
Scientists use computers to study complex mathematical problems. Researchers can make
graphs and charts, make predictions and prepare nice presentations using the computer.
“Intelligent buildings” whose elevators and other functions are run by computers already exist.
These buildings have automatic computer-controlled air-conditioning systems that precisely
control office temperatures based on the time of day. Elevators now run faster and safer because
of computers. Medical services and research rely very much on computers. They have made
impossible things, possible today.
Process/device control
Industries now use computers. They make the production of goods and services faster. The
quality or goods improve and more savings are realized. Do you know what an assembly line
is? An assembly line is usually found in factories. This is a system of making goods or products
using a step by step process. This system is faster and more efficient. Computers are use to make
assembly lines work more efficiently. The result is better quality and cheaper products
Education
Education is a field that is greatly benefiting from the use of computers. Many teachers
trained in computers pass on their skills to their students. Classroom lectures are made more
interesting and effective when computer based- learning is adapted. Computers are also used to
produce teaching materials that are interesting and effective. Computer training schools have
flourished because people are starting to see the value of computer literacy or competency.
Computer Aided Design (CAD)
Today, airplanes fly safer, cars drive faster and trains arrive on time because of their new
designs. Using the computer, engineers have designed new products and machines that are more
productive and efficient. Computer Aided Design or CAD is also used to make artworks, posters
and other materials where design is important.
Entertainment
Have you seen a movie lately? Can you compare these movies with those you have seen
before? Most movies now use computer technology to make special effects that are more
convincing and fascinating. Computer based games are also very popular.
Artificial intelligence
Today’s computers can simulate or copy many human capabilities such as reading,
calculating, grasping, speaking, remembering, drawing and even comparing numbers! People in
the computer industry conduct researches to make better hardware and software that can make
computers imitate intelligent human behavior. If you have seen robots before, then you have seen
an example of artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence is also seen in other that can imitate
human qualities. There are now machines that can recognize human voices and play chess with
people.
Of course, computers would never be able to imitate human creativity, feelings, emotions
and humor. But machines are now being developed to imitate human movements and even try to
copy human reasoning. How do you feel about this?