This Self-Learning Module will help you get acquainted with the Computer Systems
through its essential elements. After going through the readings, answering the activities,
and performing assigned task, you are expected to:
Understand Computer System through its essential elements and various activities.
Interpret the Block Diagram of Computer System and its component through an
Illustration
Understanding Computer System
We are all aware of what computers are and their immense importance in our daily
lives. It is an electronic device that not only stores data but also processes and manipulates
data to carry out functions. Upon receiving valid instructions, a computer can perform a
variety of operations.
What allows us to perform such tasks on the computer is a computer system. A
computer system is the sum of all the components (hardware and software) that makes up
a fully functional computer.
It is a set of integrated devices and peripherals which inputs data, process it and give
output. It can also store electronic data and information.
Elements of the Computer System
The main elements that make up a computer system interact with each other and
perform the task at hand are the following:
Hardware
Software
Liveware
Procedures
Data
Connectivity
Hardware
These are all the physical aspects of a computer system. They are tangible, i.e. you
can see and touch them.
Hardware can be of four types, depending on which function they perform. The four
types of hardware are:
Input Hardware: Used input data into the computer system such as keyboard,
mouse, scanner, and microphone.
Processing and Memory Hardware: These are where the data and information
are processed and manipulated. It consists of the Central Processing Unit (CPU)
and the primary memory which is known as the Random-Access Memory (RAM).
The CPU is responsible for controlling all the activities of the computer, as well as
the input/output, memory and other devices connected to it. The primary memory
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(RAM) stores input data temporarily for immediate calculation results but cannot
store vast amount of data.
Secondary Storage Hardware: Also known as the Secondary Memory, it is
where the computer system stores data permanently for future use such as the
Hard disk (HDD), Solid State Drives (SSD), Flash Drives and CD/DVD.
Output Hardware: It consists of devices that are used to display the results or
output of the process such as the Monitor, Printer and Projector.
The image above shows the Block Diagram of the Computer System, where data enters
(input) the computer, later being processed (CPU) or stored (Memory Unit), allowing user to
have an output (in the form of audio, visual or printed).
Software
Software is nothing but a set of programs (computer instructions), which helps the
user to do a set of specific tasks. It helps the user interact with the computer system with the
help of hardware. Software, as you can imagine, is the intangible aspect of the computer
system.
Basically, there are six main types of software, which are as follows,
Operating System: These specialized programmes that allow the communication
between software and hardware. The OS runs all the other computer
programmes, and even regulate the startup process of the computer. Examples of
OS are Windows OS (Windows 7, Windows 10 Windows Server and the incoming
Windows 11), Mac OS (OS X El Capitan and macOS Mojave) and Linux OS
(Debian, Ubuntu, Gentoo)
Application Software: These are designed to perform a specific task or a bunch of
tasks. They can be user-designed (specific to the user’s needs) or readymade
application software. Example of this are Microsoft Suite, Skype
Utility Software: It helps maintain and protect the computer system. Examples are
Anti-virus, Disk Clean-up tools, Back-up Utility
Language Processors: Software that interprets computer language and translates
it into machine language. It also checks for errors in language syntax and fixes the
problems.
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System Software: These types of software control the hardware, the reading of the
data and other such internal functions. Examples are Device Drivers, Firmware’s
Connectivity Software: The special software that facilitates the connection
between the computer system and the server. This allows the computer to share
information and communicate with each other. Examples are Windows Remote
Desktop, and TeamViewer
Liveware
The people interacting with the computer system are called Liveware. They are the
ultimate “users” of the computer systems. There are three types of people that interact with
the system, namely:
o Programmers: Professionals who write the computer programs that allow users to
interact with the computer. They must have technical knowledge of computers and
computer languages.
o System Analyst: They mainly design data processing systems, and solve
problems that arise in data processing
o End-Users: Also known as operators, they are the people who interact with the
computer system.
Procedures
These are a set of instructions, written in code, to instruct a computer on how to
perform a task, run a software, do calculations etc. There are three types of procedures in a
computer They are:
o Hardware-Oriented Procedure: Instructs the hardware components of the system,
ensures they work smoothly
o Software Oriented Procedure: Provides instructions to launch and run software
programs
o Internal Procedures: Directs the flow of information and sequences the data
Data
Data is essentially the raw facts and figures that we input in the computer. The data
gets processed via the computer system and becomes information, which is processed and
organized data. Information can then be used for decision-making purposes.
The measurement of data is done in terms of “bytes”. One kilobyte (KB) is
approximately 1000 bytes, 1 megabyte (MB) is 1 million bytes and finally, 1 gigabyte (GB) is
approximately 1 billion bytes.
Connectivity
This is when the computers are linked to a network. It facilitates sharing of
information, files, and other facilities. Computers can connect to a network via LAN cables,
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, satellites etc. The internet is the most obvious example of connectivity in a
computer system.
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I. Crossword Puzzle
Directions: Answer the Crossword Puzzle below using the clues found on columns Across
and Down.
ACROSS DOWN
1. Antivirus, 6. Wi-Fi,
Disk Clean- Bluetooth, LAN
up, Back-up cables
2. Linked to a 7. End-Users,
network Programmers,
3. Set of code System Analyst
instructions 8. Measurement
4. Tangible for data
parts of 9. OS, Office
computer Suite, Skype
5. RAM 10. Raw facts and
figures
entered to PC
II. Interpret Me!
Direction: Explain the image below following the given Guide Questions.
Guide Questions
1. What do you think are the 4 images shown? Enumerate each.
2. How do these 4 images be considered as a whole or as one?
3. What will happen to the Whole system if one among the images be removed?
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III. Complete Me!
Directions: Let us know your understanding about the lesson by means of completing the
sentences below! Write your answer on your activity notebook.
1. A computer system is the sum of a fully functional computer because…
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
2. The difference between hardware and software is…
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
3. People are considered an element of computer system because…
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
4. My understanding towards data is that…
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
5. Connectivity is an important element of computer system because…
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Rubrics
Criteria
Thoughts/ideas paints a clear and concise explanation
Sentence transitions maintain the flow of thought.
Sentences are complete, clear and concise.
Rules of grammar, usage, and punctuation are followed.
Spelling and grammar are correct.
SCORE:
5
Part II.
1. Four images shown are the elements of the computer system. They are Hardware,
Software, liveware and data.
2. They became the computer system
3. (Answer may vary)
Part III.
Answer may vary. This part is assessed using the given rubrics
I. Matching Type.
Directions: Match Column A to Column B. LETTERS ONLY.
COLUMN A COLUMN B
1. HDD, SDD and DVD belong to this type of A. Bytes
hardware. B. Connectivity
2. This is used to measure computer data. C. Data
3. Programmers, System Analyst and End-Users D. Liveware
belong to this element of computer. E. Operating System
4. The element of computer system that enables you F. Output Hardware
to link to a network. G. Secondary Storage
5. This element of the computer system is intangible. H. Software oriented procedure
6. It provides instructions to launch and run software I. Software
programs J. System Analyst
7. It allows communication between the computer’s
hardware and software.
8. What hardware translate and display the result of
the data processed?
9. He/she designs data processing systems and
solve problems that arise in data processing
10. These are essentially the raw facts and figures that
we input in the computer.
II. Modified True or False.
Direction: Identify the following if it is TRUE or FALSE. Write O if your answer is TRUE,
otherwise, write X and change the underlined word/s.
_____________1. All other software cannot be installed without an Application Software.
_____________2. HDD and SSD both provide temporary storage to the computer system.
_____________3. Linux, Windows and Mac OS belong to Utility Software.
_____________4. Output in computer PC are all tangible and can be touched.
_____________5. Processing hardware includes CPU and RAM.
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_____________6. Programs are a set of instructions, written in code, to instruct a computer
on how to perform a task, run a software, do calculations etc.
_____________7. The connectivity gets processed via the computer system and becomes
information.
_____________8. The end-users are the people who interact with the computer system.
_____________9. The people interacting with the computer system are called Humanware.
_____________10. The processor is responsible for controlling all the activities of the
computer.
III. Performance Task: (20 pts.)
Interpret-Illustrate! Directions: Interpret the Block Diagram of Computer into actual
situation (example in cooking, sports, daily chores etc.) through an illustration.
1. Your illustration must show the elements of Input, Process and Output, labeled
properly and with short explanation.
2. The different components of Computer System must also be shown according to the
actual situation you’re illustrating (with proper labelling).
3. EXAMPLE IN COOKING – Hardware are the cooking materials/utensils; Software
are the video tutorial you’ve watched; Procedures are the cooking itself; Liveware is
the person cooking; Connectivity is when you’re trying to sell your cooked product;
and Data is the cost of all the materials you’ve used in cooking, or it may also be
your income or capital in cooking.
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accomplishing accomplishing accomplishing accomplishing accomplishing
the task the task the task the task the task
Very well Well drawn Clearly drawn Not creative Boring and/or
drawn, with a with an with an but neat and sloppy
Creativity unique point- interesting expected organized
of-view point-of-view point-of-view
Point-of-view Point-of-view Point-of-view Point-of-view Facts are
fully presented and expressed but presented inaccurate
presented and supported with limited without use Point of view
Explanation supported some use of factual of supporting not present
by many facts facts information facts/opinion
only
References:
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