Computers in A Changing World

Computers in a Changing World
Many scientific and technological advances mark the beginning of the twentieth century. These
advances include inventions such as airplanes, television, and the computer. Computers are
changing our lives, they are sweeping away the old ways of doing things with their superb
speed and reliability.
As many of today’s basic functions are being simplified by technology, computers have been at
the forefront of developing innovations through their many functions.
In this digital world, having the knowledge and skills in computer servicing is the start and most
fundamental.
I. Computer and Its Types
`A computer is an electronic machine that processes and stores information. It takes in
raw information using input devices, stores it in the memory until it is ready to be
processed in the processing unit, and sends out results using output devices.
Computers are classified into four (4) different types based on its processing power and size:
THE TYPES OF COMPUTERS
1. Supercomputer is the fastest and most powerful computer in terms of performance and data
processing. It uses its power to run one program at a time.
Used in:
Research and exploration
Weather forecasting
Nuclear weapon testing
2. Mainframe computer is not as powerful as a supercomputer. It is designed to run multiple

programs concurrently.
It is commonly used in:

Banks
Educational Institution
Insurance companies
3. Minicomputer, also known as “Midrange” computers fill the space between the mainframe
and microcomputer. It is smaller than a Supercomputer or Mainframe computer but bigger and
more powerful than the microcomputer. They are generally used as mid-range servers.
Some of its uses are as:

Data Management device
Communications Portal
Process Control
4. Microcomputer is the most widely used computer – desktops, laptops, tablets, and
smartphones. It is the cheapest among the different classes of computers. This computer is
designed for general usage such as entertainment, education, and work purposes.
II. The Elements of Computer System
A computer system is a collection of entities that are designed to receive, process,

manage, and present information in a meaningful format. It has 3 elements that will
make a computer useful.
1. Hardware refers to the physical, tangible computer equipment and devices that provide
support for major functions such as input, process, output, and storage.
A. INPUT DEVICES are composed of a device that accepts data and instructions from the user
or another computer system.
B. OUTPUT DEVICE is any piece of computer hardware that displays results after the computer
has processed the input data that has been entered.
C. PROCESS DEVICE is the computer’s circuitry in the system unit. It plays an important role in
processing operations. It is used to process data, using instructions from the program.
D. STORAGE DEVICE stores data and programs. These hold data, information, and programs
permanently.
2. Software – this term refers to the collection of electronic instructions that tell the
computer what to do. It is a computer program that is installed on your computer.
The diagram below shows the classification of software.
Kinds of Computer Software
A. System Software coordinates the activities and functions of hardware and software. It
controls the operations of computer hardware and provides an environment or
platform for all the other types of software to work in. It is the most basic type of
software in any computer system, which is essential for other programs,
applications, and the whole computer system to function.
A.1. Operating System – is the program that, after being initially loaded into a computer by a
boot program, manages all the other programs in a computer.
A.2. Utility Programs – are small, powerful programs with a limited capability, they are
usually operated by the user to maintain a smooth running of the computer
system.
B. Application Software is a computer program that performs a specific task. (Application

software examples – MS Office, OpenOffice, Media Players, MS Access,
educational software, media development software, Antivirus software, etc.)
3. Peopleware – the most important element of a computer system is its users. The following
types of people interact with a computer system:
a. System Analysts - are people who design the operation and processing of the
system
b. System Programmers – are people who write codes and programs to implement the
working of the system.
c. System Operators – are people who operate the system and use it for different
purposes. Also called the end users like students, teachers, and other
professionals.
III. HOW THE COMPUTER WORKS?

Data are raw facts about things, events, or activities that are captured, recorded, and
stored on the computer. These can be in the form of words,
numbers, or pictures.
Data become information when these have been arranged or organized to be of use and
to have meaning to the user.
INPUT – in this step, data are entered into the computer through input devices, such as
a keyboard and mouse.
PROCESS – is the computer’s method of analyzing, managing, or manipulating data.
The data entered into the computer change. The Central
Processing Unit (CPU) directs the operation of the input and
output devices to create the needed information.
OUTPUT – You get the output once the computer is finished processing the data. It
could be displayed on the monitor, printed on paper, or heard
through speakers.
STORAGE – The processed data are kept for future use. We use Hard Disk Drive to
store the information.

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Computers in a Changing World

THE TYPES OF COMPUTERS

2. Mainframe computer is not as powerful as a supercomputer. It is designed to run multiple

It is commonly used in:

Some of its uses are as:

II. The Elements of Computer System

A computer system is a collection of entities that are designed to receive, process,

Kinds of Computer Software

B. Application Software is a computer program that performs a specific task. (Application

III. HOW THE COMPUTER WORKS?

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