GEE5: Living in the IT ERA
Preliminary: Module 1
Chapter I: Introduction to Computers
Introduction:
This module provides information about the integration of technology in the field of education, however,
its focus is on the information technology, parts of information system, computer as defined and its usefulness, basic
task of computers and data and information cycle.
Lesson Outcomes:
1. Defined computer, its data and information.
2. Emphasized the needs of computers.
3. Determined the application area of computers.
4. Introduced the basic task of computer in data and information processing.
Content:
Computer Defined:
Computer is an electronic device, which is capable of: Receiving the input, Processing the data based on
given set of instructions and Producing the output and Storing the information (if
needed).
And this?
What about this?
If you have answered all of these with a yes, then maybe you have a wide understanding what computer
technologies are and how they are being used on todays’ era of technology. Let us try to consider things well and be
part of this journey to becoming a computer tech. Welcome to the Generation Z (Zhey)!
Why we need Computers?
•
•
As an easier resource to things such as communications.
Through all types of communication (via internet) we can advertise, sell, chat, phone call, location to
location and many other things.
Application Area of Computers:
Nowadays computers are considered backbone in many different fields.
a. Education:
 Curriculum
 Extension
b. Military:
 Missile launch, flight, Radar,
Satellite Communications
c. Research:

Simulators, Special software, Surveys
GEE5- Living in the IT Era, School Year 2021-2022, Second Semester
d. Entertainment:
 Music, Movies, Games, 3D Cinemas, Virtual Reality
e. Business:

Banks, ATM, Online Banking, Online Shopping
f.
Industry:
 Production, Painting, Robots, Engine construction
g.
Transportation:
 Airline, Train reservation, Air traffic control, Auto pilot
H. Office

office automation, email, MS Office
Basic Task of a Computer
•
Basic task of a computer is to convert Data (meaningless) into Information (meaningful).
Data and Information
Data:


Data is collection of unorganized /
unprocessed items, which include
words, numbers, images and sounds.
Computer process data to create
information
Information:
• Information is a data which is
organized, has meaning and is
useful.
• Example: Reports, Newsletters, a
receipt, a picture or invoice etc.…
Data / Information Processing Cycle
Input:
• Entering data into the computer.
• It is performed by input devices.
Process:
• Performing operations on the data in order to convert it into
information.
• It is performed by processing devices.
GEE5- Living in the IT Era, School Year 2021-2022, Second Semester
Output:
 Presenting the results/information.
 It is performed by output devices.
Storage:
 Saving data, programs, output or information for future use.
 It is performed by storage devices.
Set of Instructions:
 Collection of instructions (Program) that converts the data into information.
 Contains procedure that converts data into information.
 Stored in memory.
Lesson Number 2: Classification of Computers
Lesson Outcomes:
1.
2.
Differentiated the classification of computers.
Determined the timeline of Analog computers.
Introduction:
According to purpose, computers are either general purpose or specific purpose. General purpose computers are
designed to perform a range of tasks. These computers could store numerous programs, but lack in speed and
efficiency. Specific purpose computers are designed to handle a specific problem or to perform a specific task. A set
of instructions is built into the machine.
Content:
General Knowledge
Computer: Common Oriented Machine Particularly Used for Trade Education and Research
Laptop: Lightweight Analytical Platform with Total Optimized Power
Classification of Computers
A. On the basis of Purpose
B. On the basis of Size
C. On the basis of Working Mechanism
A. Classification of Computers (Purpose)
 General Purpose
 Special Purpose
B. Classification of Computers (Size)
• Super Computers
• Mainframe Computers
• Minicomputers
• Micro Computers
• Desktop Computers
• Workstations
• Notebook Computers
• Tablet PCs
• Handheld Computers
• Smartphones
C. Classification of Computers (Working Mechanism)
 Analog Computers
 Digital Computers
 Hybrid Computers
Computers are also classified based on:
1. Purpose
2. Size
3. Type of Data / Working Mechanism
GEE5- Living in the IT Era, School Year 2021-2022, Second Semester
Classification of Computers (Purpose)
Based on purpose, computers are classified as:
1. General Purpose Computers
2. Special Purpose Computers
General Purpose Computers
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
They are designed to perform a wide variety of
the tasks (They are not limited).
They are more flexible than special purpose computers.
The computers that you see at your home are general
purpose computers.
They are designed to do the following tasks:
• Create documents
• Print documents
• Play music, videos and games
• Send emails
• Browse internet
• Create models of building, vehicles or any other system
• Edit images, sound and videos
• And many more . . .
Means they can do many different tasks.
Special Purpose Computers:
• They are designed to perform specific task or a set of tasks (They are limited).
• They are less flexible than general purpose computers.
• They are designed to be used for special set of tasks and cannot be used for general purposes.
Examples:
a. Digital Watch
b. Robot
c. CT Scan Machine
d. GPS System
e. Carl Control System
f.
Classification of Computers (Size)
• Based on size, computers are classified as:
1. Super Computers
2. Mainframe Computers
3. Minicomputers
4. Micro Computer
Super Computers
• Super computers are the most powerful computers built by people.
• These computers are the largest computers among the computers made since very starting ages.
• These computers can house thousands of processors and can handle the needs of thousands of users at a
time.
• These computers can process huge amount of data.
• These computers are ideal for solving very large and complex problems which required extreme
calculation power.
• Super computers are used for highly calculation-intensive tasks such as:
• Problems involving quantum mechanical physics
• Weather forecasting
• Climate research (including research into global warming)
• Molecular modeling (computing the structures and properties of chemical compounds, biological
macromolecules, polymers, and crystals)
• Physical simulations (such as simulation of airplanes in wind tunnels, simulation of the
detonation of nuclear weapons, and research into nuclear fusion)
• Major universities
• Military agencies
• Scientific research laboratories
Some of the powerful super computers made are:
• IBM Blue Gene/P
• IBM NORC
• UNIVAC LARC
• CDC 6600
• Burroughs ILLIAC IV
• Intel Paragon XP/S 140
• Hitachi SR2201/1024
• NEC Earth Simulator
•
GEE5- Living in the IT Era, School Year 2021-2022, Second Semester
Mainframe Computers
•
Mainframes are referred as Macro computers or Big Iron.
•
These computers are used mainly by large organizations for critical applications,
typically bulk data processing such as industry, and financial transaction processing.
•
These are large and power computers but have less power than super computers.
•
The early mainframes were so large that they were housed in huge, room-size
metal boxes or frames.
•
But today’s mainframes are smaller than that of early mainframes.
•
Mainframe computers are very large and powerful computers and can handle the
processing needs of thousands of users at a time.
•
But these systems lake in flexibility i.e. they are only used for specific tasks like, the mainframe in
an Air-lines can only store the information about the schedules of flights, the data about the
visas and passports of passengers, the record of the passengers etc.
•
Means mainframe computers are not so much flexible.
Some of the powerful mainframe computers are:
• IBM System z9
• Burroughs large systems
• UNIVAC
Some of the companies that manufacture the mainframe systems are:
• IBM
• Hewlett-Packard
• Sperry
• Burroughs
• Fujitsu Hitachi
Minicomputers
• Minicomputers were evolved in 1960’s.
• These are smaller and less powerful than mainframe computers.
• But still they can offer huge processing capabilities.
• The capabilities of a minicomputer are somewhere between those of mainframes and microcomputers.
• For this reason, minicomputers are often called as midrange computers.
•
They usually took up one or a few cabinets the size of a large refrigerator.
• Minicomputers can handle huge processing than microcomputers.
• The minicomputers can handle the processing needs of hundreds of users at a time.
• Like mainframes, minicomputers can handle much more input and output than microcomputer can.
• Although some minicomputers are designed to be used by single user.
• The user can access the central minicomputer through a terminal or standard PC.
• Some examples of minicomputers are:
• Control Data’s CDC 150A and CDC 1700, DEC, PDP and VAX series
• Data General Nova
• Hewlett-Packard’s HP3000 series
• Honeywell-Bull Level 6/DPS, 6/DPS 6000 series
• IBM midrange computers
• Norsk Data Nord-1, Nord-10, and Nord-100
• Prime Computer, Prime 50 series
• SDS, SDS-92
• Wang Laboratories 2200 and VS series.
Micro Computers
• Microcomputers, as their name implies, are the smallest computers built for the users.
• These computers are so small that they can sit under or inside a desk or table some computer even can
easily fit in to your hand or pocket.
• Micro computers are so called because they contain a microprocessor (µP) as its CPU.
• Another general characteristic of these computers is that they occupy physically small amounts of space.
• These are the computers which we see all around us in offices, homes, schools, colleges and universities.
• These computers are designed to be used by a single person at a time therefore these are also known as
personal computers (PCs).
There are six primary types of microcomputers:
1. Desktop Computers
2. Workstations
3. Notebook computers
4. Tablet PCs
5. Handheld Computers
6. Smart Phones
Classification of Computers (Working Mechanism)
On the basis of working mechanism, computers are classified as:
A. Analog Computers
B. Digital Computers
C. Hybrid Computers
A. Analog Computers
GEE5- Living in the IT Era, School Year 2021-2022, Second Semester

Analog computers are the form of computers which use electrical, mechanical or hydraulic
phenomena to solve the problems.
 More generally an analog computer uses one kind of physical quantity to represent the behavior
of another physical system, or mathematical function.
 Analog computers are the computers, designed to perform arithmetical functions upon the
numbers, where the numbers are responded by some physical quantity like, temperature and
voltage (which vary continuously).
 Analog computers operate by only measuring rather than by counting.
 These computers are used for scientific and engineering problems.
Timeline of analog computers
• The slide rule is a hand-operated analog computer for doing multiplication and division, invented
around 1620–1630, shortly after the publication of the concept of the logarithm.
• The differential analyses, a mechanical analog computer designed to solve differential equations
by integration, using wheel-and-disc mechanisms to perform the integration. Invented in 1876,
they were first built in the 1920s and 1930s.
• In World War II era gun directors and bomb sights used mechanical analog computers.
• General Precision Systems electronic analog computer in 1950 was a very adaptable machine
that could be configured to solve a range of problems.
 The MONIAC Computer was a hydraulic model of a national economy built in the early 1950s.
 Heathkit EC-1 an educational analog computer made by the Heath Company, USA in 1960.
 Some examples of analog computers constructed and practically used are:
o Antikythera mechanism
o Astrolabe
o Differential analyser
o Kerrison Predictor
o Mechanical integrator
o MONIAC Computer (hydraulic model of UK economy)
o Norden bombsight
Digital Computers
The digital computer can perform operations on data represented in digital or number form i.e. data
represented as a series of discrete elements arranged in a coded form.
• Digital computers are mor accurate than analog computers.
• Digital computers handle values that are in discrete (binary 0’s and 1’s).
• As the digital computers do not support mechanical based operations therefore, they are freed from huge
and heavy mechanical components like motors and gears, so the size of these computers is smaller and
are lighter than analog computers.
• The computers that we see all around us in offices, schools, homes and colleges are the examples of
digital computers.
• Today’s digital computers contain special hardware as microprocessor, memory, input/output (I/O)
devices and storage devices; and special software like Operating System (OS) and other utility software
which make them more powerful and flexible.
• These computers are quieter than the analog computers for this they are ideal for office use.
• The old digital computers include Zeus Z3 (May 1941), Atanasoff-Berry Computer (1941), Colossus (1943),
Harvard Mark I - IBM ASCC (1944) and ENIAC (1944).
• Today’s most used digital computers are Intel Core i5 and Intel Core i7.
• The term hybrid computer is frequently used to refer any computer system that comprises features of
analog computers and digital computers.
Hybrid Computers
• The term hybrid computer is frequently used to refer any computer system that comprises features of
analog computers and digital computers.
• Hybrid computer has the properties of both analog and digital computers and can input and output
analog and digital data.
• The digital unit controls the analog unit by the means of instructions stored in the digital memory.
• A hybrid computer uses digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital conversion.
• These computers are widely used in the fields of robotics.
• These computers can process both discrete and continuous data.
• The examples of hybrid computer are HRS-100, a hybrid computer from Mihajlo Pupin Institute and WAT
1001 (a polish hybrid computer).
•
Lesson Number 3: Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Lesson Objectives:
1. Identified the major components of CPU
2. Differentiated the structure and cycle of central processing unit.
3. Recognized the internal parts of the central processing unit.
Introduction:
GEE5- Living in the IT Era, School Year 2021-2022, Second Semester
A central processing unit (CPU) is the electronic circuitry within a computer that carries out the instructions
of
a
computer
program
by
performing
the
basic
arithmetic,
logical,
control
and
input/output (I/O) operations specified by the instructions.
The Major Components of CPU
1. Control Unit (CU): Controls the operation of the
CPU and hence the computer.
2. Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU): Performs
computer’s data processing functions.
3. Register: Provides storage internal to the CPU.
4. CPU Interconnection: communication among the
control unit, ALU, and register.
Structure of CPU
Instruction Fetch Execute Cycle
 Once a computer has been powered on it performs a continuous cycle of the following:
 Fetch next instruction from memory
 Decode the instruction
 Execute the instruction
What are these instructions?
• An instruction as the name instructs the computer what to do.
• In simple terms, every line of a program that we as users write instructs the computer to perform
a series of operations.
• These high-level instructions by converting them into a machine understandable form known as
machine language comprising of 1’s and 0’s.
GEE5- Living in the IT Era, School Year 2021-2022, Second Semester
Instruction Fetch Execute Cycle
A more complete form of the Instruction Fetch Execute Cycle can be broken down into the following steps:
1. Fetch Cycle
2. Decode Cycle
3. Execute Cycle
4. Interrupt Cycle
Fetch Cycle
• The fetch cycle begins with retrieving the address stored in the Program Counter (PC).
• The address stored in the PC is some valid address in the memory holding the instruction to be executed.
(In case this address does not exist we would end up causing an interrupt or exception).
• The Central Processing Unit completes this step by fetching the instruction stored at this address from the
memory and transferring this instruction to a special register – Instruction Register (IR) to hold the
instruction to be executed.
• The program counter is incremented to point to the next address from which the new instruction is to be
fetched.
Decode Cycle
• The decode cycle is used for interpreting the instruction that was fetched in the Fetch Cycle.
• The operands are retrieved from the addresses if the need be.
Execute Cycle
 This cycle as the name suggests, simply executes the instruction that was fetched and decoded.
Interrupt Cycle
• An interrupt can occur any time during the program execution. Whenever it is caused, a series of events
take place so that the instruction fetch execute cycle can again resume after the OS calls the routine to
handle the interrupt.
Internal Parts of CPU
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
•
The arithmetic logic unit (ALU), is a component of the processor, performs arithmetic, comparison, and
other operations.
• Arithmetic operations include basic calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Control Unit (CU)
• The control unit is the component of the processor that directs and coordinates most of the operations in
the computer. The control unit has a role much like a traffic Signal it interprets each instruction issued by
a program and then initiates the appropriate action to carry out the instruction.
• It Moves data to and from CPU registers and other hardware components (no change in data)
Registers
• A register is one of a small set of data holding places that are part of a computer processor.
• A register may hold a computer instruction , a storage address, or any kind of data (such as a bit sequence
or individual characters).
• Some instructions specify registers as part of the instruction
GEE5- Living in the IT Era, School Year 2021-2022, Second Semester
Lesson Number 4: Types of Personal Computers (PC)
Lesson Outcome:
1.
Defined and differentiated the types personal computers.
Introduction
A personal computer is a general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities and original sale price make it
useful for individuals and is intended to be operated directly by an end-user with no intervening computer operator.
This contrasts with the batch processing or time-sharing models that allowed larger, more expensive minicomputer
and mainframe systems to be used by many people, usually at the same time. A related term is “PC” that was initially
an acronym for “personal computer,” but later became used primarily to refer to the ubiquitous Wintel platform.
Contents:
Personal Computers:
• The computers which are designed to be used by a single person at a time are known as Personal
Computers (PCs).
• PCs are also called microcomputers.
• Micro computers are so called because they contain a microprocessor (µP) as its CPU.
• Another general characteristic of these computers is that they occupy physically small amounts of space.
• These are the computers which we see all around us in offices, homes, schools, colleges and universities.
Types of Personal Computers
There are six primary types of personal computers:
1. Desktop Computers
2. Workstations
3. Notebook computers
4. Tablet PCs
5. Handheld Computers
6. Smart Phones
Desktop Computers
• The most common type of personal computer is the desktop computer.
• A PC that is designed to sit on (or under) a desk or table.
• These are the systems you see all around you, in schools, homes, and offices.
• Today's desktop computers are far more powerful than those of just a few years ago.
• Not only do these machines enable people to do their jobs with greater ease and efficiency, but they can
be used to communicate, produce music, edit photographs and videos, play sophisticated games, and
much more.
• Used by everyone from preschoolers to nuclear physicists.
• The main component of a desktop PC is the system unit.
• There are two common designs for desktop computers.
• Horizontally oriented system unit, which usually lies flat on the top of the user’s desk. Many users place
their monitor on top of the system unit.
• Vertically oriented tower models have become the more popular style of desktop system.
•
Workstations
• A workstation is a specialized, single-user computer that typically has more power and features than a
standard desktop PC.
• These machines are popular among scientists, engineers, and animators who need a system with greaterthan-average speed and the power to perform sophisticated tasks.
• Workstations often have large, high-resolution monitors and accelerated graphics handling capabilities,
making them suitable for advanced architectural or engineering design, modeling, animation, and video
editing.
Notebook Computers
• When not in use, the device folds up for easy storage.
• Notebooks are fully functional microcomputers; the people who use them need the power of a full-size
desktop computer wherever they go.
• Because of their portability, notebook PCs fall into a category of devices called mobile computers—
systems small enough to be carried by their user.
Tablet PCs
• The tablet PC is the newest development in portable, full-featured computers.
• Tablet PCs offer all the functionality of a notebook PC, but they are lighter and can accept input from a
special pen—called a stylus or a digital pen—that is used to tap or write directly on the screen.
GEE5- Living in the IT Era, School Year 2021-2022, Second Semester
•
Many tablet PCs also have a built-in microphone and special software that accepts input from the user's
voice.
• A few models even have a fold-out keyboard, so they can be transformed into a standard notebook PC.
• Some models also can be connected to a keyboard and a full-size monitor.
Handheld Computers
• Handheld personal computers are computing devices small enough to fit in your hand.
• A popular type of handheld computer is the Personal Digital Assistant (PDA).
• A PDA is no larger than a small appointment book and is normally used for special applications, such as
taking notes, displaying telephone numbers and addresses, and keeping track of dates or agendas.
• Many PDAs can be connected to larger computers to exchange data.
• Many PDAs let the user access the Internet through a wireless connection.
• And several models offer features such as
• Cellular telephones
• Cameras
• Music players
• Global Positioning Systems (GPS).
Smart Phones
• Smart phones can be considered as computers.
• They are different than mobile phones.
• Because these phones offer advanced features not typically found in cellular phones, they are sometimes
called as smart phones.
• These features can include Web and e-mail access, special software such as personal organizers, or special
hardware such as digital cameras or music players.
• Some models even break in half to reveal a miniature keyboard.
Activities / Assessment:
A. Make an Electronic Scrapbook with the following topics:
1.1 Information Communication Technology definition.
o Computer Defined
1.2 Application Area of Computer
o Education
o Military
o Research
o Medicine
o Business
1.3 What are the elements of the computer system.
1.4 Internal Parts of the CPU
1.4 Classification of Computers.
1.4 Capabilities and Limitations of Computer
1.5 Make a timeline of History of Computer, note the important events
1.6 Type of Personal Computers.
Note: The electronic scrapbook shall be submitted on or before May 06, 2022.
B. Futuristic Technology Designing
a. Make a group with five members each.
b. Create a futuristic technology that is for educational use (any sort of) for its 2030 release.
c. Name your technology and list down its capabilities and product Specifications.
d. Model of this future technology shall be submitted June 20, 2022.
Note: A Separate Rubric of Score will be given.
C. Online Examination using Google Forms, Quizzes (Course Google Classroom).
Rubrics:
Note: The general guidelines for the Scoring rubrics of your projects shall be posted on our official
Facebook page for Living in the IT Era subject. Be guided!
GEE5- Living in the IT Era, School Year 2021-2022, Second Semester