Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
Division of Northern Samar
ALLEN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Allen

Internet and Computing Fundamentals – ICF 7

FIRST QUARTER
Week 5 and 6

LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEETS

Introduction
There are four elements that make up a personal computer system. The
user, software, hardware and electricity all work together to form the whole system.
Each element is as crucial as the others are. The central element is the user who
needs to perform a task. The nature of this task determines the application program
or software needed to accomplish the task. In turn, the software the user selects will
require certain hardware components to function properly.
The equipment itself (the computer, monitor, printer, system unit, etc.) is
called HARDware because you can physically touch the components. The programs
are called SOFTware because they function only while the computer is turned on. A
software program is a coded set of instructions the computer uses. By means of
these instructions, the computer uses a series of on/off signals in order to carry out
the user’s task, and it uses the System Unit to process all of those instructions.

II. MOST ESSENTIAL LEARNING COMPETENCY

LO3. Identify the parts and functions of processing device.

III. STRATEGY:
A. EXPLORE:
Group the following according to their classification/uses, write your
answers inside the boxes below. Use your Answer Sheet in doing this
activity.
PCI Slot Cache Serial Port
RAM ROM AGP Slot
Parallel Port CPU Slot Internet Port
MEMORY PORTS SLOTS

Page 1
 B. LEARN:
THE SYSTEM UNIT
Looking at the System Unit Tower Box

The System Unit or Desktop

Box is often the most important Box
and expensive part of the
computer system. It comes as
either a Desktop Box or a Tower
Box. They both provide the same
functionality.

Whether you choose a tower or a desktop model depends on

your desk space. Some system units give you the ability to change
the unit to be either style to customize for your work environment. There
essentially is no difference between the models.

Inside the box, there are many separate devices that

perform specialized functions for the computer. If one of these
devices fails, it is usually a matter of replacing the defective part.
The power supply, which provides electricity to the devices, is also
located inside the box.

INSIDE THE SYSTEM UNIT

The Motherboard

The largest electronic circuit board in the computer is called

the motherboard. It is the foundation of the computer and consists of
the CPU, RAM, and ROM BIOS.

The motherboard lies on the bottom of the box or the side of a

tower, and smaller circuit boards are plugged into prefabricated
expansion slots.

Page 2
Expansion Slots
These slots are designed so you can expand your computer by adding
items such as a graphics card, memory, etc.

PCI Slots (Peripheral Component Interconnect); these slots

allow you to add new components or cards in the
computer, such as a modem or sound card. PCI can also
be used on newer Macintosh computers.

AGP Slot (Accelerated Graphics Port); this slot is meant for a

card that can handle 3-D graphics.

CPU Slot (Central Processing Unit); this slot will contain the
microprocessor chip.

RAM Slots (Random Access Memory); these slots are designed

for these types of memory chips (covered later in this
module).

Page 3
THE MICROPROCESSOR CHIP
The microprocessor chip is the
“brain” of the computer and is located on the
motherboard. This can also be referred to as
the CPU or Central Processing Unit. It is
the component that receives and executes
instructions from the software programs and
the user.
Each model or type of CPU processes
information and instructions at a different
speed measured in Megahertz (MHz) or
Gigahertz (GHz). Try to imagine the MHz rating
as a Miles Per Hour (MPH) rating, where it is the
relative speed among the models. Even though a microprocessor speed
may be shown at a set Hz rate, this may not always be indicative of the
actual performance, depending on how the computer was configured and
constructed.
MMX refers to MultiMedia eXtension technology, or the
ability to play video or audio files on a computer. This occurs due to
additional instructions provided by the processor that enhances
multimedia performance.

The Power Supply

Every system box has a power
supply that converts the AC (alternating
current) coming from a wall outlet to the
DC (direct current) format needed by a
computer. A power supply for a
computer needs between 5v and 12v,
with 5v needed for the circuit boards
and 12v for hard drives and CD-ROMs.
Newer computer systems generally use lower voltages.

Page 4
EXPANSION SLOTS
Expansion slots are the openings at the back of a system unit that
allow you to expand the components within the system box. A circuit
board containing the new device can then be added onto the
motherboard. These circuit boards could be anything from more memory
chips, sound cards, video adapter cards or internal modems, as
examples.

Memory Module
LAN Card

Sound Card

Video Card

MEMORY

In order for a computer to be able to store information, either about

its configuration or data files, the computer needs to have memory chips
installed. Memory is measured in bytes; in very simple terms, one byte
is equal to one character.

Officially, computers were developed using a numbering system of

1 and 0. These two unique numbers are designed to represent the
Page 5
charged or uncharged nature of electricity. This is known as the binary
system. These two digits essentially make a bit and eight bits make
one byte. With the advancement of computer technology, the availability
for storage capacity has grown:
1 Kilobyte = 1,024 Bytes or 1 Thousand Bytes
1 Megabyte = 1,024,000,000 Bytes or 1 Million Bytes
1 Gigabyte = 1,024,000,000,000 Bytes or 1 Gillion Bytes
1 Terabyte = 1,024,000,000,000,000 Bytes or 1 Trillion Bytes

All data processed in a computer is made up of bytes, in various

combinations as calculated by the computer. Every file used in a
software program by the computer has a specific file size, based on the
instruction for that feature. As you create or revise files, the size of the
data file will increase or decrease accordingly, based on the information
stored within the file. Accordingly, you will need to understand how
memory works and which types might need to be increased in size in
order to handle both program and data files.

Read Only Memory (ROM) BIOS

The Read Only Memory - Basic Input/Output System (ROM BIOS) is
a group of integrated
circuits responsible for BIOS
starting the computer,
checking the RAM and
loading the operating
system. This occurs only
when the computer is
first turned on or each
time you have to restart
(reboot) the computer.
This is the type of memory
commonly found in calculators or printers as it reads the
information entered and processes it during the time it resides in
the memory. When the information is complete, it clears itself and
waits for the next entry. It does not perform any tasks other than
to read the information and process it based on the device where it
resides.

For example, when you send a document to print, the printer will
read the document and process it for printing. When the printing
Page 6
 is complete, the printer stops processing until another print job is
received.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Random Access Memory (RAM) is a kind
of electronic pool of memory where the
computer can hold programs and data. It is
located on the motherboard with the CPU. The
computer uses RAM to temporarily hold the
current software program and the current data
created by the user; this may also be referred to
as system RAM. RAM is volatile — it only
works when the computer is turned on and the
information “vanishes” when the computer is
turned off. Therefore, the actual software
programs must permanently reside on a hard disk or CD-ROM.
The computer can then load the programs into memory and
remove them from memory as required by the user. It is
important to remember that RAM is only a temporary,
changeable storage location. It is erased when you turn off the
computer.
When discussing RAM, there are three different areas where
RAM may be used: system, video/sound cards, and cache.
The computer’s RAM is provided by an array of integrated
circuits and memory chips. Newer, more powerful computers or software
programs need more RAM, and it is not uncommon to find computers
with 256 Mb of RAM or more.

RAM is measured in nano seconds (ns) or one billionth of a

second, or the speed it takes from the time the request is made until it
is completed (also known as the access time). A nanosecond is
extremely fast; a computer can perform a large number of instructions
in 10 nanoseconds.

Cache Memory
Cache (pronounced as “cash”)
memory helps to speed up the processor
by storing frequently used instructions
and data in this area.

Page 7
 There are two types of memory used for cache:

1. DRAM or Dynamic RAM constantly changes, using as much

as it needs based on what instructions are being performed.
This RAM is constantly being “refreshed” based on what the
computer needs.

2. SRAM or Static RAM is a specific amount of RAM that never

needs to be refreshed. This RAM is traditionally faster and
more reliable due to the fact that it never changes.

Cache generally has two levels:

Level 1 is known as primary or internal cache and is built right
onto the processor chip. This cache is usually very
small, from 8Kb to 64Kb.
Level 2 is known as external cache and is made up of SRAM
chips. The cache here is larger (ranging from 64Kb to
2Mb) but is also slower due to the SRAM chips.

Cache helps speed up processing time as a result of storing

frequently used instructions and data. When the computer sends an
instruction, it will go to Level 1 of cache, then Level 2, and then onto
RAM. Each level search results in a delay in processing time. If the
instruction is not found in these three areas, it then moves onto
searching the hard drive or a CD-ROM drive.

Ports

Ports are the connection plugs at the back of a computer (or

other device) that allow you to connect an input/output device. Ports
generally are used for connecting drives, display devices, keyboards,
pointing devices, printers and modems.

Ports can be categorized into these types:

Page 8
Parallel ports come in a variety of sizes and
are generally used for connecting
printers.

Serial ports are used for connecting a mouse or modem.

SCSI, or Small Computer System Interface,

ports are used to connect devices that
have high performance requirements,
such as a CD writer.

USB, or Universal Serial Bus, ports are used to

connect newer models of devices such as
mouse, modems, keyboards, scanners, etc.
These support the plug-and-play (the
operating system will recognize the new device
and try to install it the first time it detects it)
and hot plugging (can remove the device even
though the device is still working and the
computer recognizes it’s now unplugged)
features in newer operating systems.

Network or Internet ports look like telephone jacks.

These ports allow you to connect either to
another computer on a network, a modem,
or the Internet directly (the last two depend
on the type of Internet connection you have).

MIDI, or musical instrument digitized interface,

ports will appear similar to a parallel or
serial port but are specialized to handle
Page 9
 musical types of devices, e.g., keyboards, synthesizers, etc.
These ports allow the device to be recognized on the computer
as an input device.

C. ENGAGE
Give the name of the parts of this processing device.

1.
2.

5.
3.

4.

D. APPLY
ACTIVITY 1
Directions: Fill the table below with missing description or information.
Write your answer on your Answer Sheet.

Image of the Part of System Name Description/

Unit Function/s

Page 10
 It supplies electrical energy
to the computer. It converts
1. the AC coming from a wall
outlet to the DC format
needed by a computer.

Network or
2. Internet
ports

The mainboard. It is the

foundation of the computer
and consists of the CPU,
3. RAM, and ROM BIOS.

4. USB Port

5. Paralle Port

It is used for connecting a

6. mouse or modem.
It is a memory that allows
7. computer to hold programs
and data. A volatile memory.

8. Cache
memory

ACTIVITY 2:
Directions: Give the name of the following acronyms. Write
your answer in the Answer Sheet provided for
you.

Page 11
 1. PC - __________________
2. CPU- __________________
3. RAM- __________________
4. ROM- __________________
5. BIOS- __________________
6. USB- __________________
7. PCI- __________________
8. SCSI- __________________
9. AGP- __________________
10. MIDI- __________________
11. MMX- __________________
12. MHz - __________________
13. GHz - __________________
14. NS - __________________
15. MB- __________________

ASSESSMENT:

Multiple Choice: Read the question comprehensively. Write only the

letter that corresponds to your answer in your answer
sheet.

Page 12
1. Which of the following elements of pc that can be considered as the
central element who perform/operate the task?
a. user b. software c. hardware d. electricity

2. The equipment that makes up the computer is called hardware

because you can physically touch it.
a. True b. False

3. What is the most important and expensive part of a computer? This is

a processing device.
a. Mouse b. monitor c. System Unit d. Keyboard

4. Which of the following the largest circuit board?

a. motherboard c. AGP Card
b. stripboard d. printed circuit board

5. The brain of the computer.

a. CPU/Processor b. Memory c. Power Supply d. Expansion Card

6. AC is for alternating current while DC is for

a. dynamic current c. deductive current
b. dual current d. direct current

7. What part of the system unit that supplies power for the computer to
work?
a. motherboard c. system case
b. power supply d. circuit board

8. What are the 2 unique numbers that used in computer numbering

system?
a. 0s and 1s b. 2s and 3s b. 0s d. 1s

9. How is the speed of RAM measured?

a. Nano seconds b. Megahertz c. Megabytes d. None of the above

10. How many bytes are there in 2 kilobytes?

a. 1024 bytes c. 1,024,000,000 Bytes
b. 2056 bytes d. 2,056,000,000 Bytes
Page 13
11. It is a kind of electronic pool of memory where the computer can
hold programs and data. It is located on the motherboard with the CPU.
a. ROM b. RAM c. Cache d. Ports

12. It is a computer memory that helps to speed up the processor by

storing frequently used instructions and data in this area.
a. Random Access Memory c. Read-Only Memory
b. Single Inline Memory d. Cache Memory

13. This part of the system unit that are mostly located at the back panel
that allows you to connect an input/output device.
a. ports b. chips c. cards d. cords

14. Read Only Memory occurs only when the computer is turned on or
restarted.
a. True b. False

15. What level of cache that is also known as external cache and is made
up of SRAM chips?
a. Level 1 b. Level 2 c. Level 3 d. Level 4

References:
IC3 – Module A - Computing Fundamentals (COMPUTING FUNDAMENTALS 1101-0C)
https://www.google.com/search?
q=basic+parts+of+computer&rlz=1C1RLNS_enPH879PH879&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=6xypqq
3CLYPD9M%252C3lmUlkbLQbNMtM%252C_&vet=1&usg=AI4_-
kRFUR7caukYg0Sh31AFBPqhirA4bA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi06b_hvprtAhXCPXAKHbUFCbgQ_h16BAg
CEAc&biw=1366&bih=657#imgrc=f9w7KyUq9PaUKM
https://techdifferences.com/difference-between-simm-and-dimm.html
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/67/PCI_Slots_Digon3.JPG
https://sciencecorp.wordpress.com/2012/11/21/what-is-a-motherboard/
https://www.sunpower-uk.com/product/350w-atx-pc-power-supply/

Page 14