Senior High School

TVL – ICT
COMPUTER
SYSTEMS
SERVICING NC II
Quarter1 – Module 2
Understanding Computer System
(Types and Its Classifications)
Week 2

PECS & OHS

 What I Need to Know

This module is designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you learn
more about understanding the computer system. The scope of this module permits
it to be used in many different learning situations. The language used recognizes the
diverse vocabulary level of students. The lessons are arranged to follow the standard
sequence of the course.
The module contains:
● Lesson 1 – Different Types of Computers
● Lesson 2 – Classification of Computers

After going through this module, you are expected to:

Lesson 1
1. acquire basic understanding on computer and its concepts;
2. identify the different types of computers;
3. classify the different types of computers; and

Lesson 2
1. recognize the classification of computers;
2. identify the different types of personal computers;
3. select appropriate hardware according to task assigned and required
outcome.

What I Know

Directions. Please read each statement and select the best answer. Write the letter
and the word. Please use a separate sheet in answering the test. Please do not forget
to write the following in your answer sheet:

Name: _____________________________________ Grade & Section: ___________________

Subject (Specialization): _______________________________Module No.: _____________
Name of the Activity (e.g., What I Know) _____________________ Date: _____________

1
1. It uses digital circuits and are designed to operate on two states namely bits 0
and 1.
a. analog computers c. hybrid computers
b. digital computers d. supercomputers
2. It is a handheld computer and popularly known as palmtop.
a. desktop computer c. netbook computer
b. mainframe computers d. personal digital assistants
3. It is a general-purpose device that can be programmed to carry out a finite
set of arithmetic or logical operations.
a. calculator b. computer c. processor d. television
4. This type of personal computer is inexpensive and relatively smaller in size, and
it falls in the category of laptops.
a. desktop computer c. netbook computer
b. mainframe computers d. personal digital assistants
5. These computers are a combination of both digital and analog computers.
a. analog computers c. hybrid computers
b. digital computers d. supercomputers
6. This classification of computers is highly used in critical applications such as
bulk data processing.
a. desktop computers c. mainframe computers
b. laptop computers d. minicomputers
7. It is commonly called mid-range systems or workstations.
a. desktop computers c. netbooks
b. mainframe computers d. minicomputers
8. What type of personal computer which is intended to be used on a single
location and widely popular for daily use in the workplace and households.
a. desktop computers c. microcomputers
b. laptop computers d. wearable computers
9. It has a similar operation to desktops, this type of personal computer is
miniaturized and optimized for mobile use.
a. desktop computers c. tablet computers
b. laptop computers d. wearable computers
10. These are computers designed to provide services to client machines in a
computer network.
a. laptop computer c. server computers
b. minicomputer d. supercomputers
11. A type of computer that can perform several mathematical operations
simultaneously and uses continuous variables for mathematical operations and
uses mechanical energy.
a. analog computers c. hybrid computers
b. digital computers d. supercomputers
12. The highly calculation-intensive tasks can be effectively performed, and it has a
large transaction processing power.
a. mainframe computer c. server computers
b. minicomputer d. supercomputers

2
13. It is known as mobile computers that are very handy to use.
a. desktop computer c. supercomputers
b. tablet computers d. wearable computers
14. A computer with a microprocessor is also called a personal computer.
a. desktop computers c. microcomputers
b. laptop computers d. wearable computers
15. The creation of this computer is a record-setting step in the evolution of
computers, it can be worn on the body and is often used in the study of
behavior modelling and human health.
a. desktop computer c. supercomputers
b. tablet computers d. wearable computers

Lesson
Lesson
Types of Computers
1

What’s In

In the previous module you learned more about entrepreneurship and the
entrepreneurial competencies related to Computer Hardware Servicing. You have
had first-hand experience in educational activities leading to assessment of your
personal entrepreneurial competencies (PECs) and the entrepreneurial competencies
of a successful computer technician within your locality. Moreover, the previous
module encouraged you to think about entrepreneurship and its role in the business
community as well as in the economic and social development of an individual.
In today’s world, for almost every activity whether personal (for example, socializing
or studying) or business-related (for example, selling any product or services); in
some or the other way, we rely on the computer system.

This module covers fundamental concepts of computers, the different types of

computers based on their operational principles and the classification of the different
types of computers based on their sizes and functionalities. It is essential that you
have to understand that computers play a vital role for processing of data in an
organization. Computers help in processing volumes of data efficiently and
accurately within a short time.

3
 What’s New

In the field of technology, this is one of the greatest inventions of mankind, the
computers. Thanks to computer technology, we were able to achieve storage and
processing of huge amounts of data; we could rest our brains by employing computer
memory capacities for storing information. Due to computers, we have been able to
speed up daily work, carry out critical transactions and achieve accuracy and
precision in work. Computers of the earlier years were of the size of a large room and
were required to consume huge amounts of electric power. However, with the
advancing technology, computers have shrunk to the size of a small watch.
Depending on the processing power and size of computers, they have been classified
under various types. Let us look at the classification of computers.

What is It

TECHNICAL TERMS

● computer - It is a general-purpose device that can be

programmed to carry out finite set of
arithmetic or logical operations.

● CPU - Central Processing Unit is the portion of the

computer that retrieves and executes
instructions.

● input - a data that computer receives

- a result of the data processed and give

● output information

Computer Definition
The term “computer” is derived from a Latin term “compute,” which means ‘to
calculate.’ Initially, the computer system had been designed to calculate; it was
intended to be a computing device. Another meaning, it is a general-purpose device
that can be programmed to carry out a finite set of arithmetic or logical operations.
However, over a period of time, this device became technically advanced; at present,
it can perform a wide range of desirable works apart from data processing.
4
Conventionally, a computer consists of at least one processing element, typically a
central processing unit (CPU) and some form of memory. The processing element
carries out arithmetic and logic operations, and a sequencing and control unit that
can change the order of operations based on stored information. Peripheral devices
allow information to be retrieved from an external source, and the result of operations
saved and retrieved.

· Is an electronic device that accepts information, processes it, and produces

output
· Is not very intelligent device but, handles instructions flawlessly and fast
· Accurate, suited for repetitive work
· Can store large amount of data and performs complex calculations

These are the important activities of a computer. The personal computer (PC)
consists of a System unit (referred as Computer) and various peripherals. The
computer is a box, which contains most of the working electronics. It is connected
with cables to the peripherals.

Different Types of Computers

Based on the operational principle of computers, they are categorized as analog,
digital and hybrid computers.

Analog Computers: These are almost extinct today. These are different from a digital
computer because an analog computer can perform several mathematical operations
simultaneously. It uses continuous variables for mathematical operations and
utilizes mechanical or electrical energy.

Digital Computers: They use digital circuits and are designed to operate on two
states, namely bits 0 and 1. They are analogous to states ON and OFF. Data on these
computers is represented as a series of 0s and 1s. Digital computers are suitable for
complex computation and have higher processing speeds. They are programmable.
Digital computers are either general purpose computers or special purpose ones.
Special purpose computers, as their name suggests, are designed for specific types
of data processing while general purpose computers are meant for general use.

Hybrid Computers: These computers are a combination of both digital and analog
computers. In this type of computer, the digital segments perform process control by
conversion of analog signals to digital ones.

5
 What’s More

Directions: Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the activity below. Be sure
to write the following on your answer sheet.
Name: _____________________________________ Grade & Section: ___________________
Subject (Specialization): _______________________________Module No.: _____________
Name of the Activity (e.g., What’s More) _____________________ Date: ______________

What are the 3 types of computers? Describe each.

Analog Computers

Digital Computers

Hybrid Computers

6
 Lesson Classification of
1 Computers

What’s New

A Personal Computer is designed for individual user and can be defined as a small-
scale, relatively inexpensive computer. PCs are based on the microprocessor
technology that enables manufacturers to put an entire CPU on one chip. Businesses
use personal computers for word processing, accounting, desktop publishing, and
for running spreadsheet and database management applications. At home, the most
popular use for personal computers is playing games and surfing the Internet.

Although personal computers are designed as single-user systems, these systems

are normally linked together to form a network. In terms of power, nowadays high-
end models of the Macintosh and PC offer the same computing power and graphics
capability as low-end workstations by Sun Microsystems, Hewlett-Packard, and Dell.

What is It

TECHNICAL TERMS

● host - Any hardware device that has the capability of permitting access
to a network via a user interface, specialized software, network
address, protocol stack, or any other means.
● ERP - Enterprise resource planning (ERP) refers to a type of software
that organizations use to manage day-to-day business activities
such as accounting, procurement, project management, risk
management and compliance, and supply chain operations.
● client - A piece of computer hardware or software that accesses a service
made available by a server as part of the client–server model of
computer networks.
● WiFi - Wireless Fidelity is the wireless technology used to connect
computers, tablets, smartphones, and other devices to the
internet. Wi-Fi is the radio signal sent from a wireless router to a
nearby device, which translates the signal into data you can see
and use.
● Bluetooth - An open wireless technology standard for transmitting fixed and
mobile electronic device data over short distances.

7
Classification of Computers
The following are the classification of the different types of computers based on their
sizes and functionalities:

Mainframe Computers: Large organizations use mainframes for highly critical

applications such as bulk data processing and ERP. Most of the mainframe
computers have the capacities to host multiple operating systems and operate as a
number of virtual machines and can substitute for several small servers.

Minicomputers: In terms of size and processing capacity, minicomputers lie in

between mainframes and microcomputers. Minicomputers are also called mid-range
systems or workstations. The term began to be popularly used in the 1960s to refer
to relatively smaller third generation computers.

Servers: They are computers designed to provide services to client machines in a

computer network. They have larger storage capacities and powerful processors.
Running on them are programs that serve client requests and allocate resources like
memory and time to client machines. Usually, they are very large in size, as they
have large processors and many hard drives. They are designed to be fail-safe and
resistant to crash.

Supercomputers: The highly calculation-intensive tasks can be effectively performed

by means of supercomputers. Quantum physics, mechanics, weather forecasting,
molecular theory are best studied by means of supercomputers. Their ability of
parallel processing and their well-designed memory hierarchy give the
supercomputers large transaction processing powers.

8
Microcomputers: A computer with a microprocessor and its central processing unit
is known as a microcomputer. They do not occupy space as much as mainframes do.
When supplemented with a keyboard and a mouse, microcomputers can be called
personal computers. A monitor, a keyboard and other similar input output devices,
computer memory in the form of RAM and a power supply unit come packaged in a
microcomputer. These computers can fit on desks or tables and prove to be the best
choice for single-user tasks.
Personal computers come in different forms such as desktops, laptops and personal
digital assistants (refer to Figure 3). Let us look at each of these types of personal
computers.
Desktops: A desktop is intended to be used in a single location. The spare parts of a
desktop computer are readily available at relatively lower costs. Power consumption
is not as critical as that in laptops. Desktops are widely popular for daily use in the
workplace and households.

Figure 3. Different Forms of Personal Computers

Laptops: Similar in operation to desktops, laptop computers are miniaturized and

optimized for mobile use. Laptops run on a single battery or an external adapter
that charges the computer batteries.

Netbooks: They fall in the category of laptops but are inexpensive and relatively
smaller in size. They had a smaller feature set and lesser capacities in comparison
to regular laptops, at the time they came into the market.
Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs): It is a handheld computer and popularly known
as a palmtop. It has a touch screen and a memory card for storage of data. PDAs can
also be used as portable audio players, web browsers and smartphones. Most of them
can access the Internet by means of Bluetooth or Wi-Fi communication.

9
Tablet Computers: Tablets are mobile computers that are very handy to use. They
use the touch screen technology. Tablets come with an onscreen keyboard or use a
stylus or a digital pen. Apple's iPod redefined the class of tablet computers.

Wearable Computers: A record-setting step in the evolution of computers was the

creation of wearable computers. These computers can be worn on the body and are
often used in the study of behavior modeling and human health. Military and health
professionals have incorporated wearable computers into their daily routine, as a
part of such studies. When the users' hands and sensory organs are engaged in other
activities, wearable computers are of great help in tracking human actions. Wearable
computers do not have to be turned on and off and remain in operation without user
intervention.

What’s More

Directions: Identify and name different computers presented below. Use a separate
sheet in answering the test. Be sure to write the following:
Name: _____________________________________ Grade & Section: ___________________
Subject (Specialization): _______________________________Module No.: ____________
Name of the Activity (e.g. What’s More) _____________________ Date: _____________

1. 6.

2. 7.

3. 8.

4. 9.
https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/d/dediserv.htm

5. 10.

10
 What I Have Learned

Directions: Answer the following questions. You may use a separate sheet of paper
or use your journal notebook.

1. What is a computer?

2. Differentiate the three (3) types of computers.

3. Enumerate the classification of computers.

What I Can Do

Name: _____________________________________ Grade & Section: ___________________

Subject (Specialization): _______________________________Module No.: ____________
Name of the Activity (e.g., What’s More) _____________________ Date: _____________

Activity # 1.1 (for Printed Modular Modality)

Instructions: In a short size bond paper/s, answer the questions below. Present
your work with accuracy and creativity. Make sure it is pleasing to the eyes. Use the
scoring rubrics below as a guide in working your written output.

1. What are the types of computers? Describe each.

2. How does the 5 classifications of computers are being used in the industry or in
the community or at home? Just give at least 3 classification of computers and give
its function.

3. In our current situation, what is the appropriate hardware according to your task
assigned and your required outcome in our specialization?

11
 Scoring Rubrics for Written Output
Category Exemplary (10) Accomplished (8) Developing (5) Beginning (3)

The output The output is The output is The

relevant and relevant and is somewhat complete. output is
Content exceeds the complete. incomplete.
expectations.
The output The output contains The output
The output is free contains several errors. contains
Correctness from minimal many
errors. errors. errors.
The student was The student was The student was able The student used
able to finish the able to finish the to complete the task the least effective
task in the most task in the but used methods that method in
Efficiency effective way projected amount of consumed more time finishing the task.
without wasting time. or resources.
time and effort.

The output shows The output shows The output shows The output shows
excellent creativity average creativity in moderate creativity in little creativity in
Creativity in design. design. design design

Activity # 1.2 (for Offline Modular Modality)

Instructions: Using a Microsoft PowerPoint or a Canva or any platforms in
presenting your output, create a short presentation with pictures and additional
inputs about the following topics below, just choose one. Make your work
presentable and creative. Be guided with the scoring rubrics below.
a. Types of Computers
b. Classification of Computers
c. Types of Personal Computers

Scoring Rubrics for Presentation Making

Category Exemplary (10) Accomplished (7) Developing (5)
Content Content is accurate Content is accurate but Content is questionable.
and all required some required Information is not
information is information is missing presented in a logical
presented well and/or not presented order, making it difficult
well but still generally to follow.
easy to understand.

Slide Presentation flows well Presentation flows well. Presentation is

Creation and logically. Tools are used unorganized. Tools are
Presentation reflects correctly. not used in a relevant
extensive use of tools manner.
in a creative way Overall presentation is
interesting.

Pictures, Images are Images are appropriate. Some of the images are
Clip Art appropriate. inappropriate.
Background Layout is cluttered.
Layout is pleasing to Layout is not pleasing to
the eye. the eyes.

Slide Transitions are Smooth transitions are Very few transitions are
Transitions smooth. Transitions used on most slides. used/or they distract
from the presentation

12
 enhance the
presentation.

Mechanics No spelling errors. No Few spelling errors. Some spelling errors.

grammar errors. Text Few grammar errors. Some grammar errors.
is appropriate and Some text is
acknowledges the appropriate and Most of the text is
authors/ resources. acknowledge the inappropriate and doesn't
authors/ resources acknowledge the
authors/ resources.

Assessment

Directions. Please read each statement and select the best answer. Write the letter
and the word. Please use a separate sheet in answering the test. Please do not forget
to write the following in your answer sheet:
Name: _____________________________________ Grade & Section: ___________________
Subject (Specialization): _______________________________Module No.: ____________
Name of the Activity (e.g., What I Know) _____________________ Date: _____________

1. A type of personal computer had a smaller feature set and lesser in capacities in
comparison to regular laptops.
a. desktop computer c. netbook computer
b. mainframe computers d. personal digital assistants
2. This computer has the capability to host multiple operating systems and
operate as a number of virtual machines and can substitute for several small
servers.
a. desktop computers c. mainframe computers
b. laptop computers d. minicomputers
3. In this classification of computer, highly calculation-intensive tasks can be
effectively performed, and it has a large transaction processing power.
a. mainframe computer c. server computers
b. minicomputer d. supercomputers
4. This classification of computers is suitable for complex computation and has
higher processing speeds and they are programmable.
a. analog computers c. hybrid computers
b. digital computers d. supercomputers
5. It is commonly called mid-range systems or workstations and this computer lies
in between mainframes and microcomputers.
a. desktop computers c. netbooks
b. mainframe computers d. minicomputers

6. It is a handheld computer and popularly known as palmtop. It has a touch

screen and a memory card for storage data.

13
 a. desktop computer c. netbook computer
b. mainframe computers d. personal digital assistants
7. A computer with a microprocessor is also called a personal computer and these
computers can fit on desks or tables and prove to be the best choice for single-
use tasks.
a. analog computers c. microcomputers
b. laptop computers d. wearable computers
8. The creation of this computer is a record-setting step in the evolution of
computers, it can be worn on the body and is often used in the study of
behavior modelling and human health.
a. desktop computer c. supercomputers
b. tablet computers d. wearable computers
9. It is a programmable electronic device designed to accept data, perform
prescribed mathematical and logical operations at high speed, and display the
results of these operations.
a. calculator b. computer c. processor d. television
10. What type of personal computer which is intended to be used on a single
location and widely popular for daily use in the workplace and households?
a. desktop computers c. microcomputers
b. laptop computers d. wearable computers
11. This type of personal computer is miniaturized and optimized for mobile use
and has a similar operation to desktop computers.
a. desktop computers c. tablet computers
b. laptop computers d. wearable computers
12. This type of computer, the digital segments perform process control by
conversion of analog signals to digital signals and it is a combination of both
digital and analog computers.
a. analog computers c. hybrid computers
b. digital computers d. supercomputers
13. This computer has a large storage capacity and powerful processors and
contains many hard drives. This computer is designed to be fail-safe and
resistant to crash.
a. laptop computer c. server computers
b. minicomputer d. supercomputers
14. A type of computer that can perform several mathematical operations
simultaneously and uses continuous variables for mathematical operations and
uses mechanical energy.
a. analog computers c. hybrid computers
b. digital computers d. supercomputers
15. A computer that comes with an onscreen keyboard or uses a stylus or a digital
pen. It is known as mobile computers that are very handy to use.
a. desktop computer c. supercomputers
b. tablet computers d. wearable computers

14
 Answer Key

10. netbook computer

9. minicomputer
8. laptop computer
7. minicomputers
6. wearable computer
5. tablets
4. server computers
3. mainframe computers
2. Personal digital assistants
1. desktop computers

What’s More
Lesson 2:

References

Department of Education: Technology and Livelihood Education – Information and

Communications Technology, Computer Hardware Servicing Learner’s Manual, First
Edition, 2013

Online Sources:

https://www.tutorialspoint.com/basics_of_computer_science/basics_of_computer_
science_fundamental_concept.htm

https://www.tutorialspoint.com/basics_of_computer_science/basics_of_computer_
science_types.htm

https://www.tutorialspoint.com/classification-of-computers

15