UNDERSTANDING

Lesson COMPUTERS
1
What I Need to Know

As you go through this module, you will be able to understand what computer is
all about. Readings and enhancement activities are provided to serve you as a
guide. All you need to do is to read carefully all the topics and apply the knowledge
you’ve gained through the distinct activities provided in this module. So keep going
and good luck!

LO 1. Plan and prepare for installation

1. Understanding computers.
2. Identify the different types of computer and devices.
3. Familiarize with the classification of computer.

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 What’s New

Activity 1. A. Choose the answers and fill-in the missing letter below:

Micro Personal Mini Mainframe

Palmtop Super Notebook

General Purpose Computers are …

1. _ u _ _ _ Computer.

2. M _ _ _ f _ _ _ _ (Large) Computer.

3. M _ _ _ (Medium) Computer.

4. M _ _ _ _ (Small) Computer.

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 5. P _ _ _ _ _ _ _
6. _ _ t _ _ _ _ _ 7. P _ _ _ _ _ p
Computer Computer Computer

B) Choose the answers and fill-in the missing letter below:

Robot X-Ray Fax

Pager Calculator Ultra

Special Purpose Computers are …

1. F__

2. _ l _ _ _ Sound.

3. P____

4. C____l____

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5. _-R__

6. R____

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 What Is It

Guide Questions:

* What is Computer?
* What are the different types of Computer?
* What are the different types of Personal Computer?
* What is the primary operation of each Computer?

A computer is an electronic device that has the capability to

manipulate information or data, store, retrieve, and process it for more
useful information. It is programmable so it can respond to specific
instructions or commands.

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.

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.

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 Figure1. Different Types of Computer

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 computers, the digital segments perform
process control by conversion of analog signals to digital ones.

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 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.

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 Figure2. Classification of Computer

Microcomputers: A computer with a microprocessor and its central processing unit

it 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.

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 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
computers.

Desktops: A desktop is intended to be used on 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.

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

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 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 smart phones.
Most of them can access the Internet by means of Bluetooth or Wi-Fi
communication.

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

Activity 2: FILL IN THE BLANKS

Direction: Identify the type of computer being described in the following sentences and write your
answer on space provided.

1. These are mobile computers that are very handy to use. ___________________
2. They are computers designed to provide services to client machines in a computer
network.____________________
3. They are also called mid-range systems or workstations.____________________
4. A computer with a microprocessor and its central processing unit._____________
5. They fall in the category of laptops, but are inexpensive and relatively smaller in
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size.__________________________
6. A type of computer which is intended be used on a single location. ____________
7. They use digital circuits and are designed to operate on two states, namely bits 0 and
1._________________________
8. Computers that have the capacities to host multiple operating systems and operate as a
number of virtual machines and can substitute for several small servers.________________
9. It is a handheld computer and popularly known as a palmtop.__________________
10. These computers can be worn on the body and are often used in the study of behavior
modeling and human health. ________________________

Activity 3: MATCH ME

Direction: Match Column A to Column B and Column B to Column C. Blue pen for Column A to Column B
and Red Pen Column B to Column C.
Column A Column B Column C

It is intended to Classification of
be used on a single Computer
location

Are mobile computers Types of Computer

that are very handy to
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use.

It is also called mid-range Types of Personal

systems or workstations Computer

It has the capacity to host

multiple operating systems

It uses digital circuits and

are designed to operate
on two states, namely
bits 0 and 1.

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 What I Have Learned

Test 1. Multiple Choice. Select the letter of the best answer from among the given
choices.

1. What computer that is also known as Personal Computer?

a. Microcomputer b. Mainframe Computer
c. Supercomputer d. none of the above

2. What is the type of computer which are used by the majority of the people in
their daily lives?
a. Microcomputer b. Mainframe Computer
c. Desktop Computer d. all of the above

3. It can easily record everything from your signature, to your handwriting, to

original
drawings directly to your computer.
a. Laptop b. Digital Tablets
c. Notebook d. all of the above

4. It is a small and portable compared to the immobile desktop computer.

a. Laptop b. Netbook
c. Notebook d. all of the above

5. What computer that is also much smaller, portable and very lightweight?
a. In-car Computer b. Netbook
c. Notebook d. all of the above

6. It is essentially designed for surfing the net, while notebooks have different
features, including better operating systems, optical drives and more offline use. 
a. In-car Computer b. Netbook
c. Mainframe d. all of the above

7. What computer that is typically have a display screen with touch input and/or a

miniature keyboard and weighting less than 2 pounds (0.91 kg)?
a. In-car Computer b. Handheld Computer
c. Mainframe d. all of the above

8. What computer which is referred to as the mid sized computers and they serve
as
the same functions as the normal desktop computers?
a. Minicomputers b. Handheld Computer
c. Mainframe d. all of the above

9.What type of computer that is large in size, large in memory and powerful?
a. Minicomputer b. Handheld Computer
c. Mainframe d. all of the above

10. What type of computer that is used for problems requiring complex
calculations?

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 a. Minicomputer b. Supercomputer
c. Mainframe d. all of the above

Test II. Direction: Identify the type of computer being described in the
following sentences and write your answer on space provided.

1. These are mobile computers that are very handy to use. ___________________
2. They are computers designed to provide services to client machines in a
computer network.____________________
3. They are also called mid-range systems or workstations.____________________
4. A computer with a microprocessor and its central processing unit._____________
5. They fall in the category of laptops, but are inexpensive and relatively
smaller in size.__________________________
6. A type of computer which is intended be used on a single location. ____________
7. They use digital circuits and are designed to operate on two states,
namely bits 0 and 1._________________________
8. Computers that have the capacities to host multiple operating systems
and operate as a number of virtual machines and can substitute for
several small servers.________________
9. It is a handheld computer and popularly known as a
palmtop.__________________
10. These computers can be worn on the body and are often used in the
study of behavior modeling and human health.
________________________

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 What I Can Do

STUDENT ASSESSMENT:

Direction: Write down either location/venue or situation were each type of personal
computer is commonly used in our society. Write 5 each type of personal computer
and write it in your activity notebook.

CRITERIA FOR THE ACTIVITY PERCENTAGE SCORE

Accurate to task given 30  
Precise on the exact type of
computer 30  
Informative answer 40  
TOTAL 100  

Range: NO. OF CORRECT

ANSWER PERCENTAGE
4-5 30/40
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 3-4 20/30
2-3 10/20
1-2 0/10

COMPUTER BASIC
Lesson OPERATION

What’s In

In reference to the previous module, consider the figure below. Answer the
following questions based on your own understanding.

Activity 1: Venn Diagram

TYPES OF
COMPUTER

TYPES OF
CLASSIFICATION PERSONAL
OF COMPUTER COMPUTER

Guide Questions:

1.What is computer?
___________________________________________________________________
2. What are the different types of computer?
___________________________________________________________________
3. What are the different types of Personal Computer?
___________________________________________________________________
4. What are the classification of computer?
___________________________________________________________________

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 What I Need to Know

As you go through this module, you will be able to understand computer

basic operations. Readings and enhancement activities are provided to serve
you as a guide. All you need to do is to read carefully all the topics and apply
the knowledge you’ve gained through the distinct activities provided in this
module. So keep going and good luck!

LO 1. Plan and prepare for installation

1. Identify computer 5 basic operations.

2. Familiarize with the computer basic operations.
3. Define a computer and describe its primary operations.

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 What’s New

Activity 1: MULTIPLE CHOICE

Based your answer from the diagram below and write your answer in your activity
notebook. Write the letter only.

1. Which of the following function is not performed by computers?

a. Calculate data b. Compare data c. Analyze data d. Output data

2. Which of the following is soft output device?

a. Microphone b. Plotters c. Projectors d. Card Punchers

3. Identify the direct entry input device:

a. Keyboard b. Mouse c. OMR d. All of above

4. Which of the following unit does encoding?

a. Input Unit b. ALU c. CU d. Output Unit

5. The actual execution of instructions takes place in 

a. Arithmetic Logical Unit b. Control Unit c. Memory d. Output Unit

6. The storage unit holds:

a. data to be processed b. intermediate result c. both of above d. none of above

7. The fastest and most close storage device to CPU is 

a. Flash Memory b. RAM/ROM c. Registers d. Cache

8. After completion of processing, the final results are sent to the _____ before it
goes to output device.
a. Monitor b. Printer c. Storage d. ALU

9. Which of the following is not input unit device

a. Microphone b. OCR c. Projector d. Touch Screen

10. The unit that manages and co-ordinates the whole system is
a. Input Unit b. CPU c. ALU d. CU

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 What Is It

Guide Questions:

* What is Computer?
* What are the computer basic operation?

5 Basic Operations of a Computer System

 Inputting
 Storing
 Processing
 Outputting
 Controlling

The internal structure of a computer looks like above:

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 Input unit:
Input unit links the external environment with the computer system. Data and
instruction must be entered to the computer before performing any competition. Data
or instructions can be entered through input devices.
eg. Key board, or any other input devices.

Input unit transferred this data into binary coded in short input unit performs the
following function:

 It accepts data or instructions from external world.

 It converts these instructions and data in computer acceptable form.
 It supplies the converted instruction & data to the computer for further processing.

Output unit:
The job of output unit it is just the viewers of that any input unit it provides
information reasons of computation to the output of the world. Output unit links the
computer with the external world. A computer prepares results in binary code. Output
unit converts these results into human acceptable forms. In short perform the
following functions.

 It accepts the result produced by the computer.

 It converts these coded results to human acceptable form.
 It supplies the converted to the outside world.

Storage unit:
Before actual processing start, data & instructions entered to the computer must be
stored inside the computer. Similarly, results produced by the computer are required
to be stored before being passed to the output unit. The intermediate result produced
by the computer must also be stored for further processing. In short the function of
storage unit:
 It stores all the data to be process.
 It stores intermediate results.
 It stores final result are realizing an output device.

ALU:
ALU is the place where actual execution of the instructions takes places during the
processing operations. All calculations & comparisons are made in the ALU. The
data and instructions stored in the primary storage are transferred as where
required. Intermediate results are also transferred back to the ALU for the final
processing. After completion of processing the final results are send to storage units
from ALU.
Number of arithmetic & logical operation that a computer can perform is determined
by the design to perform the four basic arithmetic operations. They are +,-,*,/. The
logic operations like <,=,>.
Control unit:
ALU dose not know what should be done with the data likewise, output unit dose not
know when the result should be displayed. By selecting, interning and seeing to the
execution of the program the CU is able to maintain order and direct the operations
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of the entire system CU doesn’t perform any actual processing on data yet it is
known as a central nervous system for the comforts of the computer.
It manages co-ordinates the entire system.

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 What’s More

Activity 2: FILL IN THE BLANKS

Select you answer from the box and fill-in the missing word.

Input Unit Instruction ALU CU Output Unit

Binary Data Processing Computer
External Central

1._________ links the external environment with the computer system.

2.________ and _______ must be entered to the computer before performing any
competition.
3.___________ links the computer with the ___________world. A computer
prepares results in ___________ code.

4._______ is the place where actual execution of the instructions takes places during
the _____________operations.

5._______doesn’t perform any actual processing on data yet it is known as a

____________ nervous system for the comforts of the _________.

Activity 3: DRAW ME

Draw the Diagram on the Basic Computer Operations. Draw the Diagram in your
activity notebook/workbook. And explain the diagram below your drawing. You will
be graded based on the Rubrics given.

CRITERIA FOR THE ACTIVITY PERCENTAGE SCORE

Accurate to task given 30  
Creatively draw the correct diagram 30  
Persuasive answer 40  
TOTAL 100  

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 What I Have Learned

TEST I. Select you answer from the box and fill-in the missing word.

Input Unit Instruction ALU CU Output Unit

Binary Data Processing Computer
External Central

1._________ links the external environment with the computer system.

2.________ and _______ must be entered to the computer before performing any
competition.
3.___________ links the computer with the ___________world. A computer
prepares results in ___________ code.

4._______ is the place where actual execution of the instructions takes places during
the _____________operations.

5._______doesn’t perform any actual processing on data yet it is known as a

____________ nervous system for the comforts of the _________.

TEST II. Multiple Choice: Write your answer in the space provided.

1. Which of the following function is not performed by computers?

a. Calculate data b. Compare data c. Analyze data d. Output data

2. Which of the following is soft output device?

a. Microphone b. Plotters c. Projectors d. Card Punchers

3. Identify the direct entry input device:

a. Keyboard b. Mouse c. OMR d. All of above

4. Which of the following unit does encoding?

a. Input Unit b. ALU c. CU d. Output Unit

5. The actual execution of instructions takes place in 

a. Arithmetic Logical Unit b. Control Unit c. Memory d. Output Unit

6. The storage unit holds:

a. data to be processed b. intermediate result c. both of above d. none of above

7. The fastest and most close storage device to CPU is 

a. Flash Memory b. RAM/ROM c. Registers d. Cache

8. After completion of processing, the final results are sent to the _____ before it goes to
output device.
a. Monitor b. Printer c. Storage d. ALU

9. Which of the following is not input unit device

a. Microphone b. OCR c. Projector d. Touch Screen

10. The unit that manages and co-ordinates the whole system is
a. Input Unit b. CPU c. ALU d. CU

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 What I Can Do

STUDENT ASSESSMENT:

Label the diagram, draw the arrow and explain the basic computer operation.

INPUT OUTPUT
DEVICE DEVICE

MEMORY
UNIT

Write down your explanation legibly in not less than 200 words:

_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

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Page | 25
Summary

The knowledge and skills acquired by the learners in lesson one which is all about
understanding computers and in lesson two that discuss the computer basic operations can
be of help to them to augment personal income and become productive individuals. Upon
learning the fundamental concepts and skills, they are now ready to take and earn the
Computer System Servicing NC II National Certificate. The competencies learned in
Computer System Servicing can provide opportunities for the learners to be employed or put
up their own shop as computer technician.

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 Assessment: (Post-Test)

Multiple Choice. Select the letter of the best answer from among the given
choices.

1. What computer that is also known as Personal Computer?

a.Microcomputer b. Mainframe Computer
c.Supercomputer d. none of the above

2. What is the type of computer which are used by the majority of the people in
their daily lives?
a. Microcomputer b. Mainframe Computer
c. Desktop Computer d. all of the above

3. It can easily record everything from your signature, to your handwriting, to

original
drawings directly to your computer.
a. Laptop b. Digital Tablets
c. Notebook d. all of the above

4. It is a small and portable compared to the immobile desktop computer.

a.Laptop b. Netbook
c. Notebook d. all of the above

5. What computer that is also much smaller, portable and very lightweight?
a. In-car Computer b. Netbook
c. Notebook d. all of the above

6. It is essentially designed for surfing the net, while notebooks have different
features, including better operating systems, optical drives and more offline use. 
a. In-car Computer b. Netbook
c. Mainframe d. all of the above

7. What computer that is typically have a display screen with touch input and/or a

miniature keyboard and weighting less than 2 pounds (0.91 kg)?
a. In-car Computer b. Handheld Computer
c. Mainframe d. all of the above

8. What computer which is referred to as the mid sized computers and they serve
as
the same functions as the normal desktop computers?
a. Minicomputers b. Handheld Computer
c. Mainframe d. all of the above

9.What type of computer that is large in size, large in memory and powerful?
a. Minicomputer b. Handheld Computer
c. Mainframe d. all of the above

10. What type of computer that is used for problems requiring complex
calculations?
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 a. Minicomputer b. Supercomputer
c. Mainframe d. all of the above

11. Which of the following function is not performed by computers?

a. Calculate data b. Compare data c. Analyze data d. Output data

12. Which of the following is soft output device?

a. Microphone b. Plotters c. Projectors d. Card Punchers

13. Identify the direct entry input device:

a. Keyboard b. Mouse c. OMR d. All of above

14. Which of the following unit does encoding?

a. Input Unit b. ALU c. CU d. Output Unit

15. The actual execution of instructions takes place in 

a. Arithmetic Logical Unit b. Control Unit c. Memory d. Output Unit

16. The storage unit holds:

a. data to be processed b. intermediate result c. both of above d. none of above

17. The fastest and most close storage device to CPU is 
a. Flash Memory b. RAM/ROM c. Registers d. Cache

18. After completion of processing, the final results are sent to the _____ before it
goes to output device.
a. Monitor b. Printer c. Storage d. ALU

19. Which of the following is not input unit device

a. Microphone b. OCR c. Projector d. Touch Screen

20. The unit that manages and co-ordinates the whole system is
a. Input Unit b. CPU c. ALU d. CU

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 Key to Answers

PRETEST AND POST TEST

1. A
2. C
3. B
4. A

5. C
6. B
7. B
8. A

9. C
10. B
11. B
12. D
13. D
14. A
15. A

16. C
17. B
18. C
19. C

20. D

LESSON 1 Activity 1A LESSON 1 Activity 1B

1. Supercomputer
2. Mainframe 1. FAX
Computer 2. Ultra Sound
3. Minicomputer 3. Pager
4. Micro Computer 4. Calculator
5. Personal Computer 5. X-ray
6. Notebook 6. Robot
7. Palmtop

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 LESSON 1 Activity 2

1. Tablet Computers
2. Servers
3. Minicomputers
4. Microcomputers
5. Netbook
6. Desktop
7. Digital Computers
8. Mainframe Computers
9. Personal Digital
Assistance
10.10. Wearable Computers

LESSON 1 Activity 3

It is intended to Classification of
be used on a single Computer
location

Are mobile computers Types of Computer

that are very handy to
use.

It is also called mid-range Types of Personal

systems or workstations Computer

It has the capacity to host

multiple operating systems

It uses digital circuits and

are designed to operate
on two states, namely
bits 0 and 1.

Page | 30
LESSON 2 Activity 1 LESSON 2 Activity 2

1. Input Unit
1. B
2. Data/ Instruction
2. D
3. Output Unit/External/Binary
3. D
4. ALU/ Processing
4. A
5. CU/Central/Computer
5. A

6. C
7. B
8. C
9. C

10. D

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References

Department of Education. Information and Communications Technology: Learning

Material for Computer Hardware Servicing, 2013.

https://sisodiyanilesh.wordpress.com/2011/03/12/5-basic-operations-performed-by-
computer-system/

https://mcqsets.com/s/fundamentals/basic-operations-of-a-computer/

https://www.netclipart.com/isee/ThTJTb_computer-repair-picture-hardware-
computers/

For inquiries and feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education – Bureau of Learning Resources (DepEd-BLR)

DepEd Division of Cagayan de Oro City

Fr. William F. Masterson Ave Upper Balulang Cagayan de Oro
Telefax: ((08822)855-0048
E-mail Address: [email protected]

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