Computer Fundamentals & Programming: Using Python
Computer Fundamentals & Programming: Using Python
PROGRAMMING(Using Python
)
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
1|Page
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Contents
BACKGROUND OF THE MODULE (What is the module about?)....................6 COURSE MODULE
OUTCOMES..................................................................7
Features of a Computers...................................................................................11
Computer Hardware and Software....................................................................12
Computer System Organization.........................................................................14
Main Components of a Computer System........................................................16
Computer Number System and its Types..........................................................23
Number System Conversions............................................................................26
Arithmetic Operation........................................................................................30
II. Application Software and the Internet................................................36
Application Software..........................................................................................38
Word Processing Software................................................................................40
Spreadsheet Software......................................................................................42
The Internet.......................................................................................................44
Communication over the Internet.....................................................................44
Exploring the Internet.......................................................................................46
Societal Issues and the Future of the Internet..................................................47
II. Introduction to Computer Programming.............................................50 What is Computer
Programming?......................................................................52
3|Page
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
4|Page
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Welcome to your first computer class! This subject will provide you with the basic knowledge on computer
concepts as well as develop your skills in basic computer programming. This will also help you understand the technology
better and its use in the society and in the profession of your choice.
The basic knowledge and skills in computer technology and computer programming has become one of the vital
roles in creating competitive leaders of society. The society itself has transformed to adapt to the changes in technology.
One of such recent developments in technology is the use of the social networking media such as Facebook, Twitter,
Instagram, and others. Now, you are able to interact and collaborate with other individuals despite the cultural differences
and geographical distances.
The skills and knowledge in the use of this technology will not only help you communicate better amongst your
social circle but will also help you professionally in the future. The business and professional industry have incorporated
technology into their processes. Technology in the industry has helped create a more productive and efficient environment.
These fields in the industry will need people like you who are capable and skilled to manage their processes with the use of
technology.
Moreover, the skills that you will gain in computer programming will place you one step ahead over your peers in
the industry. As future engineering graduates of WMSU, you will not only be users of technology but you can also be one of
the creators and developers of future innovations in technology. Instead of using apps in Facebook, you can be the one to
create such apps where people might use in their work or just purely entertainment. But most importantly, you will be able
to innovate solutions that will contribute and address to societal needs.
This subject will build the foundation of your basic computer technology knowledge and programming skills. This
module, as part of the subject, will be your guide throughout the topics and exercises that will be covered for this semester.
For each section, you will be provided with a list of topics and objectives. Make sure that at the end each section, you are
able to meet the objectives through the exercises given. This will help you be ready for the succeeding topics. Your
instructor will also facilitate your learning throughout the entire subject.
For each of the topic section in this course module, objectives are identified aligning with the above outcomes.
5|Page
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Concept of a Computer
System
Computers, nowadays, have become a common device at work, school and at home. You might already have a general
knowledge of what a computer is. But have you ever used a computer? If you answered yes, that’s great! You have a good
start. If you answered no, do not worry. You might not know it yet, but maybe all along you already have a computer right
at your fingertips!
One of the most popular innovations that man has ever built is the computer. You might have watched a movie or a show in
TV where robots walk around like humans? Or maybe humans almost like robots? Think of Iron Man! Well, in reality, there
are already robots developed, and through Artificial Intelligence, soon it will probably think and act like us. For now, it is
only limited to the imagination of the movie creators of what a possible future will be like. But you will never know. Some
of the technology that we have now, like your mobile phone, used to only be a possible future decades or centuries ago.
The robots might be so advanced, but its development comes from the same basic concept of computer technology that we
have now. From the personal desktop computers, the computer technology has evolved to a lot of other innovations like
laptops, mobile phones, smart phones, tablets, and the like. These innovations in technology have made most of humans’
work easier and definitely, faster!
6|Page
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Objectives:
Topic Outline:
I. Introduction to Computer System Organization
a. Concept of a Computer System
b. Computer Hardware and Software
c. Components of a Computer System
II. Data representation and Number System
a. Types on number system
b. Conversion between number systems
c. Number Systems Arithmetic Operations
Try This!
Do you currently have a computer? A mobile phone? Now, take a look around your home
and list down all the gadgets that you can see. Maybe it’s from your sister’s, brother’s,
parent’s, or any one from home. Then, identify which of the gadgets that you have list
down is considered a computer.
Think Ahead!
Consider the gadgets or appliance below and identify if it is a computer or not. Write a check ✔)
( on
the appropriate column.
7|Page
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Scientific Calculator
Television
Watch
The use of electronic devices has greatly affected how people do their tasks. You might know how to compute using pen
and paper, but the calculator makes it easier to compute bigger numbers and faster. You might go to a friend’s house and
tell him/her the latest news but text messaging or calling using mobile phones makes it more convenient. Any employees in
a company can create their documents and store it manually in a cabinet somewhere but the creation, editing, and retrieval
using a personal computer not only makes it faster, it also makes management of files hassle-free and almost error-free.
What is a Computer?
So, what exactly is a computer? A computer is a collection of electronic devices operating under a set of
instructions stored in its own memory. It accepts data (Input) , manipulates the data (Process), and outputs its results
(Output), and stores these results for future use (Storage) (Discovering Computers, 2002).
Figure 1.2 below illustrates these general tasks of a computer. The arrow between process and storage means that results
can be directly stored by the computer without displaying it to the user. Just think of IPOS, i.e. Input, Process, Output, and
Storage.
In the simplest sense, a calculator as well as a mobile phone may be considered as a simple computer. You enter your data
into the keypad, the device will process your data, and a result will be displayed in the small screen. For some calculators,
you can even save your previous computations. Just exactly what we have mentioned before, computers at your own
fingertips!
However, the term “computer” is now commonly associated with desktop or personal computers ( PC). With this, you can
enter data in different formats such as texts, images, sounds, or videos… it can process large amount of data… it can display
outputs in different formats as well… and it can store up huge data from megabytes (MB), to gigabytes (GB), to terabytes
(TB). Some of the new generation computers have also same capabilities or even better but comes in small packages like
laptops and tablets.
8|Page
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Types of Computers
In general, computers can come in different sizes depending on its specifications. It could come in a form of a wristwatch or
as big as the size of the classrooms or maybe even as big as a building. It could also be used for different purposes. We
could use PCs for personal use or supercomputers for big science research.
Computers can be categorized based their operation and specifications. Specifications include its size, speed of its
computations, and the storage capacity. Figure 1.3 below shows the different categories or types of computers.
COMPUTERS
Mainframe
Super Computers Mini Computers Micro Computers
Computers
9|Page
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Figure 1.3 Types of Computers adopted from Computer Basics Guide (2009)
The following are the different types of computers (Fabien, 1999; HubPages, 2013 ; Computers Basic Guide, 2009):
• Analog Computers – These are computing devices that use analog signals that are represented a continuous range
of values. It generally deals with physical variables such as voltage, pressure, temperature, speed, etc. You can see
some of these devices at research institutes, hospitals, and flight centers.
• Digital Computers – These are computing devices that use electrical inputs, ON or OFF. With these devices data
are represented by 0s (OFF) and 1s (ON). Digital computers can get more accurate and faster results. It is best
suited for solving complex problems in engineering and technology. The most popular example of this type of
computer is PC.
▪ Super Computers – These computers are the best, in terms of processing capacity, which means it is the
fastest type of computer available. It can process about billions of instructions per second. However, this
is also the most expensive. These are mainly used for complex scientific simulations and calculations like
nuclear energy r, stock analysis, and weather forecasting.
▪ Mainframe Computers – These computers are also considered high-speed computers which can process
about millions of instructions per second. Just like a super computer, it is also expensive. It is mainly used
for the applications in banking, airlines, and railways.
▪ Mini Computers – These computers have lower speed than mainframes and also less expensive. Sometimes
it is considered as a small-scale mainframe. In general, it is also capable of supporting multiprocessing
system for about 200 users. It is mostly used as servers some major business applications.
▪ Micro Computers – These are the most common type of computers used today. The invention of single chip
processors (CPU) creates cheaper but powerful microcomputers. The most widely used amongst
microcomputers are the desktop computers or PC. Other devices such as laptops, handheld devices like
tablets and personal data assistants (PDA) also belong to this type.
• Hybrid Computers – These computers are very unique because they combine the operations of analog and digital
computers. They operate by using digital-to-analog converter and analog-to-digital converter that will transform
the data into a more suitable form for either type of computation. These devices are mainly used for specialized
task. An example of this is the hospital’s ICU. The device measures the patient’s temperature, blood pressure, and
other vital signs. These data are converted into numbers using the digital components of the device so that
medical personnel will be able to monitor the values and be able to send signal if there are abnormal values.
Features of a Computers
In whichever type, size, or configuration the computers may be, there’s no doubt that it is able to make some complicated
tasks simple. In general, it makes most of human’s tasks faster than any other tool available. In the previous activity, you
have list down some of the advantages that the use of computers have contributed into our daily lives. Here are some of
the features that made all these advantages possible:
• Speed – As we have already mentioned before, computers works at a very high speed. We are talking thousand
(milliseconds), millions (microseconds), and billions (nanoseconds) of instructions per second. Technically, it can
read a book in a bat of an eyelash.
• Accuracy – Not only are computers fast, it is also accurate, not unless the user (you) gives a wrong data or
instruction. In this sense, computers are 100% accurate.
• Consistency – Unlike humans, computers can work efficiently continuously for many hours without taking a rest. It
also maintains its speed and accuracy. As long as it has power, it will not stop working out of tiredness or fatigue.
• Versatile – Computers can do a variety of tasks from complex science simulations to simple computations like
playing your favourite games. It is used in variety of fields and industry.
10 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
• Storage – Computer can store large amount of data. Imagine the stacks of files and documents in the office
cabinets. The entire files and documents in your office can be stored in a single flash drive which you can carry with
you in your packets.
• Reliability – Since computers works fast, accurate, and consistent, you data and other works may be easily
assessable for future use. You can be assured that it will be available for you when you need it.
Review your answers from the previous activity. Are there some items there that are not considered as a
computer? Explain why each item is considered a computer or not. Also discuss how these items can be
configured to be considered as a computer device. You can further enrich your answers by discussing it
with your peers.
Try This!
Let us take a closer look into your devices, that is, your mobile phones and/or
Pcs/laptops. You can investigate just one or both. Identify at least ten (10) different
hardware components and at least ten (10) software applications used for these devices.
The more components you identify, the better!
Think Ahead!
Can you identify which are hardware and software components? Can you differentiate one from the other? In the table
below, list down the parts of the devices under the Hardware column and the applications used for the devices under
Software column. List as much items as you want.
11 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Hardware Software
Check if you were able to identify clearly the hardware from the software components by referring to the
descriptions on the next page. If you have some doubts in your list, consult with your instructor.
A computer will be worth useless without either one of these components: Hardware and Software. The hardware consists
of the “hard” components of the computer, that is, the electronic or mechanical part of the computer. So, if you listed the
physical parts or devices that you have seen, then, you are on the right track! Hardware is further divided into smaller
components, that is, input and output devices, processing units, and storage devices ( see section on Computer System
Organization).
On the other hand, the software consists of the “soft” components also called programs. These are the applications that
you use to do your work or tasks. These programs are also a set of instructions that you feed into the computer in which
the computer works on (see What is a Computer Program? section for more details). If you were able to list on some of
these applications, you are doing a great job!
There are three (3) types of software, namely, System Software, Application Software, and Program Software.
• System softwares are programs that control and maintain the operations of the computer and its devices. It
includes all operating systems, such as Windows OS, Ubuntu, Linux, and Mac OS, and utility programs, such as
computer management.
• Application software are programs that perform specific tasks for the user. It includes application to create and
manage word or text documents, spreadsheets, and presentations such as Microsoft Office and Open Office. Web
12 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
browsers, such as Chrome, Mozilla and Internet Explorer, and games are also considered as application softwares.
We will explore basic application software later in this moule ( see section Application Software and the Internet)
• Program software also called programming languages or development tools. These are programs used to create
other programs or applications. It includes Java, C#, PHP, and C++ among others. For this subject, you are going to
use program software, C++ programming language, to create your own programs.
Try to review the applications that you have listed as softwares. Were you able to identify all types of software? Which type
have you identified the most? Which type have you identified the least or maybe have not identified at all? You can explore
the devices more to look for more of these types of applications.
From the definitions of hardware and software, we can conclude that for a device to be considered a computer, it must
have the hardware and software components. Software cannot run on itself. It needs a hardware where you place or install
the software. Also, the hardware cannot run on itself. Without the software installed, it would just be another matter that
occupies space.
In a sense, a computer can be likened to a human being, the physical body as hardware, the thoughts, ideas, and feelings as
software. Can you already imagine robots as classmates? Although a possible future, it will take more complex and
extensive artificial intelligence as well as high-end innovations in electronic devices to create just that. Think: the processing
speed and storage of supercomputers with a hundred times smaller than microcomputers chips. With these, you can
probably create robots that fly!
Now you know what a computer is and what it does, we will try to understand better how it actually works through its
individual components. The study of the interconnectivity of the different computer components and how it performs its
functions in a digital computer system is called Computer Organization.
Try This!
To get to know more about computers, consider the personal computer and laptop below. Write down the partsthat you
can identify on the lines provided on each side and connect it to the parts on the respective image.
Computer Laptop Components
13 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Think Ahead!
Given the components above and what we know of the characteristics of a computer, identify which of these components
are Input, Process, Output, and Storage devices by writing check (✔) on the appropriate column.
You can place as the same item for components that are considered the same for computers and laptops. You can use a
separate sheet if you identify more components.
Type of Component
Component/s
INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT STORAGE
Computers or the Computer System have different components and these componens interact with each other to make
possible what it does. May it be to play music, print a copy of your document, or make your document. Understanding the
computer system is understanding how it is structured (i.e. Computer Organization).
The main components of a computer system consists of the Central Processing Unit, Input/Output Devices, Memory, and
System Bus (see Figure 1.1).
14 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Central
Input Processing
Unit Output
Device Device
The central processing unit is responsible for the processing of data and controlling the system. It is considered to be the
brain of the computer system. A CPU consists of the Control Unit (CU), Registers, and the Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU).
These parts interact closely with each other to process the instructions (as inputs) and produces the outputs (see Figure 1.3
below).
Memory
The memory is a component used to store data. Also known as storage devices. It is another key feature of
computers. There are two things that you should know about computer storage: storage medium and storage
devices or drives. The storage medium is the physical media that holds data, instructions, and information for
future use while storage devices record and retrieve data from and to the storage medium (Discovering
Computers, 2002).
Categories of Memory
Primary Storage – This is the storage that is directly accessible to the CPU of a computer without any
input/output channels. This is where currently used or active data is stored. The following are
different types of primary storages:
o Read-Only Memory – Data stored in this memory cannot be modified, hence, it is termed as
“read-only”. Data stored in this memory are standard or programmed instructions created by
manufacturers. ROM is non-volatile, that is, data remains the same even after switching off the
computer.
o Random-Access Memory – It consists of integrated circuits that allowed the stored data to be
accessed at any order, hence, it is termed as “random”. Data stored in this memory are
temporary (or volatile) , that is, all data stored will lose after computer is switched off.
16 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Storage Devices
The most commonly used storage device is the hard disk drive and CD-ROM or CDRW drives. Hard disk
contains plotters where data is stored. These plotters are enclosed in a disk drive which reads and records
data into the plotters or disk. Compact Disc – Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM) drives reads data from
compact disc which usually contains music or movie files. While Compact Disc – Re-Writable (CDRW)
records data into compact discs. Nowadays, most these drives are also compatible for DVDs. Figure 1.7
shows the different kinds of storage devices.
Input Devices
Input devices are any peripheral devices that is used to provide data in a form of instructions to the computer.
Data can be in a form of keystrokes, mouse clicks, touch screens, barcodes, sounds, images, and videos among
others. The table below are some these input devices:
Table 1.1 Common Input Devices
17 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
It is the oldest and most widely used among the input devices. It
contains keys that represent numbers, texts, and other symbols. A key
press or keystroke or a combination of keys will send the signal to the
Keyboard
system unit that will be equivalent to a character or command.
Keyboards are connected through wire but nowadays, there are already
wireless keyboards that use Bluetooth technology to send signal from
keystrokes.
Mouse
Microphone
Image Scanners
It is used to analyses photographs, text documents, handwritten
documents or any other object and converts them as digital images.
These image files become virtual copies of the hardcopy photos or
documents which can be stored, make copies, or even edited. Image
files have multiple formats such as JPEG, PNG, GIF, and BMP files
formats
18 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Web Camera It used as a real-time camera that reads in images through its lens. It is
mostly used to transmit real-time images in Internet. It is also used to
capture images converted as image files or record videos converted into
video files. Video files also have multiple formats such as AVI, WMV,
MPEG, and MP4 file formats.
Graphic Tablets
It is used for graphic design and animation. It consists of a touch
sensitive screen that acts as sensor that sends signals to the system unit.
It also comes with a pen-like device, called stylus. Using a stylus on this
device, allows you to draw images like you are writing or drawing on a
paper. The technology used for this device is greatly similar to the
touchscreen technology used in most smart phones and tablets.
Barcode Reader It is an input device that converts a pattern of patterned bars into
numbers. Each pattern is assigned an equivalent number value. This is
mainly used in business like supermarkets and stores to quickly input
product codes and other product information. It uses similar technology
with that of image scanners.
This list of input devices is just some of the most common input devices available. The list does not include input
devices that are already embedded into the main device, for instance, touchpads on laptops that have same
function as a mouse device. Another example is the TV tuner which is installed as cards in the system unit. This
device detects TV signals so that you can use your computers as a television set. Your ordinary camera or video
camera can also be used as input devices. There are still other input devices in the market that are waiting for you
to be explored.
Output Devices
Output devices are any peripheral devices that are used to display or output information after data is processed.
The output or information is displayed in the form humans can understand. These outputs can be in a form of
images, videos, or text display and sounds among others. The table below are some of these output devices:
19 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
It is the one of the most widely used of all output devices. Monitors
are included in almost any devices from desktop computers, laptops,
tablets, to smart phones. It mainly displays texts and images. From
Monitor the processing unit, it generates a temporary record, that is, any text
or image.
Display will disappear once the power is turned off. Monitors vary in
screen size, resolution, and dot pitch.
The higher the resolution of the monitor, the higher the image
quality it produced. The two (2) major types of monitors are
Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) and Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). The figure
on the left is an LCD type, sometimes also called a Flat screen
monitor. You can see both LCD and CRT monitors in your computer
lab rooms.
20 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Just like some other components, there are other devices available that are not included in this list. And some,
similar to input devices, are already embedded into the device itself. There are already cameras that can
immediately print pictures. It is important to know all these devices to be able to determine the appropriate
technology to use. All these innovations are products of society’s demand to have a higher quality and a more
productive way of living.
System Bus
Sytem bus acts as communication link between the different computer components. Data and informations are
being transferred from one component to another. The following are the different types of buses:
• Address Bus: A type of bus where addresses are being transferred. Only addresses generated by by CPU
uses the address bus.
• Data Bus: A type of bus used by the CPU to transfer data, data to be processed by the CPU or data
processed by the CPU.
• Control Bus: A type of Bus used by the CPU for control signals. Usually, control bus bus are used for
handshaking.
In various fields of study, a Mind Map is used to graphically describe concepts or ideas. It is used as a tool
that “helps structuring information, helping you to better analyze, comprehend, synthesize, recall and generate new ideas”
(Litemind, 2020).
For this activity, describe the concept of computer system and organization using a Mindmap. You can use any of the
available drawing or mind map tools (i.e. web or mobile applications) as shown in the examples below. Share and present
your final mind map with the class.
Figure 1.8.1 Mindmap of Computer Gaming using Lucid Charts via www.lucidchart.com
21 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Figure 1.8.2 Mindmap of Computer Gaming using Mind Meister via https://www.mindmeister.com/
Figure 1.8.3 Mindmap of Computer Gaming using miMind mobile application available via PlayStore or AppStore
How is it working with mind map tools? Have you encountered such tools before? Software tools like this make your work
and tasks easier! You will get to know more software tools in engineering as you slowly deal with its various topics and
concepts, from circuitry to management. For this module, however, we will work with standard productivity tools as well as
programming tools as we progress.
We know by now that a computer system has various componets that interacts with each other to perform what we want it
to do. But how does it interpret our instructions as inputs? And how does it know how to show its outputs?
Like all digital devices, computer is physically composed of electronics... lots and lots of electronics. All the computer
components that we have identified basically consists of electronics (e.g. circuits, capacitors, resistors, wires, etc.).
Electronic devices, such as the computers, only understands ON and OFF, represented by 1 and 0, respectively. Therefore,
we have to translate our instructions (i.e. characters, numbers, files, etc.) in the form of 0s and 1s, we call these the Binary
Digits (or bit).
The Binary Number System is just one of the number systems that we need to learn in order to be able to understand the
“language” of computers.
Try This!
22 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Throughout our life, we learned about the letters of the alphabet and numbers. We also learn how to compute numbers
and make words out of the alphabet. Now, we will make a little translation of some of these alphabets and numbers using
bits.
Using the table below, create an equivalent “8-bit data” by using a series of 0s and 1s, for instance, 0 is represented by
00000000 and 2 is represented by 00000010. (You may change this representation as you wish). Make sure that no data
must be the same for any of the characters.
0 00000000 9 I R
1 00000001 A J S
2 B K T
3 C L U
4 D M V
5 E N W
6 F O X
7 G P Y
8 H Q Z
Now, you have your own Binary-to-Character translation!
E 10011010
L 00001010
L 00001010
A 10101010
2 00000010
0 00000000
Think Ahead!
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
Use your translation table above write the equivalent binary digit equivalent of your firstname. If your name is more than
ten (10) characters long, you can choose to write in your nickname or a short-cut name. Write the age (2 characters) after
your name (see example below). You can leave the rest of the characters blank.
23 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
How do you like your name and age in Binary? Now, imagine that 0s and 1s is turning ON or OFF your lights. You can start
using your binarx digit name series to set up your Christmas lights.
In the field of Computer Organization, there are various number systems used to interpret and translate data. We already
know one of these, the Binary Number System. As we have discussed here, a CPU, for instance, composes of control units,
ALUs, and registers which actually holds data in the form of characters which then translates it to bits.
The number system is a technique used to represent numbers in the computer system architecture, every value that you
are saving or getting into/from computer memory has a defined number system. The computer system architecture
supports the following number systems:
The table below shows an example of a data representation based on the number system and how it is used as assignment
statements in C Language. You will know more about assignment statements in the succeeding topics.
Table 1.3 Sample of data representation using the different number systems
Number System Example C Language assignment
24 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
In computer architecture, various components such as memory and resgisters process data in a certain format following
different number systems. To be able to understand these data in various representations, conversions between number
system is needed. The following are three (3) major ways to do conversion:
• Decimal Number System to Other Base Number Systems
• Other Base Number Systems to Decimal Number System
• Other Base Number Systems to Other Base Number Systems Decimal Number System to Other
The following steps allow you to convert Decimal number system to other base number systems convert a number system:
1. Divide the given number (i.e. Decimal Number) by the base of target base number system, that is 2 for Binary
(Base 2), 8 for Octal (Base 8), and 16 for Hexadecimal (Base 16) number system.
2. Write the remainder from step 1.
3. Use the quotient as the new number and repeat step 1 until quotient is 0. The first remainder is considered as the
Least Signification Bit (LSB) and the last as a Most Significant Bit (MSB).
4. Once the quotient is 0, write data representation from MSB to LSB.
The example below shows the application of the steps above converting the decimal number 2010 to binary, octal, and
hexadecimal. Decimal to Binary
base number to convert
to
Decimal to Octal
20 / 8 = 2 remainder 4
2 / 8 = 0 remainder 2
20 / 16 = 1 remainder 4
25 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
1 / 16 = 0 remainder 1
The following steps allow you to convert from any other base number systems to Decimal number system:
1. Determine the base value of the given number and the position of digits from LSB to MSB.
Note that the LSB is at position 0, next digit’s position is 1, next is 2, and so on.
2. Multiple the digit and the base value with the position as an exponent.
3. Add the results of the products from step 2.
We will use the result of the previous examples, that is, 101002 , 248 , and 1416 to convert to decimal number and validate our
results. Hint: It should arrive to the same value, 2010 . Binary to Decimal
products of the
binary digits
26 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Octal to Decimal
12 04
4 x0 8 = 4 x 1 = 4
2 x1 8 = 2 x 8 = 16
2010 Result in decimal number
14
4 x 160 =4x1 = 4
1 x 16 = 1 x 16 = 16
1
Since you already know how to convert to and from Decimal numbers, the following steps may be easily applied for
conversions in between other base number systems:
1. Convert the given base number to decimal number.
2. Convert the decimal number to the target base number.
Once again, we will use the results of the previous examples in converting binary and octal numbers, 101002 and 248
respectively, to hexadecimal number.
2 x 2 = 1 x 16 = 16
4
10
20
27 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
We now know from the wys in converting in between base number systems may be done by initially
converting the number to decimal value. In the language of binary digits, octal numbers is just a series of 3-bit data while
hexadecimal numbers, a series of 4-bit data. Refer to the details in Table 1.4.
Table 1.4. Examples of Octal & Hexadecimal Numbers using 3-bit and 4-bit notations
Number System Base In Base 2 Examples In Binary Numbers
Value representation
Octal 8 23 (or 3 bits) 58 101
758 111101
4
Hexadecimal 16 2 (or 4 bits) 9 1001
F9 11111001
Check the breakdown of the bits series below from the examples given above:
111101 11111001
binary number binary number
As your guide, you can use the reference below for easy binary-decimal conversation. Just add the equivalent numbers
above for 1 bits and disregard 0 zero bits.
8 4 2 1 8 4 2 1 8 4 2 1 8 4 2 1
decimal
number 15 5 10 11 equivalents
In the same manner, you can also convert binary numbers to octal or hexadecimal numbers by dividing the bits into groups
of 3 or 4 bits. Example: Convert binary number 10111000102 to octal and hexadecimal numbers (see solution below).
10 / 1110 / 0010
2 14 2
2E 216
Arithmetic Operation
Internally, in the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), the CPU of a computer performs computations to process inputs and generate
the necessary outputs. To perform arithmetic operation with number systems, numbers to be added or subtracted must be
of the same number base. If numbers are of different bases, one must be converted to the other to make their bases the
same.
To make addition and subtraction easier with number system, it is much better to just consider the numbers as decimal.
Examples: Binary
Addition
10112 + 10012
Steps: Base = 2
1. 1 + 1 = 2 ; since 2 is equal to base, subtract 2 from sum and add 1 to the next digit (carry)
1 carry value
10112
10012
0
2. Next digits to be added are 1 and 0 equals is 1 plus the carry, sum is 2; again the sum is 2.
Subtract 2 from sum and add 1 to the next digit ( carry ).
11
10112
10012
00
3. Next is 0 plus 0 plus the carry. Sum is 1.
1
10112
10012
100
4. Lastly, 1 plus 1 is 2. Sum is equal to base, subtract 2 from sum and add 1 to the next digit
(carry).
10112
29 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
10012
10100
5. The sum of 10112 plus 10012 is 101002
Octal Addition
370.348 + 456.708
Steps; Base = 8
1. 4 + 0 = 4 ; since 4 is less than the base, condition cannot be applied
370.348
456.708
4
2. Next digits to be added are 3 and 7 equals is 10, sum is greater than base. Therefore,
subtract 8 from 10 and add 1 to the next digit.
1
370.348 carry value
456.708
24
3. Next is 0 plus 6 plus the carry. Sum is 7 and is less than base.
1
370.348
456.708
7.24
4. 7 plus 5 is 12. Sum is greater than base, subtract 8 from sum and add 1 to the next digit
(carry).
1
370.348
456.708
47.24
5. Lastly, 3 plu 4 plus the carry equals 8. Again, Sum is greater than base, subtract 8 from sum
and add 1 to the next digit (carry).
1
0370.348
Subtraction is done by first arranging the numbers in the column in such a way that the digits of the same place are in the
same column. Starting from the least significant digit, subtract the subtrahend from the minuend. If the minuend is less
than the subtrahend, 10n is being borrowed from the next higher digit.
Since subtraction is being performed with different number system, 10 n is still being borrowed but with different value. For
binary for example, 102 is 2 in decimal. 108 is 8 in decimal.
If 10n is borrowed, add its equivalent to the minuend. Subtract the subtrahend from the minuend just like performing
decimal subtraction.
30 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Example: Binary
Subtraction
10112 - 10012
Steps:
Base = 2, therefore 102 is 2. Starting from the least significant bit;
1. 1-1=0;
10112
10012
0
2. Next digits to be subtracted 0 from 1.
10112
10012
10
3. Next is 0 minus 0, difference is 0.
10112
10012
010
4. Lastly, 1 minus 1 is 0.
10112
10012
borrow
15 15 6 16 6 16 16 6 16 19
31 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
32 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
3. Next is 15 minus 6 is 9.
15
6 16
3 7 0 . 3 416
4. 6 minus 5 is 1.
6
3 7 0 . 3 416
Part I. Convert the given values below to other base number systems. Specify on the space after “Convert
to:” the name of the number system you want to convert. And write your final answer on the space after “Converted
Value:”. Show your solution on the space provided for each conversion.
Page
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Part II. Perform the following operations and write your solution on the space provided for. You can choose which of the
given values you want to convert to perform the operation. Show the final output in all the base number systems.
Answer for #1
In decimal: ____________________ In binary: __________________________ In octal:
_______________________ In hexadecimal: ____________________
Operation #2: 202016 + 111111001012
Solution
Answer for #2
In decimal: ____________________ In binary: __________________________ In octal:
_______________________ In hexadecimal: ____________________
II. Application Software and the Internet
In the previous chapter of this module, we discussed in detail about computer, its use, and its different components.
Computers, however amazing, is just one of the great innovations of this century. In the past decade, the concept of robots
and artificial intelligence (AI) is not just present in the movies but are already applied different fields. In this generation,
most people are already accustomed to being “online”; checking emails, social media, online games, video calls, and, now,
online classes! These developments in our daily tasks is made possible by information technology.
Technological revolutions have progressed throughout history and much of the driving force of the innovation from the 3 rd
Industrial Revolution (also known as the Digital Revolution, from the invention of computers and Internet to automation an
34 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
digitation with the use of electronics and computers) to the current one, 4th Industrial Revolution (i.e. digital transformations
with data analytics, AI technology, IoT, among others), is the developments in information technology. You can read more
about the Industria Revolutions from the article titled “Timeline of Revolutions” by Lucas Gregory (2019). “Information
Technology is a general term that describes any technology that helps produce, manipulate, store, and communicate,
and/or disseminate informtion.” (Williams and Sawyer, 2011). Our computers, mobile phones, and other digital devices,
applications software, as well as the Internet, are all part of information technology.
For this section, we will explore the applications of information technology by using some of the most common application
software available to us, that is, word and spreadsheet applications. In addition, we will also explore the Internet, as the
central core of IT and major form of communications at this time.
Objectives:
Topic Outline:
I. Application Software
a. Word Processing
b. Spreadsheet
II. The Internet
a. Communication over the Internet
b. Exploring the Internet
c. Societal Issues and the Future of the Internet
Try This!
How familar are you of some application software and the Internet? From their icons, identify and write the names the
different application programs below the respective icon.
35 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Think Ahead!
For this activity, you need to have any working Internet connection. We will get to know more about the application
software that we are going to use by following these steps:
1. Open the Internet browser available on your computer, laptop, tablets, or smart phone.
2. Type in the address box one of the most popular website, www.google.com.
3. Once the page is loaded, find the empty box and type in the keywords (below), one at a time, and press enter.
4. You will now be directed to the list of results. Note the total number of results (“No. of Results”) and the time.
Write these details on the table below.
5. Now, click on the first result and write the address on the last column of our table.
Keywords No. of Results Time Address of the 1st result
“Word Document”
“Spreadsheet Document”
“The Internet”
“World Wide Web”
Your name
How many results were you able to get? 500? 1000? 10K? And how long did it take? Try to count the number of results and
the time it takes for you to count it. We know who is faster. Were the results relevant, in particular, the first result? How
about the results when you type your name? Did it show you or someone else? It is, indeed, amazing how much
information is available on the Web. However, as citizens of the digital world, it is ever more important now to be aware of
what is relevant information and discern fact and truths over false (or fake) information.
The computers, with its many components and complex circuitry, is only as good as what it can do to the users. To make
our computer hardware usable, application software are developed.
Simply, application software, also known as “apps”, are programs designed for end-users. Nowadays, application software
comes in many forms, such as games for entertainment, a weather app to check the weather forecast, or productivity tools
to create documents or presentations. Software applications, as part of information technology, is commonly used to
36 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
produce and manipulate data. Productivity tools, such as word and spreadsheet applications, are the most commonly used
software applications for students and faculty and which we will discuss further in this chapter.
Apart from the productivity tools, the most commonly used application software is the Internet browser. The Internet
browsers (e.g. Chrome, Safari, Mozilla, etc.) acts as the doorway to the the World Wide Web via the Internet. The Internet
The Internet is a “global network of billions of computers and other electronic devices” that “allows you to communicate
and access information from anywhere else in the world.” (GCF LearnFree.Org, 2020).
Application Software
Productivity tools or software are “any application people use to "produce" information. Virtually any program used to
create or modify a document, image, audio or video clip is productivity software.” Some of the most common productivity
tools are word processing and spreadsheet software which are usually included in a “productivity suite” such as Microsoft
Office, Libre Office, Apache Office, and Google Docs among others.
Do you have any productivity tools installed? You can use the FREE ONLINE Office 365 Productivity Tools using your WMSU
email account!
6. Enter the verification details and once done, click on Start link (see Figure 2.1.2). NOTE: In case no verification code
was sent, you can click on the “resend signup code” or double check your email entry (in case, you still did not
received any code).
7. Once sucessfully logged-in, productivity tools will already be available like Word and Spreadsheets (see Figure
2.1.4). For the rest of the applications available under Office 365, click on all apps. Application list is shown in
Figure 2.1.5.
Here’s an additional takeaway! Office 365 may also be used on your mobile devices!
Just download the app from AppStore or PlayStore and log-in using the account that
you have created above. Now, you can work with your Word and Excel files using your
phones!
Here are alternative office productivity tools program that you can use and explore:
• Libre Office: An open source application developed by The Document Foundation that can be downloaded and use
for free. The Document Foundation is a non-profit organization and is composed of a community of developers
who “believes in the principles of Free Software and in sharing their work with the world in non-restrictive way”.
You can download this application for free at https://www.libreoffice.org/download/download/.
• Office Tools for MacOS/iOS: For most Apple users, iWork productivity tools application that includes Pages and
Numbers are already pre-installed with any of the purchased Apple device. This tool is developed by Apple Inc. and
may be downloaded in the AppStore.
• Apache Open Office: This is another open source application developed by The Apache Foundation that can also
be used for free. The Apache Foundation aims to “to provide software for the public good”. You can download this
application for free at https://www.openoffice.org/download/.
• Google Docs: It is a free online productivity tool developed by Google LLC (or simply Google). Google is one of the
Big Four tech companies in USA alongside Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon (Rivas, 2017). The Google Docs is
accessible using any of your Google accounts ( i.e. @wmsu.edu.ph or @gmail.com). Similar to Microsoft’s
Office365, it is only available online with internet connectivity.
38 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Word processing software (e.g. MS Word) is part of the productivity tools software that allows user to create any
form of documents which primary contains texts such as application letters, memos, technical reports, or a simple journal.
For this manual, we will explore Microsoft Word as our main software tool. You can also use Text Document from Libre
Office, Pages for MacOS/iOS users, or Docs from Google Docs. They will have a different way of showing their features but
the functionality of these features are generally the same.
The following are the common features of the Word Processing software (GCF LearnFree.org, 2020):
• Formatting Texts – format texts within the document such as text font styles, sizes, color, highlights (i.e. bold,
italize, underline), and alignments.
• Page Layouts – sets the layout of the page to include page sizes, orientation, and margins.
• Spelling and Grammar Check – automatically checks for mispelled words or wrong grammar within the text.
• Indents and Tabs – adds structure to the document and making it readable using proper indentions and tabs.
• Line and Paragraph Spacing – improve the readablity of the document by setting lines and paragraph spacing to fit
into the page.
• Lists – organized list of items within the document using bullets and numbered lists. This is useful in emphasizing
list of points or giving steps or direction.
• Document breaks – create sections within the document to improve the layout by adding line, page, section, and
column breaks
• Columns – improve layouting by creating columns within the document similar to newspaper or magazine layouts.
• Hyperlinks – create Internet links for easy access and reference to addtional information available online.
• Shapes – add variety of shapes to the document to include circles, triangles, rectangles, arrows, callouts, and other
shapes. These could be used to create concept maps, diagrams, or flowcharts.
• Textboxes and Word Arts - specially formatted texts treated similarly as shapes. This is used to highlight certain
texts for emphasis.
• Clip Arts and Pictures – insert clip arts (i.e. pre-defined images in the office gallery) or pictures that are used to add
illustrations to documents.
• Styles and Themes – style is a predefined combination of font style, color, and size of text that can be applied to
selected text. A theme is a set of formatting choices that can be applied to an entire document and includes theme
colors, fonts, and effects.
• Headers and Footers – creates a header section of the document that appears at the top margin and footer section
that appears at the bottom margin. These are used to place in document details like, name of the chapter, page
numbers, or reference footers in formal documents like technical reports and thesis.
• Comments – used to annotate or comment parts of documents that needs to be reviewed or revised. This is
usually used to review documents such as research prior to publication or submission.
• Tables – use to organize and present data, in most cases, numerical data in a table format. A table is a grid of cells
arranged in rows and columns.
• SmartArt Graphics - use to illustrate and organize many different types of ideas. It allows you to visually
communicate information rather than simply using text. Illustrations can enhance your document, and SmartArt
makes using graphics especially easy.
• Mail Merge – a useful tool that will allow you to easily produce multiple letters, labels, envelopes, nametags, and
more using information stored in a list, database, or spreadsheet.
To go through these features, a step-by-step tutorial for MS Word 2010 designed by the GCF
Global is made available here: https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/word2010/. A video tutorial for
each feature is also included. If you cannot access or have difficulty in accessing the website,
ask a copy of the procedure from your instructor.
Let’s get to know more about you! Using the word processing software, write your thoughts and insights to the questions or
question statements below by following the corresponding set of rules and formats.
Section Details Rules / Format
Header Your fullname, course, and section Arial font style with size 10 and colored black; Bold; Right Align
Title Title of your favorite movie Font style of your choice; Center alignment; Font size is your current age; with
your favorite color as the font color.
First Write a story of how you were At least 100 words; Font Style is Times New Roman with size 12 and colored
paragraph born black; Left Align;
Second List three (3) best lessons learned Provide a short introduction before listing the lessons learned; list must be
Paragraph from your parents or guardians bulleted; Font Style is Times New Roman with size 12 and colored black; Left
Align
Third What have you done lately that is Describe your answer; At least 60 words; Font of your choice with size 12 and
Paragraph worth remembering? colored black; Left Align
Fourth Using ten (10) words, describe Center Align; Lucida Handwriting font style with size 15; Font color of your
paragraph yourself. choice
Image Insert a clip art or image that Do not use a picture of you, your classmate, or other people. You can use
describes you avatars or icons.
Additional formatting requirements:
• Italize all positive words (i.e. appreciate, grateful, etc.)
• Strikethrough all negative words (i.e. disappointed, arrogant, etc.)
• Bold all words pertaining to God or Higher Being
• Change the font color of the following words: love to red, hope to blue, and faith to green. Be creative! Albert
Spreadsheet Software
Spreadsheet software (e.g. MS Excel) is part of the productivity tools software that allows user to create spreadsheet
documents in which data are organized in a table format. Each cell in the table may contain a numeric, date, or text values.
One of the most important feature of spreadsheets is the creation of formulas that automatically computes for certain
values in the table. It is used mostly for computational data in statistics, finance, engineering, and data analytics among
others. Using the spreasheet software, charts and graphs for analysis are easily generated.
For this manual, we will explore Microsoft Excel as our main software tool. You can also use Spreadsheet from Libre Office,
Numbers for MacOS/iOS users, or Sheets from Google Docs. Similar to the various word processing software, they will have
a different way of showing their features but the functionality of these features are generally the same.
At this point, you have already familiarized the features of the word processing documents. Some of these features like
formatting texts, page layouts, or SmartArt graphics are also included in the spreadsheet software. Hence, we will focus into
some of the features that is uniquely of the Spreadsheet software (GCF LearnFree.org, 2020):
• Formatting Cells – use to format text and cells to include changing color and style of text and cells, aligning texts,
and applying special formatting to numbers and dates.
• Creating Formulas – use to calculate numerical information through creation of formulas. A formula is an equation
that performs a calculation. It can range from simple operations ( i.e. addition, subtraction, multiplication, or
division of two cells) to complex mathematical formula (i.e. interest rates, grades).
• Managing Worksheets – managing worksheets to help organize data and make it easier to work with.
40 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
• Functions – are pre-defined formulas that can calculate shortens or simplifies basic formulas such as summations,
counts, averages of multiple cells.
• Sorting Data – arranges data alphbetically, from smallest to largest, or using other criteria can help you find the
information you are looking for more quickly.
• Outlining Data – it allows to group data that you may want to show or hide.
• Filtering Data – use to organize data in your worksheet into groupds and hide parts of it from view. It allows to
display a summarized data for quick analysis.
• Working with Charts – a tool used to communicate data graphically. Charts allow your audience to see the
meaning behind the numbers, and they make showing comparisons and trends much easier.
• Sparklines – a convenient alternative to charts. Unlike a traditional chart, a sparkline is placed inside a cell,
allowing you to easily create a large number of sparklines (for example, one on each row).
• Conditional Formatting – used to apply formatting to one or more cells based on the value of the cell. It highlights
interesting or unusual cell values, and visualize the data using formatting such as colors, icons, and data bars.
• Pivot Table – used to make the data in your worksheets more manageable by summarizing the data and allowing
you to manipulate it in different ways. It is specially useful for large and complex spreadsheets, but they can be
used with smaller spreadsheets as well.
• What-If Analysis – used to compute what-if analysis formula that can help you experiment and answer questions
with your data, even when the data is incomplete.
To go through these features, a step-by-step tutorial for MS Excel 2010 designed by the GCF
Global is made available here: https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/excel2010/. A video tutorial for
each feature is also included. If you cannot access or have difficulty in accessing the website,
ask a copy of the procedure from your instructor.
Now, let’s do a simple financial budgeting! Discuss with your parents or guardians your family’s monthy,
weekly, or daily expenses. List down the expenses for this month and categorize each expense based on the following
categories: Utility Bills, Clothes, Food, Gifts, Transportation, Rent, Loan, Others. Also specify the cycle of the expense, that is,
Monthly, Weekly, or Daily. Create a worksheet using the spreadsheet application software with the expense details
(columns A-D) following the table below:
Worksheet A
A B C D E
1 Item Category Cycle Amount (in PHP) Sub-Total
2 Ex1. Electricity Utility Bills Monthly 550.00 ( Auto-Compute )
3 Ex2. Water Utility Bills Monthly 200.00 ( Auto-Compute )
4 Ex2. Fare Transportation Daily 100.00 ( Auto-Compute )
5 Ex3. Grocery Food Weekly 400.00 ( Auto-Compute )
6 OVERALL TOTAL EXPENSE ( Auto-Compute )
Perform the following spreadsheet operations and requirements on your details:
• Follow the format specified in the above table with your choice of font style.
• Sort the data per category, alphabetically.
• Create the equivalent formula under column E for Worksheet A with the following conditions:
▪ If cycle is Monthly, sub-total is equal to the amount.
▪ If cycle is Weekly, sub-total is equal to the amount multiplied by 4.
▪ If cycle is Daily, sub-total is equal to the amount multiplied by 30.
▪ Overall Total Expense is equal to the sum of all sub-total amount of the all items.
41 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
• Create a column graph for Worksheet A that shows amount per item.
• Create a separate worksheet that contains the summary of expense per category following the table below:
Worksheet B
A B
1 Category Total Amount
2 Food ( Auto-Compute )
3 Transportation ( Auto-Compute )
4 Utility Bills ( Auto-Compute )
5 OVERALL TOTAL EXPENSE ( Auto-Compute )
• Create the equivalent formula under column B for Worksheet B with the following conditions:
▪ Total Amount is equal to the sum of the Sub-total amount of all items per category from Worksheet A.
▪ Overall Total Expense is equal to the sum of all total amount per category
• Create a pie chart that shows the disribution of each category in the overall total expense.
Share your final worksheets to your parents/guardians and get their feedback!
The Internet
The Internet “began in 1969 as ARPANET (for ARPA, the Advanced Research Projects Agency of the U.S. Department of
Defense), with four linked-together computers at different universities and defense contractors. From there the network
expanded to 62 computers in 1974, 500 computers in 1983, and 28,000 in 1987.” (William and Sawyer, 2011) Even until
that time, the internet was mainly used by researchers and academicians. With the development of the World Wide Web
in the early 1990s, the Internet has expanded for personal and commercial use. As published by Clement (2020), “almost
4.57 billion people were active internet users as of July 2020 , encompassing 59 percent of the global population.” With this
population, 3.96 billion are active social media users. The rise of social media platforms has placed the Internet activity in a
whole new level. Along with the rise in users, issues on data privacy, cyber security, and online social responsibilty becomes
increasing more significant.
For this section, we will be discussing etiquettes in using the Internet as digital citizens, techniques in exploring the Internet
effectively, and socieal issues that affects it.
Today, the impact of the Internet has been seen in the changes in normal transactions, as with banks, shopping, and of
course, online classes. And most of our communications whether at work or with family and friends are done online using
some of the most messaging and video conferenicng applications like messenger, Viber, Zoom, Skype, among others.
Indeed, our way of communication with each other has greatly evolved with the Internet as a catalysts.
“You need to consider carefully the way you behave and act online as it defines what kind of a 'digital citizen' you are. This
is not a series of simple dichotomous decisions that you have to make. The way you choose to behave online requires you
to think carefully about many decisions you may usually take for granted. One useful way to look at this is to consider the
idea of ‘netiquette’” ( Shea, 2011 cited by University of Hull, 2020) or Internet Etiquette.
Shea (2011 cited in University of Hull, 2020) defined ten (10) principles of Internet etiquette of neiquette to guide your
communicaitions over various website communities to include the social media platforms.
42 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Rule 1: Remember the Human: “When you are online, it is sometimes easy to forget the human. That is, the people you are
interacting with online are real humans and not disembodied usernames or profile pictures.” When you do not see the
people you are interacting with, that is, you do not see their reactions or the usual nuances in the conversations, it can be
easier to dehumanize other people. Always remember that there is another human on the other side. “You should never
say something to someone online that you would not say to him or her in person. It is also useful to remember that online
interactions are nearly always recorded and backed up. If you act inappropriately, these recordings will serve as evidence
against you.”
Rule 2: Be Ethical: “In life, people generally follow the law. It can however be easy to let your ethics slip when online. Illegal
streaming of movies, illegal downloading of music and copyright infringement is still breaking the law. It is the online
equivalent of shoplifting.” technology is a great tool to make our lives “easier”, we can also make mistakes easier. Even if it
is practiced by many, it still does not mean that it is good or that no harm is done. In some cases, it does not necessarily
associated with the law, just decency and consideration attuned to our ethical and moral values.
Rule 3: Know Where You Are: “Netiquette varies from website to website. What is acceptable in one environment is not
acceptable in another. For example, the way you behave on university websites and discussion forums will be very different
to how you behave on a social network like Facebook.” You first have to see how people behave in the community, through
their deiscussion boards or posts and determine what is acceptable.
Rule 4: Respect Other People’s Time and Data Limits: “When you post anything online, write an email or share a post it
will take other people's time to read.” Shea (2011) argues "it's your responsibility to ensure that the time they spend
reading your posting isn't wasted". Address your concerns to the appropriate and relevant people. Sending mass emails, for
instance, will take time from other people reading your message. Take your time to describe your concerns clearly and
identiying the relevant people who can address that, rather than posting it on your Facebook wall.
“When considering data limits - or bandwidth (the information-carrying capacity of the network), it is important to
acknowledge storage and network speed limitations. This issue is still very relevant as people may be accessing the
internet via dial-up (slow), mobile networks (variable), broadband or fibre optic.” Be conscious of the file size, at least,
make the effort to compress it. Downloading large files take time especially with low connectivity.
Rule 5: Make Yourself Look Good Online: “Make sure you are careful with what you share. It is always advisable not to
share anything embarrassing, illegal or
inappropriate.” Most of the hiring right now, loks into the public profile of their applicants to check for their public image. “
People you have not even met may look you up online. Make sure to always have a good impression and avoid undesirable
postings or shares. Check your grammar when posting and fact-check links when sharing.
Rule 6: Share Expert Knowledge: “Sharing is one of the principles behind the majority of internet services. If you are
knowledgeable in an area then you have something to offer!” This is specially useful in community sites like, programming
enthusiasts, animal/plant lovers, or reasearch groups. You can share what you know to include the mistakes that you have
made. “You should never post anything disingenuous online. In the online environment, it is very easy for untruths, errors
and mistakes to become accepted as fact and propagated. You have responsibility to ensuring the accuracy of your
contributions. If you are sharing opinion or ideas, make sure it is clear to your audience.”
Rule 7: Keep Disagreement Healthy: “People are always going to disagree and that is healthy.” As a digital citizen, you will
be interacting with people from different backgrounds, cultures, gender, and all other human facets, and people will have
different ideas and opinions. Maintain respect even during disagreements. “Never reduce the discussion to personal issues
and avoid inappropriate language. If you are going to provide negative comments, ensure they are constructive and useful.”
Rule 8: Respect Other People’s Privacy: “When you are networked to someone on a website like Facebook or LinkedIn,
you may be given privileged access to information about him or her and what he or she shares. You need to ensure you
do not breach anyone's wishes by sharing any of the content they have made available to you.” The law and basic ethics
will tell you that you are not to use or share someone’s personal information without their consent.
43 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Rule 9: Don’t Abuse Your Power: “If you are an administrator or facilitator for any online environment, make sure you do
not abuse the privilege of access that your position may give you.” You are tasks to set decorum to the community.
Rule 10: Be Forgiving of Other People’s Mistakes: “People will make mistakes when they are new to online
environments. Everyone has to start somewhere, so try and be forgiving of other's mistakes.” This relates to the very
first rule of being human. Some people are still navigating and needs assistance.
So, are you following this principles of Internet Etiquette? Or are you one of those practicing bad netiquette? At some point,
we might have applied bad netiquette but these rules should always be ur constant reminder as digital citizens.
Here are some useful additional links that can help you communicate well online:
• 10 Netiquette Guidelines Online Students Need to Know, Asheley Brooks (January 28, 2019) avaiable here:
https://www.rasmussen.edu/student-experience/college-life/netiquette guidelines-every-online-student-needs-to-
know/
• Social Media: A beginner’s guide, Digital Student, University of Hull available here:
https://libguides.hull.ac.uk/digitalstudent/beginnerssocialnetworks
• Email Basics, GCFLearningFree.org available here:
https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/email101/introduction-to-email/1/
The following are the Internet basics that you need to know when you explore the web (GCF LearnFree.org, 2020):
• Connecting to the Internet: First and foremost, you have to “connect” or else you will be left “offline”. You will
need an access device (i.e. a computer or mobile phone), a means of connection (e.g. WIFI, LAN, WAN, telephone
line, cable hookup), and an Internet Access Provider or ISP (e.g. Globe, PLDT, Smart, SkyCable). In most cases, the
means of connection is already provided by the Internet Access Provider.
• Understanding the Cloud: Imagine a cloud hanging over your head? Well, the popular “cloud” was figuratively
taken there. Which means that you can access or store any of your data like it is a cloud hanging over your head.
Cloud is simple the Internet, or specifically, the Internte servers.
• Using a Webserver: A web browser is a type of application software that allows you to find and view websites on
the Internet. The most common Internet browsers include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Chromium, Safari,
Microsoft Edge, or Internet Explorer.
• Understanding Hyperlinks: Hyperlinks are used to navigate the Web. These are the words that look the different
from the rest of the text, something like this. When you click a link, it will take you to a different webpage. In the
example below, we're clicking a link to learn more about the Dupont Circle neighborhood.
• Downloading and Uploading: Downloading means receiving data or a file from the Internet on your computer.
Uploading means sending data or a file from your computer to somewhere on the Internet.
• Using Search Engines: Search engines, like Google.com and DuckDuckGo.com, allows to easily search information
on the Internet using keywords.
Go through each these Internet basics here: https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/internetbasics/. A video tutorial for each topic is
included for your guidance. The Internet Basics tutorial is designed by GCF Global.
44 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Throughout this section, we were able to utilize the different application software using our devices and
explore the information available in the Internet. According to Harold Gilliam (2003 cited in Williams and Sawyer, 2011),
“computers have invaluable uses for specialized work but we need to question the assumption that whatever ails modern
society can be cured by more information.” He further states that many users “are hypnotized by the computer’s power to
summon endless arrays of facts—information without context, data with-out values, knowledge without perspective.”
The rise of technology certainly changed our way of life which affects society as a whole and, in turn, raises a lot of issues.
How does fake news affect the perspective and perception of people? Are you comfortable with individuals snooping at
your public profile? Or someone pretending to you on the social media accounts? These are just some of the questions that
needs reflection when we talk about the effects with the advancements in technology.
Williams and Sawyer (2011) identifies the following societal issues that arises from the use of the Internet:
• Truth Issues (i.e. manipulation of sound and images in digital data): “The ability to manipulate digitized output—
images and sounds—has brought a wonderful new tool to art. However, it has created some big new problems in
the area of credibility, especially for journalism. How can we know that what we’re seeing or hearing is the truth?”
Truth issues are also evident in the deliver of news or historical revisionism. How can you distinguish an authentic
newstory or article from fake news? This could swayed people’s believes, ideas, and/or opinions for the benefit of
an individual or organization.
• Security Issues (i.e. accidents, natural hazards, terrorism hazards, and crime): “Internet users just don’t have
“street smarts” about online safety, one survey found, and that makes them vulnerable. And another study
suggested that while users think they are able to recognize when they are being manipulated, either legally or
illegally, in fact they are quite naïve. As one might expect, most Americans now believe that the government should
do more to make the internet safe, even though they don’t trust the federal institutions, such as Congress and the
Federal Trade Commission, that are responsible for creating and enforcing the laws online.” One must be able to
know how to protect itself from fraud or cybercrimes. ut there is much that we as individuals can and must do to
protect our own security.
Go know more about the guidelines on Internet Safety, visit this tutorial: https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/internetsafety/.
A video tutorial for each topic is included for your guidance. The Internet Safety is designed by GCF Global.
Currently, the Philippines has also two (2) key legislation or laws that aims to protect inviduals
from cybersecurity crimes as well as protect data privacy:
• Data Privacy Act of 2012 (RA 10173) available here:
http://dict.gov.ph/wpcontent/uploads/2014/07/RA10173_DataPrivacyActof2012.pdf
• Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (RA 10175) avaiable here: http://dict.gov.ph/wp-
content/uploads/2014/07/RA10175_CyberCrimePreventionActo f2012.pdf
• Quality-of-Life Issues (i.e. environment, mental health, child protection, the workplace): “What environmental
concerns are created by information technology?” Apart from the obvious use of electricity (i.e. consumption of
more power), “many other environmental challenges remain—for example, manufacturing and usage by-products,
disposal byproducts, environmental pollution, and possible risks of nanotechnology”.
“What problems with isolation, gambling, and stress can derive from information technology?... Automation allows
us to go for days without actually speaking with or touching another person, from buying gas to playing games.”
Ironically, when someone gets “online”, do you “get connected” or “disconnected” (i.e. isolated from the real
world?). In a Standford survey conducted by Norman H. Nie (Ibid) be predicted that “as internet use becomes
more widespread, it will have an increasingly isolating effect on society.” Other issues that affect the quality of life
is the proliferation of cyberbullying and child pornography. In the Philippines, these are considered cybercrimes
and are punishable under the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
45 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
• Economic and Political Issues (i.e. employment and the haves/have-nots): “How may technology affect
employment and the gap between rich and poor?” The innovations in technology, such as automation and robotics,
brings a lot of opportunities to create a more efficient society. However, these opportunities mean that some jobs
are replaced by machines or bots, in the case of automated customer service. The counterargument of this is that
new jobs are created, especially in the engineering and IT sectors to include system designers, data anaysts,
robotics engineers. According to Stewart Brand (Ibid), “if your job has been replaced by a computer that may have
been a job that was not worthy of a human.”
“What is the “digital divide”?” In this age of technology, when gadgets is a norm, we tend to forget that there are
still individuals, in particular people living in Third World Countries, who can not afford to have one. In this
perspective, this technology only brings opportunity to some while a disadvantage to others. How do we address
this digital divide in our society while embracing the progress of innovations?
REFLECTION: Have you encountered some of these issues? How are you able to handle it? Are there other issues
related to Information Technolgy that you or someone else have encountered?
Mark Weiser (1991) said it wisely, “the most profound technologies are those that disappear. They weave themselves into
the fabric of everyday life
until they are indistinguishable from it.” The innovations of the current Industrial Revolution 4.0 that includes the Internet
of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence has already weave into our society. From GPS-tracked devices, internet-controlled
home appliances, or simply chatbots, has been, in more than one ways, part of our daily life or routine.
Rayome (2019) has list down the following top 10 emerging tehnologies of 2019:
• • Internet of Things (IoT) • • Robotics
•• Artificial Intelligence (AI) •• Biometrics
• 5G • 3 D Printing
Serverless computing Virtual Reality (VR) / Augmented Reality
Blockchain (AR) Drones
How much do you know of these emerging technologies? You can start by reading Rayome’s article here
https://www.techrepublic.com/article/top-10-emerging-technologies-of-2019/. You can also search for each technology
using any of the search engines available to you.
This wil help you get an idea what you can do for your future engineering design projects.
In your previous activity, you know that one single topic can bring in millions of test results. This shows you
a glimpse of how much information is out in the Internet cloud. How about you contribute some of your insights and
thoughts with the world?
In today's environment, the use of technology and computer applications is everywhere! Most of these technologies are
run by computer programs. Every single day, you encounter some of these computer programs. Let’s have a look at some
of the most common computer programs that are available right at your fingertips!
Objectives:
Topic Outline:
47 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Try This!
Identify at least two (2) gadgets that you own personally or at home. It could be your cellphone, mp3 player,
or your desktop computer or laptops. Think of some of the things that can be done with these devices.
Think Ahead!
Do you own a cellphone? If so, list at least two (2) things that you do with your cellphone?
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
Have you ever tried using desktop computers or laptops? If so, list at least two (2) things that you do with your desktop
computers or laptops.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
List some of the applications you use in your desktop computers or laptops.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
What are the other devices that you have identified? List at least two (2) things that you do with these devices.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
48 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Most of the activities that you do with these devices like sending a text message, answering a call, playing games, or
checking your latest newsfeed on your Facebook account are made possible with the use of computer programs. Your
games, websites including Facebook and Twitter and other applications that you use are already using are just simple
examples of computer programs.
Computer programs consist of a sequence of instructions or steps that the computer interprets and executes. A single
application, like Facebook, can consist of several small computer programs. When you log-in, for instance, based on your
username / e-mail address, the program will check if you are a registered user. The program will also verify if your
username and password match based on the password that you also registered.
Ever played DOTA, HON, or Counter Strike? These role-playing and strategic games are also examples of computer
programs. The movements of the characters change of environment and collection of items and scores consist of sets of
instructions or collection of smaller programs.
Looking at these applications, you might think that they are complicated and time-consuming and only the geniuses can
develop. Well, they may be true except for one thing: even YOU can develop a computer program as big as Facebook or as
fun as DOTA. But we will start with creating small programs first and progress later on. So, put on your thinking caps! This
module will help you create programs which can become big in the future.
Have you ever wondered how a simple click of a mouse lets your favorite character in your game to move? Or how the
arrow keys allow Pac-man to move from up, down, left, & right? It is because programmers (or at least the programs they
designed) have written specific instructions for these behaviours to happen. A computer program is composed of a
sequence of instructions, and these instructions are written by the programmers including YOU in the future.
For now, you should be able to realize that computers are only as good as the programs that have been created for them.
They only do what they are told to do. That is, they only behave based on how the computer program behaves or were
designed and programmed.
Try This!
49 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Have you ever played a computer game or game using your phones? This is your chance to get into your fun side! For
this activity, play the game that you enjoy most. Make sure that you have read the instructions and how you will get
the best scores.
Think Ahead!
Did you enjoy the game? Did you get the highest score? You might observe that scores differ based on how well you played
the game. The program is written in such a way that you get higher scores on certain moves or actions.
50 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Computer programming is simply describing the steps or writing down the steps to do something. It is like solving a puzzle
or cooking a meal. However, since the computer does not understand English or any other human language, a specific
programming language is used.
The programmer writes the instructions (called “source codes”) in the computer using a programming language. There are
numerous programming languages that can be used. Some have specific targets and run only on particular computers. The
set of source codes are also called program code.
Figure 2.1 below shows the difference between instructions written English language and written as program code.
Throughout this module, you will learn how to create source codes using Python programming language.
However, it should be noted that the only language that the computer understands is machine language, which only
contains the characters 0 (represents OFF) and 1 (represents ON).
After the programmer writes the source codes in high level language (in programs like Python, C+ + , etc), the codes will be
interpreted and translated into machine language (which is now what we call the executable file and typically with . exe
extension).
51 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
You know by now that programs are just series of steps or instructions which you want the computer to do. So, if you want
to teach your friend how to bake a cake, you just have to give your friend the recipe or the sets of instructions on how to do
it. This means anyone, including YOU, can write programs!
There are two (2) major phases that you go through when creating your program: (1) The Problem Solving Phase and (2) the
Implementation Phase.
The Problem-Solving phase is where you define the problem and identify the sets of instructions on how you are going to
solve the problem. For the above example, the problem is baking a cake and the instruction is the recipe. In this phase, you
are going to create algorithms and flowcharts for the steps that you identified.
The Implementation Phase is where you convert your instructions to a series of source codes using a programming
language. For this course, we will be using Python as our programming language.
For each phase, you have to do simulations or tests to be able to verify if you have successfully solve the problem at hand.
No matter what programming language you are going to use in the future, the solution or instructions that you are going to
create will be the same. Therefore, the key to creating a good program is to be able to write specific and detailed sets of
instructions that will be a clear solution to the problem at hand.
52 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Let us exercise your skills in writing step-by-step instructions. Remember the process you go through during enrolment for
this semester? Write down a detailed step-by-step procedure of the enrolment process. Note: Write the procedure as if you
are giving instructions to incoming WMSU freshmen students.
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
53 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Concept of Algorithm
What comes to your mind when you hear the word “algorithm”? Robots? Mathematics? Sciencefiction? Did you know that
algorithm exists every day in our lives? Signing into your Facebook or Twitter accounts… changing the battery of your
cellphones… ordering in a restaurant… or simply baking a cake. What is common among all these? All of the things
mentioned require us to follow a series of steps before we can accomplish what we want to do. This sequence of steps to
reach a goal or achieve a desired output is called an algorithm.
Objectives:
Topic Outline:
Try This!
Assuming you are the cashier in a grocery store and your customer orders 2 cartons of milk worth Php90 each and 1 loaf
of bread worth Php25. Your role now is to determine the total amount that your customer needs to pay for the goods he
wants to get.
54 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Think Ahead!
Given the values, determine the steps to determine the output of this problem.
No. Steps
1
2
3
4
5
6
Now, you have just written your first algorithm! Isn’t it easy?
The data or variables that are needed and asked in the problem are the following:
Inputs: Price of milk, Price of bread, Number of cartons, Number of loaves of bread
Output: Total Amount
There are many ways to write the algorithm for the example given. Is your algorithm similar to the one below?
If your steps are similar above, you are very close to creating a good algorithm! Good job!
Like the previous example, a typical algorithm has inputs, outputs, and a step-by-step process. Your inputs are the values
needed to solve the problem, and your outputs are the desired data or values. In algorithm design, inputs are processed
through a series of steps and an output is produced.
Algorithms can be written and expressed in different ways. In programming, an algorithm can be described in the form of a
pseudocode or a flowchart. Pseudocodes do not follow any particular computer language and are written in simple English.
Sometimes, they contain common mathematical expressions like =, *, +, -, and others. Some statements will test a
condition ( if..then..else) and branch to a different part in the algorithm. Flowchart, on the other hand, uses symbols in
describing the steps. We first try to create algorithms in simple English which is more familiar to you.
Let’s say you are asked to write an algorithm for computing the area of the rectangle. First, identify the needed input
variables and expected output of this algorithm:
Below are the possible algorithms that you can create from this problem. Note that the words in bold letters are the sets of
variables either as inputs, outputs, or other computed values.
inputs
56 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
1 Input length,
width
process2 Compute area = length *
width 3 Output
area
outputs
Sample Simulation. Assume that the length and the width of the rectangle are 10 and 8, respectively.
Algorithm Simulation
You can test this further with other values. To be able to write an effective algorithm for a program, identify the following
characteristics that a good pseudocode must have (Balci et.al., n.d.):
Algorithm Exercises 1
1. To enhance your knowledge in creating algorithms, group yourselves with 5 members for every group. List
each member’s scores from the last quiz. Write a general algorithm for finding the average of the scores of
five (5) individuals and output the computed average. After you write the algorithm, test it with the scores
that you listed as inputs.
57 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
No Steps
.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
2. Using the same algorithm, individually simulate the steps using a different set of values. Are the results of your
algorithm correct? If yes, then you have created a well-written algorithm. Good job! If not, you can analyse the
problem again and refer to your instructor for the correct answer.
Did you know that symbols can also be used as instructions? Have you seen some signs on the streets and roads? The name
and numbers of the streets… the left & right arrow directs… etc. These signs are guides to places where you want to go.
Isn't it easy to have a map with you when you try to get to somewhere? Applications like Google maps can even tell you
how fast you can go to that place whether you will use a car, a bus, or just simply walk. Using a map, you will know whether
to go left or right.
From the previous section, you have learned how to create algorithms using pseudocodes. Now, just like a map, you are
going to use symbols to describe your instructions or algorithm.
Try This!
Review the scenario of the cashier in a grocery store. Also take note of the pseudocode that you have created from that
scenario. Using the symbols in Table 1, substitute your instructions with the symbol it represent.
58 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Start/End
The terminator symbol marks the starting or ending point of the
system. It usually contains the word "Start" or "End."
Action or Process
A box can represent a single step ("add two cups of flour"). A step
could also mean a computation for mathematical formula.
Input/Output
Represents material or information entering or leaving the system,
such as customer order (input) or a product (output).
Flow Line
Lines indicate the sequence of steps and the direction of flow. It is
used as a symbol to connect one symbol to the next.
Decision
A decision or branching point. This may include conditions like if and
if-else. The points in the diamond will represent the results or
decision of the condition (such as Yes/No) and which step it will take
next based on the decision.
Think Ahead!
1. Use the table below to draw up your flowchart. The pseudocode on the left is based on the previous algorithm that
we created. Draw the corresponding symbol for each line on the right column. Note: The use of the terminator
symbol is already included at the start and end of the algorithm.
1 Start Start
59 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
8 End End
2. Draw the final flowchart for the algorithm by connecting all the symbols using the flow line symbol.
Great! You have successfully created your first flowchart! Verify with your instructor if your flowchart is similar to the
equivalent flowchart for this algorithm.
From the previous activities, you have learned that algorithms can be written either using pseudocode or using symbols
through flowcharts. Basically, flowchart is just a graphical representation of an algorithm. You can say that flowchart is also
an algorithm, in graphical format.
In the previous flowchart, you have used symbols such as rectangles, oblongs, and rhombus. These symbols describe the
various operations (or instructions) in your algorithm. These symbols are connected with arrows to indicate the flow of data
or operations from one instruction to the next.
Let's take the problem on computing for the area of a rectangle. You know that you can write your algorithms in multiple
ways. Below, you can see how each algorithm can also be designed using flowcharts.
Algorithm:
60 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Line
Using Pseudocode Using Flowchart
No
1 Start
START
END
5 End
The above flowchart uses the three (3) most basic symbols in flowcharting. These symbols are mostly present in any
program or flowchart.
Algorithm Exercises 2
Now, let us test your skills in writing algorithms. Identify the inputs and outputs for each problem and create the algorithm
using pseudocode and flowchart.
Problem: Create an algorithm that computes for the student’s final grade using the formula below:
Input/s: _____________________________
Output/s: ____________________________
Algorithm:
Pseudocode Flowchart
Line No
1
61 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
You know by now that programs are just made up of sets of instructions. However, the computer will only understand your
instructions if it is written in a programming language. Different programs can be written in different programming
languages.
The most popular programming languages include Python, C++, Java, and C# among others. Maybe these terms sound a bit
alien to you for now. In the field of computer science, these are common terms and soon will also be common terms to
you. For this subject, we are going to use Python.
Python is an interpreted programming language. It was developed by a Dutch programmer, Guido Van Rossum. He wrote
Python only as a hobby programming project back in the late 1980’s.
Python can be used to develop WEB Applications, Scientific and Numeric computing, GUI Programming, Software
Prototyping and Professional Trainings.
Python is a non-restrictive programming syntax. It has no explicit declaration. It is a state of the art Object Oriented
Programming Support and a powerful debugging.
Objectives:
62 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Topic Outline:
Let’s go back at what you have learned when creating your algorithm. You know that an algorithm is just a set of
instructions or a series of steps. So, when you create your algorithm and you think of the series of steps to solve the
problem, you are actually thinking of the procedure. This is what we call procedural programming (also known as
structured programming).
Python is actually a type of a structured programming language. Hence, it is very important that you know how to write
your algorithm, either in pseudocode or flowchart, before you write your program. These instructions in your algorithm will
already be equivalent to your program code, also known as your source code.
Try This!
In this activity, your instructor will introduce you to the Python environment. You will be demonstrated how to CODE and
RUN your first program. For your first program, take note of the following steps:
1. Write the program code below in your first Python file. NOTE: Do not anymore include the line numbers. The
numbers are only used to reference the line of codes in your program.
63 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Think Ahead!
2. Did you encounter some errors when you run your program? If so, what error message/s was /were
displayed?
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
3. After you successfully run your program, what output message was displayed?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________ Good job!
You were now able to write your very first program! This time, you can do a little modification to your program. Try
to change “ Hello ”, x to “ Hello ”,x,” ! Hello, World! ”.
5. How about this, change “Hello”,x,”! Hello, World!” to “Hello”,x,”! \nHello, World!”. What is the difference
between the previous output and the latest output message?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
6. Add the following line of codes after Line 2 print “Hello”,x,”! Hello, World!”
The “\n” is just one of the most common characters that you will be using when implementing your programs. Any
characters after “\n” will be written on the next line. Another way is to create another print statement.
As you can see, the output of your program clearly depends on what you write on it. So, if you write your
program incorrectly, then you will also get an incorrect output. We call this as GIGO or Garbage In, Garbage Out.
Hence, it is important to simulate first your algorithm, to check whether it is ready to be implemented in Python. From now
on, aside from creating algorithms, you will also be using the Python environment, so start getting comfortable with it! As
for your first program, great job!
64 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
The Hello! program that you have created follows the basic structure of any Python program code.
There are two (2) basic important things that you should be aware of when writing your program code. First, Python
program is case-sensitive. This means that the commands should follow the character cases properly. For instance “print”
in Line 3, should not be written as “Print” or “PRINT”. Changing the cases, lower case to upper case or vice versa, will be
equivalent to a program error.
Second, Python is using a different principle. Instead of using certain characters or keywords in grouping statements (e.g. {}
for c / c++ and java, begin…end for pascal), block of codes in Python are defined by indentation, which make Python
program be structured.
All statements in-lined to the right belong to the same block of code, this means that statements lined-up vertically belongs
to the same block.
Before we proceed to the actual implementation of the functions and commands, we first have to take a look at some of
the terms used in programming languages.
o Reserved Words. These are words that are already used by the programming language (C++). These words
have special meaning to the language. Therefore, you cannot use reserved words as your variable or identifier (see
meaning of identifiers). In our Hello, World! program, the reserve words are the following: input and print.
o Identifiers. These are names used to reference variables, functions, labels, and various other objects that
you define in your program. In creating identifiers, you must consider the following:
• contains 1 to 32 characters
• first character must be a letter (a-z, A-Z) or an underscore (_)
• subsequent characters can be either letters (a-z, A-Z), numbers (0-9), or underscore (_)
NOTE: Again, Python is case-sensitive, this means that lowercase characters are considered different from
their uppercase equivalents, that is, a is different from A and count is different from COUNT.
o Syntax. It is the format or structure on how the source codes should be written. There are certain rules
that you should follow in writing your source codes for a particular function.
65 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
o Semantics. In order to understand the syntax, you always refer to the semantics. The semantics gives
meaning or description to your syntax. It is important to take note of the semantics, so that you will understand the
syntax better.
You will encounter different syntax and semantics once you already start using different commands and functions.
Programming Exercises 1
The algorithm below displays a given text. Create the equivalent Python program code for this algorithm.
Algorithm Program
1 Start
2 Output message “It’s
more fun to learn programming in using
Python”
3 End
Program Output:
Programming Exercises 2
Create an algorithm, either using pseudocode or using flowchart that will output your name, course, and motto in life.
Write the equivalent Python program for this algorithm. As your guide, see the sample output below.
Your Program:
66 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Algorithm Program
V. Python Basics
Most of the programs, just like Facebook, require the user to input certain data or information before you can log-in or
before you can search people from your friend list. And just like our sample problem on the area of a rectangle, most other
programs require certain computations and validations. And besides, it would be a boring program if it will only display
what you just typed. Wouldn’t you agree?
Now, in order to be able to do some data entry and computations, you have to learn how to use variables and assignment
statements.
Objectives:
67 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Topic Outline:
Try This!
Say you are in a money changer business. One of your customers wants to convert a 100 US dollar bill to
Philippine pesos. Assuming that $1 = PHP 41, how much will your customer receive in exchange for his 100
US dollar bill?
Think Ahead!
1. What do you think are the inputs and outputs for this problem?
Input/s: ___________________________________
Output/s: _________________________________
2. Assign names to your inputs (input variables) and outputs (output variables). Using these variable names, create a
formula that will be able to covert US dollar to Philippine Peso.
68 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
If you answered “Yes” to all the questions above, then you can already use these variable names into your
program. Otherwise, you have to change your variable names to fit into these criteria.
3. Once you already have your variable names, create the equivalent algorithm for this problem. Your algorithm must
be able to produce similar to the sample outputs below.
Sample Output 1:
Sample Output 2:
MONEY CONVERSION
MONEY CONVERSION
You know by now that there are multiple ways to create your algorithm. In your output messages, you can even write
the texts in your own language (Tagalog, Chavacano, Bisaya, etc.). If your algorithm is similar to the table below, then,
great job!
Line No Algorithm
69 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
1 START
2 Output message “MONEY CONVERSION”
3 Output message “Enter amount in US Dollar ($): ”
4 Input dollarAmount
5 Compute pesoAmount = dollarAmount * 41
6 Output message “Equivalent Amount in Philippine Peso (PhP): ”
7 Output pesoAmount
8 END
Are you ready to create programs that actually interact with the user? Right now, you have already written algorithms
that actually do this… but not yet an actual program. Most programs that you are going to write will now contain the
basic components: Inputs, Process, and Outputs. Let’s take a look at these components on the Money Conversion
algorithm.
OUTPUT STREAMS. On the previous activities, you created programs that display messages using the print() statement.
For this algorithm, you can use the print() statement to display the texts or messages.
print() statement: command used to display text on the screen or display the value of a certain variable.
The table below shows the format on how you are going to use print() statements. The syntax shows the format, while
the semantics shows the meaning of the format.
Output Streams
To display a text:
print(”write text here”)
To display the value of the variable:
Syntax
print(identifier)
To display both value of the variable and text in one line:
print(”Value of data is ” , identifier)
You can write the text that you want to display inside the quotations.
Semantics
Identifier : variable_name
Using the syntax for Lines 2 & 3, the equivalent program code may be written as
70 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
The “\n” is equivalent to new line, so all texts after “\n” will be displayed on the next line. You can also write the two
statements in one line using “\n”, that is,
MONEY CONVERSION
\n Enter amount in US Dollar ($):
For Line 7, you are displaying the value of a variable instead of texts. You can use the same print statement, but
without the quotation marks. Hence, the equivalent program code for Line
7 is
print(pesoAmount)
You can also write both texts and variables in one line. For instance, Lines 6 & 7 may be written as
In this format, only a single print statement is used but it separates the text from the variable with a comma “ , ”.
Assuming that the computed value for pesoAmount is 41, this line will have the program output below:
If you want to add some texts after the pesoAmount, you can write it as
In this code, we added a period after the variable. This line will have this output:
A variable is an identifier that is used to name and store data values. In other programming languages, variables must
be declared first before it can be used.
The word dollarAmount and pesoAmount are the identifiers or variable names. Make sure that your variables are
proper identifiers.
INPUT STREAMS. If Python has print() statement to output texts or values, it also has input statement to store values
into a variable.
Input() statement: sets the variable equal to the values typed in at the keyboard. In Python, the input
statement is the input() function. The input() function has an optional parameter, the prompt string. The
prompt string is being printed onscreen when the input function is executed or processed.
The table below will show you how to use input() statements.
Input Streams
71 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
For the Money Conversion algorithm, Line 4 accepts amount in US dollar and the value is stored in the variable
dollarAmount. Using the input function, the equivalent program code is:
dollarAmount=input()
This input() function means that the input of the user will be stored or saved in the variable dollarAmount. With this,
you can use the value entered by the user for computation purposes.
ASSIGNMENT STATEMENTS. In the Money Conversion algorithm, a formula is used to convert or compute for the
equivalent amount in Philippine peso based on the US dollar input value. Writing formulas in program code is very
similar to any mathematical formula. In programming terms, these mathematical formulas are called assignment
statements.
Assignment Statements are statements that change the value of a variable either by
computation, operation, or simply assigning a constant value.
In the conversion formula, an asterisk (*) is used to represent multiplication. In Python, we also use the same symbol
for multiplication (see Table 4.1 Arithmetic Operators) . The assignment statement table below will show you how to a
create formula in your source codes.
Assignment Statements
For this algorithm, the equivalent program code for the formula in Line 5 is:
72 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
In this assignment statement, the value of the variable dollarAmount is the value entered by the user. This value is
multiplied by the exchange rate which is 41. The resulting value will then be stored in the variable pesoAmount.
Note that the formula, in program code, is exactly the same as in the algorithm. Table 4 shows the arithmetic operators
that are used in Python programming.
You can refer to this table when you want to create equivalent assignment statements for your formula. These
operators are very similar to the operators used in a normal algebraic formula / equations except the modulus,
exponent and floor division operator.
The modulus operator (%) computes for the remainder when the two numbers are divided.
For example,
x = 7%6
In the above assignment statement, 7 will be divided by 6 and the remainder will be the value of x, hence, x = 1. You
will use of these operators once you deal with arithmetic expressions.
The exponent operator (**) computes for the value of a number raise to the power of.
For example,
x = 7**6
In the above assignment statement, 7 will be raised to the power of 6 and the equivalent value of x, hence, x = 117649.
You will use of these operators once you deal with arithmetic expressions.
The floor division operator (%) computes for the floored value of the quotient when the two numbers are divided
(decimal point are removed).
For example,
x = 7//6
In the above assignment statement, 7 will be divided by 6 and the quotient will be the value of x, hence, x = 1. You
will use of these operators once you deal with arithmetic expressions.
Line
Money Conversion Algorithm Money Conversion Program Code
no.
1 START
73 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
The table above shows the Money Conversion algorithm and its equivalent program code. The lines on the
algorithm are translated to input streams, output streams, variable declarations, and assignment statements.
Try to make some modifications to this code and see how it affects your program. Also, try to apply the other formats
discussed here to see the differences in the outputs. Now, are you ready to create a program similar to our Money
Conversion Problem? Do the next activities to exercise your programming skills! Enjoy!
Programming Exercises 3
Write a program (with algorithm) that will compute for the area of a triangle given its base and height using the
formula below. The output can be displayed in whole numbers (using int data type).
Area of a triangle = 0.5 * base * height
74 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Programming Exercises 4
You are planning to create a new account in a given bank. That bank offers 10% annual interest rate to its clients. That
is, if you have Php 100 in your account, you will have Php 110 after a year. Write a program (with algorithm) that will
allow you to calculate the total amount with interest rate given the initial value of your account.
75 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Programming Exercises 5
In an all-veggie pizza delivery company, it takes 15 minutes to make one pizza and 20 minutes to deliver to their
customers. Write a program (with algorithm) that will determine the total delivery time (in hours and minutes) given
the number of pizza being ordered. NOTE: You can use as many variables as needed to solve this problem. Hint: You
can use the modulus operator to determine the equivalent number of hours.
76 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Have you ever heard of constants? In mathematics, you learned that variables, like x and y and sometimes z, can have
different values depending on what values you assign to it. However, there are some values that are constant. These
are values that rarely change and sometimes never change.
There are a lot of constants around. The number of days in a week never changes. The number of days in a year
changes every after 4 years. In mathematics, the most popular constant is pi
(π). Here, you will be able to enhance your previous programs by implementing variable) . Here, you will be able to
enhance your previous programs by implementing variable initializations and constants.
Try This!
77 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
In the previous programming exercises, you were able to use different variables to assign values from the
user (inputs) as well as for computation ( assignment statements). Consider the formula below based from
the money conversion problem,
pesoAmount = dollarAmount * 41
Think Ahead!
Based from the given problem, which value in the formula always changes?
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Which value remains constant regardless of the given dollar amount value?
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Think of other constants that you use in formulas from the field of mathematics, physics, economics… or just something
you see on the market or in the internet. What are these constants?
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Read and Ponder!
In the Money Conversion problem, we assign dollarAmount as the US dollar amount input from the user and
pesoAmount as the converted value in peso. However, the number 41 is a constant that value that we assign for the
exchange rate. In programming, we can set this value as part of the initialization or declared as a constant value.
VARIABLE INITIALIZATION. Variable initializations are used if you want that to already set an initial value to a variable.
Variable Initialization
78 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
constant_value: any fixed value, that is, if the data type is an integer, the value could be
Semantics any number or if the data type is a character it could be any letters.
(see Data Types for more on the size, value, and range of the data types).
For this problem, you can declare a variable for the exchange rate (i.e. exchangeRate) and assign 41 as its value. The
equivalent program code for this is: exchangeRate = 41
Using variable initialization, you can write this code in one line like this, exchangeRate = 41
This format already initializes the value of the exchangeRate to 41 upon declaration of the variable. In your
formula or assignment statement, instead of using the actual value (i.e. 41), you can already use the new variable,
that is,
pesoAmount = dollarAmount * exchangeRate;
If you have two (2) exchange rates: dollar to peso and euro to peso rates. Assign a variable for each exchange rate. Let
variables dollarToPeso and euroToPeso represent dollar to peso and euro to peso rates, respectively. Assuming that 1
USD = Php41 and 1 Euro = Php54. The initializations for these variables can be written as
dollarToPeso = 41 euroToPeso = 54
MONEY CONVERSION PROGRAM
CODE (version 2)
Line
Money Conversion Algorithm Money Conversion Program Code
no.
1 START exchangeRate=41
2 Output message “MONEY CONVERSION” print(“MONEY CONVERSION”)
79 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Programming Exercises 6
Money Conversion (version 3): Review the program code for Money Conversion problem. Modify the program (and
algorithm) so that it will convert Dollar to Euro. Assuming that the following are the given exchange rates:
1 Euro = Php 57
1 US Dollar = Php 49
The exchange rates must be declared as constants and with the initial value above. Other variables must be declared
and initialized to zero. See sample output for this problem below:
Try This!
Consider the algorithm below. This algorithm computes for the area of a circle.
80 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
1 START
2 Input the radius of a circle
3 Compute area of a circle = 3.14 * radius * radius
4 Output area of a circle
5 END
Think Ahead!
Given the above algorithm, what variables (either input or output) produce or accept a whole number values?
________________________________________________________________________________________
What variables (either input or output) produces or accepts a real number or decimal values?
________________________________________________________________________________________
What variables (either input or output) produces or accepts a real number or decimal values?
________________________________________________________________________________________
As you can see, a simple algorithm can already have multiple types of data. Incorrect type of data might produce an
incorrect data or less precise data. For instance, an area of 1 is not equal to 1.75.
Not all data values are in whole numbers. Some data values are not even numbers, like your name, gender, or course.
These are data in a form of characters or texts.
Before choosing a data type, it is important to identify its use in the program. If the program requires a number,
determine if it is an integer or real numbers (i.e. decimal values).
The following are the five standard data types used in Python:
1. Numbers
2. String
3. List
4. Tuple
5. Dictionary
In Python, inputted values using the input() function are in String. Before it can be used as numeric values, it must be
converted into a numeric data type. This process is called type casting.
81 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Type casting is a way to convert a variable from one data type to another data type.
For now, let us just consider data types for number. For number data types, a variable can either be;
1. int (integers)
2. float (floating point numbers)
3. complex numbers
Let’s try to implement some of these data types into your next exercises.
Programming Exercises 7
Write a program that will compute for the area of a circle given its radius. You can refer to the previous algorithm for
the formula. Note: Use the appropriate data type for the variables in this problem.
Program Code
Programming Exercises 8
Money Conversion (version 4): Review the Money Conversion (version 3) from Programming Exercises 6. Consider the
new sets of exchange rates below:
1 Euro = Php 55
1 US Dollar = Php 41
Modify the program so that a more precise data is computed. The program must only accept whole numbers as inputs.
Program Code
From the previous activities and exercises, you were able to create and implement formula through simple assignment
statements. You were able to use the arithmetic operators as part of your assignment statement. However, not all
formula is as simple as multiplication or addition of two numbers. Some formula computes using more than two
operators with more than two variables. These long formulas are called arithmetic expressions. Here, we try to take a
look at different arithmetic expressions and how to implement them in your program codes.
Try This!
82 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
x= (ab+c) d−e¿
¿
Think Ahead!
Assuming that the values for the variables are the following:
a = 5, b = 4, c = 10, d = 7, e=2
Show your solution. Determine the steps on how to get the value of x.
1 ______________________________________________________________
2 ______________________________________________________________
3 ______________________________________________________________
4 ______________________________________________________________
5 ______________________________________________________________
Did you separate the computation for the expressions in the numerator from the denominator? Did
you apply the MDAS rule? That’s great thinking! Compare your answers to that of your classmates
and see how you differ in your answers.
In most arithmetic expressions, we do not only use a single operator but a combination of multiple operators. Since we
have the modulus operator, we cannot simply use the MDAS ( Multiplication, Division, Addition, and Subtraction) rule.
In C++, we follow a certain rule in how to prioritize the computations in a given expression. We call this the precedence
rule.
83 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Exponentation gets done first, followed by multiplication and division (including // and %), and addition and subtraction
comes last.
In a formula, the expression inside the parenthesis is computed first. Then, the priority of the rest of operations will be
based on the precedence rule, that is, multiplication, division, modulus, addition, and subtraction as the last priority.
For example,
x = 8 + (9-3) * 4 / 2
Using the precedence rule, the computation for the above assignment statement will be in the following order:
Parenthesis : x=8+6*4/2
Multiplication : x = 8 + 24 / 2
Division : x = 8 + 12
Addition : x = 20
For our given sample formula in the activity, the numerator and denominator are computed first and computed
separately. In this case, you can use parenthesis to indicated that it should be prioritized in the computation, that is,
x = (a * b + c ) / (d – e)
For the expression (a * b + c), a and b will be multiplied first and the product will be added to c. Whatever the
computed value is, it will be divided by the expression (d – e).
It is important that you know how to convert these arithmetic expression into Python expression. The table below
contains sample mathematical formula translated to a Python expression.
b2 – 4ac b*b-4*a*c
x(y+z) x*( y+z)
1 1/(x*x+x+3)
x2 + x + 3
a+b c-d
(a+b)/(c–d)
MORE ASSIGNMENT STATEMENTS. Since we deal with expressions and assignment statements, it is also important to
note that the Python language has special shorthand coding that simplifies assignment statements. The table below
shows the format on how to write shorthand assignment statements.
84 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
In writing your program, you might encounter computations that require the use and reuse of variables. Assuming you
want to count the number of times a user runs the code and you want
to assign this to variable count. You could create an assignment statement like this, count = count + 1
The following are some other examples on the use of shorthand operations:
Depending on the problem at hand, you might need to change the value of a certain variable which is dependent on its
current value. You can practice and try to apply the shorthand statements in your previous activities and exercises.
When dealing with control statements, this type of statements will really come in hand (see Flow of Control and Loops).
For now, you must already know the basics of writing a simple Python program. If you are not yet comfortable, practice
with more problems. Now, do the next exercises to apply the different arithmetic expressions.
Programming Exercises 9
The area of a trapezoid is computed using the formula A = ½ h (b1 + b2) where h is the height, b1 and b2 are the bases.
Write a program (with algorithm) that will compute for the area of a trapezoid.
85 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Programming Exercises 10
A Fahrenheit temperature F can be converted to an equivalent Celsius temperature C according to the following
formula:
C = x= (dab−+ec¿)
¿
Write a program that reads in a Fahrenheit temperature as a decimal number and outputs the equivalent Celsius
temperature.
Algorithm Program Code
86 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Programming Exercises 11
In a retail store, they offer an anniversary sale for their specially designed T-shirts (A, B, and C). For every Php 1000
total purchases, you will get a 5% discount on Shirt A. Assume that the prices for Shirts A, B, and C are Php50, Php75,
and Php100, respectively.
Write a program (with algorithm) that will accept the number of T-shirts purchase (or quantity) for each kind and will
display the total purchases, discounted amount, and the amount to be paid (i.e. total purchase – discount).
Sample Program Output 1 (with 5% discount): Sample Program Output 2 (with 2 x 5% discount):
87 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
“Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?” “That depends a good
deal on where you want to get to”, said the Cat.
“I don't much care where--” said Alice.
“Then it doesn't matter which way you go,” said the Cat. (Carroll, 1865)
After having completed the previous section, you are now able to develop simple Python programs. The capabilities of
your programs, however, are limited. They can evaluate arithmetic or Boolean expressions and show the appropriate
result. However, what happens when you want to do a program that requires the user to select between choices? For
instance, if you need to know if they want to continue or not?
88 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
You need knowledge on control structures. These control structures allow conditional processing of statements. For
these structures, the program checks the choice or input of the user and executes statements that should be done
when a certain choice is made. For instance, the program asks the user whether they want to continue or not… If the
user selects “yes” then another set of constructions are executed. However, if the user selects “no”, logically, the
program should end.
Objectives:
Topic Outline:
Try This!
Assuming you want to identify the status of an individual whether he/she is a minor or an adult, based
on his/her age. The tasks include reading the age of the individual.
Think Ahead!
89 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Given the values, determine the steps to determine the output of this problem.
No. STEPS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Algorithm :
1. Input the age of the individual
2. if (age <= 18 )
3. display the message “Minor”
4. else
5. display the message “Adult”
If your steps are similar to this, you are very close to creating a good algorithm! Good Job!
Algorithm Exercises 3
90 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Problem:
Modify your flowchart on Algorithm Exercises 2. This time, it should be able to determine if the student passed or failed.
The passing rate is 75 and above. You may also use the greater than (>) or less than (<) operators for this condition. And it
should also do computations for 1 or more students. Simulate the algorithm for at least 2 students, one failed and one
passed. Use your own sets of values.
1
2
Algorithm:
Algorithm Simulation
Flowchart
Student 1 Student 2
Algorithm Simulation
Flowchart
Student 1 Student 2
91 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
If statement
The figure below shows the flow of instruction using an if-statement.
Declaration of if statement
If (test expression): statements
Syntax
Example:
If (age >= 17 ):
print(”Minor”)
if test expression is true, then, statements for the body if, i.e, statements inside parentheses are executed. But,
if the test expression is false, the execution of the statements of the body of if statements are skipped.
For above example, if age = 17 or less, then it will output “Minor”. Otherwise, there will be no output.
92 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
The if selection statement is a single-selection statement because it selects or ignores a single action (or, as we will
soon see, a single group of actions). (Gibmonks, 2002)
Relational expressions are sometimes called conditions which checks the values using a relational operator. Table 6.1
lists the different kinds of relational operators. This is very similar to mathematical conditions.
Examples:
age> 30 size< = 50 temp> 36.5
4<5 flag == done id_number == 123
day != 4 2.0 > 3.3 hours> 40
size=<50 // operator out of order (i.e. equals sign first before less than sign)
2.0 >> 3.3 // invalid operator flag = = done
// spaces are not allowed
Let's say you are asked to write a pseudocode/algorithm and its equivalent Python program that prints a number
entered by the user only if the entered number is negative.
Output 1:
When user enters -2 then, the test expression (number<0) becomes true. Hence, Number=-2 is displayed on the screen.
93 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Output 2:
When the user enters 5 then, the test expression (number<0) becomes false. So, the statement for body of if is skipped
and only the statement not inside the if is executed.
Let’s try another example, you were asked to write a pseudocode/algorithm and its equivalent Python program
that guesses ATM Card PINs.
Output 1:
When the user enters 1234, then, the test expression (number==1234) becomes true. Hence, The message
“You got it!” displayed on the screen.
Output 2:
When the user enters 121, then, the test expression (number==121) becomes false.
So, the statement for body of if is skipped.
94 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Programming Exercise 12
ABC department store is celebrating its 10 year anniversary. A way of thanking their customers is by giving discounts. A
customer can avail a 20% discount only if the amount purchased is more than P 500.00.
Write the algorithm and program code that will accept as input the amount purchased and compute then display
discounted amount and the amount due of the customer.
Programming Exercise 13
The CDE mall will be having a raffle draw in connection to their 15 year anniversary. Customers can get 5 free raffle
tickets for every P 300.00 worth of purchase.
Write a program that will accept as input the amount purchased and outputs the number of tickets the customer gets.
Program Code
95 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
If...else statement
Example:
96 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
The if...else statement is used, if the programmer wants to execute some code if the test expression is true and
execute some other code if the test expression is false.
The if...else statement is called a double-selection statement because it selects between two different actions (or
groups of actions). (Gibmonks, 2002)
For the above example, if age = 17 or less, the output is “Minor”. Otherwise, if the Age is 18 or greater than 17, the
output is “Adult”.
Let’s say you were asked to write a pseudocode/algorithm and its equivalent Python program to check whether
the number entered by the user is even or odd.
When the user enters 11 then, 11 % 2 = 1, the test expression (x==0) becomes false. The statement for
body of else is executed. Hence, the value of the number and the word Odd is displayed on the screen.
Let’s try another example, you were asked to construct a pseudocode/algorithm and its equivalent Python
program for determining the area of a circle, provided if the radius of the circle is not a negative number.
else else:
Output “Sorry a negative radius is invalid” print(”Sorry a negative radius is invalid”)
Output 1:
Please type in the radius: 3.5
The area of the circle is 38.48
When user enters 3.5 then, the test expression (radius>=0) becomes true. Hence, The equivalent area of the
circle is displayed on the screen.
Output 2:
Enter a number you want to check: -3.2
Sorry a negative radius is invalid
When the user enters -3.2 then, the test expression (radius >=0) becomes false. The statement for body of else
is executed. Hence, the message “Sorry a negative radius is invalid “ is displayed on the screen.
Programming Exercise 14
ABC department store is celebrating its 10 year anniversary. A way of thanking their customers is by giving discounts. A
customer can avail a 20% discount only if the amount purchased is more than P 500.00. Otherwise, customer only gets
a 5% discount.
Write the algorithm and program code that will accept as input the amount purchased and compute then display
discounted amount and the amount due of the customer.
98 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Programming Exercise 15
The CDE mall will be having a raffle draw in connection to their 15 year anniversary. Customers can get 5 free raffle
tickets for every P 300.00 worth of purchase. If worth of purchase is less than P 300.00, customer only gets 1 ticket for
every P75.00 worth of purchase.
Write a program that will accept as input the amount purchased and outputs the number of tickets the customer gets.
Program Code
99 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Figure 6.3 Flowchart of nested if…else statement (if... elif ....else Statement) ( Diagram is courtesy of
CodersForevers.com )
The if...else statement can be used in nested form when a serious decision is involved.
Semantics statement: the statement 1 is executed if the test expression 1 is true. However if the
test expression 1 is false, the else if test expression 2 will be evaluated and if the test
expression 2 is true the statement 2 is executed. Otherwise the statement 3 is
executed.
Example:
if (age >= 17 ):
100 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
You were asked to write a pseudocode/algorithm and its equivalent Python program to relate two integers entered by
using == or > or < sign.
Output 1:
Enter two integers to check
5
3
Result: 5>3
Output 2:
Enter two integers to check.
-4
-4
Result: -4=-4
Output 3:
Enter two integers to check.
5
8
Result: 5<8
101 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
In this program, user is asked to enter two integers which are stored in variable numb1 and numb2. Then, the value
of numb1 and numb2 are to be checked, whether it is equal, less than or greater than by using nested if else
statement.
Programming Exercise 16
Write a program to compute for the amount to be paid by the customer in purchasing items. The program
will accept as inputs the price of the items and how many items are bought. The customer can avail the 10%
discount if and only of the number of items bought is more than or equal to 100 but less than 150. If the
number of items bought is more than or equal to 150 but less than 200, the equivalent discount is 12%. A
discount of 15% can be availed if the number of items bought is more than or equal to 200.
Program Code
102 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Have you observed the work of a cashier in a grocery store? How about a waiter in a restaurant? Did you know that
they are doing a repetitive process? For each customer, they ask the same questions, get same sets of information, and
follow the same computations. This procedure is repeated for every customer until there are no more customers or
their duty for work is over.
A program code is considered to be a good code if it has a good algorithm and codes are compact. You know by now
that the compiler processes your codes line by line. So, the more lines of codes you have the more time it requires for
the compiler to process it. A program with too much code lines cannot be considered a good program code especially
if codes are being repeated for several times. How can you eliminate repeated codes?
Repetitive Control statement is the structure you need to know to eliminate redundant codes. Repetitive Control
statement repeats execution of codes for several times depending on the given condition.
Objectives:
Topic Outline:
Try This!
103 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Do you know anyone who is already working for a company or managing their own business? It could
be your parents, sister, brother, friends, or anybody you know. Ask them of the nature of their job.
And just like the job of a cashier or waiter, ask them which part of their work is repeated (either
repeated
daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, or at a certain given moment or period depending on their job).
Think Ahead!
List the factors that contribute to the repetition of their actions? When will they stop doing their job?
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
The job of a cashier in the counter is repeated for each customer; however, not every job is repeated in the same
manner. Some jobs require them to create reports maybe daily, weekly, monthly, and sometimes yearly depending on
the nature of the job. In some cases, it’s not the entire work that is repeated but only a part of the work.
The factors that you have identified are the conditions in which certain tasks are repeated or not to be repeated. This is
a very important aspect that you have to identify when dealing with repetitive actions. Imagine the job of a cashier in
the counter, without a certain condition (i.e. a snack break or end of duty), they would be repeating the tasks forever.
This also applies in programming; you do not want your program stuck in an endless loop.
Algorithm design
104 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
For this flowchart, we use the decision symbol to represent the if statement on line 7. The corners of decision symbol can
be used to place the possible flow information and data. In this example, the possible data flow is either a Yes decision or
No decision.
Sample Simulation: Let us assume that we will compute for the area of two (2) rectangles. For the first rectangle, the length
and width is 10 and 8 respectively, and for the second rectangle, it’s 15 and 10 respectively. Since we are going to compute
for the area twice (repetition) , we will be using Algorithm 2.
105 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
As you can see for the first rectangle (first computation), the program does not end yet; instead, you repeat the inputs for
the second rectangle (second computation). You can test this further with other set of values or repeat the computation
multiple times.
Algorithm Exercises 4
Problem:
Recall the problem on computing for the area of a rectangle in lesson III. Modify its algorithm to satisfy the
condition below.
Write an algorithm that will compute for the area of a triangle given its base and height. The algorithm must
allow the user to compute for another set of data.
No. Steps
106 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Simulate your algorithm using two (2) different measurements of triangles.
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Algorithm Exercises 5
Problem:
Modify your flowchart on Algorithm Exercises 2 to allow repetitive computations for the students’ final grade. Your
new algorithm should allow computations for 1 or more students. Simulate the algorithm for 2 students with the
following equivalent midterm and final term grades:
1 90 95
2 85 90
Algorithm:
107 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Algorithm Simulation
Flowchart
Student 1 Student 2
Repetitive control statements are also called a Repetitive control structure. Sometimes we require a set of statements
to be executed a number of times by changing the value of one or more variables each time to obtain a different
result. This type of program execution is called looping.
The first repetitive statement is the while loop statement. Below is the flow diagram of while loop.
108 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
False
Test
Expression
True
loop
Executable statement(s)
Continue
with the next
statement
The diagram above shows that a condition is first evaluated. If the condition is true, the loop body is executed and the
condition is re-evaluated. Hence, the loop body is executed repeatedly as long as the condition remains true. As soon
as the condition becomes false, it goes out of the loop and proceeds to the statement outside of the “while” loop.
Table 7.1 below shows the syntax for the “while” loop.
Line
Syntax Remarks
No.
1 while (condition):
2 Statement_1 Indention indicates start of the loop. Statement 1
3 Statement_2 until last statement will be repeated until
4 Statement_3 condition will be false. Statement must include an
5 … expression that updates the status of the
6 Last_statemen t
condition.
Table 7.1 Syntax of while statement
SAMPLE PROGRAM
Find the sum of first ten natural numbers. Natural numbers are positive integers (whole numbers).
A class of ten students took a quiz. The grades (integers in the range 0 to 100) for this quiz are available to you.
Determine the class average on the quiz.
109 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Program Simulation
gCounter=1
Initialize total=0
condition input total increment
(gradeCounter<=1 (grade gradeCounter
0) )
gradeCounter=1 True 98 98 2
gradeCounter=2 True 76 174 3
gradeCounter=3 True 71 245 4
gradeCounter=4 True 87 332 5
gradeCounter=5 True 83 415 6
gradeCounter=6 True 90 505 7
gradeCounter=7 True 57 562 8
110 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Programming Exercises 17
Write a program that will accept as input an integer value. The program will then determine and display all
its factors.
Example:
Integer value : 9
Factors are : 1. 3, 9
Program Code
Another repetitive statement is the for loop statement. Just like the first repetitive statements, its main function is to
repeat execution of statement(s) while the condition remains true. for statement works like the while loop.
111 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
for loop statement uses the range() function. The range() function can have a single argument, two arguments and
three arguments.
Line no.
Syntax Remarks
1 for I in range (constant):
2 Statement_1 Indented statement indicates start of loop.
3 Statement Statement_1 until last_statement will be
4 Statement repeated depending on the value of the
5 … constant, starting from 0 to constant-1
6 Last_statement
Table 7.3a syntax of for statement using range() function with single argument
Line no.
Syntax Remarks
1 for I in range (constant_1,constant_2):
2 Statement_1 Indented statement indicates start of loop.
3 Statement Statement_1 until last_statement will be
4 Statement repeated starting from the value of
5 … constant_1 until the value of
6 Last_statement constant_2-1
Table 7.3b syntax of for statement using range() function with two argument
Line no.
Syntax Remarks
1 for I in range (constant_1,constant_2,step):
2 Statement_1 Indented statement indicates start of loop.
3 Statement Statement_1 until last_statement will be
4 Statement repeated starting from the value of
5 … constant_1 until the value of constant_2-1,
6 Last_statement
incremented or decremented by the value
of step
Table 7.3c syntax of for statement using range function with single argument
SAMPLE PROGRAM
112 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
0
1
2
3
4
end of loop
Program Simulation
initialize
i=0
Programming Exercise 18
113 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
A perfect number is number whose factors, excluding itself, is equal to the product of its factors. The first perfect
number is 6. The factors of 6 (excluding itself) are 1, 2 and 3 and the product of these factors is 6. Write a program to
search and display for the second and third perfect number.
Program Code
Programming Exercise 19
Write a program to compute for the total amount to be paid by the customer in purchasing items. The program should
display a list of five (5) items with their corresponding prices. The user selects items from the list and inputs the item
number to be purchased (based on the list) and the quantity for each item to be purchased. This action will be
repeated until the user does not select anymore items. The program will display the total amount to be paid by the
customer.
Program Code
114 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Programming Exercise 20
Program Code
Programming Exercises 21
Write a program that determines the greatest common factor of two integer values.
Program Code
115 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
VIII. FUNCTIONS
Introduction to Functions
After completing the previous sections, you are now equipped with the basics of Python programming. You know that
programs are created to solve problems. So far, you only created small programs that solve a specific problem.
However, most of the programs such as websites or games composed of smaller programs that are joined and
integrated to create one huge application. It sounds complicated, right? And maybe you can already imagine
thousands lines of codes. In most cases, these huge applications are divided into chunks for easy programming and
management not just by a single programmer but also for a group of programmers. How? Well, easy… functions!
Let’s take a look at your own television sets. Do you know how televisions are manufactured? Production of television
consists of several lines (of production) and each line is assigned for a special task. At the end of each production line,
outputs are being checked before proceeding to the next production line. This is done to assure that the unit is
functional.
In programming, you can also create programs chunk by chunk. Each chunk is a part of a huge program. Each chunk is
being tested of its functionality before embedding to the huge program. These chunks are called functions. This
programming technique is called the modular approach.
Objectives:
Topic Outline:
1. Introduction to Functions
2. Pre-defined Functions
3. Programmer defined Functions
116 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
4. Types of parameters
Try This!
During enrolment, after filling up the red form, how many steps have you undergone before getting officially
enrolled?
Think Ahead!
If only one person is in-charge for the entire enrolment process, will the enrolment become faster? Will the enrolment
process have lesser error?
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
A function is a subprogram that is executed when it is called from some point of the program, it will not be executed
unless it is called. The statement used to execute a function is called the function call. A function call is an expression
consisting of the function name followed by the arguments enclosed in parenthesis.
One of the advantages of using functions to divide programming task into subtasks is that different people can work on
different subtasks. Also, it is easier to debug a program with lesser lines of codes compared to a huge program.
1. Pre-defined function
2. Programmer Defined Function
117 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Predefined Function
Python comes with libraries of Predefined functions that you can use in your program. These Predefined functions are
ready made function and has already been defined.
Built-in Modules in Python
The Python interpreter has a number of built-in functions. They are loaded automatically as the interpreter starts and
are always available. For example, print() and input() for I/O, number conversion functions int(), float(), complex(), data
type conversions list(), tuple(), set(), etc.
In addition to built-in functions, a large number of pre-defined functions are also available as a part of libraries bundled
with Python distributions. These functions are defined in modules. A module is a file containing definitions of functions,
classes, variables, constants or any other Python objects. Contents of this file can be made available to any other
program.
Built-in modules are written in C and integrated with the Python interpreter.
Some of the most popular mathematical functions are defined in the math module. These include trigonometric
functions, representation functions, logarithmic functions, angle conversion functions, etc.
Some of the functions includes log(), exp(), pow(), sqrt(), ceil() and floor().
Pie (π). Here, you will be able to enhance your previous programs by implementing variable) is a well-known
mathematical constant, which is defined as the ratio of the circumference to the diameter of a circle and its value is
3.141592653589793.
Another well-known mathematical constant defined in the math module is e. It is called Euler's number and it is a base
of the natural logarithm. Its value is 2.718281828459045.
SAMPLE PROGRAM
The relationship between the sides (a, b) of a right triangle and the hypotenuse (h) is given by the Pythagorean formula
a2 + b2 = h2
Write a program that reads in the lengths of the two sides of a right triangle and computes the hypotenuse of the
triangle.
Program Code 1
import math library for predefined functions sqrt
print(”Enter sides of the triangle…”)
a=float(input(”\nside a: “))
b=float(input(”\nside b: “))
h = math.sqrt ((a** 2.0)) + (b** 2.0)) function call for sqrt
118 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
side a: 3
side b: 4
Python allows programmers to create their own functions. This is used to make the program more organized and
structured. These functions are called programmer defined functions.
Functions are declared at the beginning of the program code. Function definition begins with the header, composed of
the word def followed by the function name then with the arguments(optional) that are within a parentheses. Then
there should always be a block with the code that the function is to execute. Any of the arguments passed to the
function can be used as if they were declared in the block.
Line no.
Syntax Remarks
1 def function_name (arguments): Function header
2 Statement_1 Block of codes; consists of
3 Statement_2 executable statements
4 Statement_3
5 …
6 Last_statement
Table 8.2 General format for defining a function
Arguments in Python are passed by reference. Any changes made with the value of the parameters within the function,
the changes reflects back in the calling function.
SAMPLE PROGRAM 1
Write a program that adds two integers and outputs the sum. The program defines a function with two parameters,
performs the addition of two integers and returns the sum.
119 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Write a program that subtracts two integers and outputs the difference. The program defines a function with two
parameters, performs the subtraction of two integers and returns the difference. It shows four (4) different ways on
how to call a function.
1. Write a program that will display the square of the integers 1 to 10.
def displaySquare( s ):
120 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
1 4 9 16 25 36 49 64 81 100
2. A liter is 0.264179 gallons. Write a program that will read in the number of liters of gasoline consumed by the user’s
car and the number of miles traveled by the car; and will then output the number of miles per gallon the car
delivered. Define a function to compute the number of miles per gallon.
nlg=float(input(“Enter number of liters of gasoline consumed by the user\’s car :”)) nmt=float(input(“Enter
number of miles travelled by the car :”)) nmg=miles_per_gal(nlg,nmt)
Programming Exercises 22
A quadratic equation is one of the form ax 2 + bx + c =0. Write a program to solve such equations for x using the
quadratic formula:
Object 6
Your program will output all real number values that, when substituted for x, will make the left hand side equal to zero.
The input to the program consists of the three coefficients a, b, and c.
Program Code
121 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Programming Exercises 23
In order to discourage excess consumption, an electric company charges its customers a lower rate, namely $0.11, for
each of the first 250 kilowatt hours, and higher rate of $0.17 for each additional kilowatt hour. In addition, 10% surtax
is added to the final bill. Write a program to calculate electric bills given the number of kilowatt hours consumed as
input. Use two function declarations: one to compute the amount due without the surtax and one to compute the
total due with surtax.
Program Code
122 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Programming Exercises 24
Write a function declaration for a function called grader that takes a numeric score and returns a letter grade. Grade
has one argument of type integer. Use the rule that 90 to 100 is an A, 80 to 89 is a B, 70 to 79 is a C and less than 70 is
an F.
Program Code
Bibliography
Brian Heinold(2012). A Practical Introduction to Python Programming. Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Mount St.
Mary’s University
Clement, J. (July 24, 2020). Worldwide digital population as of July 202. Statistica 0 Retrived from
https://www.statista.com/statistics/617136/digital-population-worldwide/
Computer Basics. (2009). Retrieved May 5, 2013, from Computer Basics for Beginners:
http://www.computerbasicsguide.com/basics/types.html
Fabien, G. (1999). Computer's Fundamentals Course. Retrieved May 5, 2013, from http://www.cs.cmu.edu/
~fgandon/lecture/uk1999/computers_types/
GCF LearnFree.org (2020). Internet Basics, Goodwill Community Foundation, Inc. Retrieved from
https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/internetbasics
Gregory, Lucas (February 18, 2019). Timeline of Revolutions. Industrial of Internet of Things Retrieved from
https://www.industrialiotseries.com/newsroom/timeline-of-revolutions/
Hardware of Personal Computers. (2007). Retrieved May 5, 2013, from Slideshare: http://www.slideshare.net/ipwk/lesson-2-ppt-v6
IncludeHelp (2020). Computer Number System and its Types. Retrieved from https://www.includehelp.com/computer-number-
systems.aspx
Malik, D. (2009). C++ Programming From Problem Analysis to Program Design (4th ed.). Boston, MA, USA: Course Technology,
Cengage Learning.
Rayome, Alison (June 24, 2019). Top 10 Emerging Tehnologies of 2019 Retrieved from https://www.techrepublic.com/article/top-10-
emerging-technologies-of-2019/
Rippe, B. (2009). CSCI 123 Introduction to Programming Concepts in C++. Retrieved March 23, 2012, from CSCI 123 Introduction to
Programming Concepts in C++: http://staffwww.fullcoll.edu/brippe/csci123/
Rivas, Teresa (August 22, 2017). Ranking The Big Four Tech Stocks: Google Is No. 1, Apple Comes In Last. Barrons Retrieved from
https://www.barrons.com/articles/ranking-the-big-four-internet-stocks-google-is no-1-apple-comes-in-last-1503412102
Savitch, W. (2011). Problem Solving with C++: The Object of Programming (7 th ed.). USA: Addison Wesley.
123 | P a g e
Computer Fundamentals and Programming Using Python
Schildt, H. (1992). Turbo C/C++: The Complete Reference (2nd ed.). Osborne, U.S.A.: McGraw-Hill.
Williams, Brian K. and Sawyer, Stacey C. (2011). Using Information Technology, A Practical Introduction to
Computers and Communications, 9th Edition, The McGRawHill Companies, Inc., 121 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY, 10020
124 | P a g e