Grade 6

Unit 1 Classification of Computers

1. Microcomputers:

 What they are: These are the computers we use most often at home or
school. They're small enough to fit on a desk.
 Examples:
o Desktop computers (the ones with a separate tower and monitor)
o Laptop computers (portable and battery-powered)
o Tablets (like iPads or Android tablets)
o Smartphones (the phones we use every day)

2. Minicomputers:

 What they are: These are bigger and more powerful than microcomputers.
They can handle more users and more complex tasks at the same time.
 Examples:
o Servers used in small offices or businesses
o Computers that control specific machines in factories

3. Supercomputers:

 What they are: These are the biggest, fastest, and most powerful computers
in the world! They can perform incredibly complex calculations.
 Examples:
o Computers used for weather forecasting
o Computers used for scientific research (like simulating how molecules
behave)

4. Mainframe Computers:

 What they are: These are very large and powerful computers used by big
organizations to manage huge amounts of data.
 Examples:
o Computers used by banks to process transactions
o Computers used by airlines to manage flight schedules
o Computers used by government agencies to store important records

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 Computer components

Input Devices

Input Devices: Devices that get data into the computer. Example (MICR, OMR,
Barcode Reader)

 Barcode Reader

A barcode reader uses light to scan the lines of a barcode. It translates

the lines into numbers that a computer understands, quickly identifying
products and other items. Used in stores, libraries, and more.

 Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR)

What it is: MICR is a technology used to read special characters printed

with magnetic ink. These characters are usually at the bottom of checks.

How it works: Special machines can detect the magnetic ink and read the
characters, even if there are marks or writing on the check.

 Optical Mark Recognition (OMR)

What it is: OMR is a technology used to read marks made on paper, usually
with a pencil or pen.

How it works: A machine shines a light on the paper. It detects where

marks have been made because those areas reflect less light.

Output Devices

Output Devices: Devices that display data from the computer.

 Monitor: A display device that shows both text and pictures. Common types
include:
o Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) (Largely obsolete)
o Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
o Light Emitting Diode (LED) (Most common today, often a type of
LCD)
 Plotter: A device that draws pictures or diagrams on paper, often used for
large-format printing.

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 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Central Processing Unit (CPU): The "brain" of the computer, responsible for
processing information.

The CPU has three main components:

 Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Performs mathematical and logical

calculations.
 Control Unit (CU): Manages the flow of information within the system.
 Memory Unit (MU) (Cache Memory): While the term "Memory Unit" is
sometimes used to broadly refer to all memory, within the CPU itself, there
is very fast "cache" memory used to hold frequently accessed data.

Memory: Storage for data and instructions.

 Primary Memory (Main Memory): Essential for the computer to operate.

Also known as internal memory.
o RAM (Random Access Memory):
 Volatile (temporary); data is lost when the computer is turned
off.
 Used to store currently running applications and data.
 Allows reading, writing, and editing.
o ROM (Read Only Memory):
 Non-volatile (permanent); data is retained even when the power
is off.
 Typically stores the BIOS (Basic Input/output System), which
is essential for booting the computer.
 Allows read-only.
 Secondary Memory (Secondary Storage): Long-term storage for data.
Data is retained even when the computer is shut down. Also known as
external or auxiliary storage. Examples include:
o Hard Disk Drives (HDDs)
o Solid State Drives (SSDs)
o CDs (Compact Discs)
o Flash Drives (USB drives)

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 Worksheet 1

Exploring Computers and Their Components

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________________________

Section 1: Computer Classification (Fill in the Table)

Complete the table with information about the different types of computers:

Feature Microcomputer Minicomputer Supercomputer Mainframe Computer

Size
Typical Users
Primary Use
Example

Section 2: Input Devices (Identify and Explain)

1. List four different input devices.

_______________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

2. Explain how a barcode reader works.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

3. What is the key difference between MICR and OMR technology?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

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Section 3: Output Devices (Matching and Short Answer)

Matching Match the output device to its function. Write the letter of the correct function next to
the device.

Monitor a) Produces sound

Printer b) Projects images onto a screen
Speakers c) Creates hard copies of documents
Projector d) Displays visual output

Section 4: The CPU (Diagram and Explanation)

1. Draw a simple diagram of the CPU and label its three main components (ALU, CU, and
MU).

2. Explain the role of the Control Unit (CU) in the CPU.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Section 5: Memory (Comparison and Application)

Part 1: Comparison Chart Complete the chart comparing RAM and ROM.

Feature RAM ROM

Volatile/Non-volatile

Purpose

Read/Write

Section 6: Putting It All Together (Scenario-Based)

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A large bank needs a computer system that can handle millions of customer transactions daily,
store vast amounts of customer data, and ensure high security.

1. Which type of computer (micro, mini, super, or mainframe) would be most

suitable for this bank? Justify your choice.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

2. List three input devices and two output devices that the bank might use with this
system.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________