Grade 7

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 record

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 Computer Hardware and Applications

Input Devices

Input Devices: Devices that get data into the computer.

 Keyboard: Allows the user to input letters, numbers, and other characters.
 Mouse: A pointing device that controls a cursor on the screen.
 Joystick: A control device, often used for gaming that allows movement in
multiple directions.
 Touchscreen: A screen that acts as both an input and output device,
responding to touch.
 Scanner: Transfers data such as pictures, text, posters, or magazine pages
into the computer.
 Barcode Reader: Reads barcodes (a set of lines of varying thickness
representing a number) to provide information to the computer.
 Digital Camera: Captures images that can be stored on the computer.

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 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)
 Printer: Produces output on paper.
 Plotter: A device that draws pictures or diagrams on paper, often used for
large-format printing.
 Speakers: Generate sound based on digital audio data.

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.

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 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.
 Primarily 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 DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs)
o Flash Drives (USB drives)

Applications of Computers: Computers are used in a wide range of fields,

including:

 Education: Online learning, research, presentations.

 Science and Technology: Research, data analysis, simulations.
 Medicine: Diagnostics, patient records, medical imaging.
 Business: Accounting, communication, data management.
 Entertainment: Gaming, movies, music.

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 Worksheet: Exploring Computers and Their Components

Name: ______________________ Date:_________________________

Section 1: Computer Classification (Matching)

Match the computer type with its description:

Computer Type Description

Microcomputer a) Used for weather forecasting and

complex scientific simulations.

Minicomputer b) Used by large organizations for

processing vast amounts of data.

Supercomputer c) Small, personal computers used at

home or school.

Mainframe Computer d) More powerful than microcomputers,

often used as servers in smaller
businesses

Section 2: Input Devices (Multiple Choice & Short Answer)

Part 1: Multiple Choice

1. Which of the following is NOT an input device?

a) Keyboard b) Mouse c) Monitor d) Scanner

2. A touchscreen acts as:

a) Only an input device b) Only an output device

c) Both an input and output device d) Neither

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Part 2: Short Answer

1. Explain how a scanner works to get information into a computer.

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

2. Give two examples of how a digital camera functions as an input device.

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Section 3: Output Devices (Fill in the Blank & Short Answer)

Part 1: Fill in the Blank

1. The most common type of monitor today uses ______________ technology.

2. A _____________ is used for printing large-format drawings and diagrams.

Part 2: Short Answer

What is the difference between a CRT monitor and an LCD monitor?

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

How do speakers function as output devices?

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

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 Section 4: The CPU (True/False & Explanation)

Part 1: True/False

1. The CPU is responsible for storing all of the computer's data. ( )

2. The ALU performs mathematical calculations. ( )

Part 2: Explanation

Explain the role of the Control Unit (CU) within the CPU.
_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

What is cache memory and why is it important?

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Section 5: Memory (Comparison Chart & Scenario)

Comparison Chart Complete the chart comparing RAM and ROM.

Feature RAM ROM

Volatile/Non-
volatile
Purpose
Read/Write

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

A small business owner needs to set up a computer system for their office. They
need to be able to create documents, send emails, manage customer data, and print
invoices.

What type of computer would be most suitable for this business? Explain
your choice.
_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

List two input devices and two output devices that the business owner would
likely need.
_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Explain the importance of both RAM and secondary storage for this business.

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________