Computer Applications Technology (CAT) Theory Study Guide

Comprehensive practice flashcards covering core theory concepts from Grade 12 CAT, including Systems Technologies, Internet Technologies, Network Technologies, Information Management, Social Implications, and Solutions Development.

Information Processing Cycle

The series of steps consisting of input (instructions given to the device), processing (analysing and processing the instructions), output (providing results of the processing), storage (storing information for later use), and communication (sharing results with others).

Dedicated device

Built to do one specific job, usually with an embedded computer, examples are ATM’s, Printer, smart home appliances

Advantages of convergence

Convenience- multiple functions in one device

Cost saving- No need to buy separate devices for each function

Portable- Easier to carry one device instead of several

Webcam

Video input for video conferencing and online meetings

Advantages of a 3D computer

cost effective- for small runs, no moulds or tooling needed

Rapid prototype- a design can be printed the same day

Customisation- each item can differ at no cost

Disadvantages of 3D printer

Slow- a single object can take hours or days to print

Skill required- 3D modelling is not easy to learn

Fumes and burn risks from heated component and some filaments

Convergence

The trend where multiple distinct technologies and separate functions (such as telephony, media playback, cameras, and navigation) are merged into a single multifunctional device.

Keylogging

A surveillance method using hardware or software that records every keystroke typed on a keyboard, often installed by hackers to covertly capture sensitive data such as usernames, passwords, and PIN numbers.

SOHO (Small Office / Home Office) User

A computer user category that operates from a home or single office environment, typically requiring computers and multifunctional printers linked in a local network for administrative and business tasks.

Power User

A user who requires top-tier hardware specifications, including a high-end multi-core CPU, dedicated graphics processing, expanded RAM, and large storage, to execute resource-intensive tasks such as 3D gaming or professional media editing.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The core hardware component that processes data and executes program instructions, with performance measured in gigahertz ($\text{GHz}$) and speed enhanced through multi-core architectures.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

High-speed, volatile temporary memory that holds active operating system components, open applications, and data currently waiting to be processed by the CPU, losing its contents when power is turned off.

Solid-State Drive (SSD)

A permanent, non-volatile electronic storage medium that utilizes flash memory rather than spinning magnetic platters, offering higher transfer speeds, silent operation, lower power consumption, and greater resistance to physical impact than an HDD.

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

A non-volatile mechanical secondary storage device that records data magnetically onto spinning circular platters, generally offering larger storage capacities at a lower cost per gigabyte than an SSD, but susceptible to mechanical shock and file fragmentation.

Disk Defragmentation

A system maintenance utility that reorganizes non-contiguous, fragmented file segments on a magnetic hard disk drive into sequential, contiguous clusters to speed up file access without freeing up additional disk storage space.

Caching

The temporary storage of frequently accessed data or web documents in high-speed memory or local disk space to minimize retrieval times, lower bandwidth consumption, and reduce lag.

Device Driver

A specialized system software program that acts as a translator between an operating system and a specific hardware device, enabling the OS to communicate with and control the hardware.

Operating System (OS)

System software that manages computer hardware and software resources, provides a user interface (GUI), coordinates multitasking, facilitates file management, and enforces basic security.

Task Manager

An operating system utility (accessed via Ctrl+Alt+Del) that allows users to monitor active processes, examine resource consumption (CPU and RAM), and forcibly terminate unresponsive applications.

Plug and Play (PnP)

A technology where device drivers are pre-loaded in the operating system database, allowing the computer to automatically detect, configure, and install peripheral hardware as soon as it is connected.

EULA (End-User License Agreement)

A binding legal contract between a software manufacturer and the user outlining terms of use, permitted installation devices, copyright limitations, and restrictions against unauthorized distribution or modification.

Freeware

Software made available to users completely free of charge with full functionality, but whose author retains copyright ownership and generally withholds the underlying source code.

Shareware

Proprietary software distributed without upfront payment on a trial basis, limited either by an evaluation time period or restricted feature set, allowing users to assess its suitability before purchasing.

Open-Source Software (OSS)

Software distributed with its underlying source code made freely accessible, granting users the legal right to study, alter, customize, and redistribute the program.

Proprietary Software

Commercial software whose source code remains closed and protected as intellectual property; users purchase a license allowing specific usage rights without gaining ownership of the program code.

Site License

A software licensing arrangement that permits an organization or company to install a specific software application across any number of computers located at a designated site or branch.

Minimum System Requirements

The lowest baseline hardware and software specifications (including OS version, processor speed, available RAM, and storage capacity) needed for an application to load and function on a computing device.

Digital Migration

The nationwide transition process of replacing legacy analogue television broadcasting signals with modern digital terrestrial transmission technology, enhancing audio-visual quality and releasing radio frequency spectrum.

BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)

A policy or operational framework in schools or workplaces permitting students or employees to connect their personal portable devices (such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones) to the organization's network to conduct work.

Video Graphics Array (VGA) Port

An older 15-pin analogue display connector that transmits only visual data to a monitor or projector, incapable of transmitting audio signals and delivering lower resolution than digital interfaces.

High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) Port

A high-speed digital interface that transmits uncompressed high-definition video and multi-channel digital audio simultaneously over a single cable between computers, media devices, and displays.

Quick Response (QR) Code

A two-dimensional matrix barcode consisting of black and white square modules, readable by mobile camera scanners and OCR technology to quickly link users to websites, documents, or digital payment gateways.

Biometric Input

An authentication and data-input method that captures and analyzes unique physical biological traits (such as fingerprints, facial patterns, voice, or iris geometry) to verify user identity securely.

Near Field Communication (NFC)

A short-range wireless connectivity standard that enables two enabled devices in extreme physical proximity (touching or within a few centimetres) to exchange data, execute contactless transactions, or initiate actions.

Optical Character Recognition (OCR)

Software technology that analyses scanned photographic images of printed, typewritten, or handwritten text and converts them into editable, searchable digital document text.

Video Conferencing

A real-time digital communication technology that uses an internet network to conduct face-to-face meetings between individuals in separate geographical locations by transmitting synchronized two-way audio and video feeds.

e-Government

The provision of public administrative services and information online by national or local governments, enabling citizens to file tax returns, verify election data, access educational results, or pay licenses remotely.

Browser Plug-in

A modular add-on software component that extends the capabilities of a web browser, enabling it to display specialized interactive content, multimedia, or document types that it cannot natively interpret.

RSS Feed (Really Simple Syndication)

A lightweight XML-based web format that automatically aggregates and pushes regular news updates, blog articles, and syndicated content from diverse web sources directly to a central feed reader.

Wiki

A collaborative website that empowers connected users to open, compose, modify, expand, or delete interrelated webpage content directly through a web browser.