CAT Paper 2 Theory Study Guide

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the key terms, hardware components, networking principles, software licensing, cybersecurity concepts, and database definitions for CAT Paper 2 Theory.

Information Processing Cycle

The standard series of stages followed by every computing task: Input, Processing, Output, and Storage, with Communication occurring across all four.

Motherboard

The main circuit board inside a computer that houses and connects all other components, including the CPU, RAM, and expansion ports.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The primary processor or 'brain' of the computer that executes instructions, measured in speed by $\text{GHz}$, where having more cores enables handling more tasks simultaneously.

GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)

A specialised processor that handles graphics-intensive tasks such as video processing, animations, and gaming, thereby freeing up CPU resources.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

Volatile temporary storage that holds data and instructions currently being processed by the CPU, losing its contents when the power is turned off.

ROM (Read Only Memory)

Non-volatile permanent memory that stores crucial start-up instructions needed to boot the computer.

Cache

High-speed temporary memory located close to the CPU that accelerates access to frequently used data and instructions.

SSD (Solid State Drive)

A storage device that saves data electronically on flash memory chips without moving parts, providing faster read/write speeds, silent operation, and better shock resistance than an HDD.

HDD (Hard Disk Drive)

A magnetic storage device that stores data on spinning metal platters read by moving mechanical heads, offering lower cost per gigabyte and high capacity.

3D Printer

An output device that creates three-dimensional physical solid objects from a digital model by depositing successive layers of material.

System Software

Software designed to run and operate the computer hardware itself, comprising operating systems, device drivers, and utility programs.

Application Software

Software programs that allow users to carry out specific tasks, including word processors, spreadsheets, web browsers, and media players.

Utility Software

System software focused on maintaining, managing, and optimising the computer, such as antivirus utilities, disk clean-up, compression software, and backup tools.

Proprietary Software

Software owned by an individual or commercial entity where source code is hidden and users must purchase a licence to use it.

Open-source Software

Software whose source code is made freely available to the public, allowing users to study, modify, and distribute it.

Creative Commons (CC)

A public licensing framework that allows creators to retain copyright while specifying the conditions under which others can use, share, or remix their work.

Site Licence

A software licence granting permission to install and run a program on multiple computers within an entire organization or location.

Plug and Play (PnP)

An operating system feature that automatically detects connected hardware peripherals and configures or installs appropriate device drivers.

Metadata

Structured information stored with a file that describes attributes such as the author, creation date, file size, or camera settings.

PAN (Personal Area Network)

A network dedicated to interconnecting devices within the immediate personal operating space of an individual, typically via Bluetooth.

WAN (Wide Area Network)

A telecommunications network spanning large geographical areas across cities, countries, or globally, with the internet being the prime example.

Router

A network device responsible for directing data traffic between different networks, such as a local home network and the internet, as well as between local devices.

Switch

A networking device that connects multiple computers and devices on the same local network, enabling direct data forwarding between them.

Bandwidth

The maximum data-carrying capacity of a communication channel per unit of time, typically quantified in $\text{Mbps}$.

Shaping

A network traffic management practice where an ISP selectively prioritises specific services, such as email or browsing, over high-bandwidth activities like streaming or downloading.

Throttling

The deliberate reduction of internet connection speeds by an ISP when a subscriber exceeds predefined data usage thresholds under an Acceptable Use Policy.

Cloud Computing

The delivery of computational resources, processing power, and software applications on demand over the internet.

Grid Computing

A distributed computing architecture that combines the computing power of multiple networked computers to solve large, computationally intensive problems.

Streaming

The continuous transmission and real-time playback of video or audio content over a network without permanently downloading the entire media file locally.

Geo-tagging

The process of adding geographical identification metadata, such as latitude and longitude coordinates, to digital media like photographs or social posts.

IoT (Internet of Things)

The network of physical objects and appliances embedded with electronics, software, and sensors that connect and exchange data across the internet.

Virtual Reality (VR)

An artificial, fully computer-generated 3D environment that immerses a user via sensory gear, such as a head-mounted display.

Augmented Reality (AR)

Technology that superimposes computer-generated digital imagery, sounds, or information onto a live, real-world visual view.

Blockchain

A decentralized, distributed digital ledger technology consisting of cryptographically linked data records shared across a network without a central authority.

Data

Raw, unorganized, and unprocessed facts, figures, or observations that lack contextual meaning on their own.

Information

Data that has been processed, structured, or contextualized to give it meaning, value, and utility.

Knowledge

Actionable understanding and insights gained through analyzing, interpreting, and applying meaningful information.

Virus

A type of malicious software that inserts its code into other executable programs or files, activating and spreading whenever the infected host file is executed.

Worm

A standalone piece of malware capable of autonomously replicating and transmitting itself across networks without needing to attach to an existing host program.

Trojan

Malicious code disguised as a benign or useful application, which once installed grants unauthorized access or introduces backdoors for attackers.

Ransomware

A category of malware that locks down system access or encrypts user files, demanding a ransom payment in exchange for a decryption key.

Spyware

Software that covertly monitors and logs user activity, browsing patterns, and private data, sending the collected details back to an unauthorized third party.

Keylogger

A surveillance software tool or hardware device designed to record every keystroke entered by a user, frequently utilized to intercept login credentials.

Phishing

A fraudulent social engineering technique using deceptive emails or messages to manipulate victims into revealing confidential personal or financial credentials.

Pharming

A cyber exploit that invisibly alters DNS records or browser settings to redirect a user away from a legitimate site to an identical spoofed web page.

DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service)

An orchestrated cyber attack that floods a targeted server or online network with overwhelming volumes of traffic from multiple compromised endpoints to disrupt normal availability.

Bot / Zombie

An internet-connected computer that has been compromised and infected by malware, allowing it to be controlled remotely by a hacker as part of a botnet.

Social Engineering

The psychological manipulation of individuals into divulging confidential information, bypassing security controls, or executing unintended actions.

POPI Act (Protection of Personal Information Act)

South African legislation that mandates legal obligations for private and public entities to securely, responsibly, and lawfully collect and process personal details.

Digital Footprint

The traceable record of all online interactions, shared content, browsing history, and data trails left behind by a user across digital platforms.

Ergonomics

The study and engineering design of workstations and equipment adapted to match human physical capabilities, preventing repetitive strain and musculoskeletal injuries.

Mail Merge

A word processor feature that automates the generation of customized letters or documents for multiple individuals by combining a master template with a structured database.

Section Break

A word processing boundary marker that partitions a document into discrete segments, enabling distinct formatting attributes such as custom page orientations, margins, or headers.

Primary Key

A designated relational database field that contains unique data values for every record, serving to unambiguously identify each individual row in a table.

Data Validation

An automated configuration rule set within applications to enforce specific constraints and criteria on user input, ensuring errors are caught immediately.

Data Verification

The administrative check or confirmation procedure ensuring entered data matches original source documentation or user intent, such as entering a password twice.

Convergence

The technological trend where separate functionalities and standalone consumer devices are united into a single combined multifunctional device.

CAPTCHA

A automated challenge-response authentication mechanism designed to distinguish real human users from programmatic bots by requiring tasks difficult for computers.

SaaS (Software as a Service)

A cloud computing distribution framework wherein applications are centrally hosted by a service provider and accessed over the internet via subscription.

Spooling

The process of buffering and queuing print jobs in temporary disk memory so the computer can resume running other tasks while the printer processes jobs in sequence.

UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)

A hardware device equipped with internal backup batteries that maintains electrical power temporarily during power interruptions, providing time to save work and safely shut down.

VPN (Virtual Private Network)

A secure communication method that establishes an encrypted tunnel over public internet networks to preserve data privacy and conceal identity.

GIGO (Garbage In, Garbage Out)

The foundational computing rule stating that if incorrect, flawed, or invalid data is input into a system, the generated output will inherently be incorrect and unreliable.