Computer Applications Technology CAT Theory Paper 2 Last Push

A complete set of Q&A practice flashcards covering core topics, exam techniques, acronyms, hardware, software, networks, information management, social implications, and solution development for CAT Theory Paper 2.

What is the total mark allocation and timeframe for the CAT Theory Paper 2 exam?

150 marks in 3 hours (roughly 1 mark per minute, plus reading time).

How must a candidate answer a modified True/False question if the statement is FALSE?

Write "False" AND give the correct word or term that fixes the statement without simply adding the word "not".

What do the acronyms 4IR, DDoS, and GIGO stand for?

4IR stands for Fourth Industrial Revolution, DDoS stands for Distributed Denial of Service, and GIGO stands for Garbage In, Garbage Out.

What are the four main stages of the information processing cycle?

INPUT, PROCESSING, OUTPUT, and STORAGE (with COMMUNICATION happening across all four).

How do HDDs and SSDs differ in their data storage mechanism?

An HDD stores data magnetically on spinning metal platters using a read/write head, whereas an SSD stores data electronically on flash memory chips with no moving parts.

What is the difference between RAM and ROM in terms of volatility and purpose?

RAM is temporary volatile storage for data and instructions currently being processed that clears when power is lost, whereas ROM is permanent non-volatile storage containing start-up instructions.

What are the five key roles performed by an operating system?

1. Start the computer (boot). 2. Provide the user interface (usually a GUI). 3. Manage programs. 4. Manage files. 5. Manage hardware.

What is the difference between open-source software and proprietary software?

Proprietary software is owned by a company with hidden source code requiring a purchased licence, whereas open-source software makes its source code freely available to view, modify, and share.

In the file path C:\MYSTUFF\BUDGET.XLSX, what does .XLSX represent?

It represents the file extension, indicating an Excel spreadsheet.

What is the role of Plug and Play (PnP) in an operating system?

It automatically detects new hardware and installs the necessary driver.

How do the functions of a network switch and a router differ?

A switch connects devices on the same local network so they can talk to each other, whereas a router directs data traffic between your network and the internet, as well as between devices on the network.

What is the difference between ISP shaping and throttling?

Shaping prioritises specific services (like email) over others (like streaming), whereas throttling slows down the entire connection speed after a user exceeds a data limit under an Acceptable Use Policy.

What is the difference between Cc and Bcc when addressing an email?

Cc (Carbon copy) makes recipient addresses visible to everyone, while Bcc (Blind carbon copy) hides recipient addresses from each other.

What is the distinction between Data, Information, and Knowledge?

Data consists of raw, unprocessed facts; Information is data that has been processed and given meaning; Knowledge is the understanding gained by interpreting information.

What are the five criteria used to evaluate an information source?

Authority, Accuracy, Currency, Objectivity, and Coverage.

How do phishing and pharming cyber attacks differ?

Phishing uses fake emails or messages to trick users into revealing personal details, while pharming redirects users from a legitimate site to a fake website to steal data.

What is the primary purpose of the POPI Act in South Africa?

It is a South African law requiring organisations to handle personal information responsibly and securely.

What is the difference between an embedded object and a linked object in word processing?

An embedded object stores a copy of the object inside the document so changes to the original file do not affect it, whereas a linked object stores only a reference that automatically updates when the source file changes.

What causes the spreadsheet error indicator #REF! to display?

A referenced cell no longer exists, usually because it was deleted.

What is a Primary Key in a database and why is it used?

A Primary Key is a field whose value is unique for each record, used to uniquely identify every record in a table.

In HTML, what common errors cause an tag to fail to display an image?

Incorrect file name, missing file extension, placing the file in a different folder, or a case mismatch in the file name.

What is Convergence in modern computing devices?

Multiple functions combining into one device (for example, a smartphone combining a phone, camera, GPS, and web browser).

What is the function of an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)?

It provides battery backup power during short power outages, giving time to save work and shut down properly.

What is the 20-20-20 rule for preventing eye strain when working at a computer?

Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.