CAT Grade 12 Theory

3G/4G

Generations of mobile (cellular) phone technology that consists of a high—tech infrastructure of networks and web 3G/4G-enabled handsets such as cell phones and smartphones. 4G is also known as LTE.

Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)

A policy which outlines the rights and responsibilities of its users, especially in networked environments.

Accessories

A number of useful programs come bundled with most operating systems. These are programs that are not specifically aimed at the core functioning of the operating systems. Examples include the Calculator and Snipping Tool utilities.

ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line)

A permanent digital connection to the Internet using a telephone line.

Adware

Software that downloads and bombards your computer with adverts that pop-up whenever you are connected to the internet.

Anti-virus software

Computer programs that scan computer files for viruses and eliminate them.

App Store

An online store that sells software for use on smartphones and consumer tablets. Such a store greatly simplifies buying. installing and updating software.

Applications software

A group of programs that perform specific tasks for us as users.

Audio files

Files that contain sound or music. Common audio file formats include mp3, mp4, wav, cda, wma.

Authoring software

Software used to create multimedia products.

Backup utility program

A specialised utility program used to make sure that all your files are backed up correctly.

Backup

Making a copy of files with the aim of having extra copies of the files in case they disappear or get damaged for one or another reason.

Bandwidth

The total amount of data that can be transferred one point to another in a given period of time.

Barcodes

Machine readable codes attached to goods. Scanners scan the code and give meaning to the sets of lines.

Biometric identification

The use of technology that measures/scans something biologically unique to each person, such as a fingerprint or the pattern of the iris of an eye, for identification purposes.

Bluetooth

A wireless technology that allows devices such as mice, printers and cell phones to communicate over a relatively short distance.

Blu-ray

An optical disc format designed to enable recording, rewriting and playback of high-definition video (HD), as well as storing large amounts of data (more than DVD).

Boot

The term used to describe a computer's startup process. Restarting a computer is also called 'rebooting' it.

Botnet

A group of compromised or infected computers connected to a network such as the Internet and controlled remotely to attack other networks.

Broadband

A high-speed, high-bandwidth connection to the Internet.

Byte

Each single character we store such as 4 orA or % takes up space which we refer to as a byte.

Cable lock

A locking mechanism that can be used to chain a computer to a stable object like a desk or bracket.

Cache memory

A high-speed memory used in a computer used to store recently/frequently accesses in order to be able to retrieve data faster.

Cap

The amount of data a person may upload and download in a month.

CAPTCHA

A test to determine whether it is a human being interacting with the computer. It usually takes the form of distorted letters and words that no computer software can recognise, but which humans can recognise with ease.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

A painful compression of the nerves in the wrist caused by repetitive manual action such as keyboarding.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Hardware component that performs all calculations and executes instructions.

Chat room

A website that allows people to meet and chat with other people with common interests in real-time.

Chat

A typed conversation that takes place on a computer or cell phone connected to the Internet.

Clients

Computers connected to a network that use services and resources from the servers.

Cloud computing

The sharing of resources such as software and storage offered as services over the Internet. Cloud storage: The online storage of files.

Colour depth

The number of bits used to represent the colour of each pixel.

Communications software

Software that allows electronic communication such as email, web browsing, IRC, Instant messaging and VoIP.

Compressed files

A file format used for files that contain files or folders in a compressed format to save space. Typical file extensions include rar and zip.

Compressing or zipping

Process of creating a copy of the tile which is reduced in size compared to the original version of the file.

Compression software

Software that compresses or decompresses files. Popular examples of this kind of software are WinZip and WinRar.

Computer power

Refers to the overall ability of the computer, and generally describes a combination of different factors, such as the speed and performance of the CPU(s), the amount of storage and the size of memory.

Computer virus

A program that is written to disrupt the normal functioning of a person's computer without their knowledge or consent.

Computer worm

Malware that is able to distribute itself over a network, normally via email, without a person having run an infected program.

Consistency (in a website)

The quality of a website whereby the style, layout, typography and design are kept the same throughout.

Content aggregator

A website or application that gathers different web content (such as news, weather, movie reviews, stock prices, etc.) from many different online sources.

Contrast ratio

The number of steps between the darkest black and the brightest white that a display device can produce. More is better.

Core

A single physical processor. Chips that are 'Dual Core' have 2 processors, 'Quad Core' have 4 processors, etc.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The part of the computer that processes all data and carries out all instructions.

Cyber-bullying

The spreading of rumours, gossip and the general bullying of another person using cell phones and other methods of electronic communication.

Cyber-stalking

Unwanted attention towards another person or group of people using cell phones and other methods of electronic communication.

Data projector

A device that connects to a computer and projects what is displayed on the monitor onto a screen or wall.

Data

Unprocessed items.

Decompressing or 'unzipping'

The process of changing the compressed version of a file back to its original size so you can work with it.

Dedicated device

Devices that are designed to perform just one specific task, such as Automatic Teller machines (ATMs), GPS devices and household appliances like microwave ovens and washing machines.

Default printer

The printer that printing will be sent to Unless otherwise specified by the user.

Defragmentation

The process of using a defragmentation utility program to reverse the process of fragmentation. The defragmenter utility program will rearrange and consolidate the scattered parts of files on disk so that they can be retrieved more quickly.

Desktop

The main screen area which appears when the Windows operating system has loaded.

DIMM (Dual lnline Memory Module)

A standardized 'stick' of RAM designed to fit into a DIMM slot on the motherboard.

Disk Cleanup Wizard

A utility that can be used to make storage space available by deleting unnecessary files.

Disk scanner

A utility program which usually comes with the operating system that is used to scan a disk for defects and corrupted files and tries to fix them.

Distributed processing

A type of processing where the processing that is necessary to solve a problem is distributed amongst computers, which increases the total processing power.

Distribution list

A list of people or email addresses that has been set up and stored under a certain name. This kind of list is usually task related - eg. you can set up a distribution list for all the directors of a company, all top level managers, all people working on your latest new projects, etc.

DPl (Dots per inch)

The number of dots that fit into a square inch of space. Typically used to refer to print quality, but also used to refer to screen resolution.

Driver

Software used to control a specific hardware device.

E-commerce

The general term for any type of business transaction done via the Internet.

EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer)

Transferring money from one account to another using the Internet and Internet banking.

Electronic communication (E-communication)

All forms of communication via electronic means - the process by which computers and other devices such as cell phones are used to exchange messages and/or digital data.

Electronic mail (email)

The composing, sending and receiving of messages electronically over a network, including the Internet.

Email spoofing

The forgery of an email header so that the source of the email appears to be from a different origin.

End-User Licence Agreement (EULA)

A legal agreement that describes what you may and may not do with the software.

Ergonomics

The study and design of the workplace for the comfort and safety of people in work environments.

Esc

Escape key -— lets you cancel or get out of options or cancel choices.

Ethics

Set of principles of correct behaviour.

Export

A way of saving a file in a format readable by software created by a different company I by a different version of the same software.

Fax to email

The ability to send a fax to a fax machine using your computer and email system or to receive a fax from a fax machine sent to the email system you use on your computer.

Defragmentation

The process of using a defragmentation utility program to reverse the process of fragmentation. The defragmenter utility program will rearrange and consolidate the scatted parts of files on disk so that they can be retrieved more quickly.

File extension

A set of characters (usually 3-5) added to the end of a filename that identifies the type of tile, e.g. docx is a Microsoft Word file.

File manager

A utility program system such as Windows Explorer that comes as part of the operating system. It allows users to manage their files and folders.

File name

The name given to a file followed by a full stop and the file extension, e.g. MyFile.docx.

File property

The basic information about a file such as its file name, size and date modified.

File

A collection of data or information that is stored on a computer under a single name.

Firewall

A firewall allows you to control which programs can access the Internet and protects your computer or network from unauthorised access. It acts as a barrier between a computer and the Internet. A firewall can consist of hardware or software or a combination of both.

Firewire port

A type of port that can transfer data very quickly. It is usually used to transfer videos from, for example, a video camera.

Flash disks

Relatively cheap storage devices that use electronic memory to store data (they get their power via the USB port they connect to).

Folder

A storage place on a storage medium in which you can store files or more folders on disk.

Formatting (a disk)

A process of preparing a disk so that data can be saved to it and read from it.

Fragmentation

A process that occurs over a period of time as files are saved, changed or deleted from a disk. The different parts of the files can become scattered across the disk, causing the computer to become slower in retrieving the files in order to open or save them.

Freeware

Software that is fully functioning software that can be used, and copied without any restrictions.

FTP (File Transfer Protocol)

The protocol (rule for communication) used for the fast, easy transfer of files between remote computers that have an Internet connection.

Gadget

A small program that is part of the operating system and resides on your desktop, such as displaying the time. the latest news and weather etc.

General-purpose computers

Computers that allow us to load programs (software), which in turn allows these computers to perform a wide variety of tasks.

GHz

Gigahertz - the unit in which the speed of the CPU is measured. Higher is better.

Gigabyte (GB)

Roughly 1000 MB. This represents (approximately) 1000 X 1000 X 1000 bytes.

GPS device

A Global Positioning System device that calculates where you are on the earth's surface (latitude and longitude) based on signals it obtains from at least three GPS satellites.

Graphics files

Files that contain images or graphics. Common graphics formats include jpeg, bmp, gif, wmf, tif, Png.

Green computing

Term used to describe using computers in a way that is sensitive to the environment.

Greyed out

If an option is 'greyed out' (you can see it, but it appears faintly), then that option is not currently available.

Grid computing

A system whereby the resources of different computers are shared and used at the same time to solve a single problem.

GUI (Graphical User Interface)

The interface, presented to the user in a graphical way with small pictures called icons and other visual 'aids'.

GUI controls

Controls used in GUI software which allow the user to make selections and choices.

Hackers and crackers

Computer criminals who break into computer systems, either for prestige and recognition (hackers) or with criminal intent (crackers).

Hard drive

The main storage device of a computer located inside the computer box or system unit.

Hardcopy

Output on paper.

Hardware

The physical parts of a computer that we can touch and see.