Grade 11 CAT Paper 2 (Theory) Term 1 & 2 Study Notes

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering System Technologies, Network Technologies, Social Implications, Information Management, and Solutions Development for Grade 11 CAT Paper 2 Mid-Year Theory preparation.

Information Processing Cycle

The cycle that turns data into information through five stages: input, processing, output, storage, and communication.

Supercomputer

The largest and most powerful computer type, capable of extremely fast processing using thousands of CPUs for complex tasks such as weather forecasting, scientific research, and simulations.

Mainframe

A large, powerful computer that supports many users simultaneously and processes huge volumes of data, typically used by large organizations such as banks, airlines, and governments.

Server

A computer that runs continuously to provide services, shared resources, or data (such as files, websites, email, or print management) to client computers across a network.

Desktop Computer

A personal computer designed to remain in a fixed location, composed of separate components (system unit, monitor, keyboard, and mouse).

Laptop / Notebook

A portable personal computer built as a single integrated unit that combines a screen, keyboard, touchpad, and battery.

Convergent Technology

The combination of multiple separate devices or components (such as a keyboard, screen, and pointing device) into a single unified unit.

Embedded / Dedicated Device

A device designed to perform specific, limited functions, such as an ATM or a microwave oven, which often connects to the internet as part of the IoT.

Internet of Things (IoT)

A concept where all kinds of physical devices are increasingly interconnected via the internet to exchange data and enable automation.

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs)

The hardware, software, and networks utilized to create, store, share, and communicate information in order to make work faster, easier, and more connected.

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A secure, encrypted network connection that allows remote workers to connect to an office network over the internet.

Input Device

A hardware device or method used to enter data and instructions into a computer system for processing.

Biometric Input

An input method that captures unique physical human characteristics (such as fingerprints, face, iris, or voice) for identification and verification.

Point-of-Sale (POS) Terminal

A dedicated terminal combining input devices (barcode scanner, card reader, touchscreen) and output devices (receipt printer, display) to handle retail sales transactions.

Multi-Touch Screen

A display that detects multiple touch points at the same time, allowing gesture controls like pinching, swiping, and zooming while functioning as both input and output.

Output Device

A hardware device that presents processed data or information to the user in the form of soft copy (display or sound) or hard copy (printed media).

Interactive Whiteboard

A large touch-sensitive display surface linked to a computer and projector that enables users to control software directly by touching the board.

3D Printer

An output device that creates solid, three-dimensional physical objects layer by layer from a digital 3D model.

High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)

A single cable and port interface that simultaneously transmits high-quality digital video and multi-channel audio between computing and display devices.

Device Driver

System software that allows an operating system to communicate with and control a specific piece of attached hardware.

Optical Character Recognition (OCR)

Software that reads and translates scanned images of printed or handwritten text into editable, searchable digital text.

Motherboard

The main circuit board inside the system unit that houses and connects internal components like the CPU, RAM, and storage.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The primary component of the computer that acts as the 'brain' by fetching, interpreting, and executing program instructions and processing data.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Fast, volatile primary memory that temporarily holds open programs, operating system data, and active instructions currently needed by the CPU.

Read-Only Memory (ROM)

Permanent, non-volatile primary memory that contains the essential start-up instructions (BIOS) to boot the computer.

Power-On Self-Test (POST)

A diagnostic routine run by the ROM/BIOS immediately after switching on a computer to verify that all critical hardware components are functioning properly.

Solid State Drive (SSD)

A non-volatile secondary storage medium that uses flash memory chips with no moving parts, providing faster access, durability, and quiet operation compared to HDDs.

Local Area Network (LAN)

A collection of connected computers and peripherals located within a restricted geographical area, such as a single room, school, or office building, using physical cables.

Switch

A network hardware device that connects individual devices within a LAN and directs data specifically to the intended destination device.

Router

A networking device that connects different networks together and routes data packets between them, commonly providing local devices access to the internet.

Network Interface Card (NIC)

A hardware component (either built into the motherboard or added as an expansion card) that physically connects a device to a wired or wireless network.

Intranet

A private, internal network that employs internet standards and web technologies, accessible solely by authorized members or staff within an organization.

Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)

A battery-powered backup device that provides immediate electrical power when the main supply fails, preventing abrupt shutdowns and giving users time to save data.

Ergonomics

The study and design of workplace equipment and environments to optimize human comfort, posture, and safety, reducing physical health risks such as RSI and eye strain.

Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)

A document defining the established rules, responsibilities, allowed activities, and consequences regarding the proper use of an institution's computer network and internet facilities.

Spyware

Malicious software that secretly installs on a computer to monitor and record user actions (such as keypresses, visited websites, and login details) without user knowledge or consent.

Adware

Software that automatically downloads or displays unsolicited advertisements, such as banners and pop-ups, often tracking browsing behavior.

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)

A policy that permits employees or learners to connect their personal devices (such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones) to an organization's network.

Big Data

Extremely large, varied data sets that are computationally processed and analyzed to discover patterns, trends, and associations for advanced decision-making.

Blockchain

A decentralized, distributed digital ledger that groups verified records into chronological, tamper-resistant linked 'blocks' across a peer-to-peer network.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Computer systems and software engineered to perform tasks normally requiring human intelligence, such as visual recognition, learning, reasoning, and natural language processing.

Task Definition

The initial stage of information management that involves clearly defining the research problem, objectives, focus questions, and the type of information required.

Absolute Cell Reference

A spreadsheet cell address that stays fixed on a specific row and column when copied or autofilled to other cells, indicated by dollar signs like $\$B\$2$.

Conditional Formatting

A spreadsheet feature that automatically alters the visual appearance of cells (such as fill color or text style) based on specified rules or values.

Circular Reference

An error that occurs in a spreadsheet when a formula directly or indirectly refers to the cell in which the formula itself is located.

Primary Key

A database field that uniquely identifies each individual record in a table, ensuring no two records share identical values in that field.