Grade 12 Computer Applications Technology (CAT) Theory Study Guide

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering Grades 10 to 12 Computer Applications Technology (CAT) theory, including Systems Technologies, Network Technologies, Internet Technologies, Information Management, Social Implications, and Solution Development.

Information Processing Cycle (IPC)

The series of steps showing how data becomes information: Input $\rightarrow$ Processing $\rightarrow$ Output $\rightarrow$ Storage $\rightarrow$ Communication.

Data

Raw, unprocessed facts and figures that have little meaning on their own.

Information

Data that has been processed into a meaningful, structured form that is useful for decision-making.

Knowledge

What is gained when information is interpreted, understood, and applied to discover patterns and make decisions.

Convergence

The merging of several separate technologies and device functions (such as phone, camera, GPS, web browser, and media player) into a single multifunction device.

Multi-purpose Device

A computing device capable of running many different programs and handling a variety of tasks, such as desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

Dedicated Device

A computing device designed with an embedded computer to carry out one specific task, such as an ATM, digital camera, fitness tracker, or smart appliance.

SOHO (Small Office/Home Office) User

A user category needing computing devices capable of running office suites, accounting software, managing a small network, reliable Internet, and a multifunction printer.

Power User

A user requiring top-tier hardware specifications (such as a fast multi-core CPU, large RAM, dedicated GPU, and fast storage) for resource-intensive tasks like video editing, CAD, and 3D rendering.

OCR (Optical Character Recognition) Software

Software that analyzes scanned images of printed or handwritten text and converts them into editable digital text.

QR Code (Quick Response Code)

A two-dimensional matrix barcode consisting of black and white squares, scanned by a digital camera to decode shortcuts to websites, payment links, or contact data.

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification)

A technology using radio waves to automatically identify and transfer data from electronic tags attached to objects without requiring direct line-of-sight.

NFC (Near Field Communication)

A short-range wireless standard that allows devices to connect and exchange data securely within a few centimetres of each other, used for tap-to-pay and quick pairing.

Biometric Scanner

An input security device that measures unique biological characteristics (such as fingerprints, iris patterns, or facial features) to authenticate a person.

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface)

A digital connector and cable that transmits both high-definition video and multi-channel audio through a single connection.

3D Printer

An output device that creates three-dimensional physical solid objects by laying down consecutive layers of material based on a digital 3D model.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

Fast, volatile primary memory that temporarily holds data and program instructions currently being processed by the CPU, losing its contents when the power is turned off.

ROM (Read-Only Memory)

Non-volatile primary memory that permanently stores essential start-up instructions (such as the BIOS/firmware) and cannot normally be changed by the user.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The primary component or 'brain' of the computer that carries out program instructions, whose speed is measured in gigahertz ($\text{GHz}$).

GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)

A dedicated processing chip or video card designed to handle the calculations required for rendering graphics and video, relieving the CPU of visual workloads.

Cache Memory

Extremely fast, high-speed memory located on or very near the CPU that stores frequently accessed instructions and data to speed up processing.

SSD (Solid-State Drive)

A high-speed non-volatile secondary storage medium that uses flash memory, has no moving parts, is durable, silent, and consumes less power than a traditional hard disk drive.

HDD (Hard Disk Drive)

A mechanical magnetic secondary storage device that records data onto spinning platters, offering higher capacity at a lower cost per gigabyte than an SSD, but slower and prone to mechanical damage.

Minimum System Requirements

The lowest hardware and software specifications necessary for an application to install and function at all.

Recommended System Requirements

The hardware and software specifications needed for an application to run smoothly, at full quality, and with optimal performance.

Backward Compatibility

The ability of newer hardware or software versions to read, process, or correctly interact with data, formats, or devices created for older versions.

System Software

Programs that control, manage, and maintain the computer's operations and hardware, including the operating system, utility programs, and device drivers.

Application Software

Programs designed to allow end-users to carry out specific tasks, such as word processing, spreadsheets, web browsing, and photo editing.

Proprietary Software

Software owned by a company whose source code is closed and kept private, requiring users to purchase a licence under specific restrictive terms.

Open-Source Software (OSS)

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

Freeware

Fully functional copyrighted software that is available to use free of charge, but whose source code is not provided or open to modification.

Shareware

Software distributed free of charge on a trial basis, often with limited features or time, requiring purchase to continue full usage after the trial expires.

Device Driver

A specialized software program that allows the operating system to communicate with and control a specific hardware device.

Plug-and-Play

A feature where the operating system automatically detects, identifies, and configures a newly connected peripheral using appropriate drivers without complex manual setup.

EULA (End-User Licence Agreement)

A legal contract between a software creator or publisher and the purchaser establishing the terms under which the software may be installed and used.

Site Licence

A software licence granting permission to install and run a program on an agreed number of computers within a specific institution or organisation.

Software Bug

An unintended coding error, flaw, or fault in a computer program that produces incorrect results, unexpected behaviour, crashes, or security vulnerabilities.

Patch

A small software update released by developers to correct a specific bug, fix a performance flaw, or close a security hole.

Service Pack

A comprehensive bundle of previously released patches, updates, and improvements distributed together as a single software update package.

Screen Reader

An assistive software application (such as JAWS or NVDA) that converts displayed on-screen text and elements into synthesized speech or Braille output for visually impaired users.

Metadata

Structured descriptive data that summarizes basic information about a file, such as the author, creation date, modification date, file size, and keywords.

Disk Defragmentation

The process of reorganizing scattered fragments of files on a magnetic hard drive into contiguous clusters to speed up file access and read times.

PAN (Personal Area Network)

A network organized around a single individual that interconnects personal digital devices over a very short range, usually up to $10\,\text{m}$ using Bluetooth.

LAN (Local Area Network)

A computer network that connects computing devices within a limited geographical area, such as a room, office, building, or school computer lab.

WAN (Wide Area Network)

A telecommunications network that spans a large geographical area (across cities, countries, or globally) by connecting multiple smaller networks; the Internet is the largest example.