Grade 12 CAT Theory Sections 1 & 2

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key terms, acronyms, and hardware/software concepts from Sections 1 and 2 of the Grade 12 CAT Theory notes.

Convergence

The process where different technologies or functions are combined into one device or service.

Information processing cycle

The stages of data handling consisting of Input, Processing, Output, Storage, and Communication.

CPU

The Central Processing Unit; it executes instructions and performs processing with specifications including cores, clock speed, and cache.

RAM

Random Access Memory; temporary working memory used by running programs that is volatile, meaning data is lost when power is off.

ROM

Read-only memory containing permanent start-up instructions or firmware; it is non-volatile memory.

GPU

Graphics Processing Unit; specialized processor used for graphics, video processing, and $3D$ work.

Biometric reader

An input device that identifies a person using unique body features.

SSD

Solid-State Drive; a very fast, quiet, and robust storage device with no moving parts that improves boot and loading speeds.

Modem

A device that connects a device or network to an Internet service by converting signals for the connection type.

Router

A device that directs data between networks and shares an Internet connection with multiple devices.

Operating system (OS)

System software that manages hardware and provides a platform for application software to run.

Utility software

Software used to maintain, protect, or optimise the computer, such as antivirus or disk cleanup.

Bandwidth

The amount of data that can be transferred per second, usually measured in $Mbps$ or $Gbps$.

Latency

The delay before data starts moving; critical for gaming, video calls, and VoIP.

Throttling

When an ISP slows the connection, often after excessive use or a fair-use limit is reached.

Shaping

Giving priority to certain types of network traffic while reducing the priority of others.

Malware

Malicious software designed to damage, disrupt, spy on, steal from, or control a system.

Phishing

A scam that tricks users into revealing passwords, OTPs, or personal and banking details often via fake messages.

Pharming

The practice of redirecting users to a fake website even when they try to visit a real one.

Botnet

A group of infected devices (bots or zombies) controlled together by an attacker.

DDoS

Distributed Denial of Service; an attack where many devices flood a service so it becomes unavailable.

Digital footprint

The data trail left behind by a person's online activity.

Information overload

When a person receives more information than they can process effectively, causing confusion, stress, or poor decisions.

Digital divide

The gap between those who have access and skills to use ICT and those who do not.

Teleworking

Working away from the office using ICT to stay connected to jobs and coworkers.

E-waste

Discarded electronic equipment that can harm the environment.

Metadata

Information about a file such as the author, title, date created, file size, or geotag.

AUP

Acceptable Use Policy; a set of rules for the proper use of a network, device, or service.

BYOD

Bring Your Own Device; a policy where users bring personal devices to school or work.

NFC

Near Field Communication; very short-range wireless communication used for tasks like tap-to-pay.

OCR

Optical Character Recognition; technology that converts scanned images of text into editable and searchable text.

Firewall

A security system that controls network traffic to block unauthorised access.