Via Afrika Computer Applications Technology Grade 10 Study Guide

Practice flashcards covering Computer Applications Technology concepts, hardware, software, networks, and information management based on the Grade 10 Via Afrika Study Guide.

Computer Applications Technology

The study of practical techniques for the efficient use of computers and computer software applications to accomplish common workplace tasks.

ICT Systems

A combination of telecommunication networks, computer hardware, and computer software used for gathering and processing data, managing information, and exchanging knowledge.

Data

The raw materials that are processed by a computer to produce information.

Information

The end result of data processing presented in a usable form.

Information Processing Cycle

The sequence of events consisting of input, processing, output, and storage that changes data into information.

Hardware

The physical parts of a computer system, including devices, circuit boards, and peripherals.

Software

The intangible parts of a computer system, such as application programs or a list of coded instructions that tell a computer what to do.

Personal Computer (PC)

A small computer that uses a microprocessor as its central processing unit (CPU).

Mainframe

A fast, powerful computer that performs huge tasks, such as bulk data processing, and can support hundreds of users.

Supercomputer

A machine faster and more powerful than a mainframe, used for processor-intensive calculations and complex modelling scenarios.

Dedicated Computers

Computers designed for one specific task rather than general use, such as automatic teller machines (ATMs) or embedded computers in appliances.

Operating System

A large set of programs in charge of all computer functions, coordinating activities of system software, running applications, and controlling hardware.

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

Software that uses text and graphics to provide the user with an interface for input, making computers easier to use.

Booting

The start-up procedure during which the computer loads the operating system and checks that all its parts are working correctly.

File Path

The complete address where a file is found, specified in the format: drive\folder\subfolder\file.

File Properties

The characteristics of a file, including the name, location, type, size, date last modified, title, and author.

Byte

The unit of measure for storage needed to store a single character.

Ergonomics

The study of designing tools and equipment to better suit the human body and encourage correct posture.

Pixels

Short for picture elements; the small coloured dots that produce images on a monitor.

Resolution

The quality of an image or printout measured in $dpi$ (dots per inch).

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The part of the computer that executes instructions and performs processing, with speed measured in $GHz$ (gigahertz).

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Volatile primary memory that temporarily stores data while it is being processed by the CPU.

Read Only Memory (ROM)

Non-volatile memory used to store essential start-up information for the computer.

Freeware

Copyright-protected software supplied free of charge in its full version.

Shareware

Software provided free for a trial period but usually limited in features or time of use.

Open-source Software

Software that is free to use, has no copyright restrictions on installation, and offers source code for free editing.

Proprietary Software

Software where the user pays for the right to use it under a licence agreement while the developer retains ownership and copyright.

Piracy

The act of making illegal copies of movies, music, and software and selling them.

Computer Network

Two or more computers or computing devices connected to each other to allow communication.

Client-Server Network

A network where one or more powerful computers (servers) control communication and central file storage for less powerful computers (clients).

Peer-to-Peer Network

A small network where all users and computers have the same level of control and there is no dedicated server.

Modem

Short for modulator-demodulator; it translates digital signals from a computer into analogue signals for transmission over telephone lines.

Internet Service Provider (ISP)

A company that has a permanent, fast connection to the Internet and through which users connect.

URL

Uniform Resource Locator; a unique Internet address for each webpage or website.

Web Browser

An application, such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, that displays webpages on a computing device.

Search Engine

A website that searches the Internet for information based on a word or phrase entered by the user.

Malware

Malicious software that includes computer viruses, worms, Trojans, and spyware.

Phishing

A fraudulent process of trying to gain access to a user’s username, password, or bank details by posing as someone else.

Pharming

A security threat that redirects users from a legitimate website to a fake website.

VoIP

Voice over Internet Protocol; the transmission of voice over the Internet.

Cell Reference

The address of a particular cell in a spreadsheet, formed by the letter of the column and the number of the row (e.g., $F9$).

AutoFill

A spreadsheet function that copies a formula from one cell to a range of adjacent cells using a handle.

Function

A predefined spreadsheet formula that performs a calculation, consisting of an equals sign, name, and cell range (e.g., $=SUM(A3:A8)$).

Plagiarism

Taking text, pictures, ideas, or inventions from the Internet and passing them off as your own work.

Watermark

A faded image, either text or picture, that appears behind the text in a document.

Template

A pre-formatted file with specific page layouts, fonts, and styles suitable for a particular type of document, using the file type $.DOTX$.