TERM 2 THEORY_12

Examination Overview: CAT Grade 12 Paper 2 (Theory)

• Total Marks: $150$
• Duration: $3$ hours.
• Exam Window: June 2026.
• Nature of the Exam: Written closed-book theory paper. No computers are involved. Marks are earned through knowing terms, definitions, examples, and providing well-motivated explanations.
• Structure of the Paper:     * Section A (25 marks): Question 1 (Multiple Choice), Question 2 (Matching), Question 3 (True/False).     * Section B (75 marks): Focuses on the five core knowledge areas.     * Section C (50 marks): Integrated scenarios in Question 9 and Question 10.

The Five Big Knowledge Areas

• Systems Technologies: Examined in Q4 and integrated into Section C (Q9/Q10). Weighing is approximately $25$ marks in Section B plus Section C contributions. Sub-areas include General Concepts, Hardware, and Software.
• Network Technologies: Examined in Q5. Weighing is $15$ marks in Section B.
• Information Management: Examined in Q6. Weighing is $10$ marks in Section B (includes PAT concepts and Database accuracy tools).
• Social Implications: Examined in Q7. Weighing is $10$ marks in Section B.
• Solutions Development: Examined in Q8. Weighing is $15$ marks in Section B. Covers theory related to Word, Excel, and Access.

Topic 1: Systems Technologies - General Concepts

• Types of Computer Systems and Users:     * SOHO (Small Office Home Office): Typically requires standard productivity software (e.g., Office) and basic desktop/laptop hardware.     * Power Users: Users requiring high-performance hardware (e.g., engineers, gamers, architects).     * Personal Users: General home use, browsing, and entertainment.     * Mobile Users: Focus on portability and connectivity (smartphones, tablets).     * Enterprise Users: Large-scale organizations requiring high-end servers, networking, and specialized software.
• Data Hierarchy Definitions:     * Data: Unprocessed, raw facts (e.g., numbers, names).     * Information: Data that has been processed and organized to provide meaning.     * Knowledge: The understanding and application of information to a specific context.     * Conclusions/Decisions: The final result of applying knowledge to a scenario.
• Reasons for Using Computers/ICT:     * Time saving and efficiency.     * Global connectivity and communication.     * Accuracy in calculations and data processing.     * Large storage capacity for records.     * Automation of repetitive or dangerous tasks.

Topic 1: Systems Technologies - Hardware

• Convergence: The combination of multiple technologies or functions into a single device. Example: A smartphone combining aspects of a cellular phone, digital camera, GPS receiver, music player, and computer.
• Information Processing Cycle: Includes Input, Processing, Storage, Output, and Communication (the added stage in current curriculum).
• Input Integration: Combining two or more input modes to enhance productivity. Example: A Point of Sale (POS) terminal using a barcode scanner, keyboard, and touchscreen simultaneously.
• Specific Device Buying Decisions:     * Keyboard & Mouse: Consider ergonomics, wireless vs. cabled connections.     * Digital Camera vs. Webcam: Compare based on resolution, sensor size, Optical zoom vs. Digital zoom, ISO Ratings, cost, and portability.     * Scanners: Compare DPI (dots per inch), OCR (Optical Character Recognition) capability, scanning speed, and document type.     * Monitors: Consider resolution, screen size, refresh rate, aspect ratio, and contrast ratio.     * Printers:         * Inkjet: Uses liquid ink, cheaper entry price, suitable for low volume.         * Laser: Uses toner/powder, faster, better for high volume text.         * Multifunction (MFP): Combines printing, scanning, and copying.         * Compare based on resolution, speed ($ppm$), paper size, and cost per page.
• Voice vs. Speech Recognition:     * Voice Recognition: Identifies a UNIQUE voice for security and authentication purposes (biometrics).     * Speech Recognition: Identifies the spoken WORDS to convert them into text or commands (e.g., dictation or digital assistants).
• Storage Components:     * SSD (Solid State Drive) vs. HDD (Hard Disk Drive): SSD is faster, silent, and uses less power, but is more expensive per gigabyte. HDD is cheaper and offers higher capacities but has moving parts.     * Backup vs. Archive: Backup is a copy of files for data recovery if originals are lost; Archive is moving old/unused files to a separate storage area to free up space.
• Computing Models:     * Cloud Storage: Storing files on remote servers.     * Cloud Computing: Accessing applications and processing power over the internet.     * Grid Computing (Distributed Computing): Multiple computers across a network working together on a single complex task.
• Internal Components:     * CPU (Central Processing Unit): The "brain," executes instructions.     * RAM (Random Access Memory): Primary memory, temporary storage for open apps/data.     * GPU (Graphics Processing Unit): Processes images and videos; essential for gamers/designers.     * Motherboard: The main circuit board connecting all components.
• Maintenance & Troubleshooting:     * Task Manager: Accessed via $\text{Ctrl + Shift + Esc}$ to close unresponsive applications.     * Defragmentation: Rearranging scattered file fragments on an HDD to speed up access (Note: Not required for SSDs).     * Disk Cleanup: Deleting temporary and unused files to free up space.
• Health and Safety:     * CTS (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome) and RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury): Resulting from poor ergonomics and repetitive motions.     * Keyloggers: Malware/tools that record keystrokes to steal passwords.

Topic 1: Systems Technologies - Software

• Application vs. System Software:     * Application Software: Performs specific tasks for the user (e.g., MS Word, Excel).     * System Software: Manages the computer operations (e.g., OS, antivirus, compression utilities).
• System Requirements:     * Minimum: Lowest specs needed for the software to run (may be slow).     * Recommended: Optimal specs for a smooth, high-performance experience.
• Software Updates:     * Bugs: Errors in the software code.     * Patches: Small updates to fix specific bugs or security holes.     * Service Packs: A large collection of patches and updates bundled together.
• Licensing:     * Single-user: One installation per license.     * Multi-user: Multiple users under one license (specific number).     * Site License: Allows unlimited installations within a specific location (e.g., a school).     * Subscription (SaaS): Licensed on a recurring payment basis (e.g., Office 365).     * Creative Commons: Allows legal sharing and use of creative work under specific conditions set by the author.
• Operating System (OS) Functions: Provides the GUI (Graphical User Interface), manages multitasking, file management, and hardware/software coordination.

Topic 2: Network Technologies

• Network Categories:     * LAN (Local Area Network): Small area (e.g., one building).     * WAN (Wide Area Network): Covers large areas like cities/countries.     * WLAN (Wireless LAN): No cables; uses Wi-Fi.     * GAN (Global Area Network): The largest example is the Internet.
• Network Hardware:     * Modem/Dongle: Connects a single computer/network to the Internet via an ISP.     * Router: Directs data between different networks.     * Switch: Connects devices within a single LAN to share data.     * NIC (Network Interface Card): Internal hardware that allows a device to join a network.
• Internet Connection Types:     * ADSL (Asymmetric DSL): Download speed is faster than upload speed.     * SDSL (Symmetric DSL): Download and upload speeds are equal (better for cloud hosting/large file uploads).     * Fibre: Uses light pulses through glass/plastic cables; very high speed and reliable.
• ISP Terminology:     * Bandwidth: Data capacity measure (in $Mbps$ or $Gbps$).     * Cap vs. Uncap: Capped has a data limit; Uncapped has no fixed limit.     * Hard Cap vs. Soft Cap: Hard cap stops internet access when the limit is hit; Soft cap allows access at reduced speeds (Throttling).     * Shaping: Prioritizing certain types of traffic (e.g., email over torrents).
• The IoT (Internet of Things): The trend of connecting everyday physical devices (fridges, watches, cars) to the internet.

Topic 3: Social Implications

• Digital Rights: Right to access (equal availability of digital resources) and right to privacy.
• Malware & Attacks:     * DoS/DDoS (Denial of Service): Overloading a system with requests to crash it.     * Ransomware: Encrypting user files and demanding payment for a decryption key.     * Botnet/Zombie: A Zombie is a single infected device controlled remotely; a Botnet is a network of these zombies.
• Social Engineering Techniques:     * Phishing: Fake emails asking for details.     * Smishing: Phishing via SMS.     * Pharming: Redirecting users to a fake website despite searching for a legitimate address.     * Clickjacking: Tricking a user into clicking a hidden invisible link.     * Spoofing: Faking the sender's address/identity.
• Security Measures:     * Firewall: Software/Hardware blocking unauthorized network access.     * VPN (Virtual Private Network): Creates an encrypted tunnel for private browsing.     * Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):