Computer Applications
Technology
Grade 10
Computer Applications Technology
COMPLETE STUDY GUIDE WITH INTEGRATED EXAM
QUESTIONS
&
PRACTICAL EXERCISES
, CONTENTS
• Chapter 1: Concepts of computing
o 1.1 Information and communication technology
o 1.2 Data and information
o 1.3 Computers and ICT
o 1.4 Types of computers
o 1.5 Economic benefits of computers
• Chapter 2: Using a computer
o 2.1 Operating a computer
o 2.2 Posture and ergonomics
• Chapter 3: File management
o 3.1 Basic concepts of file management
o 3.2 File types
• Chapter 4: File and print management
o 4.1 File management skills
o 4.2 File compression
o 4.3 Print management
• Chapter 5: Hardware
o 5.1 What is hardware?
o 5.2 Input devices
o 5.3 Output devices
o 5.4 Storage devices
o 5.5 Green computing
• Chapter 6: Extended hardware concepts
o 6.1 More about input devices
o 6.2 More about output devices
o 6.3 Storage media and devices
o 6.4 Processing devices
o 6.5 Caring for your PC and storage devices
,• Chapter 7: Computer software
o 7.1 Basic software concepts
o 7.2 Operating system
o 7.3 Being more secure
• Chapter 8: Extended software concepts
o 8.1 Types of software
o 8.2 System software
o 8.3 Licensing and licensing agreements
• Chapter 9: Introduction to networks and networking concepts
o 9.1 Concepts used in networks
o 9.2 Uses of networks
o 9.3 Social implications: Networks
• Chapter 10: Types of networks: PAN/HAN
o 10.1 PAN/HAN
o 10.2 Creating a PAN/HAN
• Chapter 11: The internet and the world wide web
o 11.1 The internet
o 11.2 The Web
o 11.3 Search engines
o 11.4 Downloads and uploads
• Chapter 12: Internet communication
o 12.1 Electronic communication devices
o 12.2 Email as a form of e-communication
o 12.3 Basic emailing
• Chapter 13: Social implications: email and internet
o 13.1 Social implications: Email and internet safety
• Chapter 14: Information management
o 14.1 Concepts used in information management
o 14.2 Practical Assessment Task (PAT) overview
o 14.3 Sifting data
o 14.4 Processing data
o 14.5 Presenting data
, Information and Communication
Technology (ICT)
We use many different types of computers, or computer-controlled devices every day. This
can range from smartphones and calculators, to the scanners used in supermarkets.
The history of computing goes back over 2 500 years to the abacus, which is a simple
calculator made from beads and wires, and is still used in some parts of the world today.
In the following units, you will learn more about the different concepts used in computing,
the different types of ICT systems used, as well as what the difference is between data
and information. You will also look at the various components of a computer and the
different types of computers available. Lastly, you will learn about the economic value of
computers.
UNIT
1.1 Information and communication technology
ICT SYSTEMS USED IN EVERYDAY LIFE
ICT systems are often confused with computers; however, they are not the same thing.
Computers refer to the hardware that forms part of an ICT system. The ICT system refers
to the overall set-up, consisting of hardware, software, data and the people that use it. It
commonly includes communication technology, such as the internet.
Information and communication technology (ICT) is a field that is related to computers
and communication networks. It can also be in the form of audiovisuals, for example, film
and digital productions. Digital technologies use data, such as text, numbers, images,
sounds and videos. Computers use this data to show information.
In the past, these technologies used to be separate systems, but recently, these
technologies have become almost “one”. Computers have become more like smartphones
and smartphones have become more like computers. ICT is the field that looks at all these
technologies as one.
An ICT system depends on computers, data and people to make the system work. For ICT
systems to function correctly, they need to receive, store, retrieve, manipulate and transmit
data. Data is often in the form of text, numbers, sounds and images.
EXAMPLE OF AN ICT SYSTEM IN EVERYDAY LIFE