1
Grade 12
COMPUTER
APPLICATIONS
TECHNOLOGY
Theory
Term 1_2026
Previous exam papers have been used to compile these notes, SC/NSC_ June DBE/2021. SC/NSC_ June DBE/2022, SC/NSC_ June DBE/2022, SC/NSC_ June
DBE/2023, @IMPAQ JUN 2022 & @IMPAQ JUN 2022. REVISION BOOKLET 2024_Term 1
This Grade 12 Computer Applications Technology (CAT) Term 1 – 2026 study guide has
been carefully compiled to assist learners in preparing systematically and effectively for
tests and examinations. The content focuses on Theory work for Term 1, with structured
explanations, definitions, case study guidance, and exam-style questions to support
understanding and revision.
These notes are IMPAQ-focused and have been developed using previous DBE and
SC/NSC examination papers, as well as IMPAQ assessment material, ensuring alignment
with the CAPS curriculum and current assessment standards
Content
System Technologies: General concepts......................................................................... 5
System Technologies: Hardware .................................................................................. 10
System Technologies: Software & Social implications .................................................... 17
Solution Development. ................................................................................................ 27
INTEGRATED SCENARIOS ............................................................................................ 29
Juffrou Ansie
@Juffrou_Ansie
, 2
Multiple choice questions
Examples of
dedicated devices Barcode scanner , DVD player , Microphone .
First line indent The type of indent illustrated in the
following screenshot of a word
document:
Micro - computer A compact computer with a complete system is known as a
microcomputer
E-waste This type of waste refers to discarded electronic devices that are
thrown away and transported to landfills. Most of these devices
contain non-biodegradable materials and heavy metals (lead,
cadmium and mercury) that are toxic. The toxins can leak into the
ground and contaminate the groundwater.
Convergence Convergence is a term used to describe a situation where multiple
technologies are combined to deliver a new, more exciting product.
The concept of The result of processing is shared with users/other devices
communication in connected to each other.
the information
processing cycle
A solid state drive A solid state drive is a storage device that
(SSD) has no moving parts making it silent and
more robust than an HDD. Solid state drives
operate much faster than traditional hard
drives as they store data electronically and
not magnetically as with a traditional hard
drive
Memory Card A card reader is a device connected to a
Reader computer designed to accept and read
data from different types of storage media,
such as SIM and SD cards and flash drives.
Methods that could
be used to repair a flash drive that has been infected with a virus:
@Juffrou_Ansie
, 3
Run an antivirus scan OR format
High‐Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is a standard/port for
connecting high‐definition video devices, such as computer
monitors, video projectors and digital television, etc. HDMI carries
high quality video and audio signals, and there is no need for
separate audio cables as with VGA.
A disk The main task of a disk defragmenter utility is to reorganise files and
defragmenter keep related files together
• The higher the resolution, the larger the file will be that stores
Resolution in the image.
scanners and • An 18 MP digital camera has about 18 million pixels.
digital cameras • The resolution of a scanner is stated as dpi (dots per inch).
The review tab The review tab on the Microsoft Word ribbon includes functions
such as accepting or rejecting changes
Augmented reality Allows a user to view digitally created visuals in real time overlaid
onto a physical environment?
Micro USB A device used to connect many modern devices, such as
smartphones to a computer and also connect devices to a charger.
e-Commerce The term used for the marketing, purchase and sale of products or
services over the Internet.
Bitcoin A form of virtual, digital currency, which can be exchanged for other
currencies, products and services.
Crowdfunding The process of getting many people to fund a project, typically over
the Internet.
Server A computer that provides resources and/or services to other
computers on a network.
iOS Software produced by Apple and found in all Apple mobile devices.
Plagiarism The act of passing off someone else’s work as your own.
Sticky keys An accessibility option that allows a user to use key combinations,
like Ctrl+Alt+Delete, one key at a time.
Shaping A technique whereby certain network services (e.g. gaming) are
given lower priority than other more critical ones (e.g. email)
Compatibility It is the ability of two or more systems or their components to work
together without intervention or modification by the user.
@Juffrou_Ansie
, 4
RAM Function: To hold data and programs being processed (i.e.
temporarily/while the computer is on)
RAM vs. Storage
• RAM is electronic; storage is magnetic/optical/electronic.
• RAM is fast, storage is slower.
• RAM is more expensive per GB; storage is cheaper.
QR Code/2D barcode
It would be scanned by a cell phone to reveal the info it contains.
Advantages:
• No need to manually type in the URL and fewer errors are
made.
• QR code scanners (software) can be downloaded/used for
free.
• Can store extra information such as logos
UPS Uninterruptible power supply
An electrical device that supplies power as the power supply,
typically the main power source, failure
BYOD Refers to a concept where people are allowed to bring and use their
own portable devices, to access the network
Cloud storage Benefits:
• Comfortable: you can access your data anywhere you have
access to the internet.
• Security: most companies use industry-level security
software and practices that make it more difficult for hackers
to get your data.
• Backups: you have a backup of your data in case your
computer crashes.
• Cooperation: with your permission, others can access, view,
and edit your documents.
• Environmentally friendly: cloud storage uses less resources,
thus saving energy.
Software patch An update that can be downloaded to fix a specific bug in software
Limitations of data • Image quality.
projectors for • Normally limited to 4:3 aspect ratio.
showing computer • Lower contrast ratios
output, compared
to normal
monitors.
Open and closed Closed question usually has only one answer, e.g. yes or no.
questions Open questions have more than one possible answer
Bibliography and A bibliography is a list of references you used in the research.
citation Citation is when you quote someone from a book or website
@Juffrou_Ansie
Grade 12
COMPUTER
APPLICATIONS
TECHNOLOGY
Theory
Term 1_2026
Previous exam papers have been used to compile these notes, SC/NSC_ June DBE/2021. SC/NSC_ June DBE/2022, SC/NSC_ June DBE/2022, SC/NSC_ June
DBE/2023, @IMPAQ JUN 2022 & @IMPAQ JUN 2022. REVISION BOOKLET 2024_Term 1
This Grade 12 Computer Applications Technology (CAT) Term 1 – 2026 study guide has
been carefully compiled to assist learners in preparing systematically and effectively for
tests and examinations. The content focuses on Theory work for Term 1, with structured
explanations, definitions, case study guidance, and exam-style questions to support
understanding and revision.
These notes are IMPAQ-focused and have been developed using previous DBE and
SC/NSC examination papers, as well as IMPAQ assessment material, ensuring alignment
with the CAPS curriculum and current assessment standards
Content
System Technologies: General concepts......................................................................... 5
System Technologies: Hardware .................................................................................. 10
System Technologies: Software & Social implications .................................................... 17
Solution Development. ................................................................................................ 27
INTEGRATED SCENARIOS ............................................................................................ 29
Juffrou Ansie
@Juffrou_Ansie
, 2
Multiple choice questions
Examples of
dedicated devices Barcode scanner , DVD player , Microphone .
First line indent The type of indent illustrated in the
following screenshot of a word
document:
Micro - computer A compact computer with a complete system is known as a
microcomputer
E-waste This type of waste refers to discarded electronic devices that are
thrown away and transported to landfills. Most of these devices
contain non-biodegradable materials and heavy metals (lead,
cadmium and mercury) that are toxic. The toxins can leak into the
ground and contaminate the groundwater.
Convergence Convergence is a term used to describe a situation where multiple
technologies are combined to deliver a new, more exciting product.
The concept of The result of processing is shared with users/other devices
communication in connected to each other.
the information
processing cycle
A solid state drive A solid state drive is a storage device that
(SSD) has no moving parts making it silent and
more robust than an HDD. Solid state drives
operate much faster than traditional hard
drives as they store data electronically and
not magnetically as with a traditional hard
drive
Memory Card A card reader is a device connected to a
Reader computer designed to accept and read
data from different types of storage media,
such as SIM and SD cards and flash drives.
Methods that could
be used to repair a flash drive that has been infected with a virus:
@Juffrou_Ansie
, 3
Run an antivirus scan OR format
High‐Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is a standard/port for
connecting high‐definition video devices, such as computer
monitors, video projectors and digital television, etc. HDMI carries
high quality video and audio signals, and there is no need for
separate audio cables as with VGA.
A disk The main task of a disk defragmenter utility is to reorganise files and
defragmenter keep related files together
• The higher the resolution, the larger the file will be that stores
Resolution in the image.
scanners and • An 18 MP digital camera has about 18 million pixels.
digital cameras • The resolution of a scanner is stated as dpi (dots per inch).
The review tab The review tab on the Microsoft Word ribbon includes functions
such as accepting or rejecting changes
Augmented reality Allows a user to view digitally created visuals in real time overlaid
onto a physical environment?
Micro USB A device used to connect many modern devices, such as
smartphones to a computer and also connect devices to a charger.
e-Commerce The term used for the marketing, purchase and sale of products or
services over the Internet.
Bitcoin A form of virtual, digital currency, which can be exchanged for other
currencies, products and services.
Crowdfunding The process of getting many people to fund a project, typically over
the Internet.
Server A computer that provides resources and/or services to other
computers on a network.
iOS Software produced by Apple and found in all Apple mobile devices.
Plagiarism The act of passing off someone else’s work as your own.
Sticky keys An accessibility option that allows a user to use key combinations,
like Ctrl+Alt+Delete, one key at a time.
Shaping A technique whereby certain network services (e.g. gaming) are
given lower priority than other more critical ones (e.g. email)
Compatibility It is the ability of two or more systems or their components to work
together without intervention or modification by the user.
@Juffrou_Ansie
, 4
RAM Function: To hold data and programs being processed (i.e.
temporarily/while the computer is on)
RAM vs. Storage
• RAM is electronic; storage is magnetic/optical/electronic.
• RAM is fast, storage is slower.
• RAM is more expensive per GB; storage is cheaper.
QR Code/2D barcode
It would be scanned by a cell phone to reveal the info it contains.
Advantages:
• No need to manually type in the URL and fewer errors are
made.
• QR code scanners (software) can be downloaded/used for
free.
• Can store extra information such as logos
UPS Uninterruptible power supply
An electrical device that supplies power as the power supply,
typically the main power source, failure
BYOD Refers to a concept where people are allowed to bring and use their
own portable devices, to access the network
Cloud storage Benefits:
• Comfortable: you can access your data anywhere you have
access to the internet.
• Security: most companies use industry-level security
software and practices that make it more difficult for hackers
to get your data.
• Backups: you have a backup of your data in case your
computer crashes.
• Cooperation: with your permission, others can access, view,
and edit your documents.
• Environmentally friendly: cloud storage uses less resources,
thus saving energy.
Software patch An update that can be downloaded to fix a specific bug in software
Limitations of data • Image quality.
projectors for • Normally limited to 4:3 aspect ratio.
showing computer • Lower contrast ratios
output, compared
to normal
monitors.
Open and closed Closed question usually has only one answer, e.g. yes or no.
questions Open questions have more than one possible answer
Bibliography and A bibliography is a list of references you used in the research.
citation Citation is when you quote someone from a book or website
@Juffrou_Ansie
