COMPUTER APPLICATIONS TECHNOLOGY
Grade 12 – Term 1 Theory Study Notes
Contents
COMPUTER APPLICATIONS TECHNOLOGY ............................................................................. 1
Grade 12 – Term 1 Theory Study Notes .................................................................................... 1
SECTION 1: SYSTEM TECHNOLOGIES ..................................................................................... 2
Module 1.1: Computers in Our Everyday Lives ..................................................................... 2
Module 1.2: Hardware Devices............................................................................................ 8
Module 1.3: Hardware Recommendations ......................................................................... 21
Module 1.4: Software........................................................................................................ 23
SECTION 3: WORD PROCESSING ......................................................................................... 25
Module 3.1: Reviewing Documents ................................................................................... 25
Module 3.2: Working with Long Documents ....................................................................... 25
SECTION 4: SPREADSHEETS................................................................................................. 27
Module 4.1: Functions for Calculations ............................................................................. 27
Module 4.2: Decisions in Functions ................................................................................... 27
SECTION 5: DATABASES ....................................................................................................... 29
Module 5.1: Revising and Improving Skills.......................................................................... 29
Module 5.2: Calculations .................................................................................................. 30
,SECTION 1: SYSTEM TECHNOLOGIES
Module 1.1: Computers in Our Everyday Lives
1. Why We Use Computers
Computers are used because they make tasks faster, easier, and more accurate.
Efficiency, accuracy and reliability
Efficiency – computers save the following:
Time
Labour
Resources
Accuracy – ensured by quality programs and quality data
mass production on assembly lines
performing same tasks over and over with 100% accuracy
Reliability – Computers can be relied on to do tasks
accurately
without tiring
without getting bored, etc.
Main reasons:
1. Speed
• Computers process information very quickly.
• Example: Calculating large sets of data.
2. Accuracy
• Computers reduce human error.
• Results are reliable if the correct data is entered.
3. Storage
• Computers can store huge amounts of data.
• Data can be saved and accessed later.
4. Automation
• Tasks can be performed automatically without human intervention.
• Example: Automatic bank payments.
, 5. Communication
• Computers allow people to communicate easily using:
o Email
o Social media
o Video calls
o Messaging apps
6. Productivity
• Businesses use computers to work more efficiently.
2. Types of Computer Systems
Computer systems are classified based on size, power, and purpose.
When comparing computers you should look at:
How powerful they are – e.g. speed of CPU and how much RAM
What they are used for – servers / basic office applications
Their size (mobility) – range from huge mainframe computers to hand-held
devices
Software they use – we refer to operating systems as ‘platforms’ and to
computers as ‘Linux machines’ or ‘Windows machines’
Non-portable computers
Generally consist of a system unit, monitor, mouse and keyboard.
They are ...
Large in size
Not meant to be moved around
Generally more powerful than mobile or portable computers
All-in-one units are easier to transport and take up less space — but are more
difficult to fix or upgrade
Entry-level computer
• Cheapest to purchase in range
• Lower hardware specifications
• Come with ‘Home editions’ of software
Grade 12 – Term 1 Theory Study Notes
Contents
COMPUTER APPLICATIONS TECHNOLOGY ............................................................................. 1
Grade 12 – Term 1 Theory Study Notes .................................................................................... 1
SECTION 1: SYSTEM TECHNOLOGIES ..................................................................................... 2
Module 1.1: Computers in Our Everyday Lives ..................................................................... 2
Module 1.2: Hardware Devices............................................................................................ 8
Module 1.3: Hardware Recommendations ......................................................................... 21
Module 1.4: Software........................................................................................................ 23
SECTION 3: WORD PROCESSING ......................................................................................... 25
Module 3.1: Reviewing Documents ................................................................................... 25
Module 3.2: Working with Long Documents ....................................................................... 25
SECTION 4: SPREADSHEETS................................................................................................. 27
Module 4.1: Functions for Calculations ............................................................................. 27
Module 4.2: Decisions in Functions ................................................................................... 27
SECTION 5: DATABASES ....................................................................................................... 29
Module 5.1: Revising and Improving Skills.......................................................................... 29
Module 5.2: Calculations .................................................................................................. 30
,SECTION 1: SYSTEM TECHNOLOGIES
Module 1.1: Computers in Our Everyday Lives
1. Why We Use Computers
Computers are used because they make tasks faster, easier, and more accurate.
Efficiency, accuracy and reliability
Efficiency – computers save the following:
Time
Labour
Resources
Accuracy – ensured by quality programs and quality data
mass production on assembly lines
performing same tasks over and over with 100% accuracy
Reliability – Computers can be relied on to do tasks
accurately
without tiring
without getting bored, etc.
Main reasons:
1. Speed
• Computers process information very quickly.
• Example: Calculating large sets of data.
2. Accuracy
• Computers reduce human error.
• Results are reliable if the correct data is entered.
3. Storage
• Computers can store huge amounts of data.
• Data can be saved and accessed later.
4. Automation
• Tasks can be performed automatically without human intervention.
• Example: Automatic bank payments.
, 5. Communication
• Computers allow people to communicate easily using:
o Email
o Social media
o Video calls
o Messaging apps
6. Productivity
• Businesses use computers to work more efficiently.
2. Types of Computer Systems
Computer systems are classified based on size, power, and purpose.
When comparing computers you should look at:
How powerful they are – e.g. speed of CPU and how much RAM
What they are used for – servers / basic office applications
Their size (mobility) – range from huge mainframe computers to hand-held
devices
Software they use – we refer to operating systems as ‘platforms’ and to
computers as ‘Linux machines’ or ‘Windows machines’
Non-portable computers
Generally consist of a system unit, monitor, mouse and keyboard.
They are ...
Large in size
Not meant to be moved around
Generally more powerful than mobile or portable computers
All-in-one units are easier to transport and take up less space — but are more
difficult to fix or upgrade
Entry-level computer
• Cheapest to purchase in range
• Lower hardware specifications
• Come with ‘Home editions’ of software
