1
Resources: EC_Sept 2025, EC_Sept 2024, EC_Sept 2023, EC_Sept 2022. IMAGES: Canva and AI-generated images based on typical examination-
style questions.
Important:
These study notes are revised and updated annually to align with the CAPS curriculum and
current examination requirements. The content is based on past examination papers, tests
and typical assessment question patterns.
The content was adapted and structured for examination preparation purposes. AI tools were
used to assist with formatting, rephrasing and differentiation.
These notes are designed to help learners:
• Understand key concepts
• Practise exam-style questions
• Identify important themes and patterns in assessments
• Revise important content in a structured way
To ensure learners work with the most relevant and up-to-date content, parents and learners
are encouraged to confirm that they are using the latest version of the notes. If you are unsure
whether you have the latest version, please feel free to contact me at:
Please note that these notes are compiled as a structured study aid for examination
preparation. They do not replace the prescribed textbook or classroom instruction.
Important: Learners can use the Term 3 notes for focused Term 3 preparation. Where
applicable, it is also recommended that learners revise Term 1 and Term 2 notes together with
the Term 3 notes.
Good luck, Juffrou Ansie
© 2026 Juffrou Ansie Study Notes. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or distributed without written permission.
, 2
Contents
Key Terms ................................................................................................................ 2
Systems Technologies .............................................................................................. 5
Communication & Network Technologies ................................................................ 14
Data & Information Management............................................................................. 30
Solution Development ............................................................................................ 39
Social Implications, Security & Digital Citizenship .................................................... 48
Emerging / Internet Technologies............................................................................. 54
Key Terms
AJAX Combines JavaScript with a browser command to allow the
browser to download data without requiring the whole page to
refresh
Algorithm A series of steps followed by a programmer to solve a problem.
Anomaly An error found in a database
Anti-malware software Utility software that detects and removes malicious software
from a computer.
Application software A category of software specifically designed to perform various
tasks and functions for end-users
Artificial Intelligence/AI Simulation of human decision-making process by a computer
system that is programmed to react on the basis of input gained
from sensors
Attenuation The loss of a signal strength over a distance.
Audit trail A record that is made to keep track of who made changes to a
database and when those changes were made.
Bandwidth It refers to the total amount of data that can be transferred from
one point to another in a given period of time.
Bandwidth The maximum amount of data that can be transmitted in a
network from one point to the other in a certain period of time.
BitTorrent A peer-to-peer protocol used for downloading and uploading
large files over the internet.
Boolean A data type that is having only two possible values.
Bus Electrical paths etched on a motherboard, which are used to
transfer data/signals between different parts
Composite keys The combination of more than one field to uniquely identify a
record in a database
Composite/Combined/ A key consisting of two or more fields that together uniquely
Concatenated key identify a record.
© 2026 Juffrou Ansie Study Notes. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or distributed without written permission.
, 3
Constructor The method used to create an object and initialise the properties
of an object.
Convergence Trend whereby separate technologies and functions from
multiple devices are combined into a single multi-purpose device
Data Collection of raw, unprocessed and unorganised facts.
Data cap A term used to describe the data bundle limit
Data redundancy/ The unnecessary repetition of data in a database
duplication
Digital Gap/Divide The gap that exists between people who have access to
technology and those who have no access.
Encapsulation The grouping of attributes and behaviour of a class in one entity
Encapsulation The grouping of attributes and behaviour of a class in one entity.
Ergonomics The process of designing products that will not harm users both
at workplaces and at home.
Filename extension A part of a file name which uniquely identifies the type of file.
Flashing the ROM The process of updating the firmware on a device, such as a
smartphone or tablet
Flowchart A diagrammatic/symbolic visual representation of the sequence
of steps required to solve a problem
Hacker A person who uses computers to gain unauthorised access to
data
Internet of Things/IoT The concept that more and more devices and objects are
connected to the internet with the ability to communicate and
make intelligent decisions
Intranet Is a locked private network used to share information on a private
network
Machine code Instructions in binary format that the CPU can directly execute
Memes An image, video piece or text typically/normally humorous/funny
in nature that is copied and spread rapidly by the internet users
Network Shaping A technique where certain internet services are given preference
while others are given less priority, so that performance is
maintained for more critical services.
Node A computing device connected to a network is usually referred to
as a node.
Node(s) Used to identify computing devices that are connected to a
network.
Normalisation The process of specifying and defining tables, keys, columns, and
relationships in order to create an efficient database
Normalisation A database design technique that reduces data redundancy and
eliminates issues caused by anomalies
Object The instance of a class in OOP
Overflow An error condition where there are not enough bits available in
memory to represent an integer value accurately.
© 2026 Juffrou Ansie Study Notes. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or distributed without written permission.
, 4
Pharming An identity theft scam where the user is automatically redirected
to another fake website even if the correct URL was entered.
Plug-and-Play/PnP A technology that allows the operating system to identify a device
that is plugged into the computer and automatically installs the
driver for the device.
POP3/Post Office A common protocol used by e-mail clients to retrieve e-mails
Protocol 3 from a mail server.
Power users The general term that refers to people who uses their computers
to do advanced tasks
Protocol A set of rules that describe how data is sent between two
computing devices in a network.
RAM Storage area for all running programs and data being processed
by the computing device
Record/Tuple The combination of related fields in a table
Remote/Online working Working in a decentralised location, for example at home using
modern communication systems
Router A device that makes it possible for networks to communicate
over internet by directing data to its correct destination
Router A device that directs data traffic between different networks and
determines the best path for data packets to travel from the
source to the destination.
seek time The time taken for a disk drive to locate the area on the disk
where the data to be read is stored.
SEO or Search Engine A strategy used to obtain a high-ranking placement in the search
Optimisation engine results page of a search engine.
Spam Electronic junk mail you receive via e-communication such as e-
mail or SMS
SQL/Structured Query A standard language used for querying and manipulating data in a
Language database
Switch A hardware device that connects computing devices to a central
point and directs the data in the network to its correct destination
so that communication can occur.
Thrashing A condition where a system spends excessive time swapping data
between RAM and disk storage instead of executing tasks
efficiently, leading to a drastic drop in performance.
Utilities/Utility programs Programs that are part of system software and do maintenance
and administrative tasks
Utilities/Utility software System software that helps users to analyse, configure, monitor
or help maintain their computers
Virtualisation This technology enables SaaS providers to serve multiple
customers from a single instance of their software
VRAM/Video Random The type of memory on a graphics card that temporarily stores
Access Memory image data that is processed by the GPU.
Zero Insertion Force /ZIF The slot/socket that is used to connect the CPU
© 2026 Juffrou Ansie Study Notes. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or distributed without written permission.
Resources: EC_Sept 2025, EC_Sept 2024, EC_Sept 2023, EC_Sept 2022. IMAGES: Canva and AI-generated images based on typical examination-
style questions.
Important:
These study notes are revised and updated annually to align with the CAPS curriculum and
current examination requirements. The content is based on past examination papers, tests
and typical assessment question patterns.
The content was adapted and structured for examination preparation purposes. AI tools were
used to assist with formatting, rephrasing and differentiation.
These notes are designed to help learners:
• Understand key concepts
• Practise exam-style questions
• Identify important themes and patterns in assessments
• Revise important content in a structured way
To ensure learners work with the most relevant and up-to-date content, parents and learners
are encouraged to confirm that they are using the latest version of the notes. If you are unsure
whether you have the latest version, please feel free to contact me at:
Please note that these notes are compiled as a structured study aid for examination
preparation. They do not replace the prescribed textbook or classroom instruction.
Important: Learners can use the Term 3 notes for focused Term 3 preparation. Where
applicable, it is also recommended that learners revise Term 1 and Term 2 notes together with
the Term 3 notes.
Good luck, Juffrou Ansie
© 2026 Juffrou Ansie Study Notes. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or distributed without written permission.
, 2
Contents
Key Terms ................................................................................................................ 2
Systems Technologies .............................................................................................. 5
Communication & Network Technologies ................................................................ 14
Data & Information Management............................................................................. 30
Solution Development ............................................................................................ 39
Social Implications, Security & Digital Citizenship .................................................... 48
Emerging / Internet Technologies............................................................................. 54
Key Terms
AJAX Combines JavaScript with a browser command to allow the
browser to download data without requiring the whole page to
refresh
Algorithm A series of steps followed by a programmer to solve a problem.
Anomaly An error found in a database
Anti-malware software Utility software that detects and removes malicious software
from a computer.
Application software A category of software specifically designed to perform various
tasks and functions for end-users
Artificial Intelligence/AI Simulation of human decision-making process by a computer
system that is programmed to react on the basis of input gained
from sensors
Attenuation The loss of a signal strength over a distance.
Audit trail A record that is made to keep track of who made changes to a
database and when those changes were made.
Bandwidth It refers to the total amount of data that can be transferred from
one point to another in a given period of time.
Bandwidth The maximum amount of data that can be transmitted in a
network from one point to the other in a certain period of time.
BitTorrent A peer-to-peer protocol used for downloading and uploading
large files over the internet.
Boolean A data type that is having only two possible values.
Bus Electrical paths etched on a motherboard, which are used to
transfer data/signals between different parts
Composite keys The combination of more than one field to uniquely identify a
record in a database
Composite/Combined/ A key consisting of two or more fields that together uniquely
Concatenated key identify a record.
© 2026 Juffrou Ansie Study Notes. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or distributed without written permission.
, 3
Constructor The method used to create an object and initialise the properties
of an object.
Convergence Trend whereby separate technologies and functions from
multiple devices are combined into a single multi-purpose device
Data Collection of raw, unprocessed and unorganised facts.
Data cap A term used to describe the data bundle limit
Data redundancy/ The unnecessary repetition of data in a database
duplication
Digital Gap/Divide The gap that exists between people who have access to
technology and those who have no access.
Encapsulation The grouping of attributes and behaviour of a class in one entity
Encapsulation The grouping of attributes and behaviour of a class in one entity.
Ergonomics The process of designing products that will not harm users both
at workplaces and at home.
Filename extension A part of a file name which uniquely identifies the type of file.
Flashing the ROM The process of updating the firmware on a device, such as a
smartphone or tablet
Flowchart A diagrammatic/symbolic visual representation of the sequence
of steps required to solve a problem
Hacker A person who uses computers to gain unauthorised access to
data
Internet of Things/IoT The concept that more and more devices and objects are
connected to the internet with the ability to communicate and
make intelligent decisions
Intranet Is a locked private network used to share information on a private
network
Machine code Instructions in binary format that the CPU can directly execute
Memes An image, video piece or text typically/normally humorous/funny
in nature that is copied and spread rapidly by the internet users
Network Shaping A technique where certain internet services are given preference
while others are given less priority, so that performance is
maintained for more critical services.
Node A computing device connected to a network is usually referred to
as a node.
Node(s) Used to identify computing devices that are connected to a
network.
Normalisation The process of specifying and defining tables, keys, columns, and
relationships in order to create an efficient database
Normalisation A database design technique that reduces data redundancy and
eliminates issues caused by anomalies
Object The instance of a class in OOP
Overflow An error condition where there are not enough bits available in
memory to represent an integer value accurately.
© 2026 Juffrou Ansie Study Notes. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or distributed without written permission.
, 4
Pharming An identity theft scam where the user is automatically redirected
to another fake website even if the correct URL was entered.
Plug-and-Play/PnP A technology that allows the operating system to identify a device
that is plugged into the computer and automatically installs the
driver for the device.
POP3/Post Office A common protocol used by e-mail clients to retrieve e-mails
Protocol 3 from a mail server.
Power users The general term that refers to people who uses their computers
to do advanced tasks
Protocol A set of rules that describe how data is sent between two
computing devices in a network.
RAM Storage area for all running programs and data being processed
by the computing device
Record/Tuple The combination of related fields in a table
Remote/Online working Working in a decentralised location, for example at home using
modern communication systems
Router A device that makes it possible for networks to communicate
over internet by directing data to its correct destination
Router A device that directs data traffic between different networks and
determines the best path for data packets to travel from the
source to the destination.
seek time The time taken for a disk drive to locate the area on the disk
where the data to be read is stored.
SEO or Search Engine A strategy used to obtain a high-ranking placement in the search
Optimisation engine results page of a search engine.
Spam Electronic junk mail you receive via e-communication such as e-
mail or SMS
SQL/Structured Query A standard language used for querying and manipulating data in a
Language database
Switch A hardware device that connects computing devices to a central
point and directs the data in the network to its correct destination
so that communication can occur.
Thrashing A condition where a system spends excessive time swapping data
between RAM and disk storage instead of executing tasks
efficiently, leading to a drastic drop in performance.
Utilities/Utility programs Programs that are part of system software and do maintenance
and administrative tasks
Utilities/Utility software System software that helps users to analyse, configure, monitor
or help maintain their computers
Virtualisation This technology enables SaaS providers to serve multiple
customers from a single instance of their software
VRAM/Video Random The type of memory on a graphics card that temporarily stores
Access Memory image data that is processed by the GPU.
Zero Insertion Force /ZIF The slot/socket that is used to connect the CPU
© 2026 Juffrou Ansie Study Notes. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or distributed without written permission.
