ð CAT EXAM
NOTES
ð Theory Notes
1
,Table of contents
Table of contents ........................................................................................................................................................ 2
Module 1.1 – It’s all about ICT ..................................................................................................................................... 7
The Role Of ICT In The Workplace ................................................................................................................................... 7
Why Cat Is A Useful Subject?........................................................................................................................................... 7
The Computer.................................................................................................................................................................. 7
Portable computers ................................................................................................................................................... 8
Laptops ................................................................................................................................................................ 8
Tablets ................................................................................................................................................................. 8
Hybrid Laptops or Hybrid Tablets ........................................................................................................................ 9
Smartphones ........................................................................................................................................................ 9
Servers and Clients .................................................................................................................................................... 9
Dedicated Devices................................................................................................................................................ 9
Computers ........................................................................................................................................................... 9
Protecting Your Information ......................................................................................................................................... 10
Hardware and Theft Protection ............................................................................................................................... 10
Uninterruptable Power Supply ................................................................................................................................ 10
Module 1.2 – Input and output.................................................................................................................................. 11
Input .............................................................................................................................................................................. 11
Image Capture ......................................................................................................................................................... 11
Digital Cameras .................................................................................................................................................. 11
Compact cameras vs DSLR cameras ............................................................................................................. 11
Advantages of Digital Cameras ..................................................................................................................... 11
Disadvantages or Limitations of Digital Cameras ......................................................................................... 11
Specifications that Determine Quality ......................................................................................................... 11
Scanners ............................................................................................................................................................. 12
Quality of the Scanned Image ...................................................................................................................... 12
Advantages of Scanners ............................................................................................................................... 12
Disadvantages and Limitations of Scanners ................................................................................................. 12
Biometric Input ........................................................................................................................................................ 13
Advantages ........................................................................................................................................................ 13
Disadvantages and Limitations .......................................................................................................................... 13
Input at ATMs .......................................................................................................................................................... 13
ATM Thievery ..................................................................................................................................................... 13
Advantages of ATMs .......................................................................................................................................... 14
Disadvantages of ATMs ...................................................................................................................................... 14
Input into POS Systems ........................................................................................................................................... 14
How does it work? ............................................................................................................................................. 14
Advantages ........................................................................................................................................................ 14
Disadvantages .................................................................................................................................................... 14
Touch Screens as Input Devices............................................................................................................................... 14
Advantages ........................................................................................................................................................ 14
Disadvantages and Limitations .......................................................................................................................... 15
Data Collection Devices ........................................................................................................................................... 15
Advantages ........................................................................................................................................................ 15
Disadvantages and Limitations .......................................................................................................................... 15
Input into Smartphones and Consumer Tablets ...................................................................................................... 15
Alternative Keyboards ............................................................................................................................................. 15
Wireless Technology in Input Devices ..................................................................................................................... 16
Output ........................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Display Devices ........................................................................................................................................................ 16
Advantages ........................................................................................................................................................ 16
Disadvantages and Limitations .......................................................................................................................... 16
Types of Output ....................................................................................................................................................... 16
2
, Visual Output ..................................................................................................................................................... 16
Sound Output..................................................................................................................................................... 17
Touch Output ..................................................................................................................................................... 17
Other Output ..................................................................................................................................................... 17
Specifications that Determine Quality .................................................................................................................... 17
Screen size ......................................................................................................................................................... 17
Resolution .......................................................................................................................................................... 17
Contrast Ratio .................................................................................................................................................... 17
Aspect Ratio ....................................................................................................................................................... 17
Response Time ................................................................................................................................................... 17
Lumens for Data Projectors ............................................................................................................................... 17
DVI and HDMI .................................................................................................................................................... 18
Other Features ................................................................................................................................................... 18
Printers .................................................................................................................................................................... 18
Laser Printers and Inkjet Printers ....................................................................................................................... 18
Speed ................................................................................................................................................................. 18
Resolution .......................................................................................................................................................... 18
Monthly Duty Cycle............................................................................................................................................ 18
Number of Colours............................................................................................................................................. 18
Paper Options .................................................................................................................................................... 18
Connections ....................................................................................................................................................... 19
3D Printers ............................................................................................................................................................... 19
Wireless Technology in Output Devices .................................................................................................................. 19
Interactive Whiteboards ............................................................................................................................................... 19
Advantages .............................................................................................................................................................. 19
Disadvantages and Limitations ................................................................................................................................ 20
What Makes it all Work? .............................................................................................................................................. 20
Drivers ..................................................................................................................................................................... 20
Plug-and-play ........................................................................................................................................................... 20
Input and Output for Physically Challenged Users ........................................................................................................ 20
Visually Impaired or Blind ........................................................................................................................................ 20
Hearing Impaired or Deaf ........................................................................................................................................ 20
Motor Control (paralyzed, arthritic, poor motor control) ....................................................................................... 20
Input and Output and Health Issues.............................................................................................................................. 21
Module 1.3 – Storage, processing and memory ......................................................................................................... 22
Memory and storage..................................................................................................................................................... 22
Memory ................................................................................................................................................................... 22
Storage .................................................................................................................................................................... 22
Memory vs Storage ................................................................................................................................................. 22
Interpreting Advertisements ................................................................................................................................... 22
Online Storage ......................................................................................................................................................... 23
Advantages of online storage ............................................................................................................................ 23
Disadvantages of online storage ........................................................................................................................ 23
Difference between online storage and cloud computing ................................................................................ 23
Backing up ............................................................................................................................................................... 23
How to write CDs and DVDs ............................................................................................................................... 24
Difference between archives and back-ups ....................................................................................................... 24
Archives ........................................................................................................................................................ 24
Backing up .................................................................................................................................................... 24
Basic troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................................. 24
Managing back-ups ............................................................................................................................................ 24
Problems with CDs and DVDs ............................................................................................................................ 24
Formatting and reformatting ............................................................................................................................. 25
Disc scanning...................................................................................................................................................... 25
Disc defragmentation ........................................................................................................................................ 25
Disc running out of space................................................................................................................................... 25
3
, Processing ..................................................................................................................................................................... 26
Motherboard ........................................................................................................................................................... 26
CPU .......................................................................................................................................................................... 26
RAM ......................................................................................................................................................................... 26
ROM......................................................................................................................................................................... 26
How the computer starts up .............................................................................................................................. 26
Module 1.4 – Software .............................................................................................................................................. 27
Application software ..................................................................................................................................................... 27
Multimedia software ............................................................................................................................................... 27
Communications software ...................................................................................................................................... 27
Compatibility issues ...................................................................................................................................................... 27
Software versions and subscription ........................................................................................................................ 27
Software bugs ............................................................................................................................................................... 28
Updating your software ................................................................................................................................................ 28
Service packs vs updates ......................................................................................................................................... 28
Online software ............................................................................................................................................................. 29
Advantages of online software ................................................................................................................................ 29
Disadvantages of online software ........................................................................................................................... 29
Example: Google Docs ....................................................................................................................................... 29
Exploring web applications – blogs .................................................................................................................... 29
Good practices when blogging ..................................................................................................................... 29
Advantages of blogging ................................................................................................................................ 30
Disadvantages of Blogging............................................................................................................................ 30
Software for physically challenged users ...................................................................................................................... 30
Module 1.5 – Computer Management ....................................................................................................................... 31
System requirements .................................................................................................................................................... 31
Software installation ..................................................................................................................................................... 31
How to install software ........................................................................................................................................... 31
Online downloads with installers ....................................................................................................................... 31
Online downloads without installers ................................................................................................................. 31
Physical media (portable storage media) .......................................................................................................... 32
Steps when installing software................................................................................................................................ 32
Uninstalling software............................................................................................................................................... 33
Managing files .............................................................................................................................................................. 33
Finding files in Windows .......................................................................................................................................... 33
The search feature in Windows/File Explorer .................................................................................................... 33
Windows search ................................................................................................................................................. 33
Other ways to manage files ............................................................................................................................... 33
Determine what kind of data the file contains ............................................................................................. 33
Convert files between different types .......................................................................................................... 34
View or add extra information about a file .................................................................................................. 34
Hide a file so that it cannot be found and accidentally deleted or changed ................................................ 34
Prevent the contents of a file from being changed ...................................................................................... 34
Dealing with hardware failure ...................................................................................................................................... 34
Module 1.6 – The dark side of computing .................................................................................................................. 36
Human and social aspects ............................................................................................................................................. 36
Information accuracy............................................................................................................................................... 36
Data protection ....................................................................................................................................................... 36
Control access to physical data .......................................................................................................................... 36
Control access to computers ............................................................................................................................. 36
Limit and control use of portable storage ......................................................................................................... 36
The criminal side of things ............................................................................................................................................ 37
4
NOTES
ð Theory Notes
1
,Table of contents
Table of contents ........................................................................................................................................................ 2
Module 1.1 – It’s all about ICT ..................................................................................................................................... 7
The Role Of ICT In The Workplace ................................................................................................................................... 7
Why Cat Is A Useful Subject?........................................................................................................................................... 7
The Computer.................................................................................................................................................................. 7
Portable computers ................................................................................................................................................... 8
Laptops ................................................................................................................................................................ 8
Tablets ................................................................................................................................................................. 8
Hybrid Laptops or Hybrid Tablets ........................................................................................................................ 9
Smartphones ........................................................................................................................................................ 9
Servers and Clients .................................................................................................................................................... 9
Dedicated Devices................................................................................................................................................ 9
Computers ........................................................................................................................................................... 9
Protecting Your Information ......................................................................................................................................... 10
Hardware and Theft Protection ............................................................................................................................... 10
Uninterruptable Power Supply ................................................................................................................................ 10
Module 1.2 – Input and output.................................................................................................................................. 11
Input .............................................................................................................................................................................. 11
Image Capture ......................................................................................................................................................... 11
Digital Cameras .................................................................................................................................................. 11
Compact cameras vs DSLR cameras ............................................................................................................. 11
Advantages of Digital Cameras ..................................................................................................................... 11
Disadvantages or Limitations of Digital Cameras ......................................................................................... 11
Specifications that Determine Quality ......................................................................................................... 11
Scanners ............................................................................................................................................................. 12
Quality of the Scanned Image ...................................................................................................................... 12
Advantages of Scanners ............................................................................................................................... 12
Disadvantages and Limitations of Scanners ................................................................................................. 12
Biometric Input ........................................................................................................................................................ 13
Advantages ........................................................................................................................................................ 13
Disadvantages and Limitations .......................................................................................................................... 13
Input at ATMs .......................................................................................................................................................... 13
ATM Thievery ..................................................................................................................................................... 13
Advantages of ATMs .......................................................................................................................................... 14
Disadvantages of ATMs ...................................................................................................................................... 14
Input into POS Systems ........................................................................................................................................... 14
How does it work? ............................................................................................................................................. 14
Advantages ........................................................................................................................................................ 14
Disadvantages .................................................................................................................................................... 14
Touch Screens as Input Devices............................................................................................................................... 14
Advantages ........................................................................................................................................................ 14
Disadvantages and Limitations .......................................................................................................................... 15
Data Collection Devices ........................................................................................................................................... 15
Advantages ........................................................................................................................................................ 15
Disadvantages and Limitations .......................................................................................................................... 15
Input into Smartphones and Consumer Tablets ...................................................................................................... 15
Alternative Keyboards ............................................................................................................................................. 15
Wireless Technology in Input Devices ..................................................................................................................... 16
Output ........................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Display Devices ........................................................................................................................................................ 16
Advantages ........................................................................................................................................................ 16
Disadvantages and Limitations .......................................................................................................................... 16
Types of Output ....................................................................................................................................................... 16
2
, Visual Output ..................................................................................................................................................... 16
Sound Output..................................................................................................................................................... 17
Touch Output ..................................................................................................................................................... 17
Other Output ..................................................................................................................................................... 17
Specifications that Determine Quality .................................................................................................................... 17
Screen size ......................................................................................................................................................... 17
Resolution .......................................................................................................................................................... 17
Contrast Ratio .................................................................................................................................................... 17
Aspect Ratio ....................................................................................................................................................... 17
Response Time ................................................................................................................................................... 17
Lumens for Data Projectors ............................................................................................................................... 17
DVI and HDMI .................................................................................................................................................... 18
Other Features ................................................................................................................................................... 18
Printers .................................................................................................................................................................... 18
Laser Printers and Inkjet Printers ....................................................................................................................... 18
Speed ................................................................................................................................................................. 18
Resolution .......................................................................................................................................................... 18
Monthly Duty Cycle............................................................................................................................................ 18
Number of Colours............................................................................................................................................. 18
Paper Options .................................................................................................................................................... 18
Connections ....................................................................................................................................................... 19
3D Printers ............................................................................................................................................................... 19
Wireless Technology in Output Devices .................................................................................................................. 19
Interactive Whiteboards ............................................................................................................................................... 19
Advantages .............................................................................................................................................................. 19
Disadvantages and Limitations ................................................................................................................................ 20
What Makes it all Work? .............................................................................................................................................. 20
Drivers ..................................................................................................................................................................... 20
Plug-and-play ........................................................................................................................................................... 20
Input and Output for Physically Challenged Users ........................................................................................................ 20
Visually Impaired or Blind ........................................................................................................................................ 20
Hearing Impaired or Deaf ........................................................................................................................................ 20
Motor Control (paralyzed, arthritic, poor motor control) ....................................................................................... 20
Input and Output and Health Issues.............................................................................................................................. 21
Module 1.3 – Storage, processing and memory ......................................................................................................... 22
Memory and storage..................................................................................................................................................... 22
Memory ................................................................................................................................................................... 22
Storage .................................................................................................................................................................... 22
Memory vs Storage ................................................................................................................................................. 22
Interpreting Advertisements ................................................................................................................................... 22
Online Storage ......................................................................................................................................................... 23
Advantages of online storage ............................................................................................................................ 23
Disadvantages of online storage ........................................................................................................................ 23
Difference between online storage and cloud computing ................................................................................ 23
Backing up ............................................................................................................................................................... 23
How to write CDs and DVDs ............................................................................................................................... 24
Difference between archives and back-ups ....................................................................................................... 24
Archives ........................................................................................................................................................ 24
Backing up .................................................................................................................................................... 24
Basic troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................................. 24
Managing back-ups ............................................................................................................................................ 24
Problems with CDs and DVDs ............................................................................................................................ 24
Formatting and reformatting ............................................................................................................................. 25
Disc scanning...................................................................................................................................................... 25
Disc defragmentation ........................................................................................................................................ 25
Disc running out of space................................................................................................................................... 25
3
, Processing ..................................................................................................................................................................... 26
Motherboard ........................................................................................................................................................... 26
CPU .......................................................................................................................................................................... 26
RAM ......................................................................................................................................................................... 26
ROM......................................................................................................................................................................... 26
How the computer starts up .............................................................................................................................. 26
Module 1.4 – Software .............................................................................................................................................. 27
Application software ..................................................................................................................................................... 27
Multimedia software ............................................................................................................................................... 27
Communications software ...................................................................................................................................... 27
Compatibility issues ...................................................................................................................................................... 27
Software versions and subscription ........................................................................................................................ 27
Software bugs ............................................................................................................................................................... 28
Updating your software ................................................................................................................................................ 28
Service packs vs updates ......................................................................................................................................... 28
Online software ............................................................................................................................................................. 29
Advantages of online software ................................................................................................................................ 29
Disadvantages of online software ........................................................................................................................... 29
Example: Google Docs ....................................................................................................................................... 29
Exploring web applications – blogs .................................................................................................................... 29
Good practices when blogging ..................................................................................................................... 29
Advantages of blogging ................................................................................................................................ 30
Disadvantages of Blogging............................................................................................................................ 30
Software for physically challenged users ...................................................................................................................... 30
Module 1.5 – Computer Management ....................................................................................................................... 31
System requirements .................................................................................................................................................... 31
Software installation ..................................................................................................................................................... 31
How to install software ........................................................................................................................................... 31
Online downloads with installers ....................................................................................................................... 31
Online downloads without installers ................................................................................................................. 31
Physical media (portable storage media) .......................................................................................................... 32
Steps when installing software................................................................................................................................ 32
Uninstalling software............................................................................................................................................... 33
Managing files .............................................................................................................................................................. 33
Finding files in Windows .......................................................................................................................................... 33
The search feature in Windows/File Explorer .................................................................................................... 33
Windows search ................................................................................................................................................. 33
Other ways to manage files ............................................................................................................................... 33
Determine what kind of data the file contains ............................................................................................. 33
Convert files between different types .......................................................................................................... 34
View or add extra information about a file .................................................................................................. 34
Hide a file so that it cannot be found and accidentally deleted or changed ................................................ 34
Prevent the contents of a file from being changed ...................................................................................... 34
Dealing with hardware failure ...................................................................................................................................... 34
Module 1.6 – The dark side of computing .................................................................................................................. 36
Human and social aspects ............................................................................................................................................. 36
Information accuracy............................................................................................................................................... 36
Data protection ....................................................................................................................................................... 36
Control access to physical data .......................................................................................................................... 36
Control access to computers ............................................................................................................................. 36
Limit and control use of portable storage ......................................................................................................... 36
The criminal side of things ............................................................................................................................................ 37
4
