2025
Computer Applications
Technology
CAT THEORY: GRADE 12 SUMMARIES
Jayden Horn
,Table of Contents:
1|Page
,Guide to Studying
Pages in
Term Modules No. of Pages
Summaries
1 Test 1.1 – 1.4 3 – 43 41
2 (Test if 2.1 – 2.2 53 – 66 14
applicable)
2 Exam 1.1 – 1.4 + 2.1 – 3 – 43 + 53 – 66 55
2.2
3 (Test if 1.5 + 2.3 – 2.4 44 – 52 + 67 – 78 21
applicable)
3 Exam 1.1 – 2.4 3 – 78 76
4 Exam 1.1 – 2.4 3 – 78 76
Foreword:
Dear Matric Student
These summaries only covers Section 1 and 2 of the CAT Study Opportunities
textbook. This is what your Theory paper will primarily consist of. It is also
recommended that you at least read through the other sections of your book before
writing as some questions could also come out of Section 7, as well as various
application questions of your Practical modules.
The way in which you prepare for your Practical exam varies from student to student
and therefore I leave the choice up to you.
As a final piece of advice, it is highly unnecessary to study each and every bullet
point, especially when it comes to uses, advantages, and disadvantages. You can
cut some of these out (not too many though).
Also note that it is important to have a working understanding of the content for
application and scenario questions. This is why I’ve added explanations/examples
(out of the book) to some bullet points. Not for you to study off by heart but instead
for you to gain insight into the work. Do note that these could be asked depending on
the content in question, but it is unlikely. Therefore, I recommend being able to name
one or two examples, whether those are the ones I inserted or your own.
I hope these summaries are of use to you.
Best of luck. Do not lose hope. Hold onto God, and he will provide for you –
Psalm 91 & Romans 8:28.
2|Page
,Chapter 1.1: Computers in our everyday lives
Why do we use computers?
Efficiency
Accuracy
Reliability
Efficiency
Computers save:
Time
Labour
Resources
Time:
Computers work faster than people.
Computers work in ‘real time’ when tasks need to happen.
Labour
Reduced labour involved in mentally intensive and repetitive physical tasks.
Can perform tasks that are dangerous for people.
Resources
Computers can work more efficiently with resources (e.g. automatically
switching lights off to save electricity)
Can monitor and limit carbon emissions.
Accuracy
Repeatable accuracy is essential for e.g. mass production.
If the software is correct, the computer will be 100% accurate.
Reliability
Computers don’t get tired, bored, ask for raises, complain or strike.
All this means that:
Computers are more cost effective in the long run.
Communication
This, together with efficiency, reliability and accuracy.
Allows us to eliminate time and distance as business constraints.
Communicate and share information in many different ways globally.
3|Page
, Can share information and work on the same information at the same
time.
Save on communication costs:
No postage and cheap calls like VoIP.
Interact socially on a worldwide scale:
With Social Networking tools like Snapchat, Facebook, etc.
TYPES OF COMPUTER SYSTEMS
When choosing, consider how powerful it must be, what it will be used for, its size,
and software (platforms refer to the types of operating systems used)
Non-portable computers
Consists of a system unit, screen, mouse, keyboard.
Large.
Generally, more powerful than a mobile computer.
Types:
Desktop computer – costs less for lower specifications
Server – a powerful computer that provides resources/services to all
computers linked in a network.
What is an entry-level computer?
Cheapest to buy in their range, therefore, low hardware specifications
Portable Computer
Uses a traditional operating system (e.g. Windows, macOS)
Portable, i.e. hardware has an all-in-one design (includes e.g. screen,
keyboard, battery)
Can use it at work and at home.
Description Comments
A device with a screen Can easily have the
size larger than 12’’ or same specifications as
Laptops / 13’’ high-end desktops.
Notebooks Terms can be used Costs more than a
interchangeably. desktop with similar
specifications.
Tablet A portable computer Similar to smartphones
with a touch or pen- The advantage is that it
sensitive screen. has a larger screen which
allows certain apps to
function better.
Cannot make calls or
4|Page
, send/receive SMS
messages.
Good for reading and
watching videos.
Have a longer battery life
than smartphones.
Often have a reversible Appear as normal laptops
(or detachable) screen but can be used as
and a normal tablets.
keyboard. Keyboard is folded
Hybrid Screen is touch or pen- behind the screen or
Computer sensitive. (User removed.
interacts directly with
the screen)
Often called
‘convertibles’.
A cell phone that Always on
includes an OS and the Provides instant access
ability to install and run to email, the internet,
Smartphone
apps. normal phoning/texting
Mostly use touch and additional features
screen interfaces. (GPS, games, etc.)
Smartphone with a Midway in sizer between
screen larger than 5’’ a smartphone and a
tablet.
A larger screen size is
Phablet
convenient.
Can make phone calls
like a normal
smartphone.
CATEGORIES OF USERS
1. Personal users: people who do not depend on their computers and do not
spend a lot of time using computers.
Personal users may use a computer for:
Limited office tasks
Internet banking
Email
Web browsing
Social networking.
Skype family/friends
View/share photos.
5|Page
, Entertainment
2. SOHO (Small Office Home Office):
May need entry-level for administration functions like.
Accounting/billing.
Databases (e.g. with clients)
Electronic document archiving
Planning/scheduling
May need more powerful computers depending on the jobs. (Architects, etc.)
3. Power users
Must have top-of-the-range hardware and software.
For example, hardcore gamers, engineers, architects, etc, need high-end
specifications.
May use advanced functions of software.
4. Mobile Users
Mobile users can also fall into any category above.
Want/need to have technology with them all the time.
In the past, mobile devices were used for jobs, but now every category above
has and uses mobile technology.
Choice of mobile technology depends on a person’s needs. Most people use
smartphones or tablets for:
Browsing the internet and email
Playing games
Reading books
Navigating with GPS
Taking notes
Taking photos/videos/recording sound
Convergence: merging or combining multiple technologies into a single,
multipurpose device with features of all combined technologies, like
smartphones/tablets.
6|Page
Computer Applications
Technology
CAT THEORY: GRADE 12 SUMMARIES
Jayden Horn
,Table of Contents:
1|Page
,Guide to Studying
Pages in
Term Modules No. of Pages
Summaries
1 Test 1.1 – 1.4 3 – 43 41
2 (Test if 2.1 – 2.2 53 – 66 14
applicable)
2 Exam 1.1 – 1.4 + 2.1 – 3 – 43 + 53 – 66 55
2.2
3 (Test if 1.5 + 2.3 – 2.4 44 – 52 + 67 – 78 21
applicable)
3 Exam 1.1 – 2.4 3 – 78 76
4 Exam 1.1 – 2.4 3 – 78 76
Foreword:
Dear Matric Student
These summaries only covers Section 1 and 2 of the CAT Study Opportunities
textbook. This is what your Theory paper will primarily consist of. It is also
recommended that you at least read through the other sections of your book before
writing as some questions could also come out of Section 7, as well as various
application questions of your Practical modules.
The way in which you prepare for your Practical exam varies from student to student
and therefore I leave the choice up to you.
As a final piece of advice, it is highly unnecessary to study each and every bullet
point, especially when it comes to uses, advantages, and disadvantages. You can
cut some of these out (not too many though).
Also note that it is important to have a working understanding of the content for
application and scenario questions. This is why I’ve added explanations/examples
(out of the book) to some bullet points. Not for you to study off by heart but instead
for you to gain insight into the work. Do note that these could be asked depending on
the content in question, but it is unlikely. Therefore, I recommend being able to name
one or two examples, whether those are the ones I inserted or your own.
I hope these summaries are of use to you.
Best of luck. Do not lose hope. Hold onto God, and he will provide for you –
Psalm 91 & Romans 8:28.
2|Page
,Chapter 1.1: Computers in our everyday lives
Why do we use computers?
Efficiency
Accuracy
Reliability
Efficiency
Computers save:
Time
Labour
Resources
Time:
Computers work faster than people.
Computers work in ‘real time’ when tasks need to happen.
Labour
Reduced labour involved in mentally intensive and repetitive physical tasks.
Can perform tasks that are dangerous for people.
Resources
Computers can work more efficiently with resources (e.g. automatically
switching lights off to save electricity)
Can monitor and limit carbon emissions.
Accuracy
Repeatable accuracy is essential for e.g. mass production.
If the software is correct, the computer will be 100% accurate.
Reliability
Computers don’t get tired, bored, ask for raises, complain or strike.
All this means that:
Computers are more cost effective in the long run.
Communication
This, together with efficiency, reliability and accuracy.
Allows us to eliminate time and distance as business constraints.
Communicate and share information in many different ways globally.
3|Page
, Can share information and work on the same information at the same
time.
Save on communication costs:
No postage and cheap calls like VoIP.
Interact socially on a worldwide scale:
With Social Networking tools like Snapchat, Facebook, etc.
TYPES OF COMPUTER SYSTEMS
When choosing, consider how powerful it must be, what it will be used for, its size,
and software (platforms refer to the types of operating systems used)
Non-portable computers
Consists of a system unit, screen, mouse, keyboard.
Large.
Generally, more powerful than a mobile computer.
Types:
Desktop computer – costs less for lower specifications
Server – a powerful computer that provides resources/services to all
computers linked in a network.
What is an entry-level computer?
Cheapest to buy in their range, therefore, low hardware specifications
Portable Computer
Uses a traditional operating system (e.g. Windows, macOS)
Portable, i.e. hardware has an all-in-one design (includes e.g. screen,
keyboard, battery)
Can use it at work and at home.
Description Comments
A device with a screen Can easily have the
size larger than 12’’ or same specifications as
Laptops / 13’’ high-end desktops.
Notebooks Terms can be used Costs more than a
interchangeably. desktop with similar
specifications.
Tablet A portable computer Similar to smartphones
with a touch or pen- The advantage is that it
sensitive screen. has a larger screen which
allows certain apps to
function better.
Cannot make calls or
4|Page
, send/receive SMS
messages.
Good for reading and
watching videos.
Have a longer battery life
than smartphones.
Often have a reversible Appear as normal laptops
(or detachable) screen but can be used as
and a normal tablets.
keyboard. Keyboard is folded
Hybrid Screen is touch or pen- behind the screen or
Computer sensitive. (User removed.
interacts directly with
the screen)
Often called
‘convertibles’.
A cell phone that Always on
includes an OS and the Provides instant access
ability to install and run to email, the internet,
Smartphone
apps. normal phoning/texting
Mostly use touch and additional features
screen interfaces. (GPS, games, etc.)
Smartphone with a Midway in sizer between
screen larger than 5’’ a smartphone and a
tablet.
A larger screen size is
Phablet
convenient.
Can make phone calls
like a normal
smartphone.
CATEGORIES OF USERS
1. Personal users: people who do not depend on their computers and do not
spend a lot of time using computers.
Personal users may use a computer for:
Limited office tasks
Internet banking
Web browsing
Social networking.
Skype family/friends
View/share photos.
5|Page
, Entertainment
2. SOHO (Small Office Home Office):
May need entry-level for administration functions like.
Accounting/billing.
Databases (e.g. with clients)
Electronic document archiving
Planning/scheduling
May need more powerful computers depending on the jobs. (Architects, etc.)
3. Power users
Must have top-of-the-range hardware and software.
For example, hardcore gamers, engineers, architects, etc, need high-end
specifications.
May use advanced functions of software.
4. Mobile Users
Mobile users can also fall into any category above.
Want/need to have technology with them all the time.
In the past, mobile devices were used for jobs, but now every category above
has and uses mobile technology.
Choice of mobile technology depends on a person’s needs. Most people use
smartphones or tablets for:
Browsing the internet and email
Playing games
Reading books
Navigating with GPS
Taking notes
Taking photos/videos/recording sound
Convergence: merging or combining multiple technologies into a single,
multipurpose device with features of all combined technologies, like
smartphones/tablets.
6|Page
