Class notes Computer Applications Technology (CAT)

COMPUTER APPLICATION
TECHNOLOGY (CAT) THEORY
Grade 10-12 IEB, 2024

, SECTION 1:
SYSTEM TECHNOLOGIES




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, Computers in our everyday lives (Module 1.1)


Why we use computer?


1. Efficiency, accuracy and reliability

 Efficiency:

- Time:
o They save time by working faster than humans (e.g. manufacturing by
machines controlled by computers in car factory; computer assisting teacher
in class). Electronic documents are faster to create than writing them out by hand,
and electronic documents can be sent faster via e-mail than by the normal postal
service.
o Things can be done in real time e.g. controlling spacecraft’s landing on Mars
o Humans can’t land a spacecraft in time without computers.
- Labour:
o Reduce mentally intensive tasks (e.g. replace functions of accountants,
mathematicians etc.).
o Reduce repetitive physical tasks (e.g. computers control robots in factories
24/7 etc.)
o Do dangerous tasks e.g. control robot that disarm a bomb.
- Resources:
o Use computers to work more efficiently with resources (e.g. electrical power,
save paper etc.) where sensors in buildings switch on/off lights, Aircon etc.),
save paper – by compiling, using and sending data electronically.

 Accuracy:

As long as computers have quality data and programs, they are accurate. They are essential
in mass production due to repeatable accuracy. Garbage in garbage out (GIGO) means
inaccurate input will result in inaccurate output.


 Reliability:

They never get tired, bored, ask for more money or get sick.




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, 2. Communication

Efficiency, accuracy and reliability or computers together with communication enable us:

 Virtually eliminate time and distance as business constraints:

- Global reach and speed of computer-based communications mean distance only
relevant when transferring physical goods.
- Communication no longer restricted by time or distance.

 Communicate and share information in many different ways globally

- ICT allow wide range of communication methods e.g. share files and work on
same document simultaneously with others.
- Information share by via websites, and even collaboratively e.g. wikis (websites
such as Wikipedia) – allowing people to contribute and share content.
- Video conferencing – seeing people talking to any place in the world

 Save on communication costs
- E-mail, VoIP and instant messaging are cheaper than conventional communication
methods such as phone calls.
- Communication is not free, as an Internet connection is still needed.
- Use VoIP software (e.g. Skype, Zoom etc.) make calls at fraction of cost.
- Reduction in traditional postal costs. Sent or share electronic documents
globally at fraction of costs or free via internet.

 Interact socially on world-wide scale
- Social network tools (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, SnapChat and
Pinterest)
- Blogs (online journals/diary)
- Globally use to share and connect socially, and generate friendships and
contacts beyond local communities.
- Web tools are functions and features on the Internet to help users: for example
blogs and wikis.
- Wiki is a website - users to use web browsers to create, edit or remove a particular
website’s content.
- Real simple syndication (RSS) compiles updates from multiple sources e.g. blogs to
one central place which could be an application or a website. Users do not have to
visit separate blogs, but can find all new news in one place.
- Web 2.0 refers to social websites that allows users to interact socially by sharing
personal information.


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