CAT Gr 12 Theory Book PDF

Theory Book COMPUTER APPLICATIONS TECHNOLOGY CAPS CAT Gr 12 Theory Book.indb 1 2020/01/27 13:11 ...

Theory Book COMPUTER APPLICATIONS TECHNOLOGY CAPS CAT Gr 12 Theory Book.indb 1 2020/01/27 13:11  MTN SOUTH AFRICA, THROUGH MTN SA FOUNDATION IS A PROUD SUPPORTER OF CAT AND IT DIGITAL BOOKS. As an organisation rooted in technology, we believe in providing a new bold digital world to communities we operate in. This unique digital book provides the fundamental knowledge necessary for a sound grounding from which to make practical use of the complete and indispensable application-oriented information regarding Computer Applications Technology (CAT) and Information Technology (IT). It is a foundational reference for today’s secondary school learners and teachers alike – as well as for the next generation of CAT and IT students. Computer Applications Technology Grade 12 Theory Book ISBN: 978-1-928388-66-1 First published in 2019 © 2019. Copyright in the text remains with the contributors. Quality Assurance team for Computer Applications Technology Carina Labuscagne, Claire Smuts, Deidré Mvula, Edward Gentle, Estelle Goosen, Feroza Francis, Hendrik Hahn, Ighsaan Francis, Magdalena Brits, Natasha Moodley, Peter Davidson, Reinet Barnard, Tyran Ferndale and Zainab Karriem Restrictions You may not make copies of this book in part or in full – in printed or electronic or audio or video form – for a profit seeking purpose. Rights of other copyright holders All reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that materials included are not already copyrighted to other entities, or in a small number of cases, to seek permission from and acknowledge copyright holders. In some cases, this may not have been possible. The publishers welcome the opportunity to redress this with any unacknowledged copyright holders. CAT Gr 12 Theory Book.indb 2 2020/01/27 13:11  Contents Term 1 Scanners______________________________________________________ 33 Wireless versus cabled devices___________________________ 34 CHAPTER 1 General concepts_____________________________________ 1 Risks associated with input devices______________________ 35 Introduction__________________________________________________________________ 1 Integration of input modes to enhance Unit 1.1 Computers and their uses___________________________________ 3 productivity and efficiency_______________________________ 35 What is a computer and how does it work?_____________ 3 Activity 2.3___________________________________________________ 36 Why do we use computers?___________________________ _____5 Unit 2.3 Storage devices_____________________________________________ 37 Activity 1.1________________________________________________ _____8 Internal hard drives__________________________________________ 38 Unit 1.1 Data, information, knowledge and wisdom__________ _____9 External hard drives_________________________________________ 38 Activity 1.2___________________________________________________ _9 Solid-state drives____________________________________________ 39 Unit 1.3 Convergence______________________________________________ ___10 Flash drives___________________________________________________ 40 Activity 1.3________________________________________________ ___11 Optical disc drives___________________________________________ 40 Unit 1.4 Social implications: Environmental____________________ ___12 Capacity and cost of the most common The way forward: Green computing__________________ ___12 storage devices_____________________________________________ 41 Activity 1.4________________________________________________ ___12 Activity 2.4___________________________________________________ 43 Revision Activity __________________________________________________________13 Unit 2.4 Processing devices_________________________________________ 45 At the end of the chapter_______________________________________________14 Central Processing Unit____________________________________ 45 Graphics Processing Unit__________________________________ 46 CHAPTER 2 Hardware______________________________________________ 15 Random Access Memory________________________________ 47 Introduction________________________________________________________________ 15 Activity 2.5___________________________________________________ 48 Summary of hardware____________________________________ 16 Unit 2.5 Output and communication devices_____________________ 50 Activity 2.1___________________________________________________ 17 Output devices_______________________________________________ 50 Unit 2.1 Buying the correct hardware______________________________ 19 Communication devices__________________________________ 53 Computer users______________________________________________ 19 Activity 2.6___________________________________________________ 53 Buying recommendations__________________________________ 22 Unit 2.6 Troubleshooting hardware devices_______________________ 55 Productivity, efficiency, accuracy and Erratic mouse movement__________________________________ 55 accessibility issues________________________________________ 22 Scanning______________________________________________________ 55 Activity 2.2___________________________________________________ 23 Disk errors (defragging)____________________________________ 55 Unit 2.2 Input devices_________________________________________________ 25 Resolution____________________________________________________ 57 Keyboard______________________________________________________ 25 Non-responding programs, mouse Mouse_________________________________________________________ 26 and keyboard________________________________________________ 58 Touch screen_________________________________________________ 27 Printing problems__________________________________________ 58 Touchpad_____________________________________________________ 28 Activity 2.7___________________________________________________ 60 Digital cameras______________________________________________ 29 Unit 2.7 New technologies__________________________________________ 62 Webcams_____________________________________________________ 30 Revision Activity___________________________________________________________ 62 Microphones_________________________________________________ 31 At the end of the chapter_______________________________________________ 64 CAT Gr 12 Theory Book.indb 3 2020/01/27 13:11  CHAPTER 3 Software_______________________________________________ 65 Activity 4.2....................................................109 Introduction________________________________________________________________ 65 Unit 4.3 Internet connections_____________________________________ 110 Unit 3.1 Uses of common applications____________________________ 67 Broadband..................................................................................................110 Word-processing software_________________________________ 67 What type of internet connection do you need?............................................................110 Spreadsheet software______________________________________ 69 Activity 4.3....................................................113 Database software__________________________________________ 70 Revision Activity..................................................................................................................114 Presentation software_______________________________________ 71 At the end of the chapter..........................................................................................116 Email software_______________________________________________ 72 Document management software________________________ 72 CHAPTER 5 Social implications of networks____________ 117 Web browsers________________________________________________ 73 Introduction..............................................................................................................................117 Activity 3.1___________________________________________________ 74 Unit 5.1 Computer-related crimes________________________________ 118 Unit 3.2 Software enhancing accessibility, efficiency Types of computer-related crimes....................................118 and productivity______________________________________________ 76 Activity 5.1....................................................122 Voice-recognition software________________________________ 76 Unit 5.2 Security issues____________________________________________ 123 Typing tutor or keyboarding skills________________________ 77 Internet attacks.....................................................................................123 Note-taking software________________________________________ 77 Activity 5.2....................................................125 Cloud applications_________________________________________ 78 Unit 5.3 Security and safeguards________________________________ 126 Activity 3.2___________________________ 79 Avoiding security threats________________________________ 126 Unit 3.3 Interpreting system requirements_________________________ 80 Safeguards against criminals, viruses System requirements of software_____________________ 80 and threats_________________________________________________ 126 Activity 3.3___________________________ 82 Activity 5.3________________________________________________ 128 Unit 3.4 Common software problems______________________________ 84 Unit 5.4 Impact of technology on the global community______ 129 Updating software___________________________________________ 84 Communication___________________________________________ 129 Read-only files_______________________________________________ 84 Conducting business_____________________________________ 129 Risks of using flawed software_________________________ 85 Meeting new people_____________________________________ 129 Activity 3.4___________________________ 86 Distributed computing power.................................................129 Unit 3.5 Social implications: User-centred design____________ 87 Revision Activity..................................................................................................................130 Activity 3.5___________________________ 89 At the end of the chapter..........................................................................................132 Revision Activity __________________________________________________________ 90 At the end of the chapter_______________________________________________ 92 Term 3 CHAPTER 6 System software and Term 2 computer management________________________ 133 CHAPTER 4 Networks______________________________________________ 93 Introduction..............................................................................................................................133 Introduction________________________________________________________________ 93 Unit 6.1 Computer management_________________________________ 134 Unit 4.1 Networks______________________________________________________ 95 Files and folders__________________________________________ 134 Wide-area networks______________________________________ 95 File properties.........................................................................................135 Activity 4.1__________________________98 Activity 6.1....................................................136 Unit 4.2 Internet services__________________________________________ 100 Unit 6.2 The role of the operating system______________________ 137 Internet services...................................................................................100 Starting the computer___________________________________ 137 CAT Gr 12 Theory Book.indb 4 2020/01/27 13:11  Providing a user interface_______________________________ 137 Wikis________________________________________________________ 177 Managing programs.........................................................................138 RSS feeds_________________________________________________ 178 Activity 6.2....................................................140 GPS_________________________________________________________ 179 Unit 6.3 Management of files_____________________________________ 142 Social networks___________________________________________ 180 File management_________________________________________ 142 Activity 7.4_________________________ 181 Importing and exporting_________________________________ 142 Unit 8.4 Communication devices_________________________________ 183 Activity 6.3_________________________ 143 Computers and laptops_________________________________ 183 Operating system utilities...........................................................144 Smartphones______________________________________________ 183 Activity 6.4....................................................147 Wearables_________________________________________________ 184 Unit 6.4 Troubleshooting your computer________________________ 148 Tablets______________________________________________________ 184 Utility software for troubleshooting...................................148 Activity 7.5....................................................184 Unit 6.5 Factors that influence performance___________________ 151 Revision Activity..................................................................................................................185 RAM________________________________________________________ 151 At the end of the chapter..........................................................................................186 Processor__________________________________________________ 151 Applications________________________________________________ 151 CHAPTER 8  Social implications of Caching____________________________________________________ 151 e-communications and technology_______ 187 Disk optimisation_________________________________________ 152 Introduction..............................................................................................................................187 Malware........................................................................................................152 Unit 8.1 Social networking sites and technologies____________ 188 Activity 6.5....................................................153 Impact of social networking sites......................................189 Revision Activity..................................................................................................................154 Activity 8.1....................................................190 At the end of the chapter..........................................................................................155 Unit 8.2 Impact of technology____________________________________ 192 Positive effects of technology__________________________ 192 CHAPTER 7 Internet communication tools_______________ 156 Negative effects of technology.............................................193 Introduction..............................................................................................................................156 Activity 8.2....................................................195 Unit 7.1 Electronic communication______________________________ 157 Revision Activity..................................................................................................................196 Electronic communication best practices____________ 157 At the end of the chapter..........................................................................................196 Types of electronic communication.................................158 Activity 7.1....................................................164 Term 4 Unit 7.2 Web browsers_____________________________________________ 166 CHAPTER 9 Information management: Practical Bookmarks________________________________________________ 166 Assessment Task_________________________________ 197 History and Favourites___________________________________ 167 Introduction..............................................................................................................................197 Home page settings_____________________________________ 168 Unit 9.1 Problem solving cycle.....................................................................199 Blocking websites________________________________________ 168 Activity 9.1....................................................200 Caching____________________________________________________ 169 Unit 9.2 Information management_______________________________ 202 Browser plug-ins_________________________________________ 169 PAT and the information management cycle.........202 Private browsing..................................................................................171 Activity 9.2....................................................216 Activity 7.2....................................................171 Revision Activity..................................................................................................................217 Activity 7.3....................................................172 At the end of the chapter..........................................................................................220 Unit 7.3 Computer communications_____________________________ 173 Glossary__________________________________________________________________ 221 Blogging___________________________________________________ 173 Vlogging____________________________________________________ 176 Podcasting and vodcasting_____________________________ 177 CAT Gr 12 Theory Book.indb 5 2020/01/27 13:11 CAT Gr 12 Theory Book.indb 6 2020/01/27 13:11  TERM 1 CHAPTER GENERAL CONCEPTS 1 CHAPTER OVERVIEW Unit 1.1 Computers and their uses Unit 1.2 Data, information, knowledge and wisdom Unit 1.3 Convergence Unit 1.4 Social implications: Environmental By the end of this chapter, you will be able to: Describe the various reasons for using computers. Describe the role and use of data, information, knowledge and wisdom as part of information management. Explain convergence. Explain the social implications of computer technology on the environment. INTRODUCTION To get a better understanding of the topics that will be discussed in this chapter, we will start with a quick review of what Information and Communications Technology (also known as ICT) is and how it is related to computers. The term ICT refers to technology that gives access to information by using telecommunication. The information is obtained from either a telephone or a computer network. Users can access this information by using a computer, or a computing device, such as a smartphone. ICT also includes the most common and widely used network – i.e. the internet. Thanks to advances in technology, users can access the internet via desktop computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones. term 1 I chapter 1 General concepts 1 CAT Gr 12 Theory Book.indb 1 2020/01/27 13:11  In Grades 10 and 11, you learned about different types of computers, such as the following: Server: A server is a computer that has powerful processors, large hard drives and plenty of memory power. They are used in networks where large amounts of data need to be stored so that the computers on this network can access the data. Servers also make it possible for computers on the same network to share other devices, such as printers. Workstation: A workstation is a computer intended for individual use that is faster and more capable than a personal computer. It’s intended for business or professional use (rather than home or recreational use). Workstations and applications designed for them are used by small engineering companies, architects and graphic designers. Personal computers (microcomputers)/Desktop: A personal computer, or more commonly known as a PC, was commonly referred to as a “microcomputer”, because, when compared to the large systems that most businesses use, it is a compact computer with a complete system. They are the smallest, least expensive and most used type of computer. They are physically smaller, have a relatively small memory, have less processing power, and permit fewer peripherals than super and mainframe computers. Desktop PCs are not designed to be carried around because they are made up of separate components. Laptops/Notebooks: Laptops are also known as “notebooks”. They are portable PCs that combine the display, keyboard, processor, memory, hard drive and cursor positioning device (a touchpad or trackpad) all in one package. Laptops are battery- operated and as a result, are completely portable. Tablets: Tablets are smaller than normal laptops and are ultra-portable (easy to carry). They are generally cheaper than brand new laptops, and their processors and other components are less powerful than that of regular laptops. Smartphones: Handheld-sized computers that use flash memory instead of a hard drive for storage. They have virtual keyboards and use touch-screen technology. Smartphones are lightweight and have a good battery life. (The battery life of smartphones varies, depending on the make.) Embedded systems: Embedded systems, or dedicated devices, are stand-alone electronic hardware that is designed to perform dedicated computing tasks, for example automatic teller machines (ATMs), MP3 players and so on. In general, computers have certain economic benefits – for example, they save paper, labour, communication speed and cost, and so on. 2 COMPUTER APPLICATIONS TECHNOLOGY I GRADE 12 I Theory Book CAT Gr 12 Theory Book.indb 2 2020/01/27 13:11  UNIT 1.1 Computers and their uses Throughout history, there have been many inventions and discoveries that have changed the way in which we live our lives. One such invention is the computer. Computers have enabled us to make technological and scientific advancements, such as exploring the deepest depths of the oceans and outer space. Most of all, however, they allow us to stay connected with people all over the world. Figure 1.1: Internet usage across the world over a 24-hour period In today’s world, most people living in a city will interact with a computer in one way or another and on a daily basis. This can be a simple interaction, such as stopping at a traffic light, or a more direct interaction, such as using a smartphone or laptop. One thing is certain, however: Without computers, our lives would be very different! WHAT IS A COMPUTER AND HOW DOES IT WORK? All computers, whether they are the smartphone in your hand or large, powerful servers, operate on the same five basic principles. These are input, processing, storage, output and communication. Each component of a computer performs one of these functions, but they all work together to make the computer work. Figure 1.2: The stages of the information processing cycle term 1 I chapter 1 General concepts I UNIT 1.1 Computers and their uses 3 CAT Gr 12 Theory Book.indb 3 2020/01/27 13:11  In this section we will look at each of these stages and how they work together. We will also look at how these processes can get one computer to communicate with users and other computers. The five main steps are input, processing, storage, output and communication. INPUT In the input stage, the data is entered into the computer. There are many ways to do this. In fact, there are as many ways to input data as there are input devices. You would have learned about input devices in Grade 10 but just to refresh your memory, input devices are things such as keyboards, touchscreens and microphones. The user inputs the data (for example, by typing on a keyboard or speaking into a microphone) into the computer. The device takes this data and converts it into a series of 1s and 0s (this is called binary code). PROCESSING The central processing unit (CPU) inside the computer then takes that binary code and does the calculations needed to get that data to display in a way that makes sense to the user. The CPU works with the computer’s memory to get instructions on how to display the information from the input device and stores it as pixels in the computer’s memory. This information is sent to the output device to be translated and displayed in a way that is useful. All of this takes a fraction of a second to do. STORAGE Storage is where the computer takes the input and stores it in its memory banks. There are many ways to store the data, but the basic process is as follows: 1. The CPU writes the data to the computer’s temporary storage, or random access memory (RAM). 2. The computer then waits for the user’s command to move the data from the RAM to more permanent storage. If that command is given, the computer writes the data to the disk drive. 3. Lastly, the computer saves the data in a location on the drive, either the default storage location or a location set by the user. The user can then recall this stored information at any time. You can also store information using external storage devices (for example USB drives or external hard drives). OUTPUT Output is where the computer takes the pixels from the processing stage and displays them in a way that the user can see them. There are many kinds of output devices, such as printers, screens, video and audio devices. These devices make the raw data usable and visible, allowing human users to interpret the data, turning it into information. This could be the sound waves of a song or the letters in a document. 4 COMPUTER APPLICATIONS TECHNOLOGY I GRADE 12 I Theory Book CAT Gr 12 Theory Book.indb 4 2020/01/27 13:11  WHY DO WE USE COMPUTERS? Computers play a big role in our daily lives, because they can do the following: Help improve productivity Assist scientists to cure disease Help architects design and construct intricate new buildings Empower people from poor countries by opening opportunities across the world In the following sections, we will take a brief look at some of the reasons why computers are used. SAVING TIME One of the major benefits of modern computers is that they can save us a lot of time and effort – from finding the quickest route to the mall using Google Maps, to sending an urgent email to a work colleague. Each activity is completed much faster and with much more ease; all thanks to the computer. Let’s take a look at some of the ways in which computer technology helps to save time: You can use an online shopping website so that you can do your grocery shopping Something to know from the convenience of your own home and have the groceries delivered to your home. By doing so, you save the time it would have taken to drive to the shop, do Computers can complete your shopping, drive back home and unpack your groceries from your car. tasks that are impossible or incredibly time consuming You no longer need to go to your bank to do transactions. Instead, you can use your for humans to do. bank’s online banking facilities to view your bank balance, pay your bills, or For example, in 1624, transfer money. Henry Briggs published a Instead of standing in the queue at your favourite take-away restaurant, you can order book containing the your food from the restaurant’s website. logarithms for 35 000 You can view online traffic cameras and maps with traffic information to find the numbers that took him quickest route to a specific location. years to calculate. Today, a You can do certain tasks, for example difficult calculations, much faster than if you had person with a computer to do them manually. could do the same work in You can find information quickly by searching on the internet, or on a database. less than five minutes! COMMUNICATION COSTS Computers have greatly reduced the costs of communication with people across the world. Video conferencing is much cheaper that buying a plane ticket and flying to a meeting, and sending or sharing files over the internet. EFFICIENCY Computers made it possible to obtain, store and record data both quickly and efficiently. For example, you can research any topic on the internet in less than an hour. Many repetitive tasks performed by humans can be time consuming and there is always the risk of human error. Using computer technology can reduce the time it takes to complete the task and it can reduce or eliminate mistakes. term 1 I chapter 1 General concepts I UNIT 1.1 Computers and their uses 5 CAT Gr 12 Theory Book.indb 5 2020/01/27 13:11  SAVING LABOUR The automotive industry is an example of how computers and automation can help with saving labour. It would take a person roughly two months to two years to assemble a car by hand. This is significantly longer that it takes when using computers and automation, which can produce a fully assembled and painted car in about 8 hours. Figure 1.3: Robots welding in an automotive factory ACCURACY AND RELIABILITY Humans are emotional beings and can be affected by a variety of internal and external factors. We get tired, we make mistakes and we complain about the work that we need to do. On the other hand, computers are programmed to perform a specific task, in a very specific way and for a set duration. They will perform the task accurately, efficiently and reliably. In the healthcare industry, technological advancements have improved the accuracy and, therefore, the safety of various medical procedures. For example, laser technology, surgical robots and nano devices are used to increase surgeons’ accuracy during operations. In manufacturing industries, automated machines and robotics have increased the accuracy and reliability of manufactured products. EFFECT ON TIME AND DISTANCE The efficiency, accuracy and reliability of computers have changed the way in which we communicate with each other. They have allowed us to do the following: Have conversations with friends and family in other countries (VoIP) Have business meetings with colleagues in other cities (Skype) Send instant random messages to people across the world (email) Online banking, which allows customers to pay bills, view account balances, transfer funds from one account to another, pay friends and much more. Financial institutions have also given consumers control over their own security by adding features like the ability to freeze a missing credit card to avoid further charges. Over time, these 6 COMPUTER APPLICATIONS TECHNOLOGY I GRADE 12 I Theory Book CAT Gr 12 Theory Book.indb 6 2020/01/27 13:11  controls will only increase as technologies like biometrics and facial recognition keep accounts safe. Shopping has become a hassle-free task now and almost anybody can order products online after comparison with other websites. The boom and the resultant competition in the online shopping business are evident. Shopping sites are more interesting because of the huge discounts different companies are offering customers. The internet is a very important tool for educators. The internet and its application is user-friendly and make students’ life easy. A teacher can use YouTube channels to teach students around the world. Teachers can use a blog in which they can share their career experiences with college graduates. There are various websites for teachers and students to use. SAVING PAPER Computers allow users to compile data using spreadsheets, write letters using word processors, send messages using email and complete forms using an online application. Each of these computer-related conveniences reduces the amount of time and effort required to perform these activities, but importantly, they reduce the amount of paper that gets used on a daily basis. This is very important as the trees from which paper is made, play a very important role in reducing the amount of carbon in the air. GLOBAL COMMUNICATION, INCLUDING SOCIAL NETWORKS AND WEB TOOLS One of the most-enjoyed attributes of computers is that they can be connected to form a network. This includes connecting the computers in a home, or an office, so that the users can share files. Networks can also span across a distance. The largest network is the internet, which consists of hundreds of thousands of computers across the world. Computer networks have made it possible for users to use new and exciting ways to upload and share information. Examples of this include the following: Social networks are specialised computer networks that allow users to have social interactions with each other by sharing their personal information. This includes their likes and dislikes, videos and photos. Some examples of social networks include Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram. Web tools: { Blogs are a form of an online diary that allows users to share their daily experiences with others. Examples of blogging websites include “Boing Boing” and “PlayStation Blog”. { Wikis are specialised websites that allow users to share information. This includes all kinds of information; from the plot of a television show, to how photosynthesis works. The most famous example of a wiki is Wikipedia, but there are many other wiki websites dedicated to specific topics. { Vlogs (or video blogs) are a type of blog where nearly all the content is in video form. term 1 I chapter 1 General concepts I UNIT 1.1 Computers and their uses 7 CAT Gr 12 Theory Book.indb 7 2020/01/27 13:11  Activity 1.1 d. Which of the following is NOT a reason why we use computers? A. Saving time B. Lower communication costs C. Higher efficiency D. Lower accuracy and reliability e. Which of the following examples of computer uses does NOT help save time? A. Using an online site for grocery shopping B. Using online banking services C. Using a web browser to play flash games D. Using Google Maps to find a restaurant’s location 2. Choose a term or concept from Column B that matches the description in Column A. Write only the letter next to the question number. COLUMN A COLUMN B 2.1 A computer A. Time saving 2.2 A benefit of online shopping B. Internet 2.3 Specialised computer networks that allow users C. The user to have social interactions with each other 2.4 The largest network D. Samsung Galaxy S6 2.5 The source of input E. Intel Core 2 Duo F. Social networks G. Mark Zuckerberg 3. Say if the following statements are TRUE or FALSE. Correct the underlined word(s) if it is false. a. Computers have made it possible to talk to people face to face while being in different cities across the world. b. The use of automation increases the amount of people needed in the production process. c. Humans are more accurate, efficient and reliable than computers. d. Computers lower the cost of communication. 4. Answer the following questions: a. What is the difference between wikis and blogs? Give an example of each. b. Explain what the storage and communication step in the information-processing cycle entails? Give two examples of storage in the information-processing cycle. c. How does a computer contribute to saving the environment? d. What are the negative implications of computers on society? 8 COMPUTER APPLICATIONS TECHNOLOGY I GRADE 12 I Theory Book CAT Gr 12 Theory Book.indb 8 2020/01/27 13:11  UNIT 1.2 Data, information, knowledge and wisdom Data is raw, unorganised numbers, signals, or facts. Without first organising or changing it, humans struggle to use data. For example, your school might have data on the names, surnames, addresses, contact details, as well as the results of every class test, assignment, test and exam of all current and past pupils stored on a computer somewhere. While this data is important to store, it could be hundreds, or even thousands of pages long and very difficult to interpret! Information, in contrast to data, refers to facts and numbers that have been organised so that they are useful to people. For example, if your Mathematics teacher wanted to see how well your current class is performing compared to last year’s class, she might ask your school’s database to convert its data into averages for the two years. In this way, those thousands of pages of data will be converted into two numbers that can be compared easily. Similarly, the report you receive at the end of each school year takes all the data that the teachers collected throughout the year and turns that data into a single report that you can use to measure your performance. Figure 1.4: Data is raw facts; information is processed Activity 1.2 1. What type of web tool is Wikipedia? a. Blog b. Wiki c. RSS 2. What is the difference between data and information? 3. What software can be used to organise or interpret data in a school environment? 4. Explain to a fellow learner what each step in the DIKW pyramid means and then how it progresses from one step to the next. 5. You just received your CAT test results and comments. The averages of each question and of the test as a whole were given. Explain how you would use the data and information to learn from the test and the experience to further deepen your wisdom. For example, how can you and your teacher benefit from the information and how would you learn from your mistakes? term 1 I chapter 1 General concepts I UNIT 1.2 Data, information, knowledge and wisdom 9 CAT Gr 12 Theory Book.indb 9 2020/01/27 13:11  UNIT 1.3 Convergence Convergence is a term used to describe a situation where multiple technologies are combined to deliver a new and more exciting product. A smartphone incorporates various technologies that have been combined to deliver a product that can be used for a large variety of tasks. This not only saves you the hassle of having to carry multiple gadgets, but also saves money, as you only have to buy a single product. To better illustrate this, let’s take a look as some of the technologies that have been integrated into the smartphone: Phone: Like all other cell phones, the smartphone allows you to make and receive phone calls. Camera: The smartphone contains a camera, which makes it possible to take and view pictures. Video: You can use the camera on the smartphone to record videos. GPS: Smartphones come equipped with a global positioning system (GPS), which makes it possible to track your phone and get directions. Music player: You can use the speaker on your smartphone to listen to music. Other examples of technological convergence include high-end luxury cars containing computers and video display for parking, smart televisions that allow you to play games and browse the internet, and smart refrigerators from which you can stream music, create a shopping list, and send messages. Figure 1.5: Technological convergence 10 COMPUTER APPLICATIONS TECHNOLOGY I GRADE 12 I Theory Book CAT Gr 12 Theory Book.indb 10 2020/01/27 13:11  Activity 1.3 1. Which ONE of the following devices is NOT an example of convergence? a. Phablet b. Tablet c. Standard computer mouse d. Smartphone 2. Explain what you understand about technological convergence and give four examples of it. 3. Explain how the convergence of devices benefits the user. 4. What technologies or components have been integrated into the following devices? a. Multi-functional printer b. A smart device, other than a television or fridge c. Virtual reality d. Google glass term 1 I chapter 1 General concepts I UNIT 1.3 Convergence 11 CAT Gr 12 Theory Book.indb 11 2020/01/27 13:11  UNIT 1.4 Social implications: Environmental There is little doubt that computers have had a massive effect on the world as we know it. Thanks to advances in technology, people all over the world have better access to food and water. They are better educated, more social and wealthier than ever before. However, this is not the only effect that computers have on the world around us. The data centres used to host websites and the internet use more than 3% of all the electricity generated in the world, and this does not even include the electricity used by personal and work computers. Since most electricity is created by burning coal, computers are a large contributor to the greenhouse gases emitted by humans. Other potential negative effects include the following: Something to know Pollution: The factories that produce the computers contribute to noise, air and water pollution. The Electronic Product E-waste: This type of waste refers to discarded electronic devices that are thrown Environmental Assessment away and transported to landfills. Most of these devices contain non-biodegradable Tool (EPEAT) is a system materials and heavy metals (lead, cadmium and mercury) that are toxic. The toxins can that was developed to help leak into the ground and contaminate the groundwater. evaluate the impact of Health hazards: To extract materials, such as copper, silver and gold from old electronic computer products on the devices, the old devices are burned. This process releases toxic smoke into the air, environment. The method uses three classifications – which, if inhaled, might cause health problems, such as cancer and kidney disease. i.e. gold, silver and bronze. These classifications are based on the materials THE WAY FORWARD: GREEN COMPUTING selection, design for product longevity, reuse and Green computing is the study of designing, manufacturing, using and disposing of recycling, energy hardware, software and networks in a way that reduces their environmental impact. This is conservation and end-of- normally done by making computers more efficient and making sure that computers are life management to built from biodegradable materials. evaluate products. Companies, such as Dell Other examples of green computing include the following: and Apple, have started Printing: Using paper and ink in an environmentally friendly way by using recycled producing products with the paper and printing on both sides of the paper. aim of meeting EPEAT standards. Saving energy: Enabling the “Sleep” function on your computer so that it will go into hibernation when your computer is not in use. Disposal: Properly disposing of and recycling old electronic devices. Activity 1.4 1. Which one of the following is a potential threat to the environment that is caused by the widespread use of technology? a. Increased power consumption b. A paperless office c. Refilling ink cartridges d. Repetitive strain injuries 2. What is meant by the term “e-waste”? 3. What other ways are there to save energy when you use your computer? List at least two. 4 Does the selection of the type of printer also have an impact on green computing? Explain your answer. 5. Do you think that green computing will have any effect on environmental problems? Give reasons for your answer. 12 COMPUTER APPLICATIONS TECHNOLOGY I GRADE 12 I Theory Book CAT Gr 12 Theory Book.indb 12 2020/01/27 13:11  REVISION ACTIVITY PART 1: MULTIPLE CHOICE 1.1 Which of the following devices is NOT an example of a dedicated device? (1) A. Telephone B. Barcode scanner C. DVD player D. Microphone 1.2 Which of the following computers has the most processing power? (1) A. Workstation B. Desktop PC C. Server D. Smartphone 1.3 Which of the following computers is portable? (1) A. Mainframe computer B. Supercomputer C. Desktop PC D. Laptop 1.4 Which step in the information-processing cycle uses the computer’s CPU? (1) A. Input B. Output C. Processing D. Storage 1.5 Which of the following devices uses convergence? (1) A. Smartphone B. Television C. Kettle D. Digital camera  PART 2: TRUE OR FALSE Indicate if the following statements are TRUE or FALSE. Correct the statement if it is false. Change the underlined word(s) to make the statement true. 2.1 A compact computer with a complete system is known as a supercomputer.(1) 2.2 Social networks have helped us to connect people to each other and have, therefore, increased the distance between people. (1) 2.3 Wikis allow us to share our daily experiences with our friends. (1) 2.4 An example of a microcomputer is a laptop. (1) 2.5 People can share their knowledge of the world on social media.(1)  … continued term 1 I chapter 1 General concepts I UNIT 1.4 Social implications: Environmental 13 CAT Gr 12 Theory Book.indb 13 2020/01/27 13:11  REVISION ACTIVITY … continued PART 3: MATCHING ITEMS Choose a term or concept from Column B that matches a description in Column A. COLUMN A COLUMN B 3.1 Lowering the brightness of your A. Greenhouse gas computer’s display screen B. E-waste C. Wikis 3.2 Discarded electronic devices that are D. Convergence thrown away and transported to landfills E. Disposal 3.3 Properly removing and recycling your old F. Blog electronic devices G. Printing 3.4 Facts and numbers that have been H. Knowledge organised in a way that people understand 3.5 A platform where people can share their personal information with others PART 4: SHORT AND MEDIUM QUESTIONS 4.1 How would you use a computer at each stage of the information processing cycle? (4) 4.2 How do you properly dispose of your old electronic devices? (2) 4.3 Describe what convergence is. (2) 4.4 As technology has evolved, computers have changed and, in some cases, improved our lives and ways of living. a. List five reasons as to why people use computers. (5) b. List five computing devices you use in your daily life and mention ONE way each of these devices has made your life easier. (10)   TOTAL: AT THE END OF THE CHAPTER NO. CAN YOU... YES NO 1. Describe the various reasons for using computers? 2. Describe the role and use of data, information, knowledge and wisdom as part of information management? 3. Explain convergence? 4. Explain the social implications of computer technology on the environment? 14 COMPUTER APPLICATIONS TECHNOLOGY I GRADE 12 I Theory Book CAT Gr 12 Theory Book.indb 14 2020/01/27 13:11  TERM 1 CHAPTER HARDWARE 2 CHAPTER OVERVIEW Unit 2.1 Buying the correct hardware Unit 2.2 Input devices Unit 2.3 Storage devices Unit 2.4 Processing devices Unit 2.5 Output and communication devices Unit 2.6 Troubleshooting Unit 2.7 New technologies By the end of this chapter, you will be able to: Evaluate hardware devices. Suggest input, output, storage and communication devices, as well as CPU and RAM; including specifying basic specifications in terms of processor, memory and storage for: ¡ home users ¡ SOHO users ¡ mobile users ¡ power users ¡ disabled users. Fix ordinary hardware problems. INTRODUCTION Computers and technology have come a very long way since the first computers were used to make advancements in space travel and landing on the moon. They no longer take up entire buildings and cost millions of Rands. Users do not special training either! term 1 I Chapter 2 Hardware 15 CAT Gr 12 Theory Book.indb 15 2020/01/27 13:11  SUMMARY OF HARDWARE The following table summarises the computer components you learned about in Grades 10 and 11, as well as their main functions. Table 2.1: Hardware and their purposes COMPONENT TYPES PURPOSE INPUT DEVICES Keyboard Standard keyboard Enters information, such as letters, words, numbers Laptop keyboard and symbols into the computer Gaming keyboard Virtual keyboard Pointing device Mouse Controls the movement of the cursor on the screen Touchpad Touch screen Trackball Pen input devices Joystick Scanning and Scanners Scans documents, such as photographs and pages of reading Reading devices, text, and converts them into a digital format – i.e. devices such as RFID, QR, reading devices to read text, symbols, QR codes and OCR and magnetic magnetic strips strip readers Video devices Video camera Captures media, such as pictures, videos and sound Webcam Digital camera Audio devices Microphones Communicates with your computer using your voice Voice-recognition device Biometric Fingerprint scanner Measures a person’s unique physical characteristics devices Eye and iris scanners Facial recognition Point-of-sale Mainly in the retail and restaurant industry to keep an (POS) accurate track of stock and orders; ATMs are used terminals exclusively in the banking industry and ATMs PROCESSING DEVICES Motherboard Connects all the components of the computer CPU Completes the general processing tasks of the computer GPU Completes the graphics processing tasks of the computer RAM Very high-speed storage that temporarily stores data that the CPU uses Read-only Non-volatile memory – i.e. when a computer starts up, it memory (ROM) uses the information that is stored on the ROM to start up … continued 16 COMPUTER APPLICATIONS TECHNOLOGY I GRADE 12 I Theory Book CAT Gr 12 Theory Book.indb 16 2020/01/27 13:11  COMPONENT TYPES PURPOSE STORAGE DEVICES Hard-disk drive Internal hard drive Slow, long-term storage of data used on the computer (HDD) External hard drive Solid-state Fast, long-term storage of data used on the computer drive (SSD) Flash disk Very small, non-volatile and portable devices that connect to a computer using a USB port Memory cards Non-volatile storage devices used mainly for storing digital information CD, DVD and Portable storage devices to which data files from a Blu-ray disks computer can be copied, using the correct CD, DVD, or Blu-ray writer OUTPUT DEVICES Display LCD monitors Displays the images generated by the computer devices Television monitor Data projector/ DLP device Printer Inkjet printer Generally used to convert electronic data into Laser printer a hardcopy Multi-function device Ink tank printer Audio output Headsets and speakers Audio output devices convert data on a computer devices into sound COMMUNICATION DEVICES Router Organises and routes data on and between networks, which may include routing data from a home network to the internet (such as a modem) and connecting many computers to the same network (such as a switch) Modems Connects computers to a network and the internet Switch Connects many computers on the same internal network Activity 2.1 1. Write down the correct answer for each of the following questions. a. Which one of the following is a technology that is commonly used to connect a variety of different devices to a computer? A. OMR B. LCD C. USB D. SSD b. The _______ retains the data stored on it even if the power goes off. A. AM B. HDD C. LED D. CPU … continued TERM 1 I CHAPTER 2 HARDWARE  17 CAT Gr 12 Theory Book.indb 17 2020/01/27 13:11  Activity 2.1 … continued c. Which hardware device can create electronic copies of documents by capturing an image? A. Printer B. Scanner C. Stylus D. Monitor d. A(n) _______ is NOT an example of optical storage. A. CD B. DVD C. HDD D. Blu-ray disk e. While editing videos on a mobile device, most of the battery life will be used by the _______. A. Microphone B. CPU C. Screen D. Speaker 2. Choose a term or concept from Column B that matches the description in Column A. Write only the letter next to the question number. COLUMN A COLUMN B 2.1 A storage device used with a card A. Keyboard reader 2.2 A camera that captures media, such as B. Flash disk pictures and videos mostly on a laptop 2.3 Enters information, such as letters and C. Printer numbers into a computer 2.4 Converts electronic data into a hardcopy D. Fax machine 2.5 A commonly used portable storage E. SD card device F. Webcam G. Scanner 3. Correct the underlined word(s) if the statement is FALSE. a. A scanner captures media, such as pictures, videos and sound. b. A fingerprint scanner scans documents, such as photographs and pages of text, and converts them into a digital format. c. A monitor displays or sends data from a computerised device to other users. d. Speakers convert data on a computer to sound. 4. Answer the following questions: a. What is hardware? Name at least three different types of hardware devices. b. What are the two memory components on a motherboard (state their acronyms) and what is the difference between the two? c. What is the difference between a modem, router and a switch? 18 COMPUTER APPLICATIONS TECHNOLOGY I GRADE 12 I Theory Book CAT Gr 12 Theory Book.indb 18 2020/01/27 13:11  UNIT 2.1 Buying the correct hardware When you want to buy a new computer, the most important thing to consider is how you will be using the computer. Each computer has different specifications, advantages and limitations, which are linked to each of the components that you will use. A person who uses a computer exclusively for games will have different requirements to a person who needs a computer to browse the internet and do word processing. To make it easier for you to decide on which components will work for you, we will be taking a look throughout this chapter at some of the things that you have to take into consideration before your next computer purchase. COMPUTER USERS People use computers for many different purposes. In this section, we will look at some of the different computer users, by focusing on the following: Home users SOHO (small office or home office) users Mobile users Power users Disabled users For each user, you will learn to identify what they are most likely to use the computer for, what components are important for their use and why certain components should be selected. HOME USERS As the name suggests, a home user is someone who buys a computer for personal use at home. He or she would usually use the computer to: browse the internet; post on social networks; send emails; do word-processing tasks; watch online and local videos; and listen to music. However, categorising someone as an “average” home user has become a lot harder than it used to be. A study done in 2017 found that there were 2.2 billion gamers in t