Computer Applications Technology is not a list of buttons. It is knowing what a computer does with your data and how to make it do the job properly.The GOAT Notes™
A computer is an electronic device that follows instructions to take in data, process it, show the result and keep it. That is the information processing cycle; add communication when the result is sent to another device.
Hardware is every physical part; software is the programs that run on it.
A computing device takes in data, processes it and gives a result. Multi-purpose devices run many programs: desktop (including the all-in-one), laptop, tablet, server and smartphone, and a convertible, detachable or 2-in-1 laptop doubles as a tablet. Dedicated devices do one job under an embedded computer. Convergence combines functions that once needed separate devices in one, as a smartphone does.
Input is data (text, numbers, images, video, audio) and instructions (programs, commands, user responses such as clicking Print) going into a computer.
Output is text, graphics, audio or video. A hard copy is printed on paper; a soft copy is shown on a screen or played aloud. Storage keeps data when the power is off. A storage device is the hardware that reads and writes it; the storage media is what holds the data, such as a disk or a memory card.
The motherboard is the main circuit board that links every part. The CPU carries out instructions; its speed is measured in GHz, and a higher number is faster. RAM is the temporary workspace for programs in use. ROM holds the start-up instructions.
A peripheral device is connected from outside to add a function, such as a printer or a webcam, by cable (USB, HDMI, audio) or wirelessly (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi). A port is the socket; a connector is the plug. An adapter changes one port into another or adds ports.
A computer's configuration is its processor speed (GHz), memory (RAM, in GB) and hard drive (GB or TB). Computers help people work more efficiently, effectively and accurately. Read each value with its unit, match it to what the user needs, then say why, and know when to fix a small problem yourself and when to call for help.
Use the advert card. (a) State the RAM and the storage, each with its unit. (b) The question says 1 GB = 1 000 MB: convert 512 GB to MB. (c) Which port connects the laptop to a data projector?
A specification read earns the value and its unit separately; a conversion earns the working and the answer with its unit.
A learner types her name into a school form on a tablet. Which stage of the information processing cycle is this?
Which line lists the stages of the information processing cycle in the correct order?
A clerk has the marks 62, 48, 71 and 55. She works out the class average and prints it on a report. Which choice names the data and the information?
A shop's point of sale system scans an item, adds its price to the bill and records the sale. Why is it called an ICT system?
Why does a school turn learners' raw marks into a report before a parents' meeting?
Which of these is a multi-purpose device?
What makes a dedicated device different from a multi-purpose device?
A smartphone is a phone, a camera, a music player and a GPS in one device. What is this joining of functions called?
The screen of a laptop can be detached and used alone as a tablet. Which description fits this device?
A factory buys a robot arm that welds car parts. Which description is best?
Which of these is an instruction (not data) given to a computer?
Which input device identifies a person by a body feature such as a fingerprint?
A till reads the price of a tin from a pattern of black lines printed on it. Which technology is this?
A learner scans a printed worksheet and wants to edit its words in a word processor. What turns the scanned image into editable text?
A school wants learners to open a locker with a card that works even while the card is inside a bag. Which choice is best?
A learner prints her project on paper. What is the printed page called?
Which of these is a storage device?
Which statement correctly compares an SSD with a hard disk drive (HDD)?
A memory card is labelled 64 GB. What does GB tell the owner?
A school office needs one printer for hundreds of pages of text every week. Which is the best choice and reason?
Which part carries out the instructions of a program?
A processor advert says 3,2 GHz. What does this measure?
A learner saves a document and then a power cut switches off the computer. What happens?
Which statement about ROM is correct?
A computer slows down when many programs are open, although most of its storage is empty. What should be added?
Which port sends high-definition video and sound from a laptop to a data projector?
Which of these is a peripheral device?
A laptop has only USB-C ports, but the teacher's projector cable ends in an HDMI plug. What solves this?
Which choice gives one cabled and one wireless way of connecting a peripheral?
An advert lists: Processor 2,6 GHz, Memory 16 GB, Storage 1 TB SSD. Which reading is correct?
The marks 54, 67 and 71 are typed into a spreadsheet, which then shows “Average: 64”. (a) Say whether 54, 67 and 71 are data or information, and why (2). (b) Say whether “Average: 64” is data or information, and why (2).
(a) Data ✓ (a) Raw facts that have not been processed ✓ (b) Information ✓ (b) It was calculated from the marks, so it has been processed and now means something ✓
Thandi's laptop slows down when she opens many programs, although its storage drive is half empty. (a) Name the part she should add or upgrade (1). (b) Explain why that part, and not a bigger storage drive, fixes the problem (2). (c) State what happens to her unsaved work in that part when the power fails (1).
(a) RAM ✓ (b) RAM is the workspace that holds the programs that are open ✓ (b) With more RAM, more programs can run at the same time without slowing down ✓ (c) Unsaved work in RAM is lost ✓
(a) Name ONE dedicated device and say what makes it dedicated (2). (b) Explain convergence, using a smartphone as your example (2).
(a) An ATM ✓ (a) It does only one job, which an embedded computer inside controls ✓ (b) Convergence is when functions that were separate are combined in one device ✓ (b) A smartphone is a phone, a camera and a GPS in one device ✓
Explain to a Grade 8 learner how a shop till goes through the information processing cycle when it scans a loaf of bread.
Explain to a Grade 8 learner why a fitness tracker is a dedicated device but a laptop is multi-purpose.
Explain to a Grade 8 learner the difference between RAM and a storage drive, using a desk and a cupboard.
This is a free preview of Topic 1. The full guide has every topic, the self-marking quizzes, mock exams, planner, journal and wellbeing tools.
Unlock the full guide on WhatsAppSee pricingYour journal is saved only on this device and browser (it does not sync across devices and is lost if you clear browser data). Use "Export" to keep a copy.
Exam stress is completely normal. Here are a few things that actually work. None of this replaces a doctor or a trusted adult.
Box breathing: 4 counts in, 4 hold, 4 out, 4 hold. Do it four times.
Look at the worked example below first, then make your own. Tick off each topic as you finish it.
Example (already filled in)
| Date | Subject | Topic | Done |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mon 8 Jul | Life Sciences | Your weakest topic, notes + summary | ✓ |
| Tue 9 Jul | Life Sciences | Next topic + 10 practice questions | ✓ |
| Wed 10 Jul | Life Sciences | A full past paper under time | – |
| Thu 11 Jul | Life Sciences | Mark the paper, revise weak spots | – |
Your plan
| Date | Subject | Topic | Done |
|---|---|---|---|
Your plan is saved only on this device. Use "Export plan" to keep a copy.
Every setting you can name, every formula you can build and every term you can explain is a mark you have already banked. Go and collect them.