CAT PREPARATION 2025 02June2025
SYSTEM TECHNOLOGIES
Software bug
Mistakes or errors that were inadvertently introduced when programmers wrote the system.
Patch
An update that can be downloaded to fix a specific bug in your computer.
Service pack
A release of connections and new features since the release of the original software and they are released
at a fixed interval.
Input devices:
The effect of a disk fragmentation
Disk fragmentation refers to the more the scattered the files are, the slower your computer. The
more the files you store on your computer, the slower it becomes.
Uses for text-to-speech software
To convert written text to speech that is useful for:
Voice recognition
Note taking
Education or training
Dictation
Transcription
How to solve the problem if keyboard is not working
Keys are sticky Switch off the computer, unplug the keyboard and clean it
Not responding If it`s wireless, batteries probably need to be replaced
If it`s wired, disconnect and then reconnect
If not working, try using another port
Solution to copy the document to the flash drive
Insert the flash drive into your computer`s USB port
Open the file explorer or finder on your computer
Locate the document you want to copy
Right click on the document and select copy
Navigate to the flash drive on the explorer or finder
Right click inside the flash drive folder and select paste
Function of a multi-function printer
Scanning documents
Photocopying documents
Faxing documents
Hardware specifications that need to be considered when buying a printer
Speed
Colour
Resolution
Cost per page
Mobility
Operating system
System software that controls all the activities that take place in a computer
Application software
A group of programs that perform specific tasks for us as users
Why it may not be possible to upgrade operating system
If the computer`s hardware or existing software is not compatible with the newer version, it
may not be possible.
Instances where software might cause a computer to become slower
Malware
Viruses
Outdated or incompatible software
Overloading the system
Virtual memory
Definition: A memory management technique that uses a combination of Random Access Memory and hard
drive storage to provide additional memory for running applications
The influence: Slower performance. When the system uses virtual memory, it can lead to slower
performance because hard drives are much slower than RAM.
Wireless devices
Advantages:
You don`t need cables to connect to the internet
You will have mobile access to the internet 24/7 from anywhere in the world.
You can use you smartphone to access the internet
Disadvantages
If you are in an area that has poor coverage, you may have limited or slow access.
You never really escape communication such as e-mails and browsing, which may result in
information overload.
Your online privacy or security could be an issue
Disadvantages of a Multi-function printer
If one function breaks, the whole device may be unusable
Higher cost of repair or replacement
INTERNET AND NETWORK TECHNOLOGIES
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
A protocol that allows telephone calls to be made over LANs, WANs and the internet.
Advantages of VoIP:
VoIP calls re cheaper than normal phone calls
The software is generally free
It allows you to transfer files, as well as make video conference calls
Click-jacking
A type of online attack where an attacker tricks a user into clicking on something different from what they
intended to click.
Ways on how to prevent click-jacking
Have good password policies
Check for spelling and errors
Be cautious with links and downloads
Verify the website
Uncapped
Internet or data plans that do not have a specific data limit you can download or upload.
Shaped
Term used to describe the preference given to certain internet services
Unshaped
All the internet services are given the same preference.
Network switch
A device that connects multiple devices within a network, allowing them to communicate with each other.
Advantages of Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL):
Most ADSL router include Wi-Fi connectivity so you can access the internet from anywhere in your
house using a laptop, smartphone, tablet etc.
You can make and receive phone calls on your landline and use the line for internet access at the
same time.
Disadvantages of ADSL:
ADSL may not be available in your area
ADSL is not a mobile solution because it is limited to a single physical location and the area that the
Wi-Fi can cover at that location
INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
Crowd funding
Raising funds for a project or venture from a large number of people typically through an online platform.
Information overload
A state where an individual or organization is overwhelmed by the amount of information they receive,
making it difficult to process, absorb and make decisions.
Spoofing
The forgery of an e-mail header so that the e-mail appears to be from a different origin or person.
Strategies one can use to create or manage strong passwords:
Make use of letters, characters and digits
Avoid using common passwords such as your name, surname or your date of birth
Enable a password that only you can know, make it hard
Enable two-factor authentication
Ways of minimizing the possibilities of being affected by computer-related health risk
Set up your workstation to promote good posture with feet flat
Adjust display settings by ensuring that the brightness and contrast of the screen are comfortable for
your eyes.
Take regular breaks from using the computer to reduce burnout
Use proper keyboard and mouse techniques by avoiding bending wrists or using excessive force.
Entry level computer
Computers designed for basic computing needs and these computers are perfect for home users, students
and small businesses.
Advantages of using biometric security
Enhanced security since it`s unique to each individual
Increased accuracy because biometric systems can accurately identify individuals, reducing errors and
false identities
Reduced risk of identity theft since biometric data is difficult to duplicate or steal
Advantages of connecting computers to a network
Resource sharing such as files and other resources among multiple users
Improved communication among users through e-mail, instant messaging and video conferencing
Cost effectiveness since it reduces costs by sharing resources and infrastructure
Disadvantages of a wireless network compared to cabled network
Range limitations since wireless networks have limited range and coverage, requiring additional
hardware such as routers
Security risks whereby wireless networks are more vulnerable to hacking and eavesdropping due to
the broadcast nature of wireless signals
Speed reliability because wireless networks typically have slower speeds and are more prone to
dropped connections
Advantages of cloud storage
File extensions are not blocked
The system backs up the files
You can save space on your local hard drive
You can use these systems to synchronise your files
Web browser
A software application that allows one to view and explore web pages on the on the web either via
hyperlinks or in cases where URL is already known, by typing the address in the address bar of the web
browser.
Search engine
A program used to search for documents located on the web by using keywords or phrases
entered by the user when looking for information.
Advantages of using e-banking from a client`s perspective
You do not have to travel to the bank or wait in long queues
The transactions are usually faster and normally costing less than when you are in another country or
even country
Portable Document Format (PDF) purpose
To allow people to see the documents with the layout and formatting of the documents intact, even if you
do not own a software used to create the document
Tips to consider regarding the backing up of the data
Only back up your data as the programs themselves can be reinstalled
Back up your files onto a portable external media
Keep the backups off-site I case of theft or a disaster such as fire
Shareware
A software that is often time limited in that you can use for a period of times
Advantages of shareware
Users can test the software before buying it
Cost effective since users can try the software for free or at a low cost
Flexibility since users can evaluate the software`s features and functionality before committing to a
purchase
Key logger
A spyware that records every key stroke you make as you type and can even possibly record the
movements of your mouse and take screenshots of what is displayed on your screen in an attempt to find
your username and passwords
Items that may appear in the Acceptable Use Policy of a school
Respecting other`s privacy: no sharing of information without permission
No cyberbullying or harassment
Protecting school resources: No tampering with school devices or networks
Blog
Websites that are updated often with news and events- read like journal with the most recent entry at the
top
Pages Per Minute (PPM)
A unit used to measure the scanning speed of a scanner, indicating how many pages it can scan is a
minute
Dots Per Inch (DPI)
Number of dots that fit into a square inch of space
Categories of social websites
Social networking sites: Facebook and WhatsApp
Video sharing sites: YouTube and TikTok
Blogging sites: Blogger
Social bookmarking sites: Pinterest
Skype
One of the most popular software packages that allows people to communicate by using VoIP. It allows
you to make video calls if you have a webcam attached to your computer.
Advantages:
You can call normal phones in foreign countries at the cost of a local phone call
Cheaper than normal phone calls
Hardware needed:
Webcam
Device
Speaker
Microphone
Digital gap
Refers to the gap between individuals or groups who have access to modern information and
communication technologies (ICTs) such as computers and the internet and those who do not have, often
due to socioeconomic, geographic or democratic factors.
Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feeder
A web or news feed that automatically provides users with updated content or notifications of new
content.
RSS alerts you:
New blog entries on blogs you subscribe to
New music on iTunes
Items you are interested in on online auction sites such as eBay
SUMIF
A function used to add or sum the values based on a single condition or criteria
SUMIFS
A function used to add or sum the values based on multiple condition or criteria
Ergonomics
The study and design of the workplace for the comfort and safety of people in working
Environments
Reasons why we update software regularly
To download patches and service packs to fix errors or bugs in our existing programs
Close security loopholes that hackers and malware might try to exploit or use
So that the software can detect new forms of viruses
How using a dedicated graphics card can improve the performance of a computer
Increasing frame rates in games and reducing rendering times in graphics-intensive applications
Advantage of using High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) port
It provides better image quality and transmits both video and audio signals in a single cable
