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COMPUTER APPLICATIONS TECHNOLOGY
ELABORATION OF TECHNOLOGY CONCEPTS
[2nd EDITION – June 2022]
PER THE CONTENT IN THE CAT CAPS
AND
AS PER THE 2021 EXAMINATION GUIDELINES FOR CAT
With thanks to: CAT Officials: Ellen Labuschagne (DBE IM), Estelle Llewellyn (DBE IM/KZN), Fotiene Avrakotos (Gauteng), Vani Pather (KZN), Shani Nunkumar (KZN), Yvette Lourens (Northern Cape), Sibongile Masondo (KZN) CAT and IT teachers and lecturers: Anton van Kampen (Nico Malan High – Eastern Cape), Sharon Oelofsen (Ladysmith High, KZN), Reginald Govender (UKZN), Kooraysha Moula (Maritzburg College) Edward Gentle (Limpopo), Claire Smuts (Gauteng)
NOTE:
The depth of knowledge required for the existing concepts and terminology should
include:
Definition – what it is
Purpose/Function – what it does, why it is needed
Advantages/Disadvantages
Benefits/Limitations
Applications in an ICT environment
The yellow highlighted concepts are additions to the previous Examination
Guidelines.
YouTube videos for most of these concepts can be accessed at:
Table of Contents
- 1 SOLID‐STATE DRIVE (SSD)
- 2 MEMORY CARD READER
- 3 MULTI‐TOUCH SCREEN
- 4 HDMI (HIGH‐DEFINITION MULTIMEDIA INTERFACE)
- 5 3D PRINTING/PRINTERS
- 6 802.11 A/B/G/N...........................................................................................................................................
- 7 LTE (LONG TERM EVOLUTION)......................................................................................................................
- 8 NEAR FIELD COMMUNICATION (NFC)
- 9 VIDEO COMMUNICATIONS.........................................................................................................................
- 10 URL SHORTENER
- 11 INTERNET OF THINGS (IOT)
- 12 AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES...........................................................................................................................
- 13 DRONE TECHNOLOGY
- 14 WEARABLE DEVICES AND WEARABLE TECHNOLOGIES
- 15 SHAPING (NETWORK TUNING)
- 16 THROTTLING (POLICING)
- 17 GEOTAGGING
- 18 CLICK‐JACKING
- 19 RANSOMWARE
- 20 SCREEN LOCK PATTERN
- 21 AUTHENTICATION
- 22 CROWD FUNDING
- 23 BYOD: (BRING YOUR OWN DEVICE)
- 24 BIG DATA
- 25 CRYPTOCURRENCIES
- 26 E‐LEARNING AND M‐LEARNING
- 27 VIRTUAL REALITY (VR)
- 28 AUGMENTED REALITY (AR)
- 29 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)
- 30 4 TH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION (4IR)
- 31 5 TH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION (5IR)
- 32 BLOCKCHAIN..............................................................................................................................................
- ACTION VERBS USED IN EXAMINATION PAPERS
STORAGE MEDIA AND DEVICES (memory cards) (CAPS p. 22)
2 Memory Card Reader
Definition/Description what it is
A card reader is a device connected to a computer designed to accept and read data from different types of storage media, such as SIM and SD cards and flash drives.
Purpose and function what it does why it is needed
A memory card reader is a device, typically having a USB interface, for accessing the data on a memory card such as a Secure Digital (SD) or Multimedia Card (MMC). Most card readers also offer write capability.
Advantages/Benefits ● Card readers transfer images to a computer faster than transferring from a digital camera. ● Card readers consume little energy or power. ● Data/Photos can be transferred to the PC without the device/camera being present. ● A multiple memory card reader allows you to read from or write to many different cards. ● An internal card reader on a laptop enables additional storage, without having to carry around an extra device.
Disadvantages/Limitations ● Frequent use of a card reader can damage the memory card if mishandled. ● Can be cumbersome to carry an external card reader around to use on a USB port.
Application in an ICT environment / (Examples of the technology in practice)
● Card readers are integrated into most modern laptops and, desktop computers and some medium to high‐end printers. ● Integrated into almost all mobile devices. ● Many portable devices like cameras use memory cards that require a memory card reader for access to media.
Card reader used to read different sizes of cards
Combination card reader and USB drive
INPUT AND OUTPUT DEVICES
INPUT (Basic concepts, features and uses) (CAPS p. 20)
3 Multi-touch screen
Definition/Description what it is
A multi‐touch screen is a feature of a screen that allows it to register more than one point being touched simultaneously.
Purpose and function what it does why it is needed
Multi‐touch technology works with trackpads (or touchpads) and touch‐ screen interfaces, like those found on laptops, smartphones and tablets. Multi‐touch technology allows users to interact with their devices by expanding the number of interface options. Rather than simply swipe and tap, multi‐touch allows the user to zoom, scroll, select, etc. Multi‐touch technology is designed to provide touch‐screen interfaces with the same sort of flexibility and usability that a traditional mouse and keyboard provide, while also providing for a more intuitive and seamless user experience.
Advantages ● A multi‐touch screen offers more functionality without using menus. ● Multi‐touch technology can allow multiple users to interact through the same screen, enhancing amusement game applications.
Limitations ● There is a limit as to how many physical touches are possible on a small screen.
Application in an ICT environment / (Examples of the technology in practice)
● Use two or more fingers to pinch and stretch to control the zooming on tablets. ● Five fingers are used in a pinching gesture/motion to close apps on an iPad. ● Some touch screens also respond to finger motions such as sliding your finger to drag an object. ● Examples of multi‐touch technology include smartphones, tablets, laptops, touch tables and walls (like those found in museum exhibits and commercial spaces). ● Accessibility technology on smartphones often uses multi‐touch ability to offer particular functionality to people who are sight impaired.
Example of a multi‐touch screen
GENERIC COMMON OUTPUT DEVICES (CAPS p. 20)
5 3D printing/printers
Definition/Description what it is
3D printers can create three‐dimensional solid objects from a digital model of the item by adding successive layers of material on top of one another.
Purpose and function what it does why it is needed
To be able to produce a 3D reproduction, the 3D printer reads the design from a 3D printable file and then fuses layers of liquid, powder, paper pulp or sheet material on top of one another to build the model. These layers correspond to the computer‐generated cross sections of a Computer‐aided Design (CAD) model.
Advantages 3D printing is much cheaper than other manufacturing methods. 3D printing technology enables home users to have access to machines that can build 3D models. Parts needed for a project can be made 'on‐demand'. Clients can examine a physical model before manufacturing/building starts (e.g. a miniature of a new mall being developed).
Disadvantages It can take a long time to create models for 3D printers. Limited materials can be used for 3D printing – almost all 3D printers use some form of plastic for their models. Consumables used in 3D printing are relatively expensive. Various processes are needed to clean up models before they are useable, such as sanding, curing, etc. It is also time‐consuming and costly to assemble multiple parts of a larger model. Emissions may possibly be toxic (smelly/odour).
Limitations (^) Model size is limited to the printer size Can only print in one material at a time Not suitable for mass production/It takes long to print objects Not all objects can be created/printed Complete re‐print is required if any errors occur
Application in an ICT environment / (Examples of the technology in practice)
One can create three‐dimensional solid objects (for example, motor vehicle parts, human tissue replacement, jewellery, clothing, buildings, boats, etc.)
Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQvN10kGKrk
An ORDbot Quantum 3D printer Close-up of a 3D-printer showinghow it prints in layers
COMMUNICATION AND COMMUNICATION DEVICES OVERVIEW OF PORTABLE AND MOBILE INTERNET ACCESS (BASIC CONCEPTS) (CAPS p. 35)
STANDARDS FOR WIRELESS COMMUNICATION
6 802.11 a/b/g/n
Description/Definition what it is
802.11 a/b/g/n refers to a set of specifications and protocols used in communication on a wireless network. The letters (a, b, g, n) simply indicate different versions of the Wi‐Fi standard (each with different speeds, etc.)
Simple explanation of how it works
● Devices that have the appropriate wireless capability can communicate with other devices by using Wi‐Fi (wireless fidelity), which identifies any network based on the 802.11 standards. ● 802.11 is a series of network standards that specifies how two wireless devices communicate over the air with each other or put very simply, it is a wireless connection to a physical network or network device.
Application in an ICT environment / (Examples of the technology in practice)
● Wi‐Fi communication in hotspots. ● This standard will indicate whether a device has Wi‐Fi capabilities when you are making a buying decision.
These notes only refer to the Wi-Fi standard – you still need to learn all about Wi-Fi in your
textbook.
WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY (PRINTERS) (CAPS p. 30)
Wi‐Fi HOTSPOTS, WiMAX, BLUETOOTH (CAPS p. 35)
8 Near Field Communication (NFC)
Definition/Description what it is
Near Field Communication ( NFC) is a standard that allows devices such as smartphones to connect wirelessly simply by touching them together or bringing them into close proximity.
Purpose and function what it does why it is needed
NFC is a technology built upon radio‐frequency identification, or RFID, which allows a gadget to send radio waves to another gadget or to another RFID‐ enabled tag and to trigger a certain action. NFC makes tap‐and‐go services possible and is often used in smartphones and smartwatches.
Advantages/Benefits (^) NFC offers a certain amount of security, as a hacker would need to be close to the target to access NFC‐data exchange. NFC can be used to change settings automatically on devices such as smartphones. Makes quick contactless data transfer by a single tap on a screen possible, for example, contactless tap‐and‐go card transactions.
Disadvantage/Limitation NFC has a comparatively low transfer speed – so it is not the best method for transferring large files such as videos.
Application in an ICT environment / (Examples of the technology in practice)
Basically, you can use NFC to do most things in your daily life, for example: exchange data by just touching two smartphones together pay and transfer data using NFC technology launch an app on someone else's smartphone send directions to someone if you are near to them use NFC when travelling, for example, manage your trips or to scan your boarding pass at an airport checkpoint connect with different NFC tags pair tech accessories like speakers with NFC log in to your work computer with just a tap of the phone unlock your car doors control your car or home (using NFC chips and a smartphone) keep track of your health and fitness stats, etc.
Videos https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_64mAcOn https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wim4TqMzgVQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6PFtsvpMxA
Near Field Communication example
VIDEO COMMUNICATIONS ‐ (E G 2021)
9 Video communications
Definition/Description what it is
Video communication is the transmission of data via live video streaming or video sharing. Three main types of video communication are: Video calling Video conferencing Video sharing
Purpose and function ● what it does ● why it is needed
Video calling : two or more people to communicate using video on their smartphones or personal computers, using the same internet platform/software or smartphone/landline number. Video conferencing : two or more people share a live visual connection from different locations. Each participant is able to see all participants in a grid with multiple screens. It uses Multipoint Control Unit to select and combine the video streams of the participants and allows text chat and file sharing while the conference is active. Video sharing : sharing video during meetings/presentations. This is a feature of most video conferencing software.
Advantages Video communication technology is able to connect people/employees, in one meeting, from different locations all over the world. In business, it can establish real‐time connection with clients, suppliers, and partners. Video communication allows families and friends to have conversations where they can all see each other while they are in different locations.
Disadvantages (^) Video communication uses a lot of data. Fast internet connection is needed for smooth video/Buffering may occur because of a slow internet connection.
Limitations (^) Video communication is only possible with an internet connection. Video communication is best used over an uncapped, broadband connection. Needs special software/hardware and sufficient bandwidth, video display screen, microphone, webcam etc.
Application in an ICT environment / (Examples of the technology in practice)
Video conferencing apps : Zoom, MS Teams, Google Meets Video calling apps : WhatsApp, FaceTime, Google Hangouts, Skype
11 Internet of Things (IoT)
Definition/Description what it is
Internet of Things (IoT ) refers to the trend whereby all sorts of objects and devices are increasingly being connected to one another via the internet. Various sensors in the devices can produce data for all sorts of purposes including diagnostics and running systems more efficiently.
Purpose and function what it does why it is needed
Physical objects are embedded with sensors, software, etc., which connect and exchange data with other devices and systems over the internet, not dependent on human intervention.
Advantages (^) Appliances can be started remotely before getting home. Check on the status of appliance (is it still operational). Manufacturer can diagnose problems without visiting. Firmware can be upgraded. Usage can be monitored (e.g. coffee machine in an office). Data can be retrieved from these devices.
Disadvantages IoT may have negative implications for user privacy. Cybercriminals can hack into a network via IoT devices and gain access to private information. IoT may lead to an over‐reliance on technology.
Application in an ICT environment / (Examples of the technology in practice)
This can range from surveillance systems to geysers, washing machines, 'smart' motor cars and traffic lights, etc. Scenario 1: Smart thermometer on the roof automatically communicates with the smart air conditioner in the building to automatically turn on and off as the temperature drops / rises. Scenario 2: If you buy products with RFID tags on them, your smart fridge can automatically pick up what items are in it, warn you early when something is close to the expiration date and suggest recipes. Your smart dustbin can also register which items you have thrown away, and automatically update your shopping list on your smartphone. Biochip transponders on animals. Wearable health monitors. DNA analysis devices for environmental/food/pathogen monitoring.
Example of IoT in a smart home
12 Autonomous vehicles
Definition/Description what it is
A self‐driving car , also known as an autonomous vehicle , driverless car, or robo‐car is a vehicle than can sense its environment and move safely with little or no human input.
An autonomous vehicle is one that can drive itself from a starting point to a selected destination in an 'autopilot' mode using various in‐vehicle technologies and sensors to navigate on roads.
Autonomous vehicle
Purpose and function what it does why it is needed
Autonomous vehicles use various technologies and sensors such as adaptive cruise control, active steering, anti‐lock braking systems, GPS navigation technology, lasers and radar.
Advantages (^) Reduced accidents. Reduced traffic congestion (vehicles can communicate with each other). Lower Fuel consumption/Consumer savings on running costs. Transportation for people who cannot drive/Increased access to transportation. Reduced travel times.
Disadvantages (^) Security issues due to possible hacking. Computer/machine may malfunction/possible machine errors may occur.
Limitations (^) Potential for loss of privacy as movements of the car can be tracked. Requires very good network coverage.
Application in an ICT environment / (Examples of the technology in practice)
Delivery services and taxi services may be more efficient and cheaper. People with disabilities that prevent them from driving may have the opportunity to be more independent.
Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZ102xfmH‐Y
Weather changes: Weather changes in an area affects the use of drones. Most drones are designed to operate at a speed of 30 mph thus you cannot use them in an area with a wind speed of less than 20 mph. Flying drones in rain or snow can damage the electronic components and interfere with the communication between the drone and the controller. The use of drones may be limited by air space rules/laws. Some drones require a specific licence to be able to fly them.
Application in an ICT environment / (Examples of the technology in practice)
Agriculture – farmers can use drones to measure and record the growth of their crops, insect infestation, etc. Disaster management – drones can be used to survey the extent of wild fire damage in a specific area. Drones can be used in situations where it is too dangerous to send in a manned aircraft. Photography , filming, journalism – drones are used by television sport networks to capture sporting footage. Scientific – drones with biological sensors can fly to unsafe areas to take the air quality readings and check for micro‐organisms or atmospheric elements. Nature conservation and game ranging – in combination with geospatial imagery, drones are used to monitor and track animals. Military – drones are deployed mainly for intelligence, reconnaissance, and surveillance missions. Security companies use drones to provide surveillance systems for industrial, commercial, and residential properties. Commercial use – drones are used for parcel deliveries, delivery medical supplies in remote areas, etc. Insurance companies use drones to assess the damage to buildings, roof damages, etc. Geographic mapping – drones that use 3D mapping are used to access dangerous coastlines or unattainable mountain tops.
Video https://youtu.be/Cvvjda9y9Gk
Additional reading: https://internetofthingsagenda.techtarget.com/definition/drone https://www.mydronelab.com/blog/drone‐uses.html
14 Wearable devices and wearable technologies
Definition/Description what it is
Wearable devices and technologies are electronic mobile devices worn as accessories or part of clothing that continuously generate data from various environments and communicate with other devices/PC/networks.
Purpose and function what it does why it is needed
Wearable devices are used for tracking information on a real‐time basis. These devices have sensors which track information such as distance travelled, heart rate, oxygen saturation and temperature which can be transmitted to connected smart devices. The information between the wearables and the smart devices are synchronised.
Advantages Wearables are hands free and portable, facilitating mobility and connectivity for users to access online information conveniently and communicate with others immediately while on the move. Wearables are connected to smart devices to which they transmit information. This allows us to view this information immediately or at a later time. It allows for tracking of information without confinement to a particular physical location. Information is collected and analysed, and a report is issued almost immediately. There are several advantages of wearable devices in the health sector: encourages proactive healthcare, keeps patients engaged, and monitors vulnerable patients.
Disadvantages (^) Some wearables have been known to measure data inaccurately on some occasions which can have serious implications. Privacy concerns regarding wearables – may share information that violates privacy. Wearable technology may pose security risks as they are always online and may be hacked or allow the wearer to be spied upon.
Benefit May allow companies to track employee health and fitness levels. May help address employee safety – for example, caps worn by long‐ distance drivers to monitor fatigue or the level of alertness. Can keep track of how your body reacts to exercise.
Limitations Size of the wearables may limit the tasks they are supposed to perform or makes it impossible for these devices to function on their own. Small size usually results in small batteries, limiting their useful time.
Application in an ICT environment / (Examples of the technology in practice)
Smart watches provide a person with not only the time but notifications of their calls, messages, e‐mails, social media updates, etc. Fitness trackers and sport watches keep track on the number of steps/amount of time exercised and monitors heart rate. It can calculate and report on how many calories were burnt, etc. Smart glasses can provide functionality in your peripheral vision like GPS navigation, the ability to easily take a photo, take incoming calls etc.
15 Shaping (Network Tuning) Definition/Description what it is
Shaping or Network Tuning is a technique where certain network (internet) services, for example, e‐mail, are given preference while others such as social networking services are given less priority, so performance is maintained for the more critical services. Purpose and function what it does why it is needed
Internet Service Providers (ISP) to Home Users Shaping is used on most consumer internet accounts. User will experience reduction of speed on the internet during peak periods. Certain internet services may slow down to give other services priority. The ISP decides which services to shape. Often torrent downloads are shaped because it is not seen as a priority service. Businesses/Organisations The profiles for traffic shaping can be easily changed, to adapt the network to different uses. The network manager can run specific tools to enable the automatic change of network profiles, for instance according to the specific needs of certain hours of the day. Traffic shaping is used to help organisations with centralized servers that are under heavy traffic manage their resources. Traffic shaping is a quality of service (QoS) technique that is configured on network interfaces to allow higher‐priority traffic to flow at optimal levels even when the link becomes over‐utilised (thus, even if the internet usage is high, critical services can still work). Advantage/Benefit (^) Shaping allows a service provider to make critical data and essential services available without interruption. Disadvantages The user may experience slow internet connection (at peak times). Application in an ICT environment / (Examples of the technology in practice)
Common uses of traffic shaping include: Time‐sensitive data may be given priority over traffic that can be delayed briefly. Business‐related traffic may be given priority over other traffic. A large ISP may shape traffic based on customer priority. An ISP may limit maximum bandwidth consumption for certain applications to reduce costs and create the capacity to take on additional subscribers. This practice can effectively limit a subscriber's 'unlimited connection' (uncapped) and is often imposed without notification. Traffic shaping is an integral component of the proposed two‐tiered internet, in which certain customers or services receive traffic priority for a premium charge (e.g. business clients pay the ISP more, but is never shaped). Example: If employees within a company download file types that use a lot of bandwidth and that are not related to the day‐to‐ day workings of that company, e.g. MP4 files, the company could shape the network so that important tasks such as sending and receiving company e‐mails would be given bandwidth preference.
Further reading: https://itsi.intelligentpractice.co.za/read/cat/grade‐12‐cat/networks/04‐networks?id=sec4‐ https://searchnetworking.techtarget.com/definition/traffic‐shaping
16 Throttling (Policing)
Definition/Description what it is
Throttling or Policing occurs when your ISP slows down your internet connection. This often occurs when your ISP notices that your downloads have used excessive amounts of data. Each ISP has an Acceptable Usage Policy (AUP) which specifies how this is determined and implemented.
http://www.tidytutorials.com/2011/03/bandwidth‐throttling‐and‐connection.html
Purpose and function what it does why it is needed
When you exceed the amount of data specified in the FUP or AUP for the month, your ISP will drop your internet speed so that you will not be able to continue your excessive downloading pattern.
Advantages (^) A controlled internet access environment can be set up in an organisation. Limits congestion in the ISP server and prevents crashes.
Disadvantages Throttling is inconvenient for user due to the slow speed of the internet
- time consuming. It could be misleading if you pay for uncapped data and then get throttled.
Application in an ICT environment / (Examples of the technology in practice)
Company servers/Networks slows down internet access for the users disregarding the AUP to protect the system.
Examples: https://www.vox.co.za/wp‐content/uploads/2016/10/Home‐ADSL‐and‐FTTH‐Fair‐Usage‐Policy‐ 19012017‐1.pdf https://www.vodacom.co.za/vodacom/terms/fibre/vodacom‐fibre (nr. 76)
