Full In-Depth IEB Computer Applications Technology (CAT) Software Notes for Grade 11 and Grade 12. It gives an outline on all Hardware listed in the IEB SAGS (Subject Assesment Guidelines) Document and therefore is perfect for any school on the IEB syllabus
Application Software
It is a group of programs that perform specific tasks. For example, Gaming software, Word processing
programs, etc.
System Software
Software that is intended to control, support or operate the computer. For example, the Operating System. It is
software that manages the computer as a whole and creates the user interface.
The Operating System
It is system software that controls all activities that take place on a computer. Examples of operating systems
include:
✓ The Windows range of operating systems such as Windows 8, Windows 10, etc.
✓ Apple’s macOS Sierra.
✓ iOS for Apple Devices like iPhones, iPads, etc.
✓ Android.
The function of the Operating system is to:
✓ Manage all hardware and software on the computer.
✓ Maintain security (this is mainly done using users and passwords).
✓ Provide a user interface.
The Interface
The User Interface (UI) is the way content on screen is arranged and presented.
A GUI (Graphical User Interface) is when the interface contains graphical elements such as small pictures or
icons.
The Desktop
It allows you to personalise your computer by changing the background
image and arranging shortcuts to your apps, making them easier to access.
Apps can be represented by icons known as tiles. Some of these apps are
live tiles because they update their display information such as the
weather app.
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, Other Windows Components
Dialog Box
It is a small window that is used for communication (dialog) between a computer and user. It usually provides
the user with options to perform a task, but it can also be used to display warnings or error messages.
Controls
Control Function
1 Textbox Gives the user space to enter information
2 Spinner Used to change the value by clicking on an up or down arrow.
3 Radio Button Allows the user to choose only one from a set of options.
4 Command Button Performs a command when clicked. Such as “Ok”
5 Tab in dialog box It sometimes appears in dialog boxes so that different options can be
shown on each tab or sheet.
6 Combo and List box List boxes allow you to choose from a list of options. Combo boxes
allow the user to add an option of their own.
7 Check box They are options that can be selected or deselected. If many of them
are grouped together, more than one may be chosen (unlike radio
buttons which only allow you to choose one).
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, Integrated Software
This is when different programs are designed to have a similar interface. The different programs are designed
to be able to share and exchange data with each other. This is typically done by companies that creates many
different types of software for example Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, etc.
Licensing Agreements
Software purchased is never actually owned by the user. Instead, you buy a licence to use the software under
certain conditions.
This license is a legally binding contract between the user and software company. They are called EULAs or End
User License Agreements. They describe what one can and cannot do with the software.
Proprietary Software
Proprietary software is software that is licensed, so users may only use the software under certain conditions.
They may not change or distribute the software. Examples of proprietary software includes:
Single User License
This means you may install one copy of the software. You may not install it on other computers. For software
purchased on CD or DVD you can only usually make one backup copy of the software.
Multi-User License
Allows software to be installed on more than one computer and allows multiple installations of the software.
Site License
It allows a company to an unrestricted number of installations of the software within the company. It is also
known as Volume Licensing. It is more expensive than a single user license, but it is cheaper than buying a single
user license for each computer.
Software Piracy
It is the illegal installation, copying and distributing of proprietary software. Most software now requires
online activation or registration in attempt to reduce software piracy.
The catch phrase 'It's criminal if it's not original!' describes being guilty of software piracy.
Free Software
This is software that is free (usually available from the internet) can be installed as many times as you like and
can be distributed at will. It is also known as FOSS (Free and Open-Source Software). Types of free software
include:
Freeware
Software that is available at no cost. You can use it for free, but you don't have access to its source code. You
typically cannot modify, redistribute, or study the underlying code. It is usually proprietary software, meaning
the developer retains full control.
The key difference between Freeware and Free Software is that Free Software gives the user access to the
source code and allows the user to modify this code and distribute modified versions of the source code
whereas Freeware does not give users these permissions.
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