These notes offer concise summaries of key Grade
10 CAT theory topics. They are recommended as
a study aid alongside prescribed learning
materials, not as a substitute for official textbooks.
Adishesha Nandkoomar
Computer Applications Technology (Grade 10)
STUDY MATERIAL
Theory Notes
, STUDY MATERIAL
Contents
Section 1: Introduction to CAT and ICT ................................................................................................ 4
1. What is Computer Applications Technology (CAT)? ................................................................... 4
2. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) ...................................................................... 4
3. Data vs. Information.......................................................................................................................... 4
4. Role of Computers in Society .......................................................................................................... 5
6. Ethical and Legal Considerations ................................................................................................... 6
Section 2: Computer Hardware and Software ................................................................................... 7
1. Introduction to Hardware and Software ...................................................................................... 7
2. What is Hardware? .......................................................................................................................... 7
3. What is Software? ............................................................................................................................ 7
4. Classification of Software................................................................................................................ 8
5. Software Licensing ............................................................................................................................ 8
6. Comparison: Hardware vs. Software ............................................................................................ 8
7. Care and Maintenance .................................................................................................................... 9
8. Social and Environmental Considerations ..................................................................................... 9
Key Terms to Remember: ...................................................................................................................... 9
Section 3: Introduction to Computer Networks ................................................................................10
1. Introduction to Computer Networks .............................................................................................10
2. Purpose of Networks ......................................................................................................................10
3. Components of a Network .............................................................................................................10
4. Types of Networks ..........................................................................................................................10
5. Network Models ..............................................................................................................................11
6. Advantages of Networks ...............................................................................................................11
7. Disadvantages of Networks ..........................................................................................................11
8. Social, Ethical and Legal Considerations ....................................................................................12
9. Internet and Connectivity ...............................................................................................................12
Key Terms to Remember: ....................................................................................................................12
Section 4: E-Communication.................................................................................................................13
1. Introduction to E-Communication ...................................................................................................13
2. Types of E-Communication .............................................................................................................13
3. Structure of an Email.......................................................................................................................13
4. Advantages of E-Communication..................................................................................................14
5. Disadvantages of E-Communication.............................................................................................14
6. Netiquette (Internet Etiquette) .......................................................................................................14
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7. Online Security and Threats ..........................................................................................................15
8. Responsible Use of E-Communication ..........................................................................................15
Key Terms to Remember .....................................................................................................................15
Section 5: Ergonomics, ICT in Society, and Social Implications ..................................................16
1. Introduction to Ergonomics, ICT in Society, and Social Implications .......................................16
2. Importance of Ergonomics in ICT...................................................................................................16
3. Ergonomic Guidelines for Computer Use ....................................................................................16
4. ICT in Society....................................................................................................................................16
5. Positive Effects of ICT .....................................................................................................................16
6. Negative Effects of ICT ..................................................................................................................17
7. Social Implications of ICT ...............................................................................................................17
Section 6: Word Processing ...................................................................................................................19
1. Introduction to Word Processing ..................................................................................................19
2. Basic Word Processing Tasks ........................................................................................................19
3. Text Formatting Features ...............................................................................................................19
4. Page and Paragraph Formatting.................................................................................................19
5. Tables and Columns ........................................................................................................................20
6. Inserting Elements ............................................................................................................................20
8. Reviewing and Collaboration .......................................................................................................20
9. Using Templates...............................................................................................................................21
10. Offline Help and Support ...........................................................................................................21
11. Printing a Document......................................................................................................................21
Section 7: Spreadsheets .........................................................................................................................22
1. Introduction to Spreadsheets .........................................................................................................22
2. Spreadsheet Basics .........................................................................................................................22
3. Entering and Editing Data .............................................................................................................22
4. Formatting a Worksheet ................................................................................................................22
5. Formulas vs. Functions .....................................................................................................................23
6. Relative vs. Absolute Cell References ..........................................................................................23
7. Sorting and Filtering Data .............................................................................................................23
8. Creating Charts and Graphs ........................................................................................................24
9. Data Validation ...............................................................................................................................24
Section 8: Presentations.........................................................................................................................26
1. Introduction to Presentations..........................................................................................................26
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2. Purpose of Presentations ................................................................................................................26
3. Structure of a Presentation ............................................................................................................26
4. Key Features of PowerPoint ..........................................................................................................26
5. Creating a Presentation .................................................................................................................27
6. Effective Presentation Guidelines .................................................................................................27
7. Slide Views .......................................................................................................................................28
8. Delivering a Presentation...............................................................................................................28
9. Printing Presentation Materials .....................................................................................................28
Key Terms to Remember .....................................................................................................................28
Section 8: Introduction to HTML ...........................................................................................................29
1. Introduction to HTML .......................................................................................................................29
2. Structure of an HTML Document....................................................................................................29
3. Common HTML Tags........................................................................................................................29
4. Attributes in HTML ...........................................................................................................................30
5. Creating Lists ....................................................................................................................................30
6. Adding Links and Images ...............................................................................................................31
7. Tables in HTML .................................................................................................................................31
8. Saving and Viewing HTML Files ...................................................................................................31
Key Terms to Remember .....................................................................................................................31
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