COMPUTER APPLICATIONS TECHNOLOGY
GRADE 12
PAPER 2 
NSC PAST PAPERS AND MEMOS
SEPTEMBER 2017

INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION 

1. This question paper consists of:
   SECTION A (25 marks)
   SECTION B (75 marks)
   SECTION C (50 marks) 
2. Answer ALL the questions. 
3. Number the answers correctly according to the numbering system used in this question paper. 
4. Start EACH question on a NEW page. 
5. Do NOT write in the right-hand margin. 
6. Leave a line between each sub-question.
7. In general, one mark is allocated per fact. A 2-mark question would  therefore require TWO facts, et cetera. 
8. Write neatly and legibly.

QUESTIONS 

SECTION A 
QUESTION 1: MATCHING ITEMS 
Choose a term/concept from COLUMN B that best matches a description in  COLUMN A. Write only the letter (A–P) next to the question number (1.1–1.10) in  the ANSWER BOOK, for example 1.11 Q. 

(10 x 1) [10]

QUESTION 2: MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS 
Various options have been provided as possible answers to the following questions.  Choose the most appropriate answer and write only the letter (A–D) next to the  question number (2.1–2.10) in the ANSWER BOOK, for example 2.11 E. 
2.1 The technology that is used to get information from different websites  automatically, is called …  

1. RSI.
2. EULA.
3. RSS. 
4. FAT. (1) 

2.2 Which ONE of the following would be the most suitable for creating a library  management system? 

1. Word processor 
2. Database
3. Spreadsheet
4. Presentation program (1) 

2.3 Which ONE of the following Internet websites does NOT require a password,  user name and/or pin code in order to use its functions? 

1. Facebook 
2. Internet banking site 
3. Twitter 
4. Wikipedia (1) 

2.4 Many libraries save money by installing and using inexpensive networked  computers known as thin client computers. What main computer part do  these thin client computers often NOT have? 

1. Motherboard 
2. Hard drive
3. Power supply 
4. RAM (1) 

2.5 The school library promotes green computing. Which ONE of the following is  NOT directly associated with green computing? 

1. Recycling paper
2. Sleep mode
3. Security webcam
4. Paperless office (1)

2.6 A learner did a Google web search and found information on a web  page. Which ONE of the following would be the best option for the  bibliography? 

1. Gates, Bill. The future of technology.  http://microsoft.gates.htm. Accessed 20 October 2016.
2. Google
3. Gates, Bill. The future of technology. 
4. http://microsoft.gates.htm. Gates, Bill. The future of technology. (1) 

2.7 A public location where wireless Internet access can be obtained for  mobile computers is called a ... 

1. Wi-Fi.
2. Hot spot. 
3. MySpace.
4. Cyber café. (1) 

2.8 A code in Access which forces data capturers to enter data in a  specific format is known as a ... 

1. validation rule. 
2. primary key.
3. input mask.
4. validation text. (1) 

2.9 Which ONE of the following specifications is the most likely to  indicate that a computer is a notebook? 

1.  1 TB HDD
2. Touchpad 
3.  Windows 10 Home (64 bit)
4. USB 3.0 (1) 

2.10 Which ONE of the following components forms an integral part of the  motherboard? 

1. DIMM slots
2. DVD-ROM
3. USB drivers
4. HDD (1)

[10]

QUESTION 3: TRUE/FALSE  
Indicate whether the following statements are TRUE or FALSE. Choose the  answer and wrtie ‘true’ or ‘false’ next to the question number (3.1–3.5) in the  ANSWER BOOK. Correct the statement if it is FALSE. Change the  underlined word(s) to make the statement TRUE. (You may not simply use the  word ‘NOT’ to change the statement. NO mark will be awarded if only FALSE  is written down.) 
EXAMPLES: 

3.1 File sharing is a system whereby the resources of different computers  are shared and used at the same time to solve a single problem. (1) 
3.2 Aspect ratio is the number of steps between the darkest black and the  brightest white that a display device can produce. (1) 
3.3 A patch is a collection of software updates over the past period of time  put into one big unit for easier installation. (1) 
3.4 DOTX is the file extension for a Microsoft Word Template. (1) 
3.5 A switch is a network device used to connect two or more networks to  each other. (1)

[5] 
TOTAL SECTION A: 25

SECTION B 
QUESTION 4: SYSTEM TECHNOLOGIES 
4.1 The managers at Spar were given a choice to use one of the following  two devices to perform their tasks during the countrywide Angry Birds  competition. 

4.1.1 Give TWO reasons why the managers requested to be issued  with the laptop rather than the tablet. (2) 

4.2 A tablet uses an SSD for the storage of data and files. 

4.2.1 What does the acronym SSD stand for? (1) 
4.2.2 List THREE comparative differences between the features and  performance of an SSD and an HDD in table format. (3) 
4.2.3 Why have SSDs not completely replaced HDDs, even though  they have so many benefits? Do NOT refer to cost in your  answer. (1) 

4.3 Both a tablet and a laptop use cache memory. Explain the purpose of  cache memory in a computer system. (3) 
4.4 Give TWO reasons why a tablet and a laptop cannot use the same type  of RAM. (2) 
4.5 The managers have been told that they can use FireWire 800 or  USB 3.0 to upload video material of the performances of contestants to  the competition’s website. 

4.5.1 State TWO advantages of USB over FireWire. (2) 
4.5.2 Would the software used for the editing of videos be considered  application software or system software? (1) 

4.6 Cellular modems are used to connect to the Internet and upload the  results of the competition each week. The results are stored in a ‘cloud’. 

4.6.1 Name the type of connection the modem will use with the  uploading of the results. (1)
4.6.2 Explain what is meant by the term cloud in this context. (2) 

4.7 Each week the managers have a group conference call to discuss  results and some of the outstanding performances. It is suggested that  they use VoIP in order to save costs. 

4.7.1 Briefly explain the basic concept VoIP. (2) 
4.7.2 Name a VoIP client that the managers could use to host the  conference call. (1) 
4.7.3 Name ONE other way (besides a conference call), in which the  managers could have discussions and collaborate online. (1) 

4.8 Identify the image below that appears on Spar’s newsletter AND explain  how it would be used, by referring to a suitable example. 
(3) 

[25]

QUESTION 5: INTERNET AND NETWORK TECHNOLOGIES 
5.1 Friends and family of the contestants requested the managers to e-mail  them the video footage as an attachment. Give TWO reasons why this  request is possibly not feasible. (2) 
5.2 The managers made the videos available as podcasts. 

5.2.1 Explain the concept of podcasting. (1) 
5.2.2 Name TWO examples of an electronic medium that can be used  to inform friends and family when a new podcast is available. (2) 

5.3 Friends and family who want to download multimedia files of all the  events, must preferably have a broadband Internet connection. 

5.3.1 Explain the term broadband. (1)
5.3.2 ADSL is an example of a wired broadband connection. 

1. 1. Is ADSL a digital or an analogue connection? (1)
   2. Give an example of another wired broadband connection. (1) 

5.4 One of the managers is not familiar with using e-mail and has a few  questions regarding the e-mail window. 

5.4.1 What is the function of the paperclip icon next to the “send”  icon? (1) 
5.4.2 He noticed that there is an option between Plain Text and Rich  Text. Explain the difference between these two options. (2) 

5.5 How does a social network such as Facebook make most of its money? (1) 
5.6 Explain TWO advantages of e-books compared to printed versions of  books. (NOTE: Cost factors should NOT form part of your answer.) (2) 
5.7 What is the purpose of the ‘History’ button or tab in a web browser? (1)

[15]

QUESTION 6: INFORMATION MANAGEMENT 
6.1 The regional manager of Spar has to coordinate a number of meetings with local Spar managers regarding the competition. He has found that  there is a great deal of administration involved regarding the competition  and that it is quite difficult to set up these meetings. 

6.1.1 Mention TWO ways an e-mail calendar function will help in this  context. (2) 
6.1.2 The manager finds that he often has to scribble reminders of  tasks on slips of paper. 
Give the general or generic name given to the e-mail function  that can be used to remind the user of tasks and the due dates  of these tasks. (1) 

6.2 State TWO advantages of using electronic forms when gathering data in  a survey. (2) 
6.3 Give ONE reason for using a table on a form to fill in numbers, such as  an ID number, as shown below.  (1) 

6.4 State ONE feature of a spreadsheet that can be used to meaningfully  arrange large quantities of data. (1) 
6.5 Give TWO examples where you would use a database instead of a  spreadsheet to process data. (2) 
6.6 Briefly explain the concept of plagiarism. (1)

[10]

QUESTION 7: SOCIAL IMPLICATONS 
7.1 Name ONE legally acceptable use of a file-sharing application, such as  BitTorrent. (1) 
7.2 Give your opinion regarding the following statement by giving TWO  reasons or examples to support your answer:  
'The Internet offers its users some privacy.' (2)
7.3 Many cameras have the capability to ‘geotag’ photographs.

7.3.1 Explain the term geotagging. (1) 
7.3.2 Why do some game reserves discourage visitors from placing  geotagged photographs of rhinos on social media? (1) 

7.4 State ONE possible way of preventing other users from tagging you in  photographs on Facebook. (1) 
7.5 State TWO advantages of cars that are connected to the Internet. (2) 
7.6 State TWO typical ways in which your computer may be misused by  cybercriminals, if they use your computer as part of their botnet. (2)

[10]

QUESTION 8: SOLUTION DEVELOPMENT 
8.1 Some of the learners in your school are planning a field trip to a book fair.  Below is a spreadsheet of their budget.  

8.1.1 In the calculation for the Total cost for transport, in cell C4, the  formula was: =B4*$E$1. The formula was then copied down  (Autofill) for the other items.  
Name the TWO types of cell references used in the formula and  explain the difference between the two. (4) 
8.1.2 When the data was formatted for currency, the $-sign appeared  instead of the R-sign.  Explain TWO ways in which this can be corrected. (2) 
8.1.3 The pie chart represents the breakdown of costs for each learner  for the field trip.  Name THREE items that should be added to the pie chart, to make  it meaningful and easy to interpret. (3)

8.2 Many modern businesses make use of databases.  

8.2.1 Indicate in which section the function =Count(*) must be placed  in a database report, in order to count the number of records for  each group of records in the report. (1) 
8.2.2 Identify the type of database object in which you are likely to find  the formula below.  Total:[Price]*[Quantity] (1) 
8.2.3 The database formula VAT:[Price*0.14] currently produces an  error. Correct the formula for it to work properly. (1) 

8.3 What is a citation in a document and when should it be used? (2) 
8.4 Name the word processing feature that must first be used or applied, before an automatic table of contents will work. (1)

[15] 
TOTAL SECTION B: 75

SECTION C 
QUESTION 9: INTEGRATED SCENARIO 

9.1 Is Bluetooth a suitable technology to use in this scenario? Motivate your  answer. (2) 
9.2 A member’s voting controller does not connect to the wireless network, although the member is within range of the server. Name TWO troubleshooting steps that can be followed to solve the  problem. Replacing the voting controller is not an option. (2) 
9.3 The live broadcast of the final round of the event can be streamed.

9.3.1 Explain what is meant by streamed. (2) 
9.3.2 Name TWO components that are required to be able to stream a  live event. (2) 
9.3.3 State ONE potential disadvantage of using live streaming. (1) 
9.3.4 Which type of software can be used for input by visually  impaired users? (1) 

9.4 A cabled network is used at the event theatre to transmit the scores  electronically to the server. The organisers are planning to use a  wireless network for this purpose in future. 

9.4.1 State TWO advantages of a wireless network over a cabled  network. (2) 
9.4.2 State TWO additional hardware components that are required to  create the wireless network. (2) 
9.4.3 Which upgraded version of Wi-Fi will be suitable to use for the wireless network? (1) 
9.4.4 Give TWO examples of what NFC (near field communication)  can be used for. (2)
9.4.5 Describe TWO ways in which the organisers can prevent their  computers from being accessed by unauthorised software. (2) 
9.4.6 What is the function of a driver? (1) 

9.5 ICT provides more effective solutions for the capturing of data and  generating results than a paper-based voting system. 

9.5.1 Motivate why the above statement is valid by referring to the  following TWO aspects: 

1. 1. Faster and improved data processing (2)
   2. Improved data storage (2)

[24]

QUESTION 10 
The organisers of the Idols competition will be responsible for the accuracy of  all information, as well as to create surveys. 
10.1 Explain the difference between a survey and an interview. (2) 
10.2 Give TWO reasons why one should always check the reliability and  accuracy of information found on the Internet. (2) 
10.3 Explain what information overload is. (1)
10.4 Which social networking service is associated with the term ‘hash-tags’? (1) 
10.5 One of the organisers received the following e-mail, which was  supposedly sent by an official at Empire Bank. Examine the e-mail  carefully and answer the questions below. 

10.5.1 What general name is given to this kind of scam? (1) 
10.5.2 Should the organiser click on the link? Motivate your answer by  explaining what would happen if he did. (2) 
10.5.3 What is the generic name given to techniques that rely on  convincing people to give out information or to grant access by  pretending to be someone who has the right to access this  information? (1) 
10.5.4 Banks offer their online banking clients peace of mind by  providing a number of security measures designed to make  online banking as safe as possible. 
Give TWO of these measures, besides the use of encryption. (2) 
10.5.5 Briefly explain what a computer virus is by referring to TWO of  its general aims in your answer. (2)
10.5.6 What is a Trojan? (2)

10.6 The organiser of the Idols has tried to create a basic website to  advertise the event for next year. Study the HTML code below. 

Explain how you would correct the following mistakes: 

10.6.1 The horizontal line is not displayed. (1) 
10.6.2 The heading ‘DATES FOR THE IDOLS AUDITIONS’ should be  smaller. (1) 
10.6.3 The text ‘Auditions kick off in Cape Town!’ should be displayed  in red font, but it is displayed in black. (1) 

10.7 A database was created to keep track of the current entries for the  competition. 

10.7.1 Study the screenshot below and name the data type that should  be used for the Specifications field to enter a large amount of  text. 

(1) 

10.7.2 Why is the AutoNumber data type always suitable to use for a  primary key field? (1)
10.7.3 The query below was designed to show all the names that start  with an S, and the age is either less than 20 or more than 30. 

Identify TWO errors in the design of this query that are causing  it to display the incorrect information. (2) 

10.8 Briefly explain what each of the following would be used for in a word  processing application: 

10.8.1 Continuous section break (2) 
10.8.2 Bookmark (1)

[26] 
TOTAL SECTION C: 50 
GRAND TOTAL: 150