# Computer Applications Technology Grade 12 P2 2026 Memo (Eng) > Grade 12 Computer Applications Technology Paper 2 memorandum from the NSC November Exam 2026 (English), 20 pages. Read online or download the free PDF. - Page: https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-12-computer-applications-technology-2026-nsc-november-exam-unofficial-memorandum-paper-2/99f2c826-7ff6-4e1a-9a76-d3e81e630b3a - Updated: 2026-10-29 - Subject: Computer Applications Technology - Grade: Grade 12 - Language: English - Document type: Memorandum - Year: 2026 - Exam period: NSC November Exam - Paper: 2 - Publisher: Hlayiso - Curriculum: CAPS - Pages: 20 Breadcrumbs: [Home](https://www.hlayiso.com/) › [Library](https://www.hlayiso.com/library) › [Grade 12](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-12) › [Computer Applications Technology](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-12/computer-applications-technology) › [Computer Applications Technology Grade 12 P2 2026 Memo (Eng)](https://www.hlayiso.com/library/grade-12-computer-applications-technology-2026-nsc-november-exam-unofficial-memorandum-paper-2/99f2c826-7ff6-4e1a-9a76-d3e81e630b3a) ## About this document Computer Applications Technology · Grade 12 · NSC November Exam · 2026 · English. Memorandum, 20 pages. Read online or download the PDF. Read it free online on the page above; download the PDF from there. ## Document text Text extracted from the PDF. Layout, diagrams and tables may not survive extraction. ### Page 1 Unofficial memo hlayiso mock exams Practice Series: Grade 12 NSC Preparation WWW.HLAYISO.COM NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE GRADE 12 COMPUTER APPLICATIONS TECHNOLOGY P2 NOVEMBER 2026 — UNOFFICIAL MARKING GUIDELINES MARKS: 150 These marking guidelines consist of 20 pages. Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 2 Computer Applications Technology/P2 2 Hlayiso/November 2026 NSC – Unofficial Marking Guidelines IMPORTANT: These are unofficial marking guidelines prepared by Hlayiso for revision. They are not the DBE’s official memorandum; the official marking guidelines may differ in mark allocation and accepted alternatives. SUGGESTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO MARKERS • Revisit the questions and the marking guidelines frequently during the marking session. • Read (and re-read) the question together with the candidate’s response to check that it correlates. Do not focus only on keywords; read the entire answer. • Accept correct answers that are expressed differently, e.g. the marking guidelines state ‘slow’ and the candidate responds with ‘not fast’. • Beware of overlapping answers to a specific question. In general, ONE mark is awarded per fact (3). • Where a question requires a candidate to LIST or NAME: mark the first number of facts required, e.g. the first TWO facts if TWO were required, even if presented in paragraph format. • Questions requiring longer answers must be regarded as a single unit. Marks can be awarded if correct statements are found anywhere in the paragraph. • (Any two) means: any TWO of the listed answers. The lists are not exhaustive: accept any other correct and relevant answer. READING OF THE QUESTION PAPER • Drawn up from photographs of all 16 pages of the question paper. Wording follows the DBE CAT P2 marking guidelines of recent years where the same concept was examined. • Answers that depend on our reading of a screenshot or diagram carry a short Hlayiso note. SECTION A QUESTION 1: MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTION 2: MATCHING ITEMS 1.1 B3 Desktop computer 1 2.1 Q3 Operating system 1 1.2 C3 Windows Explorer 1 2.2 P3 Power user 1 1.3 D3 Own device used at work 1 2.3 M3 Wizard 1 1.4 A3 AR 1 2.4 G3 Monitor 1 1.5 C3 Drivers 1 2.5 A3 CAP 1 1.6 C3 Microphone 1 2.6 K3 Web caching 1 1.7 A3 NFC 1 2.7 R3 Information 1 1.8 B3 Standardised internet 1 2.8 O3 Long text 1 address 2.9 E3 Field 1 1.9 D3 Conditional formatting 1 2.10 T3 Social engineering 1 1.10 B3 Formula includes its own 1 Total: [10] location Total: [10] Hlayiso note: 1.1: an ATM, a printer and a fitness tracker each do one job; a desktop computer is general-purpose. 1.9: a chart would also show a trend, but it is not an option; of the four, only conditional formatting (data bars, colour scales) highlights patterns. 2.2: a gaming-graphics designer needs high-end hardware and software (power user, not SOHO user). 2.3: a step-by-step troubleshooter is a wizard. Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 3 Computer Applications Technology/P2 3 Hlayiso/November 2026 NSC – Unofficial Marking Guidelines QUESTION 3: TRUE/FALSE ITEMS (Note to marker: • In Question 3.2, 3.4 and 3.5, candidates need to provide the correct term, e.g. Motherboard, in order to get the mark. • Award the mark if the correct answer is given without the word FALSE. • Do NOT award the mark if only the word FALSE is given without the correct answer.) 3.1 True 3 1 3.2 False, Throttling 3 1 3.3 True 3 1 3.4 False, Botnet 3 (accept zombie network) 1 3.5 False, 3 1 [5] Hlayiso note: 3.2: throttling slows down the whole connection; shaping only limits/prioritises certain types of traffic (e.g. streaming or downloads). 3.4: a DDoS is the attack itself (flooding a server with requests), usually launched from a botnet. TOTAL SECTION A: 25 SECTION B QUESTION 4: SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGIES 4.1 Term for one device with the functionality of many devices Convergence 3 1 4.2.1 TWO benefits of touch screens on mobile devices (1) Easy/intuitive to use – natural gestures such as tap, swipe and pinch-to-zoom (2) The screen is both the input and the output device – no separate keyboard/mouse needed (3) The device can be smaller/more portable while the screen stays large (4) The on-screen keyboard changes according to the app/language (e.g. numeric keypad, emojis) (5) Items are selected directly by touching them – quicker navigation (6) Allows stylus input, e.g. handwriting, drawing or signing 33 (Any two) 2 Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 4 Computer Applications Technology/P2 4 Hlayiso/November 2026 NSC – Unofficial Marking Guidelines 4.2.2 TWO hardware factors that influence productivity on a mobile device (1) Battery life/capacity (2) Screen size/resolution (3) Processor (CPU) speed/number of cores (4) Amount of RAM (5) Storage capacity (6) Connectivity hardware (Wi-Fi/4G/5G/Bluetooth) (7) Input method – small on-screen keyboard/no physical keyboard (8) Camera quality (e.g. to scan documents) 33 (Any two) (Note to marker: Do not accept software factors, e.g. apps or the operating system.) 2 4 4.3 Concept of multitasking The ability of the operating system 3 to run more than one program/task at the same time (simultaneously) 3 (Note to marker: Accept a valid example, e.g. listening to music while typing, for ONE mark.) 2 4.4 TWO negative consequences of portable storage devices in a school lab (1) Viruses/malware can spread to the lab computers/network (2) School data/files can be copied/stolen (3) Learners can bring in illegal/pirated software or inappropriate content (e.g. games, videos) (4) Learners can copy each other’s work – plagiarism/cheating (5) Devices can be lost/damaged – learners lose their work (6) Unauthorised programs can be installed/security settings bypassed 33 (Any two) 2 4.5 TWO possible consequences of changing to a FOSS operating system (1) Users must be retrained – the interface is unfamiliar (learning curve) (2) Some existing (proprietary) software will not run on/is not compatible with the new OS (3) Some hardware may not have drivers/may not be compatible (4) File-format/compatibility problems when files are shared with users of other operating systems (5) Limited official technical support – relies on the online community (6) No licence fees have to be paid (7) The source code can be changed/customised to suit the needs of the user 33 (Any two) (Note to marker: Accept positive and negative consequences. Do not accept ‘cheaper’ on its own.) 2 Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 5 Computer Applications Technology/P2 5 Hlayiso/November 2026 NSC – Unofficial Marking Guidelines 4.6 Definition of proprietary software Software that is owned by an individual/company (copyright) 3; the source code is not available and may not be changed or distributed, and a licence must be bought to use it 3 2 4.7 Concept of printer spooling Print jobs are stored temporarily (in a buffer/print queue on the storage drive or in memory) 3 and sent to the printer one at a time when the printer is ready, so that the user can continue working on the computer 3 (Note to marker: Accept: print jobs in the queue can be paused, cancelled or given priority.) 2 4.8 TWO methods to capture what is displayed on a screen (1) Print Screen (PrtScn) key/Alt + PrtScn (active window) (2) Snipping Tool/Snip & Sketch (Windows + Shift + S) (3) Windows + PrtScn (saves the screenshot to a folder) (4) Screen-recording software/Game Bar (Windows + G) (5) Screenshot browser extension/screen-capture application 33 (Any two) (Note to marker: Do not accept a smartphone or a camera.) 2 4.9 Purpose of a file extension AND how the operating system uses it Purpose: Indicates the file type/format of the file, e.g. .docx, .jpg 3 The OS uses the extension to determine (associate) which program must be used to open the file (and which icon to display) 3 2 4.10 Explain a site licence agreement A licence that allows an organisation/institution, e.g. a school or company 3, to install and use the software on a number of/all computers at one site (unlimited installations within the organisation) 3 2 4.11 TWO reasons NOT to use web-based applications (1) An internet connection is required – cannot work offline/during outages or load-shedding (2) Uses data – cost of data (3) May have fewer features than the installed (desktop) version (4) Security/privacy concerns – files are stored on the provider’s server (5) Performance depends on the bandwidth/connection speed – can be slow to load (6) Subscription costs/the service may be changed or discontinued 33 (Any two) 2 Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 6 Computer Applications Technology/P2 6 Hlayiso/November 2026 NSC – Unofficial Marking Guidelines 4.12 TWO troubleshooting steps for a non-responsive computer (1) Wait a few minutes – the computer may still be processing (2) Use Task Manager (Ctrl + Alt + Del/Ctrl + Shift + Esc) to end the program that is not responding (3) Check that the keyboard/mouse is connected/check batteries (4) Restart the computer (hold in the power button for a forced shut-down) (5) Disconnect recently added hardware/peripherals (6) Run a virus/malware scan (7) Start in Safe Mode/use System Restore/uninstall recent software or updates (8) Check for overheating – clean the fans/vents 33 (Any two) 2 [25] QUESTION 5: INTERNET AND NETWORK TECHNOLOGIES 5.1 Definition of a computer network Two or more computers/devices that are connected (with cables or wirelessly) 3 to communicate and share resources/data, e.g. files, printers and internet access 3 2 5.2 Describe WLAN A wireless LAN/local area network that uses Wi-Fi (radio waves) 3 to connect devices in a small/limited area, e.g. a home, school or building 3 (Note to marker: Only ‘Wireless Local Area Network’ written out: ONE mark.) 2 5.3 Function of a switch A switch connects computers/devices in a (wired) LAN 3 and sends data only to the device for which it is intended (using MAC addresses) 3 2 5.4 ONE advantage of IoT in a home (1) Devices can be controlled/monitored remotely, e.g. lights or the geyser switched on/off from a smartphone (2) Saves electricity – smart plugs/thermostats switch devices off automatically (3) Improved security – smart cameras/alarms/doorbells send alerts to the phone (4) Automation/convenience – devices perform tasks automatically (5) Assists elderly/disabled people, e.g. voice control, health monitoring 3 (Any one) 1 Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 7 Computer Applications Technology/P2 7 Hlayiso/November 2026 NSC – Unofficial Marking Guidelines 5.5 Definition of geotagging AND ONE example of its use Geotagging: Adding the location/GPS coordinates to the metadata of a file, e.g. a photo, video or post 3 Example: (1) Photos show/are sorted by where they were taken (on a map) (2) Location tags/check-ins on social media posts (3) Finding nearby places/services (location-based services) (4) Proof of where a photo was taken, e.g. insurance claims, research, fieldwork (5) Tracking a lost/stolen device or a delivery 3 (Any one) 2 5.6 TWO concerns of public Wi-Fi for financial transactions in incognito mode (1) Incognito/InPrivate mode only prevents the browser from saving the history/cookies on the device – it does NOT encrypt or hide the data on the network (2) Public Wi-Fi is often unsecured/unencrypted – hackers can intercept data, e.g. passwords and card details (eavesdropping/man-in-the-middle) (3) Fake/rogue hotspots (evil twins) can capture banking details (4) Malware can spread to devices on the same network (5) The network owner can still monitor the activity/websites visited (6) Shoulder surfing in public places 33 (Any two) 2 5.7 Term for releasing audio files regularly for streaming Podcasting 3 (accept podcast) (Note to marker: Do not accept vodcast.) 1 5.8 ONE disadvantage of deleting the browser history (1) Websites visited before cannot be found/returned to easily (2) URL suggestions/autocomplete no longer work – addresses must be retyped (3) Saved log-in details/preferences may be removed (if cookies are cleared) – must log in again (4) Websites load slower the first time (cache cleared) 3 (Any one) 1 Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 8 Computer Applications Technology/P2 8 Hlayiso/November 2026 NSC – Unofficial Marking Guidelines 5.9 TWO recommendations for participating in a video conference (1) Mute the microphone when not speaking (2) Test the camera, microphone and connection beforehand (3) Join/log in on time (4) Dress appropriately/act professionally (5) Choose a quiet place with good lighting and a neutral (or blurred) background (6) Look at the camera/stay focused – do not multitask or eat (7) Use the raise-hand/chat features – do not interrupt others (8) Use a stable connection/close programs that use bandwidth; switch off the video if the connection is weak (9) Use a headset to reduce echo/background noise 33 (Any two) 2 [15] QUESTION 6: INFORMATION MANAGEMENT 6.1 TWO disadvantages of Wikipedia as a reference source (1) Anyone can edit the content – information may be inaccurate/unreliable/biased (2) Content can change at any time (3) The authors are often unknown/not experts – authority cannot be verified (4) Not (always) peer-reviewed/can be vandalised (5) Not accepted as an academic/primary source (6) Some articles are incomplete/out of date 33 (Any two) 2 6.2 TWO reasons for referencing in the PAT report (1) To avoid plagiarism – acknowledge/give credit to the original author (2) To respect copyright/intellectual property (3) So that the reader/teacher can find and verify the sources (4) Shows that the report is based on reliable sources – adds credibility (5) It is a requirement of the PAT (marks are allocated for it) 33 (Any two) 2 6.3 TWO reasons to use digital sources for research (1) Information is more current/up to date (2) Quick and easy to search (keywords) – saves time (3) Accessible from anywhere, at any time (4) A large variety/volume of sources is available (5) Easy to save, copy and reference (URL, date accessed) (6) Includes multimedia, e.g. videos, images, interactive content (7) Often free to access/easy to share 33 (Any two) 2 Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 9 Computer Applications Technology/P2 9 Hlayiso/November 2026 NSC – Unofficial Marking Guidelines 6.4 Reason for a questionnaire with closed questions (1) Quick/easy for respondents to answer – more people respond (2) Responses are easy to capture/process/analyse, e.g. in a spreadsheet (quantitative data) (3) Results can easily be shown in charts/graphs (4) Answers are standardised/consistent – easy to compare (5) Answers stay focused on the topic – less irrelevant data 33 (Any two) 2 6.5 Importance of clear instructions in a questionnaire (1) Respondents understand how to answer – the questionnaire is completed correctly (2) Ensures accurate/valid/usable data (fewer spoiled responses) (3) Respondents do not skip questions – more complete responses 3 (Any one) 1 6.6 Purpose of the conclusion in a report (1) Summarises the main findings of the research (2) Answers the focus/main question of the task (3) Gives a final statement/opinion based on the findings 3 (Any one) 1 [10] QUESTION 7: SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS 7.1 Concept of privacy (personal information) The right of a person to decide/control 3 who has access to his/her personal information and how it is collected, used and shared (kept confidential, not disclosed without consent) 3 2 7.2 How biometric authentication protects data (1) Uses unique physical/biological features (fingerprint, iris, face) that cannot easily be copied, guessed or shared (2) Cannot be forgotten or lost like a password or access card (3) The authorised person must be physically present 3 (Any one) 1 7.3 ONE risk of storing user data in cloud storage (1) Data can be hacked/accessed by unauthorised people (data breach) (2) Privacy concerns – the service provider/third parties may access or use the data (3) No access to the data without an internet connection (4) The service provider may have an outage/close down – data lost/unavailable (5) Data is stored in other countries with different laws 3 (Any one) 1 Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 10 Computer Applications Technology/P2 10 Hlayiso/November 2026 NSC – Unofficial Marking Guidelines 7.4.1 Theft of time Employees use working time/company time for personal (non-work) activities, e.g. social media, gaming, online shopping 3 1 7.4.2 Bandwidth theft Employees use the company’s internet connection/bandwidth/data for personal use, e.g. downloading or streaming movies, music or games 3 (Note to marker: Accept: using another person’s/organisation’s bandwidth without permission.) 1 2 7.5 TWO positive ways AI can support a learner (1) Personalised/adaptive learning – adjusts to the learner’s pace and level (2) Available 24/7 as a tutor/chatbot to explain concepts and answer questions (3) Gives step-by-step explanations/hints when solving problems (4) Immediate feedback on work, e.g. practice answers, spelling and grammar (5) Generates practice questions, quizzes, summaries or study plans (6) Translation/accessibility support, e.g. text-to-speech, simpler language 33 (Any two) (Note to marker: Positive ways only.) 2 7.6 Distributed computing power AND its benefit for scientific research Concept: The processing power of many computers connected via a network/the internet is combined to work on one large task (each computer processes a part, often using idle processing power) 3 Benefit: (1) Complex calculations/huge amounts of data are processed faster (2) No need to buy expensive supercomputers – uses idle/spare processing power (3) Researchers across the world can collaborate/share resources (4) Examples: medical research (e.g. cancer, protein folding), climate/weather modelling, space research 3 (Any one) (Note to marker: Accept grid computing for the concept.) 2 [10] QUESTION 8: SOLUTION DEVELOPMENT 8.1 Purpose of a footnote To give additional information/an explanation or the source (reference) of specific text, displayed at the bottom of the same page 3 1 Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 11 Computer Applications Technology/P2 11 Hlayiso/November 2026 NSC – Unofficial Marking Guidelines 8.2 Usefulness of track changes in a collaborative document (1) All changes (insertions, deletions, formatting) made by each reviewer are marked/shown (2) Shows who made each change (and when) (3) Changes can be accepted or rejected individually – the original text is not lost (4) No need to compare different versions manually (5) Comments can be added for discussion 33 (Any two) 2 8.3 Impact of incorrect margin settings on a printed document (1) Text/content may be cut off/not printed (outside the printable area) (2) Layout looks unbalanced/unprofessional (too much or too little white space) (3) More pages are printed than necessary (4) No space for binding/punching – text is hidden or punched out 3 (Any one) 1 8.4.1 Why the tag is essential (1) It tells the browser that the document is an HTML document/web page, so that the browser knows how to interpret and display the code (2) It is the root/container tag – all other tags (head, body) are placed inside it; it marks the start and end of the web page 3 (Any one) 1 8.4.2 Syntax error in line 10 The tags are not closed in the correct order (incorrect nesting) 3:

should be

– the last tag opened must be closed first (Note to marker: Accept

We sell snacks

.) 1 2 Hlayiso note: is opened before

, so

must come before . 8.5.1 Reason for the RANDBETWEEN function To generate a random whole number between a bottom and a top value 3 (simulates the random outcome of rolling a dice) 1 8.5.2 Reason why the result can be incorrect The range 0 to 7 can generate 0 or 7 3, which are not possible values on a dice – a dice only shows 1 to 6 3 Correct function: =RANDBETWEEN(1,6) (Note to marker: Accept the correct function for the second mark.) 2 3 8.6.1 Problem when the formula in D6 is copied The formula uses fixed values (constants 2667.6 and 4013.1) instead of cell references, so the same answer will display in all the cells/the answers for the other products will be incorrect 3 1 Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 12 Computer Applications Technology/P2 12 Hlayiso/November 2026 NSC – Unofficial Marking Guidelines 8.6.2 Purpose of the $ signs Absolute cell reference – keeps the reference to cell D3 (VAT) fixed/prevents it from changing when the formula is copied 3 1 2 Hlayiso note: every copy of the formula shows (2667.6 + 4013.1) × 15% = R1 002.11. The formula also only works out the VAT; for sales including VAT it should be =(B6+C6)*(1+$D$3). This is not asked in 8.6.1. 8.7.1 Reason for EmployeeNumber as the primary key The employee number is unique for each employee – it identifies each record uniquely/prevents duplicate records 3 (Note to marker: Names and surnames can be duplicated.) 1 8.7.2 Reason to reduce the field size of a Short Text field (1) Saves storage space/reduces the size of the database (2) Prevents users from entering more characters than needed – fewer data-capturing errors (more accurate data) (3) The database is processed faster/more efficiently 33 (Any two) 2 8.7.3 Recommendation to correct YearsOfService The result is in days – divide by 365 3 YearsOfService: Int((Date()-[DateEmployed])/365) OR Use the DateDiff function: DateDiff("yyyy",[DateEmployed],Date()) (Note to marker: Accept 365.25; accept Round/Int; accept Year(Date())-Year([DateEmployed]).) 1 4 Hlayiso note: 6 593 days ÷ 365 ≈ 18 years of service. [15] TOTAL SECTION B: 75 Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 13 Computer Applications Technology/P2 13 Hlayiso/November 2026 NSC – Unofficial Marking Guidelines SECTION C QUESTION 9: INTEGRATED SCENARIO 9.1 Explain a firewall AND its function Hardware or software 3 that monitors/filters incoming and outgoing network traffic according to security rules and blocks unauthorised access to/from the computer or network (e.g. hackers) 3 2 9.2.1 Motivation for a wireless network in the enclosures (1) No cables in the enclosures – cables can be damaged by animals/weather and are difficult/costly to install over a large outdoor area (2) Cameras/sensors can easily be moved or added (3) Staff can access the camera feeds/network from anywhere on the premises (mobility) 3 (Any one) 1 9.2.2 Concept for large, unstructured data sets analysed for trends Big data 3 1 2 Hlayiso note: DBE May/June 2024 (10.5.2) defines big data as “very large (structured and unstructured) data sets that are analysed using computers to reveal trends and associations”. 9.3 Technology in the microchips AND an additional benefit RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) 3 Benefit: (1) A lost/stolen animal can be identified and returned (scanned at a vet/shelter) (2) Proves ownership in a dispute/theft case (3) Links to the animal’s medical/vaccination records (4) Permanent – cannot fall off/be removed like a collar or tag (5) Keeps track of the animal’s adoption history 3 (Any one) (Note to marker: Do not accept GPS. Do not accept ‘identifies the owner’ (given in the question) as the benefit.) 2 9.4.1 Term for funding through many small donations Crowdfunding 3 1 Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 14 Computer Applications Technology/P2 14 Hlayiso/November 2026 NSC – Unofficial Marking Guidelines 9.4.2 TWO reasons why database queries help to manage donations (1) Specific donations can be extracted/searched based on criteria, e.g. per donor, per month, above an amount (2) Calculations can be done, e.g. total/average donations per month or per donor (3) Data can be sorted/grouped for the monthly reports (4) Identify regular/top donors, e.g. to send thank-you messages (5) Results are accurate and update automatically when the data changes (6) Only the fields needed are shown – protects donors’ privacy 33 (Any two) 2 3 9.5 TWO advantages of sharing reports in PDF format (1) The layout/formatting stays the same on any device/platform (2) Can be opened on any device with a free PDF reader/web browser – the original software is not needed (3) Difficult to edit – the content cannot easily be changed (4) Can be password-protected/encrypted/digitally signed (5) Small (compressed) file size – easy to e-mail/download (6) Prints exactly as designed 33 (Any two) 2 9.6.1 TWO uses of a hyperlink in the word processing table (1) Link to the supplier’s website (2) Open a new e-mail to the supplier (mailto link) (3) Link to a document/file with the supplier’s details, e.g. contact details, invoice, delivery note (4) Link to a bookmark/another place in the same document (5) Link to the supplier’s location on a map/social media page 33 (Any two) 2 9.6.2 Why the total is incorrect AND how to correct it Reason: The 50 kg was not entered – the cell for 28 August 2026 is empty, and SUM(ABOVE) only adds the numbers above it up to the first empty cell (only 10 + 54 = 64) 3 Correction: Type 50 in the empty Quantity cell and update the field (F9/right-click, Update Field) 3 – total = 394 (Note to marker: Accept ‘the field must be updated’ only together with entering the 50.) 2 4 Hlayiso note: 30 + 50 + 80 + 120 + 50 + 10 + 54 = 394. The 64 shown in the paper is 10 + 54, the two cells below the empty cell. Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 15 Computer Applications Technology/P2 15 Hlayiso/November 2026 NSC – Unofficial Marking Guidelines 9.7 TWO reasons for using templates (1) Saves time – the layout, logo and formatting are already set up (2) Consistency – all adoption forms look the same/professional (3) Each form opens as a new document, so the original cannot be overwritten by accident (4) Ensures that all the required fields/information are included – fewer errors (5) Different staff members can all use the same format 33 (Any two) 2 9.8 TWO other online communication platforms AND how EACH benefits Snouts&Tails Platform Benefit Social media/social Reach a large audience quickly at no cost; share networking photos/videos of animals that need homes; followers share posts Instant messaging Quick updates/reminders to volunteers, donors and (groups/channels) adopters; direct two-way communication Blog/vlog Stories and progress updates of rescued animals create awareness and an emotional connection Video sharing/live Live videos/virtual tours attract donors and adopters streaming Podcast Educate the community about animal care and adoption Online Answer questions about adoptions and visits forum/community page Video conferencing Virtual meetings with adopters/sponsors; online information sessions 3 platform 3 benefit × 2 (Any two) (Note to marker: Do not accept e-mail or websites (given). Accept examples of platforms. The benefit must relate to the platform named.) 4 9.9 TWO criteria to evaluate the website (1) Authority – who the owner/author is; contact details given (2) Currency – information is up to date (date last updated) (3) Accuracy – information is correct; no spelling/grammar errors (4) Objectivity – free of bias (5) Relevance/coverage – complete, relevant information (6) Usability/navigation – easy to navigate; links work (no broken links) (7) Design/layout – attractive, consistent and readable (8) Accessibility/responsive design – works on mobile devices and for people with disabilities (9) Security – HTTPS for online bookings and donations (10) Loading speed 33 (Any two) 2 Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 16 Computer Applications Technology/P2 16 Hlayiso/November 2026 NSC – Unofficial Marking Guidelines 9.10 TWO strategies to manage e-mails effectively (1) Create folders/categories, e.g. adoptions, visitations, donations, and file e-mails in them (2) Set up rules/filters to sort incoming e-mails into folders automatically (3) Use flags/priority/colour categories for e-mails that need follow-up (4) Use automatic replies, e.g. an acknowledgement/FAQ response (5) Use a spam/junk filter to block unwanted e-mails (6) Archive/delete old e-mails regularly (7) Use separate e-mail addresses for different matters, e.g. adoptions@…, donations@… (8) Use templates/quick parts for frequent replies 33 (Any two) 2 [25] QUESTION 10: INTEGRATED SCENARIO 10.1.1 TWO ergonomic features of a keyboard (1) Split/curved layout – keeps the hands and wrists in a natural position (2) Wrist/palm rest – supports the wrists (3) Adjustable tilt/height (legs) (4) Soft-touch/low-profile keys – less force needed (5) Angled/tented keys (6) Wireless – the keyboard can be placed in a comfortable position (7) Backlit keys – easier to see in poor light 33 (Any two) (Note to marker: Accept that these features reduce strain/RSI.) 2 10.1.2 Importance of knowing the recommended system requirements (1) To ensure that the hardware/operating system is compatible with the software – it will install and run (2) The software will run efficiently/optimally (not slow or crash) – productivity (3) To make informed decisions when buying hardware/software – money is not wasted (4) To know whether the computer must be upgraded, e.g. more RAM/storage 33 (Any two) 2 4 10.2 Why antivirus software must be updated frequently New viruses/malware are created every day 3; an update downloads the latest virus definitions/signatures so that the antivirus can detect and remove the new threats 3 2 10.3.1 OS feature that gives each student access to own files only User accounts with access rights/permissions 3 (accept usernames and passwords/user profiles) 1 Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 17 Computer Applications Technology/P2 17 Hlayiso/November 2026 NSC – Unofficial Marking Guidelines 10.3.2 TWO disadvantages of file sharing (1) Files can be changed/deleted by other users (accidentally or deliberately) (2) Unauthorised access – privacy/confidentiality issues (3) Viruses/malware can spread (4) Students can copy each other’s work (plagiarism) (5) Version-control problems – not clear which copy is the latest (6) Uses network bandwidth/storage space 33 (Any two) 2 10.3.3 ONE centralised storage solution (1) File server/network server (2) NAS (Network Attached Storage) (3) Cloud storage 3 (Any one) (Note to marker: Do not accept flash drives/external hard drives.) 1 4 10.4 Device that provides power without interruptions UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) 3 (Note to marker: Accept an inverter (with batteries). Do not accept a generator.) 1 10.5.1 Reason for a meaningful subject line (1) Students immediately see what the e-mail is about (the research task) and that it is important (2) The e-mail is easy to find/search for later (3) The e-mail is not regarded as spam/ignored/deleted (4) Helps students to organise/sort their e-mails 3 (Any one) 1 10.5.2 TWO reasons why the e-mail was not received (1) Incorrect e-mail address/student not on the distribution list (2) The e-mail went to the spam/junk folder (3) The student’s mailbox is full (4) The attachment was too large – the e-mail bounced (5) No internet connection/server problems/delay (6) The e-mail is still in the lecturer’s Outbox (not sent) (7) The student’s rules/blocked senders moved or blocked it 33 (Any two) 2 3 Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 18 Computer Applications Technology/P2 18 Hlayiso/November 2026 NSC – Unofficial Marking Guidelines 10.6 TWO information management guidelines to understand the aim of the task (1) Read the task carefully and identify the key/action words, e.g. discuss, compare (2) Formulate a clear focus/main question (task definition) (3) Break the task into sub-questions (different question levels) (4) Identify what information is needed and where to find it (5) Study the rubric/marking criteria, deadline and format (6) Brainstorm/mind-map/ask the lecturer for clarification 33 (Any two) 2 10.7.1 TWO reasons to scan documents with a smartphone (1) Convenient/portable – always available; no scanner needed (2) Free scanning apps/built-in camera – no extra cost (3) Scan and upload/share immediately, e.g. via e-mail or cloud storage (4) Apps convert scans to PDF/combine several pages into one file (5) Apps can apply OCR – the text becomes editable/searchable (6) Automatic cropping/edge detection/enhancement improves readability (7) Handwritten work/drawings can be submitted electronically 33 (Any two) 2 10.7.2 TWO good practices when submitting tasks as attachments (1) Use a meaningful file name, e.g. name, surname and task (2) Compress/zip large files/reduce the file size – stay within the size limit (3) Use a common file format, e.g. PDF (4) Scan the attachment for viruses before sending (5) Check that the correct (final) version is attached (6) Refer to the attachment in the body/use a meaningful subject line (7) Combine several files into one file/zipped folder 33 (Any two) 2 4 10.8 HTML table attributes A and B A – cellspacing 3 B – cellpadding 3 (Note to marker: Marks only if each attribute is linked to the correct letter.) 2 Hlayiso note: A marks the gap between two cells (cellspacing); B marks the space inside the COURSES cell between the text and the cell border (cellpadding). 10.9.1 Feature to print only the range A8:D13 (1) Set Print Area (2) Print Selection (in the print settings) (3) Select the print area in Page Break Preview 3 (Any one) 1 Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 19 Computer Applications Technology/P2 19 Hlayiso/November 2026 NSC – Unofficial Marking Guidelines 10.9.2 ONE other Subtotal function AND motivation Function 3 + motivation 3, e.g.: (1) MAX – to find the highest mark/best performance per task (2) MIN – to find the lowest mark per task/students who need support (3) COUNT – to count the number of students who submitted each task (4) SUM – total marks per task (only with a valid motivation) (5) STDEV/VAR – to see the spread of the marks per task (Note to marker: The motivation must match the function.) 2 3 [25] TOTAL SECTION C: 50 GRAND TOTAL: 150 Copyright reserved Please turn over ### Page 20 Computer Applications Technology/P2 20 Hlayiso/November 2026 NSC – Unofficial Marking Guidelines HOW DID OUR PREDICTION DO? The real November 2026 P2 compared with the Hlayiso 2026 CAT P2 Prediction Q Part Real paper asked Our closest prediction item(s) Verdict Covered 1 MCQ (10) Dedicated device, Explorer, BYOD, AR, drivers, Drivers (4.5), conditional formatting (10.4.3); 7 2/10 microphone, NFC, URL, conditional formatting, our MCQs were OCR, VPN, COUNTIF, circular reference ransomware, etc. 2 Matching (10) OS, power user, wizard, monitor, CAP, web Power user (1.2), data vs information (6.1), 7 3/10 caching, information, long text, field, social data caps/fair usage (5.3) engineering 3 True/false (5) RAM, throttling, questionnaire, botnet, Virtual memory/RAM (3.1), throttling (5.3), 3 4/5 questionnaire (6.2), HTML head/title/body (1.5) 4 Systems (25) Convergence; touch screens; mobile hardware; Spec suitability (4.1.3), cloud (5.4). Our 7 4/25 multitasking; flash drives; FOSS; proprietary; 11-mark advert did not appear; spooling spooling; screenshots; file extensions; site was only on the board licence; web apps; frozen PC 5 Network (15) Network; WLAN; switch; IoT; geotagging; public Router vs switch (5.1), Wi-Fi (5.2), IoT (9.5), 3/7 9/15 Wi-Fi/incognito; podcasting; browser history; geotagging (1.9), video consultations (9.4) video-conference tips 6 Info Wikipedia; referencing; digital sources; closed Citation vs bibliography (6.3), questionnaire 3/7 5/10 management questions; instructions; conclusion flaws (6.2) (10) 7 Social (10) Privacy; biometrics; cloud risk; theft of time; POPIA (9.1.3), fingerprints (9.2), cloud (5.4), 3/7 6/10 bandwidth theft; AI for learning; distributed generative AI (7.4) computing 8 Solution dev. Footnote; track changes; margins; HTML Copying error/absolute reference (8.1.1), 7 3/15 (15) tag/nesting; RANDBETWEEN; hard-coded primary key (9.1.2) formula, $; primary key; field size; date calculation 9 Animal Firewall; wireless; big data; RFID; crowdfunding; Firewall (5.7), template (10.6), social media 7 6/25 sanctuary (25) queries; PDF; hyperlinks; SUM(ABOVE); (10.3.1). Crowdfunding was on our “unlikely” templates; online platforms; website criteria; list e-mail management 10 College (25) Ergonomic keyboard; system requirements; UPS (4.6), updates (4.2), access rights 3/7 9/25 antivirus updates; user accounts; file sharing; (9.8.2), cloud (5.4), spec suitability (4.1.3), NAS/cloud; UPS; e-mail; task aim; scanning; focus question (6.4), zipping (4.3) attachments; cellspacing/padding; print area; Subtotal Marks of the real paper covered by our prediction 51/150 A learner who had practised our prediction paper would have met about 51 of the 150 marks (34%) as familiar question types. The frame was exactly as predicted, but the real paper was mostly short recall and definition items on topics our paper did not ask. Four concepts we called unlikely as recent repeats (crowdfunding, podcasting, incognito browsing, track changes) all appeared. What we got right What we missed • The structure and mark split of every question. • No computer advert in Q4 (our biggest near-certain • “Likely” concepts: referencing, biometrics, firewall, call); instead definitions: convergence, IoT, UPS, primary key, absolute reference, multitasking, FOSS, site licence, spooling. conditional formatting, video conferencing. • Crowdfunding, podcasting, incognito mode, track • Near-certain clusters: questionnaires, cloud changes (ruled out as repeats). storage, updates/drivers, data vs information, AI, • Big data, RFID, distributed computing, BYOD, HTML tags, database field properties. NFC, theft of time and bandwidth theft. • Router vs switch, geotagging, templates and • RANDBETWEEN, HTML nesting, SUM(ABOVE), throttling, almost word for word. cellspacing/cellpadding, print area, Subtotal; no COUNTIF, IF or mail merge was asked. Rating: 4/10. The frame and about nine of our “likely” concepts were right, and Q3, Q5 and Q7 were well covered. However, the computer-advert block did not appear, four “unlikely” calls appeared, and most of Q4, Q8 and Q9 was not in our paper, so only 51/150 marks were covered. 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