YES Canadian Business Fundamentals W13

What are the three basic elements of computer technology?

A: Hardware, software, and networks.

Define computer hardware.

A: The physical, tangible elements of a computer system.

What does computer software do?

A: Provides programs and instructions that tell hardware how to operate.

What is a computer network?

A: A system that connects computers to share resources and information.

What is a LAN?

A: Local Area Network—connects computers within a small geographic area like a building.

What is a WAN?

A: Wide Area Network—connects computers over large geographic regions.

What is an intranet?

A: A private internal network for authorized users within an organization.

What is a VPN used for?

A: Creating a secure connection between two points over the Internet.

What is cloud computing?

A: Internet-based storage, applications, and processing that supplement internal IT resources.

List four benefits of cloud computing.

A: Financial savings, flexibility, collaboration, faster processing.

What trend allows firms to use software on a pay-per-use basis?

A: On-demand computing.

What are Application Service Providers (ASPs)?

A: External suppliers that provide both computing power and applications.

How is data different from information?

A: Data are raw facts; information is processed data that provides knowledge.

What is an information system?

A: A method for collecting, storing, and communicating information on operations and external intelligence.

Who is the CIO?

A: The executive responsible for managing information systems and technology.

What is data resource management?

A: Managing data as a valuable corporate resource.

What is a Management Information System (MIS)?

A: A system that produces routine reports for managers and professionals.

What is a Decision Support System (DSS)?

A: A system that assists managers in making decisions by analyzing data.

What is an Executive Support System (ESS)?

A: A system that gives executives quick access to strategic information.

What is an expert system?

A: A system that imitates human thinking through “if-then” rules.

How has the Internet changed B2C commerce?

A: Enabled online retailing, personalized marketing, and 24/7 purchasing.

How has the Internet changed B2B commerce?

A: Improved supply chain integration, electronic exchanges, and lower transaction costs.

What enables global communication networks that support e-commerce?

A: The Internet.

What problem does rapid technological change create for businesses?

A: Difficulty keeping systems secure, updated, and integrated.

What are ways to deal with rapid tech changes?

A: Continuous training, scalable systems, cloud adoption, strong cybersecurity policies.

What are Operational Support Systems?

A: Systems designed to produce information for internal and external users.

What are Transaction Processing Systems (TPS)?

A: Systems that record and process day-to-day data.

What are Process Control Systems?

A: Systems that monitor and control physical processes.

What is malware?

A: Malicious software designed to damage or gain access to systems.

What is a computer virus?

A: A program that attaches to files and spreads from one computer to another.

What is a worm?

A: Malware that replicates itself across networks without human action.

What is a botnet?

A: A network of infected devices controlled by a hacker.

What is a Trojan horse?

A: Malware disguised as legitimate software.

What is spyware?

A: Software that secretly collects user information.

What are examples of ethical issues in information systems?

 Privacy, employee monitoring, customer data use, handling employment records.

Why is employee monitoring controversial?

A: It can violate privacy if not implemented transparently.

What is a distributed workforce?

A: Employees working remotely from virtual offices.

What is grid computing?

A: A network of smaller computers that work together on complex tasks.

What technology hosts applications and data accessible anywhere?

A: Cloud computing.

What is the difference between IT and IS?

A: IT is the technology tools (hardware, software, networks); IS includes technology plus people, processes, and data working together.

What does Moore’s Law state?

A: Computing power roughly doubles every two years while costs decrease.

Why does Moore’s Law matter to businesses?

A: It explains rapid tech advancement and falling hardware prices.

What is Big Data?

A: Large, fast, and diverse data sets that traditional databases cannot easily store or process.

What are the “3 Vs” of Big Data?

A: Volume, velocity, variety.

What are the main stages of the SDLC?

A: Planning → Analysis → Design → Development → Testing → Implementation → Maintenance.

What is an ERP system?

A: Integrated software that unifies all major business processes in one system.

What is B2B commerce?

A: Electronic transactions between businesses.

What is business intelligence (BI)?

A: Tools and systems that analyze data to support strategic decision-making.

What is data mining?

A: Using software to discover patterns and relationships in large data sets.

How does AI support information systems?

A: By analyzing data, automating decisions, and providing predictive insights.

What role does AI/ML play in 2025 business innovation?

A: Drives automation, decision-making, customer experience, and forecasting across all business sizes.

What are key AI/ML application areas?

A: Predictive analytics and generative AI.

Daily impacts of AI/ML?

A: Real-time dashboards, automated content, AI-driven task prioritization.

What does 5G enable?

A: Real-time communication for IoT, AR/VR, and autonomous systems.

Why is edge computing important?

A: Reduces latency and speeds up data analysis.

Daily impacts of 5G/edge?

A: Faster app performance, real-time IoT actions, improved hybrid work.

Which industries benefit most from early quantum computing?

A: Pharma, finance, and complex modeling fields.

Key concern around quantum computing?

A: Need for quantum-resistant encryption.

What are key blockchain applications?

A: Supply chain transparency, healthcare, finance, and identity verification.

Daily impacts of blockchain?

A: Verifying supplier authenticity, secure digital contracts and payments.

Examples of AR/VR in daily business?

A: VR training, AR product demos, AR layout testing.

Daily impacts of automation?

A: Reduced data entry, automated inspections, staffing changes due to robotics.

What are key cybersecurity focus areas?

A: Zero Trust access and AI-powered threat detection.

What sustainability practices are growing?

A: Circular economy strategies and carbon tracking.

Daily sustainability impacts?

A: Low-carbon purchasing, smart energy monitoring, sustainability-focused reporting.

Key uses of voice/NLP in 2025?

A: Chatbots, virtual assistance, and voice commerce optimization.

What is a digital twin used for?

A: Simulation, optimization, and predictive maintenance.

How is the metaverse used in business?

A: Virtual workspaces and collaboration.