Page 42 - Business Studies 9-10 (2006)

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Glossary
The following definitions of terms are intended to help teachers and parents/ guardians use this document.
Aboriginal person. A person who is a des- cendant of the original inhabitants of North America.The Canadian Constitution (1982) recognizes three primary groups as Abori- ginal peoples: Indians, Inuit, and Métis.
biometric authentication. The use of unique human physical characteristics to provide unambiguous identification. Examples of biometrics-based authentication include electronic fingerprint reading, facial recogni- tion, voice recognition, and retina scanning.
blog. An abbreviation for “Web log”, a blog is a type of website on which the author posts entries in a journal format.
Boolean logic. A form of algebra in which all values are reduced to either True or False. Boolean logic can be applied to search cri- teria specified in a search engine to narrow the number of website matches.
business cooperative. A form of business organization in which each “member” has one vote, regardless of that member’s level
of investment. A cooperative is often set up by members to address their needs, but many cooperatives also provide goods and/or ser- vices for general sale to the public.
business sector. The major sectors in the economy are the government sector, the voluntary sector, the not-for-profit sector, and the business sector.The business sector consists of privately owned, for-profit com- panies involved in the production and sale of goods and services.
computer acceptable use agreement. A set of rules and conditions governing the appropriate use of technology while using the computer and/or accessing the Internet.
cookies. A text file created by the server computer when a user enters information into a website.The main purpose of cookies is to identify users and customize web pages for them.
CPU (central processing system). The “brains” of the computer, where most calcu- lations take place. Often referred to as the processor or central processor.
Crown corporation. Corporations that are operated either by provincial governments or the federal government as a means to pursue economic and social objectives.
digital literacy. The ability to understand, evaluate, and integrate information in multi- ple formats via the computer and the Internet.
directory. A hierarchical structure created on a device for storing and retrieving com- puter files. In a graphical environment, direc- tories are represented as folders.
discretionary income. Individual income that is not allocated for necessary items such as food and shelter.
diversity. In reference to a society, the vari- ety of groups of people who share a range of commonly recognized physical, cultural, or social characteristics. Categories of groups may be based on various factors or charac- teristics, such as gender, race, culture, ethnic- ity, sexual orientation, ability/disability, age, religion, and socioeconomic level.
encryption. The translation of data into a secret code.
entrepreneur. A person who recognizes opportunities (others’ needs, wants, and problems), takes initiative, accepts associated risks, assumes leadership and responsibility, and uses resources to implement innovative ideas for new, thoughtfully planned ventures; someone who pursues opportunity beyond the resources he or she currently controls.