The Internet and the World Wide Web have the potential to change the way business is done throughout the world. Firms can advertise goods and services on-line, accessing an unlimited number of people. Technology already exists to handle credit card purchases on-line, which allows businesses to conduct actual transactions through modems and telephone lines. And the ability to conduct e-mail conversations with potential clients opens up opportunities to communicate with people who otherwise would have been lost. However, as with any technological advancement, there are problems which must be addressed before businesses can take full
advantage of the on-line world.

One problem with on-line advertising is that most businesspeople don't know how to do so effectively. Because there are so many different places to advertise, and because there are so many methods of on-line advertising, businesspeople can get lost in the maze of options if they aren't Net-savvy. Another problem is the security concern that accompanies doing business over the Internet. Because purchasers must send credit card information over phone lines, there is the danger of hackers tapping that information and using it fraudulently. Although there are several alternatives to sending credit card information over the phone lines, none of these alternatives have proven to be completely safe and user-friendly. Until these problems are addressed, the world of the Internet and World Wide Web will be full of unrealized commercial potential.

1. According to the passage, all of the following are true EXCEPT

A. the Internet and World Wide Web hold much potential for businesses
B. customers can presently use technology to order products through on-line channels
C. there are many different options for advertising on-line
D. there is a completely secure and user-friendly way to conduct credit card transactions on-line
E. people across the world can be exposed to on-line advertising

OA D

2. The primary purpose of this passage is to

A. dismiss the theory that the Internet and World Wide Web are going to be future business tools
B. debunk the myth that most businesses will not benefit from the Internet
C. criticize on-line business practices
D. describe what effects on-line advertising will have on businesses
E. mention both the potential benefits and current pitfalls of on-line business practices

OA E

3. The author would be most likely to agree with which of the following statements?

A. The Internet will never be accepted by technophobes
B. America Online will struggle once the Internet and World Wide Web become more commonly used for business purposes
C. Hackers are more honest than the average business owner
D. Public telephone lines are not necessarily secure
E. The Internet is not user-friendly

OA D

4. According to the passage, which of the following is a way for businesses to benefit from on-line advertising?

A. Businesses are guaranteed to have more exposure than their competitors
B. A single on-line advertisement can be viewed by people all over the world, not just a limited broadcast area
C. Because there are no controls on the Internet, people will be wary to purchase from on-line advertisers for fear of fraud
D. The average on-line site is seen by over \(2,000\) per day
E. A higher proportion of sales will be made by credit cards

OA B