Chapter 1 Flashcards
Data
Raw facts, or facts that have not yet been processed to reveal their meaning to the end user.
Information
The result of processing raw data to reveal its meaning. Information consists of transformed data and facilitates decision making.
Knowledge
The body of information and facts about a specific subject. Knowledge implies familiarity, awareness, and understanding of information as it applies to an environment. A key characteristic is that new knowledge can be derived from old knowledge.
Data Management
A process that focuses on data collection, storage, and retrieval. Common data management functions include addition, deletion, modification, and listing.
Database
A shared, integrated computer structure that houses a collection of related data. A database contains two types of data: end-user data (raw facts) and metadata.
Metadata
Data about data; that is, data about data characteristics and relationships.
End-User Data
Raw facts of interest to the end user.
Database Management System (DBMS)
The collection of programs that manages the database structure and controls access to the data stored in the database.
Advantages of a DBMS
- Improved data sharing
- Improved data security
- Better data integration
- Minimized data inconsistency
- Improved data access
- Improved decision making
- Increased end-user productivity
Data Inconsistency
A condition in which different versions of the same data yield different (inconsistent) results.
Query
A question or task asked by an end user of a database in the form of SQL code. A specific request for data manipulation issued by the end user or the application to the DBMS.
Ad Hoc Query
A “spur-of-the-moment” question.
Query Result Set
The collection of data rows returned by a query.
Data Quality
A comprehensive approach to ensuring the accuracy, validity, and timeliness of data.
Single-User Database
A database that supports only one user at a time.
Desktop Database
A single-user database that runs on a personal computer.
Multiuser Database
A database that supports multiple concurrent users.
Workgroup Database
A multiuser database that usually supports fewer than 50 users or is used for a specific department in an organization.
Enterprise Database
The overall company data representation, which provides support for present and expected future needs.
Centralized Database
A database located at a single site.
Distributed Database
A logically related database that is stored in two or more physically independent sites.
Cloud Database
A database that is created and maintained using cloud services, such as Microsoft Azure or Amazon AWS.
General-Purpose Databases
A database that contains a wide variety of data used in multiple disciplines.
Discipline-Specific Databases
A database that contains data focused on specific subject areas.
Operational Database aka Online Transaction Processing (OLTP) Database, Transactional Database, or Production Database
A database designed primarily to support a company’s day-to-day operations. Also known as a transactional database, OLTP database, or production database.