Data Structures, Software, and Databases

Question 1

What is a field?

Answer 1

A logical grouping of byes

identify a characteristic or attribute of a entity (invoice, customer, etc)

Question 2

What is a record?

Answer 2

A group of related fields (or attributes)

specific invoice, particular customer, etc

Question 3

A group of records is..?

Answer 3

a File (Table)

Collection of records

Question 4

A group of files is..?

Answer 4

A data base

Question 5

Exam hint…:

Answer 5

BIT (3 characters)

BYTE (4 Characters)

FIELD (5 characters)

RECORD (6 characters)

FILE (4 characters) * exception

DATABASE (8 characters)

Question 6

What are types of softwares?

Answer 6

1) System software- run the computer and support system management
2) Programing languages- Used to create applications
3) Application software- End-user programs

Question 7

What is the operating system?

Answer 7

Godfather- tells everything what to do

Interface between user and hardware

Defines what commands can be issued and how (Microsoft Windows, Mac OS)

Controls all input and output activities

Question 8

What is application software?

Answer 8

Do what end-users want

• General (Word, Excel, Databases)
• Specific (marketing information system, clothing designer)

Question 9

What is a Database Management System?

Answer 9

“Middleware”- go between the application software and the operating system

-Manages the database

Question 10

What is the DBMS and database languages…?

Answer 10

1) . Data definition languages
- User can define tables and fields and relations among tables
- User meta-data to define the database elements
- Example commands (CREATE, DROP, ALTER)

2) Data manipulation language
- User can add delete or update records
- Example commands: UPDATE, INSERT, DELETE

3) Data query language
- User can EXTRACT INFORMATION
- Most relational databases use structured query manage
- “Drag and Drop” fields to create query (graphic approach)

Question 11

What are database controls?

Answer 11

• No collisions- don’t want two people to be editing and we don’t know which version is the correct version
• No hackers or creepers- Access controls
• Data definition standards, data element standards
• Backup and recovery procedures
• Update privileges
• Data elements and relationship controls