Intro to Database Flashcards

1
Q

What is Data?

A

Data is a raw facts that need to be processed in order to become an information.

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2
Q

Types of Data

A
  1. Numbers
  2. Letters
  3. Images
  4. Audio
  5. Videos
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3
Q

Data vs. Information

A

 Data are raw facts
 Information is the result of processing
raw data to reveal meaning
 Information requires context to reveal
meaning
 Raw data must be formatted for storage, processing, and presentation
 Data are the foundation of information, which is the bedrock of knowledge
 Data: building blocks of information
 Information produced by processing data
 Information used to reveal meaning in data
 Accurate, relevant, timely information is
the key to good decision making
 Good decision making is the key to organizational survival

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4
Q

What is the database?

A

A collection of related data. It is often abbreviated DB. It is a collection of information organized in such a way that a computer program can quickly select desired pieces of data.

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5
Q

Databases can be classified according to what?

A

◦ Number of users
◦ Database location(s)
◦ Expected type and extent of use

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6
Q

Single-user database

A

supports only one user at a time

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7
Q

Multiuser database

A

supports multiple users at the same time

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8
Q

Desktop database

A

single-user, runs on PC

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9
Q

Workgroup database

A

supports a small number

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10
Q

Enterprise database

A

supports a large number

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11
Q

Type of single-user database

A

Desktop database

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12
Q

Types of multiuser database

A
  1. Workgroup database

2. Enterprise database

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13
Q

Centralized database

A

data located at a single site

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14
Q

Distributed database

A

data distributed across several different sites

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15
Q

Operational database

A

supports a company’s day-to-day operations

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16
Q

Types of operational database

A

Transactional or production database

17
Q

Data warehouse

A

stores data used for tactical or strategic decisions

18
Q

Types of databases

A
  1. Single-user database
  2. Multiuser database
  3. Centralized database
  4. Distributed database
  5. Operational database
  6. Data warehouse
19
Q

What is a database design?

A

Database design focuses on design of database structure used for end-user data

20
Q

What must the designer identify with the database?

A

◦ Designer must identify database’s expected use

21
Q

Well-designed database

A

◦ Facilitates data management

◦ Generates accurate and valuable information

22
Q

Poorly-designed database

A

◦ Causes difficult-to-trace errors

23
Q

Traditional File-Based Systems

A

A collection of application programs that perform services for the end users such as the production of reports. Each program defines and manages its own data.

24
Q

Limitations of a Traditional File-Base Systems

A

Limitations:

  1. Separation & isolation of data
  2. Duplication of data
  3. Data dependence
  4. Incompatibility of files
25
Reasons for Studying File Systems
◦ Complexity of database design easier to understand ◦ Understanding file system problems helps to avoid problems with DBMS systems ◦ Knowledge of file system useful for converting file system to database system
26
Historical Roots: Files and Files Systems
1. File systems typically composed of collection of file folders, each tagged and kept in cabinet ◦ Organized by expected use 2. Contents of each file folder logically related 3. Manual system served as a data repository for small data collections ◦ Cumbersome for large collections 4. Data processing (DP) specialist converted computer file structure from manual system ◦ Wrote software that managed the data ◦ Designed the application programs 5. Initially, computer files systems resembled manual systems 6. As number of files increased, file systems evolved ◦ Each file used its own application program to store, retrieve, modify data ◦ Each file owned by individual or department that commissioned its creation 7. Data processing (DP) manager supervised the DP department 8. DP department’s primary activity remained programming
27
Problems with File System Data Management
1. Security features difficult to program ◦ Often omitted in file system environments 2. Summary of file system limitations: ◦ Requires extensive programming ◦ Can not perform ad hoc queries ◦ System administration complex and difficult ◦ Difficult to make changes to existing structures ◦ Security features likely to be inadequate
28
Structural dependence
- access to a file dependent on its own structure ◦ All file system programs must be modified to conform to a new file structure
29
Structural independence
change file structure without affecting data access
30
Data dependence
data access changes when data storage characteristics change
31
Data independence
data storage characteristics do not affect data access
32
Data redundancy
 File system structure makes it difficult to combine data from multiple sources ◦ Vulnerable to security breaches  Organizational structure promotes storage of same data in different locations ◦ Islands of information  Data stored in different locations unlikely to be updated consistently  Data redundancy: same data stored unnecessarily in different places
33
Data inconsistency
different and conflicting versions of same data occur at different places
34
Data anomalies
abnormalities when all changes in redundant data not made correctly ◦ Update anomalies ◦ Insertion anomalies ◦ Deletion anomalies