Introduction to Database Systems

Question 1

Data

Answer 1

• raw facts
• building blocks of info
• must be formatted for storage and retrieval of data

Question 2

Information

Answer 2

• raw data processed to provide meaning
• enables knowledge creation
• supports good decision making when accurate, relevant, and timely

Question 3

Database

Answer 3

• shared, integrated computer structure storing a collection of logically related data
• contains data dictionary of description of data characteristics and relationships

Question 4

Metadata

Answer 4

• data about data

Question 5

Database Management System

Answer 5

• a software system enabling users to define, create, and maintain data

Question 6

DBMS - Advantages

Answer 6

improves data sharing, security, and access

Question 7

DBMS - Disadvantages

Answer 7

increased cost w/ requirement for up-to-date hardware, software, and highly skilled personnel

Question 8

single-user

Answer 8

supports one user at a time

Question 9

multiuser

Answer 9

supports multiple users at the same time

Question 10

centralized

Answer 10

data located at a single site

Question 11

distributed

Answer 11

data distributed across several different sites

Question 12

cloud

Answer 12

created and maintained using cloud data services providing defined performance measures for the database

Question 13

operational

Answer 13

supports day-to-day operations of the company

Question 14

analytical

Answer 14

stores historical and business metrics used exclusively for tactical or strategic decision making

Question 15

unstructured data

Answer 15

exists in original state

Question 16

structured data

Answer 16

results from formatting

Question 17

semi structured data

Answer 17

processed to some extent

Question 18

extensible markup language (XML)

Answer 18

represents data elements in textual format

Question 19

database design

Answer 19

focuses on design of the database structure used to store and manage end-user data

Question 20

file systems

Answer 20

• organized by expected use
• data processing specialist converted computer file structure from manual system to track data and produce required reports

Question 21

fields

Answer 21

character or group of characters with a specific meaning

Question 22

records

Answer 22

one or more fields that describes a person, place, or thing

Question 23

files

Answer 23

collection of related records

Question 24

data redundancy

Answer 24

same data stored unnecessarily in different places

Question 25

data anomalies

Answer 25

data abnormalities when all changes in redundant data are not made correctly

Question 26

structural dependence

Answer 26

access to file dependent on its own structure

- all file system programs must be modified to conform to a new file structure

Question 27

structural independence

Answer 27

change file structure without affecting data access

Question 28

data dependence

Answer 28

data access changes when data storage characteristics change

Question 29

data independence

Answer 29

data storage characteristics changes do not affect data access

Question 30

system admin

Answer 30

person responsible for overseeing the general operations of the database system

Question 31

database admin

Answer 31

person responsible for managing the DBMS and ensuring the database is functioning properly

Question 32

database designer

Answer 32

person responsible for designing and maintaining the databases

Question 33

database developers

Answer 33

persons responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining the database-based apps

Question 34

end-users

Answer 34

persons using the app programs to run the daily operations of the organization

Question 35

data dictionary management

Answer 35

stores def. of data elements and their relationships (metadata) in a data dictionary

Question 36

data storage management

Answer 36

performance tuning ensures efficient performance of the database in terms of storage and access speed

Question 37

security management

Answer 37

creates security system that enforces user security and data privacy