Week 1 - Intro to DBMS

Question 1

What is,

1) Data
2) Information
3) Knowledge
4) The importance of data

Answer 1

1) Raw facts/ building blocks of information
2) Processed data (reveals the meaning of data)
3) Awareness of how information applies to the environment.
4) Data can be processed into information. Timely, accurate, relevant information can be a the key to decision making. Good decision making is essential for survival in the global environment, specially for organizations.

Question 2

1) What is a database?

2) What is a DBMS?

Answer 2

1) A shared, integrated computer structure which stores a collection of end user data (facts) and metadata.
2) A collection of programs that manage the structure of the database and controls access to the data stored in the database.

Question 3

What are the components of a DB environment?

5 people, 4 other

Answer 3

People 
1. System administrator
2. Database administrator
3. Database designer 
4. Programmers
5. End users
Other
1. Hardware
2. DB utilities
3. Application programs
4. Procedures and standards

Question 4

What are the 3 types of software needed in a DB environment?

Answer 4

1. OS software
2. DBMS software
3. Application programs and utilities

Question 5

What is the purpose of “Procedures and standards” in a DB environment? (2 points)

Answer 5

• It governs the design and use of a dbms

- Ensures there is an organized way to monitor and audit data that enters the system and information that is generated.

Question 6

What are the 2 main responsibilities of a database designer?

Answer 6

1. What data is to be entered to the db

2. how the data is to be organized

Question 7

List 8 advantages of DBMS

Answer 7

1. Improved data sharing ( access to better managed data/ quick decision making)
2. Improved data security ( framework for better enforcement of privacy and security policies)
3. Better data integration ( integrated view)
4. Minimized data inconsistencies ( different versions-reduced with properly designed db)
5. Improved data access ( quick response to queries)
6. Improved decision making
7. Data quality ( provides a framework to facilitate quality data initiatives)
8. Increased end-user productivity

Question 8

List 4 types of DB classification

Answer 8

1. Single user vs multi user
2. centralized vs distributed
3. Operational vs data warehouse
4. Structured vs unstructured vs semi structured

Question 9

What are the 4 components of a DBSM?

Answer 9

1. Data
2. Software modules
3. Metadata
4. Languages (DDL & DML)

Question 10

What is,

1. DDL
2. DML

Answer 10

1. Data Definition Language - Defines the structure for the table
2. Data Manipulation Language - Manipulates data