Chapter 1

What is data redundancy, and which characteristics of the file system can lead to it?

Unnecessarily storing same data at different places. Islands of information: scattered data locations. -poor data security -data inconsistency -data anomaly

Use examples to compare and contrast unstructured and structured data. Which type is more prevalent in a typical business environment?

Unstructured is in their original state Structured is results from formatting.

Record

A logically connected set of set of one or more fields that describes a person, place, or thing.

What is the role of a DBMS, and what are its advantages? What are its disadvantages?

Better data integration and less data inconsistency. Increased end-user productivity. Improved: Data sharing, data security, data access, decision making Disadvantages: Increased cost, mangement complexity, maintaining currency, vendor dependence, frequent upgrades

What is a DBMS, and what are its functions?

Collection of programs, manages the database structure and controls access to data stored in the database.

What are metadata?

Data about data Describe data characteristics and relationships

What is data independence, and why is it lacking in file systems?

Data storage characteristics is changed without affecting the programs ability to access the data

What is structural independence, and why is it important?

File structure is changed without affecting the applications ability to access the data

Explain why database design is important

Good data modeling facilitates communication between the designer, user, and the developer

What common problems does a collection of spreadsheets created by end users share with the typical file system?

Lengthy development times, difficulty, getting quick answers, lack of security, limited data sharing

Explain the difference between data and information.

Raw data (letters, numbers) -->process data = information

Data

Raw facts Not yet been processed to reveal meaning

Field

A character or group of characters that has a specific meaning. A field is used to define and store data.

File

A collection of related records

List and describe the different types of databases.

Single-user database: supports one user at a time. Multi-user database: supports multiple users at the same time -Workgroup databases: supports specific specific department ~50 - Enterprise database: supports many departments 50+

What are the main components of a database system?

access languages, and application program interfaces

What are some basic database functions that a spreadsheet cannot perform?

queries