Chapter 1

What is a database? What is database metadata? pg. 2

A database is a structured collection of related data stored on a computer medium. The purpose of a database is to organize the data in a way that facilitates straightforward access to the information captured in the data. The database metadata is often defined as the data about the data or the database content that is not the data itself. The database metadata contains the following information. Names of data structures (for eg names of rows and columns), data types (product - data Type character), data descriptions(eg column items sold represent the number of items sold) Other information describing the characteristics of the data that is being stored at the database.

5. List the three components of a database system. What is a front-end application? What is direct interaction? What is indirect interaction? Which type of interaction requires greater level of expertise and knowledge from the end-user? pg. 3-4

A database system is a computer based system whose purpose is to enable an efficient interaction between the users and the information captured in a database. The three main components of a database system are the database, the DBMS , and the front end applications. Front end applications are applications created to provide a mechanism for interaction between the users and the DBMS. Self Note End Users are users who use a database system to support their life related tasks and processes. Direct Interaction is when the end user directly communicates with the DBMS. Indirect interaction is when the communication between the end user and the data base involves a front end application. Direct interaction requires a greater level of expertise and knowledge from the end user. It requires that the end user knows how to issue commands to the specific DBMS. This also typically also require the user to know the languages of the DBMS.

What are the various roles associated with database systems (e.g. database designer, database developer, front-end applications analysts etc.)? pg. 8-9

Database Analysts - are involved in the requirements collections, definition, and visualization stage. Database Designers (Database Modelers or Architects) are involved in the database modeling stage. Database Developers - are in charge of implementing the database model as a functioning database using DBMS software. Front- End Application Analysts are in charge of collecting and defining requirements for front end applications. Front- End Application Developers - are in charge of creating the front end of applications. Database Administrators- have the role of managing technical issues related to security, backup and recovery of database systems, monitoring use and adding storage space as needed, and other tasks related to the proper technical functioning of databases. Database End Users Also there are the developers of the DBMS Software and system administrators are associated with databases.

What is a database management system? What is the purpose of a database management system? pg. 2-3

Database management system or DBMS is software used for the following purposes, creation of databases, insertion, storage, retrieval, update, and deletion of the data in the database, and maintenance of the database. The relationship between a DBMS and a database is the same as the relationship between a PowerPoint and a presentation.

What is metadata? Provide an example of metadata. pg.

Metadata is the data that describes the structure and the properties of the data. Metadata is essential for the proper understanding and use of the data. An example of metadata is below TransactionID Product ItemsSold 01 A 2 02 B 3 Each column label is an example of metadata

What is the difference between operational and analytical databases? Provide an example each to illustrate the difference between the two types of databases.

Operational Databases collect and present operational information in support of daily procedures and processes, such as deducting the correct amount of money from a customer's checking account upon an ATM withdrawal or issuing a correct bill to a customer who purchased an airline ticket. Self Note - the terms operational information or transactional information refers to the information collected and used to support everyday operational needs in businesses and other organizations Self Note - Analytical Information refers to the information collected and used to support analytical tasks. For eg Analytical Information can show a pattern of use of ATM machine like what hour of the day has the most withdrawals. Analytical Databases- are databases that contain analytical information For eg Analytical Information can show a pattern of use of ATM machine like what hour of the day has the most withdrawals. Note:Analtytical inför is based on operational information.

List several relational DBMS software packages. pg. 10

Oracle, MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server, PostgreSQL, IBM DB2 , Teradata

What are the steps in the development of database systems? pg. 4-7

Step 1: Database Requirements Collection, Definition, and Visualization Step 2: Database Modeling both conceptual model and actual database model Step 3: Database Implementation involves using DBMS Step 4: Developing Front-End Applications (connecting to database can only be done once database is implemented) Step 5: Database Deployment Step 6: Database Use Step 7: Database Maintenance

What is data? What is information? Provide some examples to illustrate the difference between data and information.

The term data refers to facts that are recorded and can be accessed. In addition to text and numbers, data can also appear in other formats, such as figures, graphics, images, and audio video recordings. Whatever the format is, the data is recorded and kept because it is considered to be of use to an intended user. The term information refers to the data that is accessed by a user for some purpose. Typically getting information requires performing an activity such as searching the data or manipulating the data in some way. For example, if we have a phonebook it is considered to be a collection of data - the phone numbers of people and restaurants, etc. Within a certain context these phone numbers become information. If a person becomes hungry and wants to order pizza from Dominos. Then the phone number of dominos becomes the information. Searching for and finding that phone number becomes the necessary action that will yield the information from the data. In another example if we have a manager of a large retail company and they want to see how good the sales of apparel in the current quarter are. Our data is every single transaction stored in the computer in that time. Even though the data captures the needed information. It is not feasible. Instead the data can be summarized and then we can compare it to other quarters. This action would yield the needed information from the data. Essentially data and information can be used interchangeably. Simply, information is just the data that we need. If the data that an organization gathers and stores has a purpose and satisfies a user's need, then such data is also information.