Database Systems - Chapter 1

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes a database?

An accumulation of raw data without any structure or format.

A collection of unrelated data stored for archival purposes.

An organized collection of logically related data designed to meet information needs. (correct)

A temporary storage space for unprocessed data.

Which example is NOT typically associated with a database application?

Purchases using a credit card

Studying at university

Booking a holiday at the travel agents

Sitting in traffic (correct)

What is metadata in the context of a database?

Data that is irrelevant to the database structure.

Data processed to create knowledge from user data.

Data that describes the properties and context of user data. (correct)

Data related to the storage capacity of the database.

What kind of data does a database primarily store?

Integrated records that model real-world systems. Signup and view all the answers

What term is used to describe data processed to increase knowledge?

Information Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of graphical displays in data management?

To convert data into useful information for decision making Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a file processing system?

A collection of programs where each program manages its own data Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of file processing systems?

Program-data dependence limits editing capabilities Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'data context'?

The significance and circumstances surrounding the data Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects program and data interdependence?

Changes in file structure require alterations in the program code Signup and view all the answers

The corporate database serves which primary function?

To centralize data from various departments Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant historical development in the use of computers?

File Processing Systems for commercial applications Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of data description?

User interface design Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary disadvantage of file processing related to development?

Lengthy development times due to file format design Signup and view all the answers

Which issue arises from data redundancy?

Inconsistent data and wasted space Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of a Database Management System (DBMS)?

It manages data resources similarly to how an operating system manages hardware Signup and view all the answers

How does the database approach improve data integrity?

Through controlled redundancy and data management Signup and view all the answers

What problem does limited data sharing typically cause?

Increased risk of data duplication Signup and view all the answers

What does excessive program maintenance primarily consume in an information systems budget?

80% Signup and view all the answers

What is one consequence of programs being written in different languages?

No centralized control of data Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant advantage of using a centralized database?

Improved data sharing across applications Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Database Systems - Chapter 1

Databases are organized collections of logically related data.
Databases are shared collections of data designed to meet the needs of multiple users in an organization.
Databases are self-describing collections of integrated records.
Databases model real-world systems in a data format.
Examples of database applications include supermarket purchases, credit card purchases, booking holidays, library use, insurance, video rentals, internet use, and university study.
Data are stored representations of meaningful objects and events.
Data can be recorded and stored on computer media.
Data can be structured (e.g., numbers, text, dates) or unstructured (e.g., images, videos, documents).
Information is processed data that increases knowledge.
Metadata describes the properties and context of user data.
A database is a shared collection of logically related data (and a description of this data), designed to meet the information needs of an organization.
A system catalog (metadata) describes the data to enable program-data independence.
Logically related data comprises entities, attributes, and relationships.
Context aids understanding of data (e.g., class roster example).
Graphical displays turn data into useful information for decision-making and interpretation.
Metadata describes data properties, types, field sizes, allowable values, and context. (e.g., Table 1-1 example).
A shared organizational database serves various departments (e.g., Management, Marketing, Sales, Product Development, Manufacturing).
Computers were initially used for computational/engineering purposes.
Commercial applications later introduced file processing systems.
File processing systems comprise multiple application programs that define and manage their own data.
Database systems provide data sharing and data independence.
Database systems offer controlled redundancy and better data integrity.
A Database Management System (DBMS) is software that creates, maintains, and controls access to databases.
Database application programs interact with DBMS via appropriate requests (SQL statements).
DBMS manages data resources like operating systems manage hardware.
Advantages of the database approach include program-data independence, minimal data redundancy, improved data consistency, improved data sharing, increased application development productivity, enforcement of standards, improved data quality, improved accessibility and responsiveness, reduced program maintenance, and improved decision support.
Disadvantages of file processing include program-data dependence, data duplication, limited data sharing, lengthy development times, excessive maintenance, and vulnerability to inconsistency.
Problems with data redundancy include wasted space and potential for different values and formats for the same data.

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Description

Explore the foundational concepts of databases in this quiz. Learn about organized collections of data, the importance of metadata, and how databases model real-world applications. Test your understanding of data structures and their role in enhancing information access.