1. Define Key terms:
(pg. 224-231)
database: a collection of info stored in an organized form in a computer
database program: the software used to organize, store, and retrieve data
table: a collection of related information
record: information related to one person, product, or event
field: A discrete chunk of info in a record
field type: the type of information a field can hold
numeric field: field that only contains numbers
date field: field that only contains date values
computed fields: displays values calculated from values in other numeric fields, might contain formulas.
browse: to search through the records of the database in search for information
query: information request
search: to look for a specific record
select: Looking for all records that match a set of criteria
import data: to receive data in the form of text files created with word processors, spreadsheets, or other database.
report: an ordered list of selected records and fields in an easy to read format
export data: to transmit necessary records and fields to word processors with mail merge capabilities
query language: language used for query which is more precise than English
SQL: Structured Query Language: A standard language supported by modern database management systems for programming complex queries.
2. What is the difference between a file manager and a database-management system? How are they similar?
A file manager is a program that allows its user to work with one file at a time. A database management system is more than that. It is system of programs that can manipulate data in a large collection of file cross referencing between files as needed. File manager is sufficient for mailing list s and other easy task but when it comes to complex jobs there really is no substitute for database management system.
They are similar because they are both used in storing data.
3. Describe a simple database.
A typical database is composed of tables. A database table is a collection of records. Each discrete chunk of information in a record is called a field. The information a field can hold is based on its field type. It can have a text field for entering text, a numeric field for entering numbers, date field for dates and computed field such as for formulas needed to calculate a specific thing.
4. What is a query? Give examples of the kinds of questions that might be answered with a query.
A query is basically an information request. It can be a simple search for a specific record. An example of a query an be anything that you might want to search using a search engine such as information about specific presidents, recipes, tech terms etc.
