Database Management Systems (DBMS) Fundamentals

Comprehensive review flashcards covering database concepts, DBMS functions, data processing stages, advantages, disadvantages, applications, and classifications.

What is a database?

A database is an organized collection of data that is related to a particular subject or purpose.

What is a manual database?

A manual database is the traditional way of managing data using paper and pen, such as simple notes on a refrigerator or keeping track of addresses.

What is a Database Management System (DBMS)?

A DBMS is an electronic collection of texts, numeric values, graphs, or images that are systematically processed and stored in computers.

Into what three classifications is information produced by a DBMS divided?

Information produced by a DBMS is classified into Business resources, System resources, and Data resources.

What items are included under Business resources in a DBMS?

Business resources include enterprises, business functions, positions (jobs), human/machine resources, skills, business objectives, projects, and information requirements.

What items are included under System resources in a DBMS?

System resources include systems, subsystems (business processes), administrative procedures (manual procedures and office automation-related), computer procedures, programs, operational steps, modules, and subroutines.

What items are included under Data resources in a DBMS?

Data resources include data elements, storage records, files (computer and manual), views, objects, inputs, outputs, panels, maps, call parameters, and databases.

What is the Acquisition stage in converting data to information?

Acquisition is the process of gathering all needed information or data, whether relevant or not, and ensuring it is defined and accurate so that subsequent decisions are valid.

What occurs during the Storage stage in converting data to information?

Data is refined and stored accordingly in an allocated space called a table, such as a student profile table or enrolled subjects table.

What occurs during the Manipulation stage in converting data to information?

Data are analyzed closely and relationships are established to allow viewing and accessing information; this is where data is actually converted to information.

What is the function of the Retrieval stage in converting data to information?

Retrieval enables coming up with a solution or answer to queries by retrieving and interpreting the result of data manipulation.

What does the Distribution stage in converting data to information pertain to?

Distribution pertains to the report that is generated for dissemination.

What is the function of a Data dictionary in a DBMS?

It stores definitions of the data elements and their relationships.

What does Transaction support (updating) guarantee in a DBMS?

It guarantees that all the updates in a given transaction are made or not made.

What is the role of Concurrency control services in a DBMS?

It allows access at the same time to the same database by multiple users without affecting the integrity of the database.

What is the purpose of Recovery services in a DBMS?

They provide backup and data recovery if issues occurred to ensure data safety and integrity.

What do Authorization services provide in a DBMS?

They provide security systems that enforce user access rights and data privacy by means of security rules.

What does controlling redundancy mean as an advantage of a DBMS?

It means that no duplication of data will take place.

What does enforcing integrity mean in a DBMS?

It means that data in a database is always accurate.

What are the major disadvantages of a DBMS?

Complexity, substantial memory/size requirements, potential performance issues, higher impact of failure, high DBMS cost, additional hardware costs, cost of conversion, and requirement for qualified personnel.

What is a Point of Sale (POS) database application?

A POS application is commonly used in fast-food restaurants, department stores, or supermarkets to record items that go outside the premises and automatically count remaining warehouse inventory.

What is a Library information system used for?

It is an application used in libraries to determine the number of books available, list of available authors, titles, and a copy of books.

What information does a Hospital information system determine?

It determines available patient rooms, doctor names and specializations, and clinic hours rendered in the hospital facility.

Based on what criteria can Database Systems be classified?

Database systems can be classified based on database distribution, users, type of data, and design.