Introduction to Information Systems - Databases and Database Users

Flashcards based on the key concepts from the lecture notes on Information Systems, focusing on databases and database users.

What is an information system (IS)?

A formal, sociotechnical, organizational system designed to collect, process, store, and distribute information.

What are the four components of information systems from a sociotechnical perspective?

Task, people, structure (or roles), and technology.

Define a database.

A collection of related data.

What is a Database Management System (DBMS)?

A software package/system to facilitate the creation and maintenance of a computerized database.

Identify one characteristic of a database system.

Self-describing nature of a database system.

What does program-data independence refer to?

Insulation/separation between programs and data allows changing data structures independent of user programs.

What is data abstraction in the context of databases?

Using a data model to hide storage details and present users with a conceptual view of the database.

Name two types of database users.

Database administrators and end-users.

List one advantage of using the database approach.

Enforcing integrity constraints on the database.

When might it not be necessary to use a DBMS?

In simple applications not expected to change.

What characteristic allows multiple users to access and update a database concurrently?

Sharing of data and multi-user transaction processing.

What is metadata in the context of databases?

Information that describes the structure, constraints, and characteristics of the database.