Comprehensive IT and Database Management Strategies for Students

Software acquisition strategies

The overall process organizations follow to obtain software that meets their specific operational goals.

Cloud

Refers to cloud computing, which is the delivery of computing services like servers, storage, databases, and software over the Internet, where users typically pay only for the resources they consume.

Outsourcing

Transferring the development, operation, or maintenance of an Information System (IS) to an outside firm for a fee, which can be short-term or long-term.

Outsourcing Fees

Payment models used for outsourcing services: Fixed fee model (a set fee for a specific level of service), Subscription model (a variable fee based on the number of users), or Usage/Transaction model (a variable fee based on the volume of operations performed).

In-House vs. External Development

The 'make or buy' decision: the choice between developing software internally (in-house/make) versus purchasing a software package from a vendor or application service provider (external/buy).

Prototyping

The technique of using models and prototypes, which is one of the important habits utilized by successful interface designers.

HCI, UI, GUI

HCI (Human-Computer Interaction) describes the relationship between computers and their users, covering all communication and instructions for input and output. UI (User Interface) describes how users interact with the computer system and includes all features affecting two-way communication. GUI (Graphical User Interface) is a type of user interface often characterized by its visual nature, pioneered by Apple.

Good user interface design is based partly on ...

Principles derived from the seven habits of successful interface designers, which include understanding the business, maximizing graphical effectiveness, thinking like a user, focusing on usability, using models and prototypes, inviting feedback, and documenting everything. A good interface should also be easy to learn and use.

Report types

The primary types of reports include: Detail reports (produce output for each record processed, often lengthy), Exception reports (display only records meeting specific conditions), and Summary reports (provide comprehensive data).

Data validation

The use of validation rules to ensure data is correct and follows standards; examples include sequence checks, existence checks, data type checks, range checks, and combination checks.

Data Redundancy

Having certain data items entered and stored multiple times, which is inefficient and can cause data errors.

Data Integrity

A potential problem in file processing systems, generally referring to the quality and consistency of data (as challenged by redundancy).

Referential Integrity

A set of rules in a relational database that ensures data consistency by requiring a foreign key value in one table to match an existing primary key in another table.

File System vs. DBMS

A File System stores data in separate, unconnected files, leading to redundancy. A DBMS (Database Management System) is a collection of tools and features that enables users to add, update, manage, access, and analyze the database contents, often linking tables to avoid data duplication.

Queries

Requests used to access data from a database. Users may work with predefined queries in a DBMS.

SQL

Structured Query Language; this is the language used for defining, manipulating, and accessing data within a database.

ODBC, JDBC

ODBC (Open Database Connectivity) refers to compliant software used by the physical data repository of a DBMS.

Primary vs. Foreign Keys

A Primary Key is a unique identifier for a record used to organize and access data. A Foreign Key is an attribute in one table that links it to the primary key of another table, ensuring data relationships are enforced.

ER Diagram conventions

Entity-Relationship Diagrams (ERDs) use rectangles to represent entities (real-world objects or concepts) and diamond shapes to represent relationships (associations between entities). Cardinality uses Crow's foot notation (circles, bars, and symbols) to describe the numeric relationship between entities.

Codes

A set of letters or numbers used to represent data, aiming to simplify information, save storage space, and decrease data entry time and errors.

Database Design

The process of creating structures for organizing, storing, and managing data, typically involving files or tables that interact.

ER Diagram

An Entity-Relationship Diagram is a visual tool used in database design to model the logical relationships and interactions between different data entities.

Normalization (Standard Notation)

Normalization is a set of rules used to create simplified, flexible, and non-redundant table designs by assigning fields (attributes) appropriately. Standard Notation is the format used to display a table's structure, fields, and primary key(s), where the primary key field(s) are underlined.

Development Strategies

The various options a company considers for acquiring or creating new systems, ranging from developing software in-house or purchasing a package, to using outside vendors, Application Service Providers (ASPs), or Web-hosted services.

User Interface Rules

A set of ten guidelines for designing effective user interfaces, including ensuring the interface is easy to learn and use, enhancing user productivity, providing flexibility, offering help and feedback, and managing data effectively.