1- Define RDBMS:
RDBMS is relational database management system. It is data that is stored in several linked databases.
2-Identify 3 tables that could be part of a doctor's office patient relational database.
Three tables that could be part of this database would be the patient's medical record number, lab test results, and his name.
3-Searching the database to find specific information is called a _query_.
4- Why are we concerned about electonic databases?
There are several concerns with electronic databases, specifically the information being used improperly or getting into the wrong hands. Their is always the worry that the information may be incorrect, or that it is not securely stored.
5- Explain 3 different types of S/E issues related to online databases.
Some S/E issues related to online databases are security, control, and authenticity. Security: If security systems on the database are not adequate, then hackers can access private information such as SSNs or credit card numbers and cause harm with them. Control: if only certain people are allowed to access the information, they might use it for their own benefit, possible illegally as well. Authenticity: sometimes databases are not updated with accurate information. The address or phone number or whatever of a person can be wrong and they will miss out on products or services that should otherwise be given to them. Also, as there are many people with the same name, it can be easy to get them confused and mix their information.
6- What is something we need to protect electronic databases from? What can be used to protect them?
We need to protect databases from hackers. We can use security software and firewalls to protect the databases.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Monday, April 12, 2010
Information Privacy
Rights of individuals w respect to storage of personal data:
-problems with security of biometrics
-some say it protects against crime, some say it is a violation of our rights
-Act ensures that people's information is not being used without the consent of the person.
-gvmt was given access to private personal information under PATRIOT Act.
-protection laws in US are not that strong
Social Consequences of the release of sensitive data stored in databases
-being falsely accused of a crime
-sensitive data includes: SSN, credit card number/banking information, tax information, credit reports
-data stays on hard drive of computer, it can be easily recovered if you are not careful.
Ethical Issues related to Selling Data in Databases:
-databases are filled with information that is sold to all kinds of people
-issues of privacy and security
-personal data such as SSN, credit card numbers etc are stored. however, databases sell the information to companies.
-owners will not feel secure and fear identity theft.
-laws require protection for protection of information, and maintainance of accurate information
Paper Files vs. Electronic Files:
-electronic files are easier for searching for a file
-makes it easier to look at a file: with paper, only one person can look. with el files, many people can access them
-people can steal information from databases from anywhere.
-data is not really deleted unless you override the hard drive
Responsibility for the Security of Data Stored in Databases (from different perspectives):
-there are many many database breaches
-recognize the type of information being stolen, freeze the account
-software are bieng used to fight data theft, secure networks, safeguard database integrity
-be careful of the information you disclose to others
Social Consequences of Outdated or Incorrect Information in Databases:
-relational databases have similare field that contain all info about one perosn
-if the info is incorrect, you may not receive products or services that you should be receiving
-also, you can get the wrong services or products if it is confused with other people's information
-problems with security of biometrics
-some say it protects against crime, some say it is a violation of our rights
-Act ensures that people's information is not being used without the consent of the person.
-gvmt was given access to private personal information under PATRIOT Act.
-protection laws in US are not that strong
Social Consequences of the release of sensitive data stored in databases
-being falsely accused of a crime
-sensitive data includes: SSN, credit card number/banking information, tax information, credit reports
-data stays on hard drive of computer, it can be easily recovered if you are not careful.
Ethical Issues related to Selling Data in Databases:
-databases are filled with information that is sold to all kinds of people
-issues of privacy and security
-personal data such as SSN, credit card numbers etc are stored. however, databases sell the information to companies.
-owners will not feel secure and fear identity theft.
-laws require protection for protection of information, and maintainance of accurate information
Paper Files vs. Electronic Files:
-electronic files are easier for searching for a file
-makes it easier to look at a file: with paper, only one person can look. with el files, many people can access them
-people can steal information from databases from anywhere.
-data is not really deleted unless you override the hard drive
Responsibility for the Security of Data Stored in Databases (from different perspectives):
-there are many many database breaches
-recognize the type of information being stolen, freeze the account
-software are bieng used to fight data theft, secure networks, safeguard database integrity
-be careful of the information you disclose to others
Social Consequences of Outdated or Incorrect Information in Databases:
-relational databases have similare field that contain all info about one perosn
-if the info is incorrect, you may not receive products or services that you should be receiving
-also, you can get the wrong services or products if it is confused with other people's information
Friday, April 9, 2010
Friday Notes
- Databases: files -> fields -> records
- Human basic needs and instincts haven’t changed
- Logic is not equal to thinking
- Thinking looks around the reality, analyzes the situation at hand. Logic is good in math, science, etc. but not in human interactions and religion
- A query pulls specific information from a table
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Ch. 7 Review Questions 2-6
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 enables users to work with one file at a time. A database-management system is a program or system of programs that can manipulate data in a large collection of files. Both store files and make information easier to access, however, DBMS is better for large, complex jobs.
3- Describe the structure of a simple database. use the terms "file", "record", and "field" in your description.
A database is a collection of records, information related to a person, product or event. Each separate chunk of information in a record is called a field. A file is the entire collection of data stored on the computer.
4- What is a query? Give examples of the kinds of questions that might be answered with a query?
A query is a request for specific information. The query can be for a specific record, like a recipe for banana bread, or it can be a search for all records that match a specific set of criterion, like all recipes for sweet breads.
5- What steps are involved in producing a standard multi-column business report from a database?
A business report would be composed of an ordered list of selected records and fields organized so they are easy to read and understand. They would include information as well as any calculations and numbers organized in columns and rows.
6- What are the advantages of personal information management software over paper notebook organizers? What are the disadvantages?
The advantages of using personal information management software (PIM) over notebook organizers are that PIM s are faster and easier to use for busy people. They work on portable computers and handheld devices. Also, pocket-sized devices can connect with PIM software on a PC or Mac. This way the device can stay up-to-date wherever the user is. On the downside, if the handheld device is lost or stolen, whoever has it can access all the information stored on the device. If the user is especially dependent on it, then he/she will be lost without it. Also, the information can be hacked if the user is using a Web-based PIM.
A file manager is a program that enables users to work with one file at a time. A database-management system is a program or system of programs that can manipulate data in a large collection of files. Both store files and make information easier to access, however, DBMS is better for large, complex jobs.
3- Describe the structure of a simple database. use the terms "file", "record", and "field" in your description.
A database is a collection of records, information related to a person, product or event. Each separate chunk of information in a record is called a field. A file is the entire collection of data stored on the computer.
4- What is a query? Give examples of the kinds of questions that might be answered with a query?
A query is a request for specific information. The query can be for a specific record, like a recipe for banana bread, or it can be a search for all records that match a specific set of criterion, like all recipes for sweet breads.
5- What steps are involved in producing a standard multi-column business report from a database?
A business report would be composed of an ordered list of selected records and fields organized so they are easy to read and understand. They would include information as well as any calculations and numbers organized in columns and rows.
6- What are the advantages of personal information management software over paper notebook organizers? What are the disadvantages?
The advantages of using personal information management software (PIM) over notebook organizers are that PIM s are faster and easier to use for busy people. They work on portable computers and handheld devices. Also, pocket-sized devices can connect with PIM software on a PC or Mac. This way the device can stay up-to-date wherever the user is. On the downside, if the handheld device is lost or stolen, whoever has it can access all the information stored on the device. If the user is especially dependent on it, then he/she will be lost without it. Also, the information can be hacked if the user is using a Web-based PIM.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
5 key terms
shareware: is software that is free for the trying, with a send-payment if-you-keep-it honor system.
public domain: creative work or intellectual property that is freely usable by anyone, either because the copyright has expired or because the creator obtained a Creative Commons license for the work.
freeware: software that is free for public use.
commercial software: software that is designed and developed for sale to the general public, or that serves commercial purposes
integrated software: software that combines several most commonly used applications into one package
Review Questions:
2- Compilers and other translator programs compile a complete translation of the program in a high-level computer language before the program runs for the first time. Software applications allow users to control computers and perform certain actions without being a programmer. System software is software that handles details such as which parts of the computer's memory hold a document. It includes the operating system and utility programs.
3- The operating system must be first installed because it is what communicates with the hardware and makes using software possible.
5-A single-user operating system allows the user to run multiple applications at the same time by creating tasks. Since the CPU can only perform one process at a time, the OS does task scheduling. It also manages virtual memory. Multi-user OSs are responsible for authentication (user names and passwords) and authorization (allowing only those with adminstrative priviliges to install or uninstall application programs).
public domain: creative work or intellectual property that is freely usable by anyone, either because the copyright has expired or because the creator obtained a Creative Commons license for the work.
freeware: software that is free for public use.
commercial software: software that is designed and developed for sale to the general public, or that serves commercial purposes
integrated software: software that combines several most commonly used applications into one package
Review Questions:
2- Compilers and other translator programs compile a complete translation of the program in a high-level computer language before the program runs for the first time. Software applications allow users to control computers and perform certain actions without being a programmer. System software is software that handles details such as which parts of the computer's memory hold a document. It includes the operating system and utility programs.
3- The operating system must be first installed because it is what communicates with the hardware and makes using software possible.
5-A single-user operating system allows the user to run multiple applications at the same time by creating tasks. Since the CPU can only perform one process at a time, the OS does task scheduling. It also manages virtual memory. Multi-user OSs are responsible for authentication (user names and passwords) and authorization (allowing only those with adminstrative priviliges to install or uninstall application programs).
Review Discussion questions p 134
Review and Discussion Question #1:
What is the relationship between a program and an algorithm?
1- An algorithm is a set of step-by-step procedures for accomplishing a task. A program starts out as an algorithm.
In what way is writing instructions for acomputer more difficult than writing instructions for a person? In what way is it easier?
1-Writing instructions for a computer is more difficult than writing instructions for a person, because for the computer, one has to be extremely specific and detailed with the instructions. Everything has to be clarified to ensure that no mistakes are made. No vague or ambiguous language can be used. It is easier because with this level of clarity, it is unlikely that mistakes will be made, and misunderstandings will be decreased.
What is the relationship between a program and an algorithm?
1- An algorithm is a set of step-by-step procedures for accomplishing a task. A program starts out as an algorithm.
In what way is writing instructions for acomputer more difficult than writing instructions for a person? In what way is it easier?
1-Writing instructions for a computer is more difficult than writing instructions for a person, because for the computer, one has to be extremely specific and detailed with the instructions. Everything has to be clarified to ensure that no mistakes are made. No vague or ambiguous language can be used. It is easier because with this level of clarity, it is unlikely that mistakes will be made, and misunderstandings will be decreased.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)