OCR J275 Databases

What is meant by a database?

• A persistent store of organised data.
• Used to calculate financial data and for modelling.

What is meant by the phrase persistent storage?

• Volatile storage of data on a secondary storage device like a hard disk.
•  Non-volatile storage of data on a secondary storage device like a hard disk.

Give two examples of a paper-based database.

• Address Book
• Diary
• Calendar
• Mobile Phone Contacts

Which of the following is NOT an advantage of computer based databases over paper based databases.

• Easily organise the data using sort (ascending/descending) or filters.
• Can be backed up to avoid loss.
• Can be shared with colleagues by attaching to emails.
• They have to be locked in filing cabinets.

Why might a database stored on a computer be less secure than a paper based database?

• Easier to access as you don't need to enter a building or filing cabinet.  They can be hacked from anywhere in the world.
• Smaller physical size and easier to steal
• Both answers are correct

What is a Database Management System (DBMS)?

• System that has applications/features to allow databases to be created, interrogated and maintained.
• System that enables you to carry out financial calculations.

Name a data handling software available as an 'off-the-shelf' product that you could use to create a database.

• Microsoft Word or Open Writer
• Microsoft PowerPoint or Open Impress 
• Microsoft Access or My SQL
• Microsoft Excel or Open Calc

Define the term 'field'.

• A field in a table that uniquely identifies a record.
• A collection of data organised into records and fields.
• Data stored about one instance of an entity e.g. one person or one object.
• One specific data item being stored such as surname or date.

How many fields are in this table?

• 6
• 10

Define the term 'record'.

• Data stored about one instance of an entity e.g. one person or one object.
• A collection of data organised into records and fields.
• One specific data item being stored such as surname or date.
• A field in a table that uniquely identifies a record.