Database Fundamentals Chapter 1 - Set 2

What is the primary role of a Database Management System (DBMS)?

• Manually processing data using outdated technologies.

• Providing an interface to manage and access databases, ensuring data integrity and security.

• Isolating data from unauthorized access while avoiding any security risks.

• Maintaining a legacy system to ensure program and data dependencies.

Answer explanation

The primary role of a DBMS is to provide an interface for managing and accessing databases, ensuring data integrity and security, which is essential for effective data handling.

Which of the following is a disadvantage of the traditional approach to information processing?

• High flexibility to adapt to changes.

• Reduced program/data dependence.

• Data redundancy and lack of flexibility.

• Complete elimination of security risks.

Answer explanation

The traditional approach to information processing often leads to data redundancy and a lack of flexibility, making it difficult to adapt to changes. This is a significant disadvantage compared to more modern methods.

What does data redundancy in a database lead to?

• Reduced storage space and increased data consistency.

• Data being stored in multiple locations, leading to inconsistencies and increased storage.

• Improved security and data sharing across departments.

• Simpler maintenance and fewer data management challenges.

Answer explanation

Data redundancy occurs when the same data is stored in multiple locations, which can lead to inconsistencies and increased storage costs. This makes the correct choice about data being stored in multiple locations accurate.

What is the main disadvantage of high program/data dependencies in traditional systems?

• They make systems more flexible and easier to maintain.

• They increase the system's ability to adapt to changes in data structures.

• They require modifications to multiple programs if data structures change.

• They ensure that program modifications will not affect the data structures.

Answer explanation

High program/data dependencies mean that if data structures change, multiple programs must be modified, leading to increased maintenance efforts and potential for errors. This is the main disadvantage in traditional systems.

Why is data isolation important in a multi-user database environment?

• It prevents unauthorized access to sensitive information.

• It ensures that operations on one transaction do not affect others, maintaining consistency.

• It minimizes the amount of redundant data stored in the database.

• It centralizes data to improve access speed and collaboration.

Answer explanation

Data isolation is crucial as it ensures that the operations of one transaction do not interfere with others, thus maintaining consistency in a multi-user database environment.

In the traditional approach to information processing, which issue can arise from a lack of data integration?

• Simplified decision-making and collaboration across departments.

• Easier sharing of data between departments or business units.

• Delays in accessing critical information and increased risk of data inconsistencies.

• Reduction in concurrent access anomalies.

Answer explanation

A lack of data integration can lead to delays in accessing critical information and increases the risk of data inconsistencies, as departments may operate in silos without a unified data source.

What is a concurrent access anomaly in a database system?

• When only one transaction can access the database at a time.

• When multiple transactions access the database simultaneously, leading to lost updates or inconsistent data.

• When data is kept isolated to prevent concurrent access by multiple users.

• When program dependencies prevent concurrent access.

Answer explanation

A concurrent access anomaly occurs when multiple transactions access the database at the same time, which can result in lost updates or inconsistent data, making the correct choice the one that describes this situation.

Which of the following best describes the impact of a lack of flexibility in a traditional database system?

• It makes the system easier to adapt to evolving business needs and technology.

• It reduces the difficulty of maintaining the system with changing data structures.

• It creates challenges in adapting to changes, hindering agility and adaptability.

• It eliminates the need for frequent updates and program modifications.

Answer explanation

A lack of flexibility in a traditional database system creates challenges in adapting to changes, which hinders agility and adaptability. This makes it difficult for businesses to respond to evolving needs and technologies.

Which of the following is a disadvantage of centralized database architecture in terms of data security?

• It provides a high level of data integration across multiple locations.

• It increases security risks by having a single point of access that is vulnerable to breaches.

• It enhances flexibility in program/data dependencies.

• It eliminates the need for data redundancy.

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights that centralized database architecture poses increased security risks due to a single point of access, making it more vulnerable to breaches compared to decentralized systems.

How does the distributed database architecture differ from the centralized one?

• Data and database functions are concentrated in a single location in a distributed architecture.

• It offers improved fault tolerance and scalability by spreading data across multiple locations.

• It reduces the complexity of maintaining data consistency across different sites.

• It eliminates the need for data isolation and concurrent access management.

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights that distributed database architecture enhances fault tolerance and scalability by distributing data across multiple locations, unlike centralized systems that concentrate data in one place.