Difference between revisions of "Databases"
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==What is a Database?== | ==What is a Database?== | ||
| − | A database is a structured collection of related data and is usually stored on a computer. The data can be sorted, organized and queried. Databases reduce data redundancy and data inconsistency, problems that are usually faced by those who store data on spreadsheets. A database can be seen as a digital filing system. | + | A database is a structured collection of related data and is usually stored on a computer. The data can be sorted, organized and queried. Databases reduce data redundancy and data inconsistency, problems that are usually faced by those who store data on spreadsheets. A database can be seen as a digital filing system of records. |
===How are databases used?=== | ===How are databases used?=== | ||
Revision as of 02:56, 2 December 2010
COMP 1010 Home > More About Computer Science
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IntroductionDatabases are used by everyone, everyday without most people actually thinking about it. Everytime a person uses their bank card they are accessing a Database. The current research into databases systems is to increase the usefulness of database sytems to users by creating, extending, and applying database technology.
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What is a Database?
A database is a structured collection of related data and is usually stored on a computer. The data can be sorted, organized and queried. Databases reduce data redundancy and data inconsistency, problems that are usually faced by those who store data on spreadsheets. A database can be seen as a digital filing system of records.
How are databases used?
Databases are usually used to store complex data. Here at the University of Manitoba one or more databases would be used to store student information, such as: student ID number, address, phone number, email, registration, and other important information. Databases are also used at banks to store account information, airports to store flight information, car rental companies to store client information, as well as other settings where records of data should be saved.
Why are databases important?
Databases allow us to store and retrieve large amounts of data. The data can be sorted and can be interpreted into useful information. Databases would also allow information sharing. Using the University example the Registrar's office would share some information from their database with Financial Aid, Libraries, UMSU and other divisions of the University.
Database disadvantages
Databases are complex structures and take a lot of time to set up. A database administrator or a database designer is usually hired to design, build and maintain a database. Databases also require special software, which can be costly if you are needing to create a large and complex database.
Types of DBMS and Products
SQL
Database Administrators and Their Roles
Model Management
The goal of this research is to make database systems easier to use for model driven applications such as design tools and message translators. Current research concentrates on algorithms for matching, merging, and generating models.
Phoenix (Microsoft)
The goal of this research is to improve the availability of applications, and the error handling robustness of aplications. System crashes can be catastrophic, and this research concentrates on database recovery techniques so that applications can survive system crashes. This is vital in fields where mission critical applications can have fatal consequences such as in Health Care.
