Database Theory

Question 1

What are databases used for?

Answer 1

Databases are used to store and process data and text.

Question 2

What do databases allow users to do with the data?

Answer 2

Databases allow for entry, storage, editing and processing of data.

Question 3

Give examples of when a company would use a database?

Answer 3

• To store customer details
• Stock inventory for a shop
• Sending personal letters using mail merge
• Keeping income tax records in government
• Suggesting products upon what has been bought in the past.

Question 4

Databases use _____ as a way to present data.

Fill in the blank

Answer 4

Databases use FORMS as a way to present data

Question 5

Why is presenting data in a form good?

Answer 5

Forms allow data to be stored in an easier to understand format.

Forms allow users to add buttons, to move between records and add/delete records.

Question 6

What is a query?

Answer 6

To search the data

Question 7

What is validation?

What are the 5 types of validation?

Answer 7

Validation makes sure the data is sensible and reasonable and reduces the chance of human error.

• Precense check
• Format check
• Length check
• Range check
• Input masks

Question 8

Advantages of Databases

Answer 8

• Large amounts of data can be stored
• Data can be easily editted/added
• Data can be queried to find relevant results
• Passwords can be set to maintain security
• Data can be sorted.
• Can be shared electronically

Question 9

Disadvantages of Databases

Answer 9

• Knowledge and skill with databases are needed to set one up.
• If more than one table is used, relantionships will need to be set up [complicated].
• Security prodecures (passwords) need to be implemented if sensitive data is being held
• Errors in data entry, validation or queries can affect the results.

Question 10

What are spreadsheets used for?

Answer 10

Designed to store, process and manipulate numerical data.

Question 11

Advantages of Spreadsheets

Answer 11

• Data can be shared electronically
• Formulas can alllow for instant recalculations
• Data can be imported into other documents
• Columns and rows can be locked to maintain data integrity
• Data types can be chosen to match the data being presented
• Can be password protected to maintain security

Question 12

Disadvantages of Spreadsheets

Answer 12

• Text can’t be manipulated easily
• Spreadsheets are complex and may require a lot of energy to create
• Manually entered data may contain errors
• Novice users may struggle with formulas/functions

Question 13

Examples of Spreadsheet uses

Answer 13

• Calculating invoices
• Importing survey/questionnaire data
• Shopping list, with prices etc.