Tomorrow's Technology and You Eighth Edition:Chapter 7: Reading and RQs

Read pg.224-232 4RQs

2.What is the difference between a file manager and a database-manager system? How are they similar?

• A file manager is a program that enables users to work with one file at a time. However, a true database-management system(DBMS) is a program or system of programs that can manipulate data in a large collection of files. They are similar in that they can both are sufficient for mailing lists and other common data management applications.

3. Describe the structure of a simple database. Use the terms file, record, and field in your description.

• A database is structured with many data files in which these files are made up of one or more tables; it keeps the information together the way a folder in a file cabinet does. Then a database table is a collection of records. A record is the information related to one person, product or event. For instance, in a library's card catalog database, a record contains information on exactly one person. Then these records are further divided into fields. A field contains a discrete, specific piece of information in a record. For example, in a library's card catalog database a field could be title, author, date, etc...

4. What is a query? Give examples of the kinds of questions that might be answered with a query.

• A query is an information request in database terminology. A query could be a search for a specific record or a request to select all records that match a certain criteria such as animals that are cold-blooded or amphibians with teeth .

7. What does it mean to sort a data file?

• To sort a data file means using a command to that lets you arrange records in alphabetic or numeric order based on values in files.

Read p.237-245 4RQs

6. What are the advantages of personal information management software over paper notebook organizers? What are the disadvantages?

• The advantages are that they are easier to understand and easier to use than regular database programs. Also, they are faster and more flexible than notebook organizers. They are good for people on the go especially with notebook or handheld computers. Some disadvantages may be if the user has a hard time using software and particularly does not know how to use it. If one does not have a cell phone or computer well than they would be no need for it.

8. How can a database be designed to reduce the likelihood of data-entry errors?

• A database can be designed to reduce a likelihood of errors by reducing the number of changes. To do this one should use a relational database program because changes in one table are reflected in other tables automatically.

10. Do we have a legal right to privacy? On what grounds?

• Legally, the U.S Supreme Court decisions have recognized a right to privacy is implied by other constitutional guarantees though it is not specifically mentioned.

11. Why are computers important in discussions of invasion of privacy?

• This is due to the fact that in today's world everything we do on the computer and Internet are stored in databases.