Database Fundamental (TIS 1101)

Tutorial 1

Q1. What is the difference between data and information?

Data are raw facts.

Information is data, which have been processed into meaningful context to reveal
knowledge.

Q2. What is a DBMS? Name a few examples of DBMS. Name the functions of a
DBMS.

A DBMS is a collection of programs that manages the database structure and

controls access to the data stored in the database.

The DBMS’s main functions are:

- data dictionary management
- data storage management
- data transformation and presentation
- security management
- multiuser access control,
- backup and recovery management,
- data integrity management,
- database access languages and application programming interfaces
- database communication interfaces

Q3. List the advantages of the database approach as compared to conventional

file systems.

Potential benefits of the database approach are:

1. Improved data sharing
2. Improved data security
3. Better data integration
 4. Minimized data inconsistency
5. Improved data access
6. Improved decision-making
7. Improved end-user productivity

Q4. Explain the FIVE major parts of a database system.

1. Hardware – all system’s physical devices

2. Software – OS, DBMS, application program
3. People – all users (system administrator, DB designers, programmers, end
users) of database system
4. Procedures – instructions and rules that govern the design or use of database
system
5. Data – collections of facts stored in database

Q5. What is data redundancy? Give an example to illustrate data redundancy.

Data redundancy exists when unnecessarily duplicated data are found in database.

For example, a customer's telephone number may be found in the customer file, in
the sales agent file, and in the invoice file.

** Note to tutor: The second half of the lab is to expose student to IBM DB2. This
includes: introduce IBM DB2 software, create database and connect to database.