1. Define each of the following terms:
a. data
b. field
c. record
d. file
2. What is data redundancy, and which characteristics of the file system can lead to it?
3. What is data independence, and why is it lacking in file systems?
4. What is a DBMS, and what are its functions?
5. What is structural independence, and why is it important?
6. Explain the difference between data and information.
7. What is the role of a DBMS, and what are its advantages? What are its disadvantages?
8. List and describe the different types of databases.
9. What are the main components of a database system?
10. What are metadata?
11. Explain why database design is important.
12. What are the potential costs of implementing a database system?
13. Use examples to compare and contrast unstructured and structured data. Which type is more prevalent in a
typical business environment?
14. What are some basic database functions that a spreadsheet cannot perform?
15. What common problems does a collection of spreadsheets created by end users share with the typical file system?
16. Explain the significance of the loss of direct, hands-on access to business data that end users experienced with
the advent of computerized data repositories.