databases

databases

1. database , information and knowledge

   • a structure is needed in order for data to become information in the tables below the second and third columns contains either yes and no but without headings there is no meanings
     • spreadsheets are commonly used to turn data into information
   • information is a colletion of words , numbers , data, images , sounds etc put into context ie to give them meaning
   • knowledge is the ability to understand information and to then form judgements , options , make predictions and decisions based on that understanding
   • data items need to be part of a structure , such as a sentence , in order to give them meanings
   • data leads to information , and information leads to knowledge
   • computers can be programmed with rules to use information to make simple decisions . this is knowledge that has been passed on fromn the programmer

2. databases and data capture

   • before setting up a databases , the record structure must be decided to make the best use of the memory and back store , and to make searching and report creation easier
   • designing when database it is important to choose the correct field type . this ensures that the data stored is unable and it makes validation easier . for example if the price paid for goods was stored in a text field , then the databases wouldn't be able to add each invidival figure to produce a total
   • a database should always contain a key field
   • a relational database has more than one table and the tables are linked using key fields . for example a libuary databases could have three tables
   • a data capture forms is designed to collect specific data
   • data capture forms often use boxes or a set amount of spaces and occasionally provide examples too . this is is to make sure each fields is completely correctly