databases

databases

1. database, information and knowledge

   • information is a collect of words, numbers , dates, images, sounds etc put into contect, ie to give them meaning
   • data items need to be part of a structure, such as a sentence , in order to give them meaning.
   • A structure is needed in order for data to become information. In the table below the second and third columns contain either 'Yes' or 'No' but without headings there is no meaning.
     • A structure is needed in order for data to become information. In the table below the second and third columns contain either 'Yes' or 'No' but without headings there is no meaning.
       • Spreadsheets are commonly used to turn data into information.
   • Knowledge is the ability to understand information and to then form judgements, opinions, make predictions and decisions based on that understanding.
   • computers can be programmed with rules to use information to make simple dicisions
   • a more sophisticated example of this is an expert system.

2. database and data capture

   • before setting up a database, the record structure must be decided to make best use of the memory and backing store. and to make searching and report creation easier
   • databases store data in tables, a single database file can store many tables, queries and reports.