Week 1 Activity
1. Why would you choose a database system instead of simply storing data in operating
system Files? DBMS will provide an efficient and convenient environment that is used
to store data in, and retrieve data from a database and it will also Manage information
about users who interact with the DBMS and the activities that manage these users can
perform on the data.
2. When would it make sense not to use a database system? If the database and applications
are simple, well defined, and not expected to change. If there are stringent real-time
requirements that may not be met because of DBMS overhead. If access to data by multiple
users is not required
3. Name the basic users of a DBMS? Application programmer, End User and Database
Administrator
4. What are the responsibilities of a DBA? DBA are responsible for database system
implementation and maintenance, within an organization. They have all the system
privileges allowed by the DBMS and can assign (grant) and remove (revoke) levels of
access (privileges) to and from other users.
5. Describe the meaning of DBMS architecture. DBMS architecture is the way in which
the data in a database is viewed (or represented to) by the users. It helps you represent
your data in an understandable way to the users, by hiding the complex bits that deal
with the working of the system.
6. What are the three levels of DBMS architecture and discuss the role of each level?
External Level (Describes a view of the database which is of interest to a particular user or
group)
Conceptual Level (Describes structure of the whole database for the entire community of users)
Internal Level (Describes how data is physically stored)
7. What does DDLC stand for? Database development life cycle
8. Describe the stages involved in the life cycle of database development?
Preliminary planning
Feasibility study
Requirements definition
Conceptual design
Implementation
Database evaluation and maintenance
9. What is the role of the Disk manager and list its 3 main operations. Role of Disk Manager
is the actual handling of data in the database. The main operations are:
Retrieves (selects) blocks of data
Replaces (updates) blocks of data
Removes (deletes) blocks of data
10. Name 3 popular Database management systems.
MySQL
Oracle
SAP and others…