Data

any unorganized text, graphics, sounds, or videos (has yet to be processed)

Information

data that has been processed in a meaningful and useful way.

Difference between data and information

Data doesn't become information until it is processed

Database

is a collection of data

Database Programs

enable people to add, sort, group, summarize, and print data

Bits

The lowest layer in a database made of 1s and 0s

Characters

Letters, numbers, and symbols (represented by a byte) (above bits in database layer below fields)

Fields

Areas that contain data identified by field names (above characters in database layers below record)

Field Names

(Examples: First Name; Address; City); Group of characters Define Fields

Records

Contain a group of fields (above field in database layer below data file)

Data Files

Contain related group of records (above records in database layer below database)

Database

The top layer made of one or more data files (composed of from top to bottom, Data files, to records, to fields defined by field names, to characters to bits

Logical Data

Only "yes" or "no" answers are allowed (data type)

Memos

large units of text (data type)

Objects

Non-textual data (data type)

Blobs

Very large objects (data type)

Default Value

Pre-defined values such as today's date (data type)

key field or primary key

The key field must be a unique entry such as a social security number or student ID.

File Management Programs:

Create flat files containing one file or table Files can not be linked to other files Are easy to use and customize (not as complex as database management system)

Database Management Systems (DBMS)

Contain multiple files or tables (a little more complex than file management programs because you have so many files linked together)

Relational database management systems

are the most widely used type of DBMS.(linked by common key fields)

common key field

IN relational database management systems Data in several files are related through the use of a

Data Warehousing

Supplements DBMSs by bringing together all data into one huge database Organizes management's decision-making process Uses a technique called drill-down to view performance data of the entire company

Data Mart

support one division of an organization rather than an entire firm. (similar to a date warehouse only not the whole company just one division)

Data Mining

Is a data-exploration technique Is used to find unknown patterns of data

Query

Specially phrased question used to access specific information (to get specific info from the database)

Web-based integration

is the latest trend in database software, Information is stored in databases that are available through the Internet.

Characteristics of a good database

Data integrity Data independence Avoidance of data redundancy Data security Data maintenance

Data Integrity

is the validity of the data.

Data Validity

defines acceptable input ranges for each field Types of data validation are: Alphabetic check Numeric check Range check Consistency check Completeness check

Data Security

makes sure data are not accessible to unauthorized users. Data is also protected from loss due to equipment failure.

Alphabet Check (data validation)

for text data check to make sure no numbers)

Numeric Check (Data validation)

for calculation and value check to make sure numeric only)

Range Check (data validation)

(determines that data is within the acceptable range)

Consistency Check (data validation)

(like entering in your email address twice to compare fields to make sure the equal each other

Completeness check data validation

make sure no blanks left in the field)

Data Independence

refers to how data is stored so that it can be used with different types of application programs. It also refers to the separation of the data in a database to control forms and reports.

Data Maintnence

refers to the procedures for adding, updating, and deleting records.

Avoidance of data redundancy

refers to avoiding the repetition of data.

Information System

is designed to bring data, computers, procedures, and people together to manage information important to an organization's mission.

Know a transaction processing system (TPS)

handles an organization's accounting needs, including purchasing, sales & payroll.

MIS

support information needs of different levels of management

Decision Support System

enables a manager to retrieve information that can't be supplied by fixed and predetermined MIS reports

Online Analytical Process

enables managers to import up-to-the-minute reports from transaction databases. for use in decision support

Knowledge Management System

are used to capture knowledge created by employees and make it available when needed.

Expert Systems

are systems that deal with expert knowledge in a particular area.

Programming Languages

are artificial languages created to tell the computer what to do.

Five Generations of programming language

Machine languages Assembly languages Procedural languages Problem-oriented languages Natural languages

First generations of programming language (machine language)

is first generation and Is the only language the computer understands without translation

Second generation of programming language (

Uses brief abbreviations for program instructions Abbreviations are called mnemonics

Third-Generation of Programming Languages (Procedural languages)

Are high-level languages that tell the computer what to do and how to do it Use a compiler or interpreter to translate code

Compilers

is a program that changes source code to object code. (prodcues source code)

Interpreters

translates source code one line at a time and executes the instructions. (uses one code at a time and moves on)

Fourth Generation Languages

Languages for getting information out of databases Fourth-generation languages are nonprocedural. They do not force programmers to follow procedures to produce results. "Problem-oriented languages"

Object Oriented Programs

Relies on component reusability The ability to quickly build a program by utilizing ready-to-use, specific purpose modules Eliminates the distinction between programs and data Uses objects that contain data and procedures Ex: Visual Basic and C++

Component Reusability (in object oriented programs)

omponent reusability The ability to quickly build a program by utilizing ready-to-use, specific purpose modules

Objects

are units of information that contain data as well as methods that process and manipulate data.

Inheritence

refers to an object's capacity to "pass on" its characteristics to its subclasses.

Java

First true cross-platform programming language (works on Macs, windows, etc.)

Know Six phases of PDLC

Defining the problem Designing the program Coding the program Testing and debugging the program Formalizing the solution Implementing and maintaining the program

Structure Charts in phase 2 of PDlC

show the top-down design (how it is set up)

Pseudo Code in phase 2 of PDlC

alternative to flow charts (it uses words and not symbols )

Flow Charts in phase 2 of PDlC

show the logic of program (how it works)

System's Analyst

Are computer and problem-solving professionals who determine an organization's information system needs (they talk to all the departments and communicate back to the programmers what people need to make the organization work)

System

is a collection of components organized into a functioning whole to accomplish a goal.

Systems Development Life Cycle

The SDLC is a model used to improve the quality of information systems by providing an organized approach to problem solving. The core idea of SDLC is to "Ensure that each step is performed properly before going to the next one." Systems have a life cycle, accomplish their purpose and end

To avoid mistakes in system's development

Documentation is required throughout all phases.

five phases of SDLC

1. Plan 2. Analyze 3. Design 4. Implement 5. Maintain

SDLC phase 1.

Plan (identify problems and opportunities)

SDLC phase 2.

analyze and document existing programs

SDLC phase 3.

design the system

SDLC phase 4.

implement the system

SDLC phase 5

. Maintain and Support the system

Scope of a project

The sum total of all project products and their features

scope creep

Avoid this uncontrolled changes in a project's scope

project plan.

DONT CONFUSE WITH SCOPE The plan specifies the project's goal and specifies all of the activities that must be completed for the project to succeed.

Gantt Chart

s created to provide a timeline of activities and track completion times. (tracks progress of the development of system (project) )

Technically Feasible

can be created with existing, proven technology

Operationally feasible

can be created with organization's available resources

Economically feasible

Can be created with available fiscal resources

JAD and CASE

Joint application development (JAD) and computer-aided software engineering (CASE) help improve the design phase.

Entity Relationship Diagram

are used to describe the different entities of the information system and their relationships

Prototyping tool

make a protype of project and show interrelation and how other parts of the system could be affected

Data Flow Diagrams

show how data move throughout existing system.

Request for Quotation (RFQ)

request for a vendor to quote a price for specific components of the information system.

Request for Proposal (RFP)

request for a vendor to write a proposal for the design, installation, and configuration of the information system

Application Testing

programs are tested individually and then tested together. in phase 4

Acceptance Testing

users evaluate the system to see whether it meets their needs and whether it functions correctly. in phase 4

Parallel Conversion

run old and new system at the same time to test answers - safest, most expensive

Pilot Conversion

test one part of organization

Phased conversion

Bring people onto the system over different time periods

Direct Conversion

switch to new system at once and turn off old system – most risky

Post Implementation System Review

determines if the new system has met its goals.

Enterprise Computing

is the use of technology, information systems, and computers within a business.

Enterprise

a business organization

Business processes

activities that have an identifiable output and add value to an organization's customers.

Centralized Structure (I.e Computer Lab)

are managed by a central IT department. Each network entity contains the same software and configuration settings.

Distributed Structure

enable each user to customize their technology tools. Each network entity contains its own software and configuration settings.

Upgrading Centralized vs. Distributed

Centralized structures are easier and less costly to upgrade than distributed structures.

training centralized vs. distributed

Much easier is centralized because everyone has same software

Maintenence Centralized vs. Distributed

Centralized structures are easier and less costly to maintain than distributed structures.

Scalability

Scalability is how well a hardware or software system can adapt to increased demands. Scalability ensures an organization's systems won't become obsolete as user needs and demands grow

Interoperability

Interoperability is the ability of software and hardware from different vendors to share data. All computers on a network can interact seamlessly.

Disaster Recovery

Hot Site – a backup facility that is kept in a state of readiness at all times (most expensive option) Cold Site – a backup facility that is made operational once the disaster occurs, not ready before then

Single point of failure (SPOF)

is when a failure of any one component will cause a malfunction in an entire system.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP):

Software that integrates all facets of a business into a single computer system

Customer Relationship Management (CRM):

CRM software tracks interactions between a company and its customers with a focus on customer retention.

Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL)

: XBRL uses standardized formatting to allow public and private enterprises to publish and share financial information with each other across all computer platforms and the Internet

Web Portals

: Web sites that offer an array of resources and services are called Web portals. AOL was one of the first portals.