Digital Planet Tomorrows Technology and You George Beekman
Digital Planet: Tomorrow’s Technology and You George Beekman • Ben Beekman Tenth Edition Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall
Digital Planet: Tomorrow’s Technology and You Chapter 7 Database Applications and Privacy Implications Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall
Chapter 7 Objectives ü Explain what a database is and describe its basic structure ü Identify the kinds of problems that can be best solved with database software ü Describe different kinds of database software, from simple file managers to complex relational databases Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall 3
Chapter 7 Objectives (cont. ) ü Describe database operations for storing, sorting, updating, querying, and summarizing information ü Give examples of ways in which large databases make our lives safer or more convenient ü Explain how databases threaten our privacy Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall 4
The Google Guys Search for Tomorrow • Google is one of the great success stories of the Internet. • Handles hundreds of millions of queries a day • Launched by two Stanford Ph. D. students • In 2004, Google offered shares to the public. Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall 5
More About Google ü Pg 235 -7 Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall 6
What Good Is a Database? ü Comparable to a computerized file cabinet ü Databases make it easier to: • Store large quantities of information • Retrieve information quickly and flexibly • Organize and reorganize information • Print and distribute information in a variety of ways Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall 7
Database Anatomy • Database: organized collection of information stored in a computer • Database program: software tool for organizing storage and retrieval of that information Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall 8
Database Anatomy (cont. ) ü Table: collection of related information • Record: information related to one person, product, or event • Each discrete chunk of information in a record is a field ü Field: holds different types of data: • Numeric • Date • Text • Computed Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall 9
Database Operations ü Import: receive data in the form of text files ü Browse: navigate through information ü Query: find records that match specific criteria ü Sort: rearrange records (alphabetically or numerically) ü Print: reports, labels, and form letters ü Export: to another program for printing Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall 10
Database Operations (cont. ) ü Structured Query Language (SQL): • Standard language for programming complex queries • Graphical user interfaces allow point-and-click queries • Is available for most database-management systems • Users can avoid learning a new language when working with different hardware and software systems Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall 11
Complex Queries ü Can be constructed to find • The names and location of all patients in a hospital database that are on the fifth and sixth floors • In a database of airline flight schedules, the least expensive way to fly from Boston to San Francisco on Tuesday afternoon. • In a politicians database, all voters who contributed over $1, 000 to last year’s campaign and who wrote to express concern over high taxes since the election. Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall 12
Complex Queries (cont. ) ü The exact method for performing a query depends on the user interface of the database software used. ü Most allow user to specify the rules of the search by filling in a dialog box or a blank on-screen form ü A few (usually older) require the user to type their request using a specific query language. ü For example, you might have to type • Select * From Population Where Sex = ‘M’ and Age > = 18 and Age < = 35 ü Many database programs include programming languages that allow queries to be included. Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall 13
Smart Web Searching • Get to know your search engines. • Be specific when you search. • Use quotes to narrow your search to exact strings • Know your pluses and minuses. • Search by site. • Site may have search box • Be selective. • Are sites reputable? • Bad information is worse than no information. • Triangulate. • If at first you don’t succeed, try another • Plus is assumed between listed items approach. Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall 14
• Special-Purpose Database Programs ü On home or student PC, most of the storage is taken up with media files ü Media Libraries: music and photo libraries • Media professionals use industrial-strength databases to catalog art, photographs, and other media files ü PIM (personal information manager): electronic organizer like Microsoft Outlook also includes email. • Automates address/phone book, appt calendar, to-do list, various notes. • May need to share group calendars • Most smart phones include these functions. • Software can be used to synchronize multiple platforms – Best sync software makes process simple and all-but-invisible Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall 15
Special Purpose Database Programs (cont) ü GIS (geographical information systems): include geographic and demographic data in map form • Most users familiar with Map. Quest, Google Maps, etc. • Often used in conjunction with GPS receivers to provide travel information. • A GIS system is much more advanced than this. – Can combine tables such as customer sales list with information from U. S. Census records to identify best location to build a new branch store. ü Web databases: use XML to turn static pages into a database-driven information space • Transforming Web into a collection of mostly static pages to a dynamic database driven information space. Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall 16
The Language of Database Queries ü SQL statements are understood by MS Access, MS SQL Server, DB 2, Oracle, Sybase, My. SQL and others. ü SQL is a sublanguage that: • Uses high-level, easy-to-understand statements • Has a relational database orientation • Is portable across a wide range of systems Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall 17
Beyond the Basics: Database. Management Systems ü What is a database-management system? • A DBMS can manipulate data in a large database ü Data redundancy: wastes space and may cause inaccuracies ü Data consistency: all tables must contain the correct information Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall 18
Example: Student Database Management System ü Student ID, grade transcripts, financial records, telephone and address information, home contact information, major and requirements to graduate, etc. ü Also have course enrollment information, faculty information, etc. ü Update to any data items (e. g. , current academic address) must be available to all other sources. ü Until recently, different offices kept separate database record systems. • Now many use Banner, which is a front end –usually for an Oracle database system Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall 19
Beyond the Basics: Database- Management Systems (cont. ) ü What makes a database relational? • Tables related – possibly over 100 tables. • Changes in one table reflected in other tables • Predominate model in use today • Oracle produced the first relational database • Almost all Fortune 500 companies use Oracle Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall 20
Database Trends ü Real-time computing • Allows instant access to information. • Interactive processing: allows users to access data in real time • The trend toward real-time computing is accelerated by the Internet. • Batch processing: requires transactions to be accumulated and then fed into computers in large batches Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall 21
Database Trends ü Downsizing and decentralizing • Client/server approach: uses requests to access database • Distributed databases: spread data across networks ü Distributed databases • Spreads data across networks: Kept on several different computers rather than store it in one central site. • Connectivity software called middleware links client and server machines and hide the interaction between those machines. ü Data warehouses: large, centralized systems housing enterprise data • Used normally in large companies and government depts 22 Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall
Database Trends (cont. ) ü Data mining: discovery of hidden predictive information • Helps to predict trends and patterns in data • Uses statistical and artifical intelligence methods ü Maintaining database integrity • Real-time database access increases the probability of data errors. • Accessed by everyone, not just professionals. • Dirty data: records containing errors • Outdated addresses, spelling errors, obsolete values Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall 23
Database Trends (cont. ) ü Data scrubbing: eliminating dirty data • Errors can lead to inefficiency and/or bad business decision ü Object-oriented databases: store objects • Next expected change in databases • Every object is an instance of a class. • The class includes the data and the operations. • The class specifies the data that is stored as well as the operations that can be used. • Example is a “photograph” and data includes description, photographers name, copyright status. • Operations includes creating a thumbnail-sized copy of photo Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall 24
Database Trends (cont. ) ü Some companies are experimenting with a combination of relational and objective oriented databases. ü Multidimensional database technology: stores data in more than two dimensions • Based on traditional relational databases • Data is organized in cubes. • Provide faster access by users than traditional relational databases. Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall 25
Database Trends (cont. ) ü Intelligent searches • More artificial intelligence technology • Natural language queries possible • Contextual search tools will classify results Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall 26
Dealing with Databases • Choose the right tool for • Make your data the job. consistent. • Don’t use a large • Databases are only as company using a spreadgood as their data. sheet list manager • Query with care. • Think about how you’ll get the information out. • You get what you ask for, not what you • Start with a plan; be intended. prepared to change your plan. Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall 27
Personal Data: All about You ü Identity theft: major criminal industry • Can be triggered by being careless online or by errors in judgment. • Victims can face massive phone bills, threats from collection agencies, and even arrests. • It can take years to clear up the damage from an identity theft. Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall 28
Personal Data: All about You (cont. ) ü Record matching: uses a unique field to combine information from different databases ü Privacy is decreasing • Data can be transmitted almost instantly • Workplace monitoring • Surveillance cameras Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall 29
No Secrets: Computers and Privacy ü Code of Fair Information Practices • In early 1970 s, a report to Congress • Agencies ensure the reliability and security of information in their databases. ü Privacy Act of 1974 • Broadest privacy law passed by Congress ü USA Patriot Act • Passed in response to September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall 30
Your Privacy Rights • Don’t give out your Social Security number. • Don’t give away information about yourself. • Say no to direct mail, phone, and email solicitations. • Be stingy with your email address. • Say no to sharing your personal information. • Think before you post. • Pay attention to privacy preferences. • Mobilize technology to protect your privacy. • If you think there’s. incorrect or damaging information about you in a file, find out. Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall 31
Summary ü Database programs enable users to store, organize, retrieve, communicate, and manage large amounts of information. ü There are many specialized databases such as media libraries, GIS, and PIMs. ü The trend is away from large, centralized databases accessible only to data-processing staff. Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall 32
Summary (cont. ) ü Organizations are moving toward a client/server approach that enables users to have access to data stored in servers throughout the organization’s network. ü The accumulation of data by government agencies and businesses is a growing threat to our right to privacy. Copyright © 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall 33
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