1.3.2 Databases

• An organised collection of data • Allows for easy adding, modification, deletion and searching

• Easier to retrieve, add. delete, update and modify data • Easier to back up and make copies of the data • Can be accessed by multiple people at the same time + from different locations

• Consists only a single table, can be created easily using either database/spreadsheet software

• Very simple + quick to set up • Require little expertise to maintain • Suitable for storing small amounts of data

• Storing contact details • Small product database • Maintaining a game/music collection

Can be inefficient as they include a lot of repetitive data which takes up space

• Take up unnecessary space • Be slow to query • Become difficult to maintain

A database which recognises the difference between entities + uses different tables for each entity

An item of interest about which information is stored

A unique identifier (field) for each record in a table

Attribute which relationally links two tables together

An index other than a primary key used to search and sort through the database with more convenience and speed

The process of getting the information that will be stored in the database

• Paper based forms • Optical character recognition • Optical mark recognition • Automated ways e.g. QR codes and barcodes

• Magnetic Ink Character Recognition • Used for all the details apart from the amount which must be entered manually

Data input is manual + involves human reading the form + typing the info into a computer based system

• Form clearly labelled • Complete in black pen and capital letters • Use of tick boxes • Squares for entering each letter separately

• Automatically reads text by interpreting the shape of the letter // works best w/ printed text than hand written text

• Post Office uses OCR software to read postcodes and route mail • Road cameras use automatic number plate recognition software to handle congestion charging + identify drivers who are speeding