100%
INF2603
EXAM PACK
DISTINCTION QUALITY
UNISA EXAM
,NOTES 2026
Database Systems
Data vs Information (<<<)
Data consists of raw facts
It still needs to be processed to have any use or meaning to the user.
Information is the result of processing raw data to reveal the meaning of data
Data is the foundation of information which is the bedrock of knowledge
Knowledge implies familiarity, awareness and understanding of information
For decision making:
Information needs to be accurate, relevant and timely for good decision making
Data management:
The discipline that focuses on proper generation, storage and retrieval of data.
Database: (<<<)
A shared, integrated computer structure that stores a collection of the following:
End-user data:
The raw facts of interest to the end user
Metadata:
aka data about data, is used to integrate and manage the end-user data
Describes the data characteristics and the set of relationships that links the data found within the
database.
,DBMS – Database management system
A collection of programs that manage the DB structure, while also controlling access to the DB’s
data.
The DBMS presents the end user with a single, integrated view of the data in the database.
A DBMS gives the following advantages:
Improved data sharing
Increased data security
Better data integration
Minimized data inconsistency
Improved data access
Improved decision making
Increased end-user productivity
Types of Databases (<<<)
Single-user database
Supports one user at a time
Desktop database
A single-user database that runs on a PC (personal computer)
---
Multiuser database
Supports multiple users at the same time
Workgroup database
Supports a small number of users or a specific department.
Enterprise database
Supports many users across many departments
, Classification by location:
Centralized database
Supports data located at a single site
Distributed database
Supports data distributed across different sites
Cloud database
Created and maintained using cloud data services
Classification by data type:
General-purpose database
Contains a wide variety of data used in multiple disciplines
Discipline-specific database
Contains data focused on specific subject areas
Operational database
Designed to support a company’s day-to-day operations
Analytical database
Stores historical data and business metrics used exclusively for tactical and strategic decision
making.
Made up of two components:
Data warehouse: Stores data in a format optimized for decision support
Online analytical processing (OLAP): Set of tools for retrieving, processing and modeling
data from the data warehouse
INF2603
EXAM PACK
DISTINCTION QUALITY
UNISA EXAM
,NOTES 2026
Database Systems
Data vs Information (<<<)
Data consists of raw facts
It still needs to be processed to have any use or meaning to the user.
Information is the result of processing raw data to reveal the meaning of data
Data is the foundation of information which is the bedrock of knowledge
Knowledge implies familiarity, awareness and understanding of information
For decision making:
Information needs to be accurate, relevant and timely for good decision making
Data management:
The discipline that focuses on proper generation, storage and retrieval of data.
Database: (<<<)
A shared, integrated computer structure that stores a collection of the following:
End-user data:
The raw facts of interest to the end user
Metadata:
aka data about data, is used to integrate and manage the end-user data
Describes the data characteristics and the set of relationships that links the data found within the
database.
,DBMS – Database management system
A collection of programs that manage the DB structure, while also controlling access to the DB’s
data.
The DBMS presents the end user with a single, integrated view of the data in the database.
A DBMS gives the following advantages:
Improved data sharing
Increased data security
Better data integration
Minimized data inconsistency
Improved data access
Improved decision making
Increased end-user productivity
Types of Databases (<<<)
Single-user database
Supports one user at a time
Desktop database
A single-user database that runs on a PC (personal computer)
---
Multiuser database
Supports multiple users at the same time
Workgroup database
Supports a small number of users or a specific department.
Enterprise database
Supports many users across many departments
, Classification by location:
Centralized database
Supports data located at a single site
Distributed database
Supports data distributed across different sites
Cloud database
Created and maintained using cloud data services
Classification by data type:
General-purpose database
Contains a wide variety of data used in multiple disciplines
Discipline-specific database
Contains data focused on specific subject areas
Operational database
Designed to support a company’s day-to-day operations
Analytical database
Stores historical data and business metrics used exclusively for tactical and strategic decision
making.
Made up of two components:
Data warehouse: Stores data in a format optimized for decision support
Online analytical processing (OLAP): Set of tools for retrieving, processing and modeling
data from the data warehouse
