ANSWERS!!! 8

1. Define the term, database, and explain how a database interacts with data and information.

A database is an organized collection of data for one or more purposes, usually in digital form. The data are typically organized to model relevant aspects of reality, in a way that supports processes requiring this information. A database interacts with data it provides the means to effectively describe specific data structures needed to model an application.

2. Describe file maintenance techniques (adding records, modifying records, deleting records) and validation techniques.

file maintenance technique- refers to the procedures that keep data current. File maintenance procedures include adding records to correct inaccurate data or to update old data with new data, and deleting records when they no longer are needed.

Validation is the process of comparing data with a set of rules or values to find out if the data is correct.

3. Discuss the terms character, field, record, and file.

Character - Eight bits grouped together in a unit form a byte, and each byte represents a single character, which can be a number, letter, space, punctuation mark, or other symbol.

Field - is a combination of one or more related characters and is the smallest unit of data a user accesses.
Record - is a group of related fields.
File - is a collection of related records stored on a storage medium.
4. Discuss the functions common to most database management systems:
data dictionary, file retrieval and maintenance, data security, and backup
and recovery. 
A data dictionary contains data about cache file in the database and cache field within those files.

A DBMS offers several methods to retrieve and maintain data, such as query languages, query by example, forms, and report generators.

Backup - is the copy of the database. A log is a listing of activities that change the contents of the database. 

Recovery Utility - uses the logs and/or backups to restore the database.
5. Differentiate between a file processing approach and the database
approach.

File processing approach - each department or area within an organization has its own set of data files. Two major weaknesses of file processing systems are redundant data and isolated data.

Database approach- many programs and users share the data in a database. The database approach reduces data redundancy, improves data integrity, shares data, permits easier access, and reduces development time.

6. Describe characteristics of relational, object-oriented, and
multidimensional databases.

Relational database- stores data in tables that consists of rows and columns. Each row has a primary key and each column has a unique name.

Object-oriented database (OODB) - stores data in objects; often use an object query language to manipulate and retrieve data.

Multidimensional database-stores data in dimensions; allows users to access and analyze any view of the database data and no standard query language exists.

7. Explain how to access Web databases.

A Web database links to a form on a Web page. To access data in a Web database, you fill on the form or enter search text on a Web page. A Web database usually resides on a database server, which is a computer that store and provides access to a database.
8. Define the term, computer security risks, and briefly describe the types
of cybercrime perpetrators: hacker, cracker, script kiddie, corporate spy,
unethical employee, cyberextortionist, and cyberterrorist.

Computer security is a branch of computer technology known as Information Security as applied to computers and networks. The objective of computer security includes protection of information and property from theft, corruption, or natural disaster, while allowing the information and property to remain accessible and productive to its intended users. 

Types of Cybercrime Perpetrators

Hacker refers to a computer programmer who is able to create usable computer programs where none previously existed. 

Cracker is a variation of hacker, with the analogy equal to a safe cracker. Some individuals use the term cracker in an attempt to differentiate from the honorable computer programmer definition of hacker.

Script kiddy is an individual who executes computer scripts and programs written by others. Their motive is to hack a computer by using someone else’s software.
Corporate Spy - have excellent computer and networking skills and are hired to break into a specific computer and steal its proprietary data and information.

Unethical employee - break into their employers' computer for a variety of reasons. Some simply want to exploit security weakness.

Cyberextortionist - is someone who uses e-mail as a vehicle for extortion. These perpetrator s send an organization a threatening e-mail message indicating they will expose confidential information, exploit a security flaw, or launch an attack that will compromise the organization s network - if they are not paid of a sum of money.

Cyber-terrorist - a programmer who breaks into computer systems in order to steal or change or destroy information as a form of cyber-terrorism

 9. Identify database design guidelines and discuss the responsibilities of
database analysts and administrators.

Database Analysts and Database Administrators are responsible for managing and coordinating all database activities.
Database Analysts (DA) - focuses on the meaning and usage of data. The DA decides on the placement of fields, defines the relationships among data, and identifies user's access privilege.
Database Administrators (DBA) requires a more technical inside view of the data. The DBA creates and maintains the data dictionary, manages data security, monitors database performance, and checks backup and recovery procedures. 

10. Discuss techniques to prevent unauthorized computer access and use

Operating system and software patches and updates

There is no such thing as perfect software, often a software program may have several issues and could potentially have security vulnerabilities that can leave your computer open to attacks that compromise your computer and your data.

Passwords

Make sure a password has been set on computer. Default passwords such as password, root, admin or no password will allow easy access to your computer or your Internet account.

1. Change passwords often.
2. Create a BIOS password.
3. When creating a password, add numbers or other characters to the password to make it more difficult to guess.
4. Do not use sticky notes around your computer to write down passwords. Instead use a password manager.

Get a hardware or software firewall

We highly recommend all computer users have a firewall solution. There are two ways a firewall can protect your computer and network.

Trojans, viruses, spyware, and other malware

Software Trojans, viruses, spyware, and other malware can not only damage or destroy your computer data Internet or even log all your keystrokes to capture sensitive data such as passwords and credit card information. But is also capable of monitoring your computer to learn more about your viewing habits on the

To help protect your computer from these threats we suggest installing a virus protection program as well as a spyware protection program.

Know how to handle e-mails

• Today, e-mail is one of the most popular features on the Internet. Being able to identify threats sent through e-mail can help keep your computer and your personal information safe.

Alternative browser

Before the release of Microsoft Windows XP SP2 and Internet Explorer 7.0, Microsoft Internet Explorer was notorious for security and spyware related issues. Below are a listing of recommend sites to try: 
Gibson Research Corporation - The Gibson Research Corporation, or GRC, is a great location to learn about network security as well as well as test your computer or network for vulnerabilities. 

Hacker Wacker - Another great site with computer security related information, help, and programs to help test your computer and network.