Database vs. File System

I have often wondered why can't we just use simple file system rather than cramming our head to make the database system design. But then come to think of it, the problem inherent in file system makes using a database system desirable.

With file system there will be many separate and unrelated files. Data redundancy will results in data inconsistency as different and conflicting versions of the same data appear in different places. Moreover, errors are more likely to occur when complex entries are made in several different files and recur frequently in one or more files. Additionaly, data anomalies will develop when required changes in redundant data are not made successfully. This lead to inefficiency of data queries.

While, using database, the logically related data will be stored in a single logical data repository. Since the whole data resides in one central database, the various programs in the application can access data in different data files. Hence data present in one file need not be duplicated in another. This reduces data redundancy and this leads to better data consistency. Since related data is stored in one single database, enforcing data integrity is much easier. Related data can also be shared across programs since the data is stored in a centralized manner. Even new applications can be developed to operate against the same data. Moreover, better controls can be achieved due to the centralized nature of the system.

Types and Uses of Database

There are two types of database:

• Single-user database

Single-user database support only only one user at a time and basically runs on a personal computer.

• Multi-user database

Multi-user databases have the capability to support many users concurrently. It can be further classified into workgroup and enterprise database. Workgroup database supports a small group of users, usually for a small department. Example of workgroup database is Microsoft Office Access and Open Office Base. Conversely, enterprise type of databases has higher capability of supporting a large group of users like an entire organization, for example, Oracle, DB2 and SQL/Server.

There are many uses of database. It supports a company's day to day operations like transaction or production. Database is like a data warehouse, the stored data is use to generate information required to make tactical or strategic decisions and such decisions typically require "data massaging". Database is also often used to store historical data

Database Design and Its Importance

Different approach needed for different types of databases. So there is no, one perfect database design that will suit every needs. In good database design, you must avoid redundant data (unnecessarily duplicated).

The importance of database design is because it defines the database’s expected use. So, a poorly designed database will generates errors, leads to bad decisions and can lead to failure of organization.

Database and the Database Management System

Database is a shared, integrated computer structure that houses the collection of end user data(raw facts) and the metadata(data of data) organized for rapid search and retrieval by a computer.

The Database Management System(DBMS) on the other hand, is a collection of programs that manages database structure and controls access to data. It also makes it possible to share data among multiple applications or users and makes data management more efficient and effective.

What I mean by DBMS makes data management more efficient and effective is, the end users will have better access to more and better-managed data with DBMS. As DBMS promotes integrated view of organization’s operations, the probability of data inconsistency is greatly reduced and it is possible to produce quick answers to ad hoc queries.

Differences of Data & Information

Some of us have sometimes mistaken the meaning of 'Data' and 'Information'.Some thought the meaning of these two words are the same. However, they actually are not.

Information is a message received and understood or knowledge acquired through study or experience or instruction. While, data is an unprocessed information or a collection of facts from which conclusions may be drawn; "statistical data"

How to make you Internet Explorer Lightning Fast

With simple tweaks, your Internet browsing experience using Internet Explorer will improve dramatically – lightning fast. To do that, follow these steps.

1. Start your registry editor.
Click Start | Run | Regedit

2. Select HKEY_CURRENT_USER

3. Expand Software | Microsoft | Windows | CurrentVersion | Internet Settings |


4. Look for two keys: MaxConnectionsPer1_0Server and MaxConnectionsPerServer. If not available, create new “DWord” by following step 5. Otherwise, continue on step 6.

5. Create two new DWORD values.
Right-click on Internet Settings
Choose New | DWORD value
Type “MaxConnectionsPer1_0Server” and click Enter,
Repeat to create another DWORD value, “MaxConnectionsPerServer”

6. Double-click on MaxConnectionsPer1_0Server , and set its Decimal value to 100.


7. Double-click on MaxConnectionsPerServer, and set its Decimal value to 100.


8. Close registry editor.

Now, your Internet Explorer is lightning fast.

Top 5 Annoyances I Find in Web Pages

1. Downloading plug-ins

This little programs that I have to download to get an audio or video message before I can enter the site - they make me want to go somewhere else!

2. Bad Design

Too many buttons and links on different parts of the page are confusing. Sometimes, I got into the trouble of accidentaly clicking on the link that I don't want to.

3. Pop-up ads

The dreadful and annoying advertisement that suddenly appear - it drives me crazy!

4. Frames

I just hate those silly boxes in Web pages. Sometimes the text doesn't fit in the frame and I have to use either the vertical or the horizontal scroll bar. This makes it very hard to read. Don't you just hate it?

5. Flash

These animations are good if they download quickly. However, I encountered many that seems irrelevant to the website; the only purpose is to make the site look pretty. DUH!