Database Activity: The yellow pages

What is a DATABASE?
A database is a collection of information that has been organised in a way so that it can be easily managed, accessed and updated.




Examples of Database programs ?
Oracle, IBM DB2, Microsoft SQL Server , PostgreSQL , MySQL and SQLite. In addition to this other examples include the iCloud , the Yellow and White pages and even iTunes.

 

What makes WolframAlpha so unique?
What makes WolframAlpha so unique and different is the fact that unlike other database programs it does not store specific and typical information like people such as their name, age , phone number , address etc. Instead this database program helps people to solve their mathematical problems.

This efficient program actually allows the user to put in any of their mathematical problems such as equations or conversions, which the program then produces an answer  to by looking through its strings of information it has stored.

 Whats a limitation of this program ?

 The biggest limitation of this program is that it does not cater for a wide variety of aspects. For instance it looks to fulfil the mathematical related problems of people. Instead they could cater for other needs as well, such as english problems and defining metaphors perhaps? Some Science facts and the laws involved?

Is the yellow/white pages a database?

It is evident that the yellow and whitepage’s is infact a database since it stores particular facts about multiple things, such as what you’re looking for and where it is. Furthermore it includes other information such as phone numbers .

Yellow Pages Problems

1.    I know there is a computer shop in the main street of Katoomba (Katoomba St.), but I don’t know its name. See if you can find the number for me.

2.    Sally lives in Merrylands on Fowler Rd. and she wants to know the closest florist to where she lives. Help her out (see if you can get her a map).

3.    You want the phone numbers of some motels in Noosa QLD. But of course your phone book only has NSW numbers?

.

What are the advantages of using Electronic Databases as opposed to the conventional paper?

1. They tend to be easier to update, making them more accurate and efficient. They are easier in the essence that all you have to do is simply delete what the database remembers and type in your new update version in order to get it up and running. Unlike the old way in which cards had to be update.
2. Easier to search and access information since you have several categories to reach the information one is looking for. For instance you can type in whether the item is a book or audio file ( type of media) , what year it is published in , the author , title etc.
3. Electronic database has allowed for less space to be occupied. Electronic instruments do not require much space hence making it quite efficient.
4. Electronic Databases have allowed people to gain better access to them in the sense that they can now be accessed at home and also distributed easily. In addition one can also duplicate these databases at only a click of a mouse.

Do you see any dangers or disadvantages of the Yellow Pages?

1. There is an invasion of privacy in the sense that people feel that they are being exposed to the world.
2. Remote areas do not have access to privileges such as the internet hence these databases would be of no use to them. 
3. In addition elderly people do not have acess to such things either which means that things such as yellow pages are a necessity for them.