Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Database Activity: The Yellow Pages

What is a database?
Data stored in a computer in such a way that a computer program can easily retrieve and manipulate the data.

A database is a collection of information in electronic format that is organized in a manner that allows a user to easily retrieve information about its individual entries.

A database allows you to organize data records so you can sort, search, and reconfigure as you need to.


Examples of Databases:
*Google
*WolframAlpha database



Open your browser at the following address.


1.   
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.

122 Katoomba St, Katoomba NSW 2780, Australia
Phone number(02) 4782 2228
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).
91a Fowler Rd, Merrylands NSW 2160, Australia
Phone number(02) 9892 1564
3.      You want the phone numbers of some motels in Noosa QLD. But of course your phone book only has NSW numbers?
6 Hastings St, Noosa Heads QLD 4567, Australia
Phone number(07) 5447 3077
71 Noosa Drv, Noosa Heads QLD 4567, Australia
Phone number(07) 5440 4550
10 Hastings St, Noosa Heads QLD 4567, Australia
Phone number(07) 5447 5800
4.      Just for fun try the white pages and see if you can find a map of you or your friends house.
  Done :)
¨      Is the yellow/white pages a database? Give reasons for your answer.
 Yes both the white pages and the yellow pages are a database, because it is a website that records information about people. The information
¨      What can you see as some of the advantages of using this electronic database compared to the conventional paper based version of the yellow pages?

The electronic version is much convientent and easier to use because it is not a heavy book, well trying to find out information all you have to do is type it in insead of manually searching for the required info. Compared to the paper base the electronic version of the yellow pages is  more convient
¨      Do you see any dangers or disadvantages in this online version of the yellow pages?

Using the electronic version of the yellow pages posses a threat to your private information ( eg: adress, phone number). You information could be hacked and misused. But than again unless your information is on private your information will come up on both the electronic version as well as the paper base.

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