Computer Technology - Essay Example

Database design is a very critical unit for any individual who has an interest in the computer technology field. A database system is a worthy asset for any business organization. As such its administration should be effective. For one to ensure effective database management and administration, one needs to fully understand the database design.  The unit has enabled me to gain substantial knowledge of the design and management of the database. 

The course gives a detailed introduction to database design. The introduction to database design gave me an in-depth understanding of how the idea of a database originated from.  From the introduction, I learned that the idea of a database management system arose as a result of the unending complexities associated with managing data using spreadsheets. Though the spreadsheet enables one to store various data, it is difficult to manage it because the data in different sheets are disjointed (Brathwaite, 2012). The spreadsheets do not have tools that enable data that are related to be linked.

I also learned about database management systems. These are software package or a set of programs that are used by people to interact with the database system. These packages were developed because managing the database is a complicated and inherent task.  The DBMS enables complete manipulation of the underlying database.  The diagrams representing the interaction between the programs, user, database, and database management system enabled me to internalize the database design concept.  Considering the strength and weaknesses of the database, I realized that a database system is inherently important to any organization which uses a computerized system. The advantages outdo the disadvantages by far. The henry books database case is an ideal case study for database design. It provides all the information required in designing a database system.

The course also introduced me to relational databases and different low-level programming features such as Query-By-Exam (QBE), simple and compound query criteria, database fields, tables, and functions. All these are programming features used when designing and developing a database system. I also learned about different features used in manipulating data in the database system. These include and are not limited to co-sorting, joining tables, the use of update query statements, making table queries, delete-table query, select, project data select, and normal sets. The case study gave detailed illustrations of these database features.

The course also introduced me to Structured. This is a machine-level language that enables the user to retrieve specific information from the database rather than displaying the whole table. The SQL assist in encapsulation and data hiding. The commands or SQL statements can also be used to create, edit, update, and manipulate data in a relational database. In addition, the course introduces different types of databases such as MySQL, Oracle, MS Access, and SQL servers. I learned various programming techniques used to develop a database system (Brathwaite, 2012).

Finally, the learned about database administration which is the management of database activities.  This entails the roles of a database administrator in both work station and server environment. The DMA’s responsibilities in coming up with access privileges and database user policies are also explained. The formulation of access privileges is also dealt with in detail. I realized that database policies are critical in ensuring the security and appropriate use of databases. These policies include security, archiving, disaster management, and access privileges.

Generally, the course is very crucial for people who want to be database administrators. It gives a lengthy and detailed exploration of the database design concept. In fact, anyone who does this course will find database design technology inherently simple.