Database Design 1-4:

Major Transformations in Computing

Practice Activities
Objectives
• List the major transformations in computing that have occurred since the 1970’s
• Define and give examples of these terms: hardware, operating system, software
• Identify examples of e-businesses that use database software and explain how it is es-
sential to their success
• Explain the overall mission of the Oracle Corporation

Vocabulary
Identify the vocabulary word for each definition below.

The basic framework or features of a system

A global effort to develop an environment in which indi- vidual

users can access computers, databases, and experimental
facilities simply and transparently, without having to consider
where those facilities are located

Software The programs, routines, and symbolic languages that control the
functioning of the hardware and direct its operation.

Hardware A computer and the associated physical equipment di- rectly

involved in the performance of data-processing or
communications functions.

Operating System Software designed to control the hardware of a specific data-

processing system in order to allow users and ap- plication
programs to make use of it.

A software program which carries out specific tasks on behalf of

other computer users

Desktop computer A workstation or desktop computer including a screen, keyboard,

and mouse; communicates directly with the user

Server A more powerful computer which accepts work re- quests from
clients, does the work, and sends results back to the client

2
Try It / Solve It
1. Provide a definition and an example of each of these:
a. Hardware
- The generic term for any part of the computer that you can physically touch, pick
up, hold, move around
Example:
● CPU (central processing unit).
● Drive (e.g., Blu-ray, CD-ROM, DVD, floppy drive, hard drive, and SSD).
● Fan (heat sink)
● Modem.
● Motherboard.
● Network card.
● Power supply.
● RAM.
b. Operating system
- the software that supports a computer's basic functions, such as scheduling
tasks, executing applications, and controlling peripherals.
Example:
● Microsoft Windows
● iOS
● Android
● Linux
c. Software
- the programs and other operating information used by a computer.
Example:
● Application Software
○ MS Word, WordPad and Notepad.
○ Internet browsers like Firefox, Safari, and Chrome.
○ Microsoft Power Point, Keynotes.
○ Auto CAD.
○ MySQL, Oracle, MS Access.
○ Apple Numbers, Microsoft Excel.
○ Real Player, Media Player.
● Productivity Software
○ Google Apps for Business.
○ LibreOffice Productivity Suite
○ OpenOffice.
○ Microsoft Office.
○ WordPerfect Office X5.
○ Quickoffice & OfficeSuite Pro5.
○ PlusOffice Free 3.0.
● Utility Software
○ Disk defragmenters
 ○ System Profilers
○ Virus scanners
○ Application launchers
○ Network managers
○ Encryption utilities.
● Mobile Application

2. How has the major transformation of cell phones impacted day-to-day activities of a
service repair company – what can the service repair person do today that they could
not do before this transformation?
- They need to keep updated to the technology release for them to know what
changes they need to do.
- Old phones does not have a software problems, unlike smartphones today. For
example, other phones needs to open line to make the user use their network
providers.

3. List three e-businesses that use database software and describe how the database
software is being used.
- Online shop -
- For storing and tracking purchase transactions and products that need
restocking.
- Online Courses/Tutorials
- They store the information of their client in a database.
- Bank
- Store all the transactions, information, and account of the client in a
database.

4. Write down the steps of a simple credit-card transaction. How many places does the
information go, and what happens if the transaction is not complete at any one of the
steps? What role does a database play in this process?
Steps:
● Consumer: The first step in credit card processing happens on the consumer
level, when a cardholder swipes, dips their card, or hands over their payment
information to the merchant.
● Merchant: Next, the merchant accepts and collects the payment information.
This can be done in one of two ways. The payment can be accepted physically in
so-called card present transactions. This usually happens at a storefront, with
some a credit card reader. The merchant step can also happen online for card
not present transactions. Instead of a card reader, merchants use an online
gateway to collect the payment from their customer.
● Processor: The credit card processor collects that information and is responsible
for routing that data across to the other stages, and facilitating communications
between various parties. Initially, however, their primary role is to send the
payment information to the card network.
● Card Networks: Your customer's card will operate one of the major credit card
networks. The most common ones are Visa and Mastercard. Once the networks
receive the payment information from the processor, they pass it to your
customer's bank.
● Consumer Bank: The cardholder's bank then receives the payment request, and
they verify whether the cardholder has the appropriate funds or credit to
complete the purchase. The bank may also run through additional security
measures to verify whether they purchase is legitimate, and not fraudulent. Once
they establish that the customer has the funds needed and that the purchase is
not fraudulent, they send a message back through the networks and through the
credit card processor, allowing the transaction to go through. Common reasons
why the cardholder bank denies a transaction include: insufficient funds in the
account, a credit limit has been reached, or the bank suspects the purchase is
being made by a non-authorized user.
● Back To The Merchant: Lastly, the message that the payment has been
requested or denied flows back through the same channels it did to get to the
cardholder's bank. When the transaction is handled in-person, this usually
corresponds with a message on the card reader like "Approved" or "Declined".
Assuming a transaction is cleared, the merchant is expected to provide the
customer with whatever goods or services were promised in return for the
payment.

- Each step will stored in a database. If one step is not finished, the transaction
process will verify it in a database if the previous transaction is completed.