Lesson 10

Read the text: Integrated computer technology and database

Integrated database. The term integrated database is used to describe two different database structures: connection of multiple databases or a database built into another application or tool. Although the initial description would appear to mean that these two structures are quite different, they are not. In fact, they possess many of the same structures.

A database is a collection of data from a range of different sources organized under one structure. The database itself is made up of a series of semi-independent data tables. Each table holds specific information, typically with one focus per table. The database can create links between the separate tables, based on common elements, information, or programming logic. Queries can be written to create reports accessing all the different tables in the database.

Connecting multiple databases into an integrated database is a very complex task. Connections between the different databases must be made and tested from a variety of perspectives to ensure that the logic is sound. The different databases can also exist in different formats or programs. This adds to the complexity but may be achieved using advanced programming logic and powerful resources.

A common example of an integrated database is LexisNexis®. This tool provides access to content from a wide range of public sources, published information, and online information. The files remain with the original source, but a complex logic allows users to identify documents that exist in multiple databases with one tool. The time savings achieved by this method is a huge benefit to users, as this type of search would normally take several days to complete.

There is a wide range of software that can be modified to work with an integrated database. The complexity of the work required depends on the language the software is written in and the organization of the database. An excellent example of this type of software is a website content management software program. This type of software publishes information to the Internet based on the database that holds all the different files, text, and images.

Using an integrated database, the content management tool can populate the website with current, relevant data from the accounting system, images from the document sharing tool, and sound files from the press office. Although this work is complex, there are significant savings to be achieved by not creating duplicate copies of the same database tables for each distinct purpose. The actual data remains in one location, and is available for various applications to use as required.

Integrated computer technology. A computer is a programmable machine designed to sequentially and automatically carry out a sequence of arithmetic or logical operations. The particular sequence of operations can be changed readily, allowing the computer to solve more than one kind of problem. An important class of computer operations on some computing platforms is the accepting of input from human operators and the output of results formatted for human consumption. The interface between the computer and the human operator is known as the user interface.

Conventionally a computer consists of some form of memory for data storage, at least one element that carries out arithmetic and logic operations, and a sequencing and control element that can change the order of operations based on the information that is stored. Peripheral devices allow information to be entered from an external source, and allow the results of operations to be sent out.

A computer's processing unit executes series of instructions that make it read, manipulate and then store data. Conditional instructions change the sequence of instructions as a function of the current state of the machine or its environment.

The first electronic digitalcomputers were developed in the mid-20th century (1940–1945). Originally, they were the size of a large room, consuming as much power as several hundred modern personal computers (PCs).[1] In this era mechanical analog computers were used for military applications.

Modern computers based on integrated circuits are millions to billions of times more capable than the early machines, and occupy a fraction of the space.[2] Simple computers are small enough to fit into mobile devices, and mobile computers can be powered by small batteries. Personal computers in their various forms are icons of the Information Age and are what most people think of as "computers". However, the embedded computers found in many devices from mp3 players to fighter aircraft and from toys to industrial robots are the most numerous.

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II. Pick out the basic information of every paragraph.	\|	Computer Technology

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