Database Tips

What is database?

A database is a collection of related data stored in an efficient and compact manner. The word “efficient” means that stored data can be accessed very easily and quickly.

Similarly, the word “compact” means that stored data takes up as little space as possible. In the above definition of database, the phrase “related data’ is used. It means that a database contains data or information about a particular topic such as:

• Database of employees that contains data of employees of an organization or department.
  

• Database of students that contains data of students of college or university.
  

A database holds related data as well as description of that data. For this reason, a database is also defined as a self describing collection of integrated records. The description of data is known as the system catalog or data dictionary or metadata. For example when a table of a database is designed, the data type, size, format and other descriptions of fields are specified. This is an example of metadata, which describes the properties of data to be stored into fields of table.

The data of any organization is its integral part. The data is very important for developing new products and their marketing. The data must be accurate and available when needed. This is the reason that all organization must organize and manage their data into database. The databases are used for variety of purposes in as organization. For example, when you purchase goods from your local supermarket, the checkout assistant will pass the purchased product through a scanner device known as bar code reader. This device will read the bar code printed on the product and gives the accurate price of the item. Actually, the bar code reader is accessing the database, which contains the information about the products. The bar code reader is linked to a database application program, which uses the bar code to access price of item. The database program automatically updates the database. The assistant can also check whether a required item is in stock by running the database application program. Similarly, you can purchase goods using your credit card. Your credit is checked by a card reader linked to a computer system. In this case, there is a database somewhere that contains information about your credit. Almost all organizations and government departments of every country in world use database to maintain their records. Some examples of large databases that have been developed around the world are:

• When you draw amount from bank through ATM card, you are accessing the database; your account is accessed and checked through auto teller machine. When you draw some amount from your account, your record in the database is automatically updated immediately.
  

• When you visit your local library, there may be a computerized database containing details of the books in the library. There will be a computerized index, which allows you to find a book based on its title, its author’s name etc.
  

• The meteorological organization contains databases having information about current and previous meteorological data. The meteorological department is totally dependent on the meteorological data.
  

A database may be generated and maintained manually or it may be computerized. The library card catalog is an example of a database that is created and maintained manually. On the other hand, a computerized database may be created and maintained either by using application program, which is developed specifically for that purpose or by a database management systems.

Fake Windows Update Email

Well Microsoft believes that the grace period is over and wants everyone to jump on board and get Service Pack 2 (SP2) installed. I know everyone has an opinion on the Service, some good some not so good, but it really is only a matter of time. Do you know anyone without SP1 on his or her XP machine? I hope not.

As you may also know, Microsoft has picked the second Tuesday of the month to run their new security patches. These two issues have really set the stage for a new attack on windows users. Hackers have decided to try and slip one by your defenses with a Phishing/Trojan scam. You may get a spoof emails that link to a bogus Microsoft site where the hackers get you. If successful in their efforts, the ambushed PC will be infected with the TrojDSNX-05, a back door Trojan that attempts to gain control over your system. With control of your system the hacker will more than likely use you (of course unknowingly) as a spam server to mail out huge amounts of spam in your name. If a network PC happens to get infected, then a denial of Service, exploitation of network shares, and further infection are something you may look forward to.

The TrojDSNX-05 is not the newest virus on the block and can be controlled if you have decent anti-virus software that is up-to-date.

Microsoft will never send you an email reminding you to update.

Very similar to the fact that companies will never send you an email asking you to reply with your credit card and account info in order to fix some discrepancy with your account. In fact, if you ever receive any emails that seem "Phishy" to you, try going directly to the company web site (not the link in the email) and see for yourself what's going on.

As far as SP2 goes, if you haven't installed it yet I suggest doing it on your own terms, backup all your important data (pictures of the family, documents, whatever is important) set a system restore point. Go out to the manufacturer's site of your favorite programs and see if there are any known issues, FAQ's, or patches. If so, follow the instructions to properly install any necessary components and follow any necessary procedures in the exact manner in which the instructions describe. After this you should have all your bases covered, and feel comfortable installing SP2.

Email Security Scan Tips

The problem with all the security holes that arise from day to day is that it's hard to keep up. "Am I protected?" you wonder, "I update constantly, I scrutinize all my email messages, especially attachments, and read all of Chad's awesome security articles, but how do I know for sure?"

Well, since such a large number of security holes center around email I'm glad to announce today a service that can check your system for potential exploits. The service is a web based email scanner that you can tailor to send out over 20 different emails, each attempting to defile your system with dummy exploits. It's like hiring a security agent to go over your system and tell you what aspects of your security is in good shape, and what areas could use some improvement. When set in motion, the scanner fires off the dummy virus and exploits to the specified email address. Don't be surprised if your virus software starts popping up with security messages, as a matter of fact, this is exactly what you want to happen it means your system is seeing the threats coming in.

The emails themselves have message bodies describing what their particular test was for and how to make sure you're protected from this sort of attack. Some of the emails have attachments and some attempt to create text documents on your desktop, the emails tell you exactly what to do to ensure the tests ran correctly, thus providing an accurate assessment of your system's defenses.

In addition to the testing your system for security holes this is also a good way to educate yourself on some email-born security issues by getting a chance to see them in action without putting yourself in any danger.

Automatic Screen Refresh Tips

When you are working on your local computer and want to refresh any changes in your system automatically. For example some times you are watching sports results, online Stock Exchange rates and any changes to your hard drive but these changes are not usually refreshed until you press the F5 key on your keyboard.

To refresh your screen automatically you should edit your system Registry. But the best technique to edit the windows registry keys, always export or backup the whole windows registry keys on backup drive before editing. Because any mistake in Registry can cause serious problem in your computer to run properly.

Follow the given steps to change the updates automatically.

• First click on Start button then type Regedit in Run option.

• In Registry Editor panel go to the path:
  

• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE / System / CurrentControlSet /Control / UpdateMode
  

• Here in right hand side panel edit the DWORD value to be between 1 and 5.

• Now restart your computer after any changes to go into effect.