1. Data is raw facts that have not been processed to reveal their meaning to the end user.
Field is a character or group of characters that has a specific meaning and is also used to define and store data.
Record is a logically connected set of one or more fields that describes a person, place, or thing.
File is a collection of related records.

3. Date independence exists when you can change the data storage characteristics without affecting the program’s ability to access the data. Data independence lacks in file systems because any program that accesses a file system's file must tell the computer not only what to do, but how to do it. Each program must contain lines that specify the opening of a specific type of file, its record specification, and its field definitions. Data dependence makes the file system very difficult from the point of view of a programmer and database manager.

5. Structural independence is exists when you can change the file structure without affecting the application's ability to access the data. Structural independence is important because it would be very difficult to make changes to an existing file structure, resulting in going through a number of steps and producing errors.

7. The role of a DBMS is to serve as the intermediary between the user and the database. The DBMS receives all application requests and translates them into complex operations required to fulfill those request. The advantages of a DBMS are the following: * Improved data sharing * Improved data security * Better data integration * Minimized data inconsistency * Improved data access * Improved decision making * Increased end-user productivity
The disadvantages of a DBMS are the following: * Increased costs * Management complexity * Vendor Dependence * Frequent upgrade/replacement cycles.

9. The main