Skip to Main Content

SPU Library Digital Literacy guide: Organisation tools

This guide is intended to assist students with Digital literacy skills

Data Storage

data storage is the collective methods and technologies that capture and retain digital information on electromagnetic, optical or silicon-based storage media. Storage is used in offices, data centers, edge environments, remote locations, and people's homes. Storage is also an important component in mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. Consumers and businesses rely on storage to preserve information ranging from personal photos to business-critical data.

Storage is frequently used to describe devices that connect to a computer -- either directly or over a network -- and that support the transfer of data through input/output (I/O) operations. Storage devices can include hard disk drives (HDDs), flash-based solid-state drives (SSDs), optical disc drives, tape systems , and other media types. (TechTarget 2023)

 

Using online calenders

Free online calendars are web applications that people can use to manage their time and organise their responsibilities and upcoming events, all without paying for expensive software. They work in the same way traditional calendars do, in that you can use them to add events and reminders to particular dates. The striking difference is that online calendars possess a range of additional features, such as the ability to send a reminder notification to your phone. Many online calendars are available to download, meaning you don't always require an internet connection to use them

Free online calendars are useful tools that you can use anywhere via your smart devices to stay organised and punctual. Not only do they help people track upcoming events and responsibilities, but they also contain other features, such as notifications, reminders, sharing options, and event organisation. Knowing more about some of the most popular online calendars can help you select the best one and make the most of the technology.

 

Design a database

Database design basics

A properly designed database provides you with access to up-to-date, accurate information. Because a correct design is essential to achieving your goals in working with a database, investing the time required to learn the principles of good design makes sense. In the end, you are much more likely to end up with a database that meets your needs and can easily accommodate change.(Microsoft 2023)

The design process consists of the following steps:

  • Determine the purpose of your database    

    This helps prepare you for the remaining steps.

  • Find and organize the information required     

    Gather all of the types of information you might want to record in the database, such as product name and order number.

  • Divide the information into tables    

    Divide your information items into major entities or subjects, such as Products or Orders. Each subject then becomes a table.

  • Turn information items into columns    

    Decide what information you want to store in each table. Each item becomes a field, and is displayed as a column in the table. For example, an Employees table might include fields such as Last Name and Hire Date.

  • Specify primary keys    

    Choose each table’s primary key. The primary key is a column that is used to uniquely identify each row. An example might be Product ID or Order ID.

  • Set up the table relationships    

    Look at each table and decide how the data in one table is related to the data in other tables. Add fields to tables or create new tables to clarify the relationships, as necessary.

  • Refine your design    

    Analyze your design for errors. Create the tables and add a few records of sample data. See if you can get the results you want from your tables. Make adjustments to the design, as needed.

  • Apply the normalization rules    

    Apply the data normalization rules to see if your tables are structured correctly. Make adjustments to the tables, as needed.

Creating online signatures

How to create an electronic signature

Electronic signatures, or e-signatures, have the same level of convenience as digital signatures but require less authentication. You can sign a PDF or other document quickly and securely with an e-signature. Learn how to sign with an electronic signature.

How to sign documents with an electronic signature.