Which of the following is not an example of a DBMS?
A DBMS (Database Management System) is software that defines, stores, and manages data in a database and provides mechanisms for querying and transactions. Common textbook DBMS examples include MySQL and IBM Db2.
Among the options:
- (i) MySQL — DBMS.
- (ii) Microsoft Access — commonly taught as a database application, but it is still used as a relational database system in many curricula (often considered a “DBMS” at an introductory level).
- (iii) IBM DB2 — DBMS.
- (iv) Google — not a specific DBMS product; it is a company/search/tech provider, not a database management system.
Therefore, the option that is NOT an example of a DBMS is (iv) Google.
To reason formally, compare product vs. organization: DBMS options are specific database engines (e.g., MySQL, Db2). “Google” is not a standalone database engine; it is not typically listed as a DBMS in standard DBMS catalogs.
Footnotes
-
MySQL description as a database management system - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MySQL - MySQL is described as a relational DBMS. ↩
DBMS (Database Management System) Basics
Core concepts you need for this question
A relational DBMS typically includes features like query support (e.g., SQL), transaction handling, and storage management.
In contrast, a vendor/organization like Google is not a DBMS unless it refers to a specific database product (e.g., a named database engine).
Footnotes
-
DBMS definition and roles (e.g., managing databases and providing access) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Database_management_system - Overview of DBMS purpose and functions. ↩
How to identify the non-DBMS option
- 1Step 1
Identify which choices look like specific database products (names of database systems).
- 2Step 2
MySQL and IBM Db2 are named database systems; Microsoft Access is commonly treated as a relational database application; Google is a company/brand rather than a DBMS engine.
- 3Step 3
If the option is not a specific database software product, it is typically not a DBMS example.
- 4Step 4
Choose (iv) Google.
DBMS vs Non-DBMS Identification (Exam-style)
Heuristic: DBMS = named database software product; non-DBMS = company/brand without a DB engine name.
Exam trick to remember
DBMS examples are usually software products (e.g., MySQL, Db2). A company name (e.g., Google) is not a DBMS unless the question names a specific database engine.
Common edge cases (why Microsoft Access sometimes confuses students)
Knowledge Check
Which of the following is not an example of a DBMS?