Overview

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Overview of Database

A database is a powerful tool on a computer that organizes information. Its power lies in its ability to make information accessible in a variety ways almost instantaneously. One example of a commonly used database is the program used in a typical video rental shop. They might have a database of people who rent videos as well as a database of each video in their inventory. These two databases might relate with one another as videos are checked out. Database software ranges from a flat, one table of information, type of database, to a multi-table relational database.

To be effective, all the data must be entered in an efficient manor. All databases break information down into records, and within records are individual fields. For example, with the video inventory analogy, each video will be represented by one record. Within each video record, there might be fields such as: Title, Producer, Starring Actor(s), Genre, Release Date, Rental Price, etc.

The planning stage of designing a database is the most crucial part of the process. The fields created within each record will determine the types of reports and uses that will be able to come from the database. The more data entered into a database, the more powerful it becomes.

Here are some common database applications:

• MicrosoftAccess*
• Microsoft Works
• AppleWorks
• Claris Works
• FileMaker Pro
• Lotus Notes
• Lotus Approach*
• StarOffice

The titles in green are only sold as an integrative software package, and the "*" refers to those titles sold individually or part of an integrative "suite".