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What is a Database?

Module by: Mary Wright

Summary: This is the first of a three-part series of workshops that serve as a general introduction to Microsoft's Access 2003 database program. In Part I we will learn how to create a database to manage your personal multimedia collection. You may bring a list of the DVDs, CDs, MP3s, VHS tapes, and audio cassettes you want to organize to class. These courses are designed for adults with some computer experience but little or no previous database experience.

DEFINITION: Database

According to ENCYCLOPAEDIA BRITANICA, it is also called an "electronic database." Primarily, a database is "any collection of data, or information, that is specially organized for rapid search and retrieval by a computer."

"A database is stored as a file or a set of files on magnetic disk or tape, optical disk, or some other secondary storage device. The information in these files may be broken down into records, each of which consists of one or more fields."

"Fields are the basic units of data storage, and each field typically contains information pertaining to one aspect or attribute of the entity described by the database."

"Records are also organized into tables that include information about relationships between its various fields."

"Databases are structured to facilitate the storage, retrieval, modification, and deletion of data in conjunction with various data-processing operations."

"Typical examples of databases include employee records and product catalogs."

Note:

See also, computer science: Information systems and databases; information processing.

Exercise 1

Any collection of data, or information, that is specially organized for rapid search and retrieval by a computer is called a/an

Solution 1

"database"

Exercise 2

A basic unit of data storage is called a/an

Solution 2

"field"

Exercise 3

A/An ____________ contains one or more fields.

Solution 3

"record"

Exercise 4

A/An_________ contains one or more records.

Solution 4

"table"

Exercise 5

Can you name a popular database application?

Solution 5

"Microsoft Access"

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