Transcript what is a database?

WHAT IS A DATABASE?
A database is
an organized
collection of
related
information.
Familiar Printed Databases
• Telephone
Directories
•Address Books
•Encyclopedias
& Dictionaries
Familiar Computerized Databases
• SIMS (Student
Information
Management
System)
•Automated Card
Catalog
•CD-Rom
Encyclopedias
Advantages of Computerized
Databases
• Can find a specific file
quickly
• Can alphabetize and
sort data faster than
people
• Is as accurate as the
data that is entered
• Can make many
different types of
reports
WHO USES COMPUTERIZED
DATABASES?
• Stores use them to
keep track of
inventory
• Travel Agents
can keep up with
their customers
and reservations
•Hospitals track
patient
information
PARTS OF A DATABASE
COMPUTER PROCESSOR
BRAND
MGHZ
RAM
Dell
Pentium III
2
256
Gateway
Pentium II
550
128
IBM
486
66
16
Compaq
Pentium I
75
24
PARTS OF A DATABASE

Data Type (Format) – the different
types of data entered in a database; for
example: number, text, date/time, etc.
Date and Time – used for storing
dates and times in a specific format to
allow you to do such things as aging an
account or time an event.
 Logical – can be one of two entries,
basically YES or NO (ON or OFF TRUE or FALSE).
 Memo – used for information that
does not fit easily into a category
such as notes or comments.

Parts of a Database - cont’d
Numeric – used to store purely
numeric information.
 Object – used for other media types
that might include a picture of an
employee or product, a sound file, a
clip-art image, or any other type of
non-text entry.
 Text – used to store alphanumeric
information. May also be called a
character field.
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
Field – a category of information.
Parts of a Database - cont’d



Field Name – A label at the top of a
database column that describes the kind
of information to be stored in the column.
Entry – the information that is entered
in the fields in a database.
Record – a complete set of field entries.


Record number – the number that
identifies the sequence of a record in a
database.
File – a group of records. Also known as a
table in some database programs.
Database Views

Datasheet/List View – displays the table
data in a row-and-column format.
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Used to enter data.
Displays several records at one time.
Design View – place to create field names
and data types for a database.
Form view – used to display/design one
record at a time and/or to enter
information.

Can include pictures, borders, or special
formatting.
DATABASE FUNCTIONS


Database Report – allows one to organize,
summarize, and print selected portions of a
database.
Sorting – arranging information in
alphabetical or numerical order.
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
Ascending – sorting from smallest to largest.
Example: A – Z or 0 – 9.
Descending – sorting from largest to smallest.
Example: Z – A or 9 – 0.
Filter/Query/Search – a feature that
displays records that meet one or more
specific criteria.

Connectors – words like OR and AND used in
searching databases which indicate whether
records must satisfy one rule (OR) or if both
rules must be satisfied (AND).
MATHEMATICAL OPERATORS
>
<
=
>=
<=
<>
Greater than
Less than
Equal to
Greater than or equal to
Less than or equal to
Not equal to
Creating a Database

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Create field names and data
types
Enter data
 Adjust field widths as
needed
Add and delete fields as
needed
Save the database
Manipulating a Database

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Retrieve a database file
Sort the database file

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Use questions that involve ascending
and descending order
Filter/Query/Search the database
file
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Use questions that involve one, two,
and three criterion
Use questions that change the
connector term from and to or
Manipulating continued

Create a Report
 Name
Report
 Choose Layout and Format
 Choose Fields to Include
 Determine a Sort Order
 Create a Filter
PRINTING A DATABASE

Print the Database
Choose page orientation
 Choose whether you desire to
print gridlines, record, and field
labels
 Preview and adjust as needed
 Print the database
