1. INTRODUCING DATABASES
What is a Database?
And How Does it Work?
SUSAN CRAWFORD NDAI

2. DEFINITION OF A DATABASE:
A database is simply a collection of organised information relating to a particular topic for example a list of friends’ birthdays.
The main reason to use a database is to keep track of information.

3. Examples of Databases you have already used in Everyday Life:
Dictionary
Telephone Directory
Catalogue
Encyclopaedia

4. Examples of Computerised Databases:
A customer based company will hold customer accounts and personnel records on a database.
Computerised database in a library.
At the supermarket checkout: stock details are held on a database.
At the Doctors: records of patients on a database.
SUSAN CRAWFORD NDAI

5. How is a Database Structured?
A database is a bit like a filing cabinet.
It contains information under appropriate headings.
It is divided into files.
The files contain records.
Records are made up of information or data.

6. Microsoft Access: Microsoft Access is a database software package.
Allows you to input and store data in an organised record format on a computer.
Much faster than using a paper database.
Has a much greater storage capacity.
Data can be searched, analysed, amended and manipulated quickly and efficiently.

7. Microsoft Access is set out like a table, comprising of columns with headings, known as field names.
The field name relates to the contents of each column.
Each row of data is known as a record.
Each record relates to one entry in the database.
A collection of records is know as a file.

8. Once a database has been created the user can run queries on the data.
This means they can request and retrieve information that has been stored in a table.