DEFINITION
Database is collection
of information related to a particular subject or purpose. Database takes care
of your personal business or information such as tracking customer orders,
maintaining a music collection, Cheque book, Telephone book, expenses book etc.
In Database, the
entire field for a particular entry is called a record. A record contains all
the information about a particular person or thing. Each item within a record
is called a field. The following fields can be contained in a client’s record
within a Database:
A.
Surname
B.
Other Names
C.
Contact Address
D.
Postal Address
E.
Marital Status
F.
Age
G.
Sex
H.
Telephone Number etc
Using Microsoft
Access, you can manage all your information from a single database file. Within
the file, you can divide your data into separate storage container called
tables, you can also view, add, and update data using forms, you can as well
find and retrieve just the data you want using queries and analyze or print
your data using reports. To bring the data from multiple tables together in a
query, form or report, you need to define the relationships between the tables.
Relationship is used to merge tables and forms together and retrieve just the
data that meets conditions you specify including data from multiple tables and
create a query. A query is used to retrieve some specific records in a
database.
There are different
types of Database Application Packages, though they perform the same functions
but they are produced by different manufactures. Examples are Dbase 3, 4, &
5, DACEASY, FOXPRO, AMIPRO, PEACHTREE, S.P.S.S, MS-ACCESS etc.
ADVANTAGES
OF DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
1.
Database enables storage of all kinds of
information often called data such as address, telephone numbers, school
report, exam scores etc. this is because it has large storage facilities in a
small space.
2.
It makes searching for specific stored information
more flexible and easier. This is due to the fact that database system
possesses fast and effective searching procedures.
3.
It enables the sorting of records in a specific
order.
4.
It makes the creation of a mail merge document
with your data possible.
5.
It enables easy modification of stored
information.
6.
It provides security for the Data in a Database.
7.
Flexibility
8.
High Speed
9.
High degree of Accuracy
10.
Duplication is possible
Some versions of database application packages run
in DOS (Disk Operating System) environment. Some of which are Dbase II, III,
IV, etc. some versions of database programs that run in Windows environment
include Dbase V for windows, Microsoft Access, Magic, FoxPro, FoxBase, Oracle,
MS-SQL etc.