Database: Organize Your Files

A computer database, or simply called a database, is a collection of information and data stored in a computer system. Databases vary depending on how the information is stored. A database system is important in handling an organization's day-to-day activities, especially in storing information and important documents.

The program that manages the database is referred to as the database management system or DBMS. Among the most popular systems include Microsoft Access, Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, and File Maker. These databases are far more complex than a text file or a spreadsheet, as they have the ability to relate the records across different tables.

Very often, an individual's name will be encoded, and then followed by the information. The name and the information are normally separated by a space, comma, or a hyphen. The items are commonly arranged by rows. Each row is referred to as a record.

A spreadsheet program similar to Microsoft Excel is also a form of database. This type of program also allows the user to easily organize the data. For example, the user can arrange the records by surname or by first name. The items are organized in both rows and columns that make the record easier to understand.

Another advantage in using a database is that it allows for data manipulation. Thus, some database systems are able to retrieve data that matches a certain criteria, delete or update the records, as well as perform complex calculations that concern the data.

Among the most basic examples of a database is the text file. Most ordinary computer users keep their database in the form of a text -- like a list of email addresses, a list of names, or a list of telephone numbers. It can be kept in programs such as Microsoft Word, Notepad, or Wordpad. This information is useful in many tasks, such as sending email.

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