Organized 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.

Database management systems (DBMS) are usually categorized according to the database model that they support. The data model tends to determine the query languages that are available to access the database. A great deal of the internal engineering of a DBMS, however, is independent of the data model, and is concerned with managing factors such as performance, concurrency, integrity and recovery from hardware failures. In these areas there are large differences between products (which vary from Microsoft Access to File Maker).

The flat (or table) model consists of a single, two-dimensional array of data elements, where all members of a given column are assumed to be similar values, and all members of a row are assumed to be related to one another. For instance, columns for name and password that might be used as a part of a system security database. Columns of the table often have a type associated with them, defining them as character data, date or time information, integers, or floating point numbers.

A spreadsheet is a computer application that superseded paper worksheets, and is also a form of database. It displays multiple cells that together make up a grid consisting of rows and columns, each cell containing either alphanumeric text or numeric values. Spreadsheets are frequently used for financial information because of their ability to re-calculate the entire sheet automatically after a change to a single cell.

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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