1. Databases

2. What is a database? A database is a collection of information on a particular topic that is structured in some way. For example you could have a database on football teams, CD collection or books.

3. Databases can either be stored manually (e.g. in a filing cabinet, as index cards or on paper) Or they can be stored electronically (on the computer!) A telephone book is an example of a manual database that keeps information on peoples names, addresses and telephone numbers.

4. Why do we use a database? To access information quickly and easily. To sort information in different ways e.g. alphabetical or ascending or descending. We can also search the database for specific pieces of data e.g. a persons name or the author of a certain books etc.

5. How are databases made up? Databases are organised in a particular way. They are set out in FILES , RECORDS and FIELDS . A FILE is a collection of structured information on a specific topic. A RECORD is a collection of structured information on a particular person or thing. A FIELD is a single piece of data which is contained in each record. Records are made up of, usually, 2 or more fields.

6. File Third Year Pupils First Name: Last Name: D.O.B Address: Tel No: Class: Guidance: First Name: Last Name: D.O.B Address: Tel No: Class: Guidance: Fields Record School Database First Name: Last Name: D.O.B Address: Tel No: Class: Guidance:

8. Descending means biggest to smallest i.e. z to a or 100 to 1. Ascending means smallest to biggest i.e. a to z or 1 to 100. Sorting When you sort the database you are putting the information into some kind of order. The most common way to sort text in a database is to put it into alphabetical order . When we sort we are either putting data into ascending or descending order.

9. Searching The main reason people create databases is so that they can search it for specific information. When the computer searches the database it looks at the contents of particular fields. There are 2 ways of searching: Simple search – searching on one field Complex search – searching on more than one field

13. Searching A Database (Example) 1 2 Skiing Interests 35 Age Fair Hair 1.65 Height (m) Lawyer Occupation Glasgow Area F Sex Lila Lonely Name 3234 Member NO.