This document is the first chapter of the textbook "Database System Concepts, 6th Ed." by Silberschatz, Korth and Sudarshan. It introduces databases and database management systems, their key components and concepts. These include data models, relational databases, database design, storage management, query processing, transaction management, and a brief history of database systems. The chapter provides an overview of the topics that will be covered in more depth throughout the textbook.