This document provides an overview of the first lecture in a database management systems course. It introduces databases and their advantages over prior file processing systems. It defines what a database is, including that it is a shared collection of logically related data used by an organization. It also notes that in file processing systems, data is duplicated across different application files, which can lead to inconsistencies, whereas databases allow for data sharing and independence while maintaining better data integrity. The lecture aims to provide an introduction to basic database concepts and design stages.