The 'Database Systems Handbook' by Muhammad Sharif provides an extensive overview of database concepts, including types of data, database management systems (DBMS), and the evolution of database architectures. It covers various topics such as structured and unstructured data, SQL functions, database design, and transaction management, while also discussing the challenges and solutions in transitioning from file systems to relational databases. Additionally, the handbook highlights distributed database systems, including client-server architectures and heterogeneous databases, emphasizing their operational efficiencies and complexities.