A database is a structured collection of information that can be searched and sorted. It organizes data into files, records, and fields, whether stored manually or electronically using a database package program. Databases are used by various businesses and organizations to organize information like customer lists, hospital records, government revenues, and more.

1. Putting it
simple
Databases

2. What is a Database?
• A database is made up of files, records and
fields.
• A structured collection of similar information
that can be searched and sorted.

3. What is a Database?
• A database can be stored on paper (manual) or on a computer
(electronic).
• A program that is used for organising data on a computer is called a database
package.
• Data is organised in a database as files, table records and fields:
• A database is an organised, structured collection of similar
information.

4. • Databases are used by many types of business and organisations such
as:
•Telephone Directory
• Hospital National Computer
• Government Revenue
• Driver and Vehicle Licensing Department
• A personal Christmas card list
• A mailing list
• Data held in a database can be shared between other computer packages
such as a word processor package – e.g. Mail Merge.
What is a Database used for?

5. • Records can be processed quickly.
• Records can be processed accurately.
• Information is immediately available.
All of this is impossible in a manual
system !!!!
Advantages of an
electronic database?