Assessment 2 & 3 – Databases

Stuart Matthews
Assessment 2 & 3 – Databases
Databases are a collection of records or data that is stored in a computer system. The data is then organized into a structure according to a database model. The most common database model in use today is the relational model. The relational model uses tables to display the data allowing the user to select what data to display and what it contains by using queries.
A field is the data entry on a record. Fields are given a name and select options to determine how the fields uses the data. Fields can be given a files type based on the information the field will it contain. Text fields can contain letters, numbers and symbols. Number fields can contain up to 800 numbers. Other field types include date, time, calculation and summary. To save space the number of characters stored in each field should be minimized. Key fields allow information to be found by using unique fields.
Forms are used to put the data into a table making it easier to view and enter large amounts of information. All forms contain a number of fields each with its own name. The fields can be used to enter the data and the layout can be adjusted to make data entry easier for the user.
Reports can be used to quickly view information from table totals. The user can adjust the layout of how the data is displayed.
A query is a request for information from a database. Queries are the quickest way of searching for entries on a database to view or delete records. The layout of the query can be adjusted for the user to select and change entries quickly. Modifiers are used to select what information is displayed.
Macros can be used to automate database processes.