CHAPTER1 DATABASE BASICS Ithough computer databases may seem complicated they exist solely to make life easier Like a huge filing system they store information so it can be accessed quickly and easily SIMPLE STORAGE At its most basic a database is a simple way of storing and presenting data in a convenient manner The data can be anything from text and numbers to images and video clips When you log on to a social network for example you are accessing an enormous database filled with text numbers images and video clips VIDEO DATABASE Databases are everywhere and you may not have realized how often you use them Did you know that the popular video sharing website YouTube is a vast database of videos It is possible to find videos by performing a search because details of every clip its name where it was filmed who is featured in it and who uploaded itſ are saved on the site's
Skype DATABASE BASICS MAKE YOUR OWN DATABASE One way to understand the principles behind databases is by making one about your friends using paper or index cards Decide what information to include about your friends for example their name age and e mail address Use a different sheet or card for each friend Note down the data in the same order each time Put all the sheets together in a folder or box You now have your very own database J The database of your friends could include things such as shared interests such as movies music and sports such as
dIn Unke WHAT IS A DATABASE AND HOW DOUSE IT Skype This librarian is helping a student find a book by searching a database listing all of the books that the library has on its shelves DATABASE SEARCHES Not all databases are stored on computers There are many everyday examples of paper databases You have probably searched one of these databases recently DATABASE BooK One simple database you are likely to use all the time at school is a dictionary A dictionary is a database of words and their meanings with the words organized in alphabetical order
DATABASE BASICS DATABASE ROOM If you want to find out about a particular subject you could go to the library A library is a vast database of books Libraries store books in a logical order to make it easier for people to find what they are looking for In the past you would need to browse different sections to narrow down your search Today most searches are carried out electronically LIBRARYSEARCH If you go to a library to find a book on tropical fish for example you could ask the librarian where to find it He or she could search the library's catalog of books stored on a computer for anything related to tropical fish The librarian could then give you a list of books on tropical fish and show you where to find them If your library search for a book on tropical fish is fruitless there are many other databases you could try such as online encyclopedias
