As you recall, data is a collection of facts (numbers, text, even audio and video files) that is processed into usable information. Much like a spreadsheet, a database is a collection of such facts that you can then slice and dice in various ways to extract information or make decisions. However, the advantage and primary use of a database over a spreadsheet is its ability to handle a large volume of data and yet allow for quick access to the information that is desired.
Databases are everywhere now and impact our lives in a multitude of ways. It can accurately be said that "your life is in a database" or, more accurately, in multiple databases, and information about you (a retrieval of facts about you) is easily accessible. Your shopping history, credit history, medical history, even your driving history, is stored in one or more databases.
This exercise will introduce you to the basic building blocks of any database - fields, records, and files (also called tables). Although you will create a database with a single table containing a small amount of data about computer vendors, the more applicable use of databases involves the creation of many tables linked together with a common field or "key." Regardless of the size of the database, the data is stored in the same way - in fields which are combined to create a record. And those records are stored in a file or table. The data is entered into the field via a data entry form, and the information is extracted (to answer a particular question or need) via reports and/or queries.
Create a vendor database and related reports and queries to capture contact information for potential PC vendors. This information will be used to populate an MS Access database.
This MS Access database assignment has the following parts:
a simple database table to hold vendor contact information;
a simple database form that can be used to enter data into the database table;
a simple database report that can used to present the data as information; and
a separate MS Word document answering questions about the database.