unit four presentations Flashcards
what is microsoft access
a database creation and management program
what is a database?
a collection of data that is stored in a computer system
- they allow users to enter, access, and analyze data quickly and easily
- maintain the validity and consistency of data
- like a collection of lists like at a drs office)
what is a relational database?
understands how lists and objects within them relate to one another
- uses keys to link data from different tables together
what is the difference between excel and access?
access is stronger at handling non-numerical data (names and descriptions) and uses relational databases to store and analyze non-numerical data
what are the four main objects of databases?
tables
queries
forms
reports
what are tables?
store all the data
- rows and columns are referred to as records and fields
what is a field?
more than just a column, it is a way to organize data based on the type of data it is
ex. first name, street address
what is a record?
-refeer to a unit of information
- every item in a given row is a part of that rows record
-each record includes multiple fields
- each record has an ID #
what is a form?
-used for entering, modifying and viewing records
-easy way of guiding people toward entering data correctly
-entering data into a form in access allows the data to go exactly where the database designer intended it to
what are queries?
- a way of searching for and compling data from one or more tables
- like asking a detailed question
- specific search conditions must be defined
- allows you to see information that you may not be able to find by simply looking at data in a table
what is a report?
- allows you to present your data in a printed form
- class schedules, invoices, etc. are examples of database reports
- can create a report from any table or query
