A set of interrelated data is known as a database and the software that manages it is known as a database management system or DBMS. Hence a DBMS can be described as a computer-based record keeping system which consists of software for processing a collection of interrelated data. On the surface, databases seem exceedingly complex, with lots of jargon, screens and reports. Under the hood however, databases are fundamentally tools to allow people to organize and manipulate large amounts of data using the power of the computer to quickly translate and deliver that information in a humanly readable format. There are three main components to any database application:
•A method for entering or editing data — usually data entry screens or import functions
•A data storage mechanism — a way of storing the data on the computer
•A report generator to extract and interpret information from the stored data A set of structures and relationships that meet a specific need is called as a schema. Typically, databases are centrally managed by a person known as the database administrator or the DBA. The DBA initially decides the structures (schema) to be used to hold the data and the interrelationships between the data structures. The DBA also ensures the security of the database. The DBA usually controls access to the data through the user codes and passwords and by restricting the views or operations that the user can perform on the databases. File based databases, e.g. MS Access, MS Excel, and Text Files are not usually managed by a DBA but would most likely be a file managed by the end user.
