Chapter3

Work in progress, expect frequent changes. Help and feedback is welcome. See discussion page.

1. Database
2. What Is a Database?
3. Database Definitions
4. Make a Database
5. Plan the Fields
6. Collecting Data
7. Sort the Records

	Database Databases store data. A database organizes data so you can find information.

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	What is a Database? A database is a collection of data. A database for you might be a list of all your friends. Your school uses a database. That database is a large one. It stores their names, addresses, phone numbers, parent information, and grades. To create a database on the computer, you use database software.

	Database Definitions A database stores information. A database can sort information. A field stores one piece of data. Each record is a group of fields that have something in common. All of the records are in one table. The table is stored in a database file.

	Make a Database Start the Database program on your computer. Click start. Click All Programs. Click OpenOffice.org 3.1 Click OpenOffice.org Base Click Next then Finish Type a database name in the File Name box. Click Save.

Plan the Fields Create a database Program (OpenOffice.org Base) as explained previously and call it Friends. Click table. Click Create Table. Type in the Field Name. First Name Surname Address Phone In Data Type click the arrow Click Number for Phone field and Date/Time in the Birthday field. Click the close button You will get a window like this Click Yes. Give the Table a name click Ok. You will get another window Click Yes.

Collecting Data Use a Word Processing document to make a data collection card. First Name……………….. Telephone ………………………. Surname …………………. Birthday ………………………….. Address ………………………………………………………………… Ask your friends in your class to fill their details in the cards you gave them. Double-Click your database. Double-Click the table you created before and enter the data you collected. Click close button . Click Yes to save your work.

	Sort the Records Sort the Records Sort the Surname column: Click in the Surname column. Click Sort Ascending or Sort Descending button and see the effects. Sort the Birthdays column: Click in the Birthdays column. Click Sort Ascending. The records are now in the order in which the birthdays come in the year.