Chapter3

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100
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.


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.

  1. Click start.
  2. Click All Programs.
  3. Click OpenOffice.org 3.1
  4. Click OpenOffice.org Base
  5. Click Next then Finish
  6. Type a database name in the File Name box.
  7. Click Save.

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Finishbase.png


Filebasename.png

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.