What is Database Software?

Wondering, what is database software? Database software is an application designed to store, organize and manage information.

A Table of Contents
Database software uses tables (similar to spreadsheets) to store information. Tables are made up of rows and columns. A row is called a record and contains all the information for a specific thing. Each person on your Christmas card list might be a record, for example.

The columns (called fields) of the table make up the individual bits of information for a record. In our Christmas card example, street, state and zip code would all be fields of information.

Better Than a Spreadsheet
Database software has several advantages over a spreadsheet:

• Reporting. Database software can sort and combine table information to generate searches and reports. For instance, you could search for all of the people that on your list that live in New Mexico, or sort your list by zip code.
• Updating. Database software allows you to quickly update all of your records. With a spreadsheet, you'll need to update each record individually.
• Table linking. A database can be made of more than one table. Think about your Christmas card list combined with a list of presents. With database software, you could create a list that combines both sets of information-perfect for shipping those last minute packages.

Types of Databases

• Desktop. Desktop database software stores and serves data from a single computer. A desktop database is perfect for a home business, or to store your personal contact information.
• Server. Server-based database software stores data on a central computer and makes it available to other computers via a network or the Internet. Server-based database software is typically used in larger businesses and for e-commerce applications.
• Web-enabled. Web-enabled database software allows data to be stored locally, but made available to web pages for Internet access. Web-enabled database software, like Microsoft Access, is a great way to publish web pages that don't change often. Typically, these pages would contain reference, contact or long-term scheduling information.