What is a Database? Part I

== Contents ==

====== What is a Database? Part I ======

====== Further Information ======

When you duplicate an object, it offsets 6 pixels to the right ‎and 6 pixels down, unless you've changed the ruler settings ‎from the default. However, the duplicate feature works ‎differently if you move the duplicated object with the arrow ‎keys or the mouse. As long as you don't deselect the duplicated ‎object while moving it, a second duplicate will be offset the ‎same number of pixels as the first duplicate from the original. ‎This is useful when you're creating multiple objects offset ‎exactly the same distance and can be much more efficient ‎than applying arrangement options after you've duplicated ‎the objects. ‎

==== 1. Introduction ==== 

The database should encompass all functions that make a business tick:

*Administrative tasks,

*Accounts,

*Word processing,

*Keep a record of existing and potential customers,

*Enabling orders to be processed

*Direct mail promotions to be carried out.

*Order or enquiry form,

*Mailing lists categorised according to a variety of criteria, eg location, past customer, potential customer

*Store large quantities of information for reference purposes.

==== 3. Database Applications ====

==== 4. What Does our Business Need from a Database?====

BIF 189 A Guide to Computer Networks gives more detailed information on running shared databases. See also: [http://www.stoneedge.com/ordermanager.htm http://www.stoneedge.com/ordermanager.htm] Feature list of what we might need in our FileMaker system, see also other iterations for more features.

==== 5. Choice of Database Software ====

The hard choice is how to decide between off-the-shelf, adaptable packages which link to other software systems could be considered (see BIF 141 Software for General Business Applications). Software for payroll, stock control, planning and scheduling is just a small example of what modules are required.  Relational database systems, can use multiple tables to store information, and each table may have a different record format. A relational database is easy to extend - a new data category can be added without having to modify all existing applications.