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**What is a Database?**
A database is an organized collection of information. It is similar to a library’s card catalogue or a phone book. Database management software is computer software that is designed to organize data in a way that allows fast and easy access to it. A manual database is one that allows for the storage and accessing of information by hand. Paper-based filing systems and libraries allow for storing and accessing information manually. The information in an electronic database is stored electronically helping a user to access and manipulate the information efficiently. Electronic databases perform many of the same basic tasks as manual databases. Both systems require decisions as to what information will be stored, how it will be stored, and the method of accessing information. Computer software organizes, locates and manipulates entered data easily in comparison to the more cumbersome tasks of finding and manipulating data manually. Increasingly, information is being stored in electronic databases so that information may be retrieved when needed. Electronic databases require relatively small amounts of physical storage space. Databases are organized by fields, records and files. Imagine the entries in a phone book. A field is a category for one piece of information, such as a first name. A record is a complete collection of fields or the last name, first name, address, phone number, etc for one phone. A file would be the name given to the collection of all of the data, similar to a document file.

**Why Should You Know About Databases?**
Open a web browser, go to any favourite search engine and type in some words. You are now using a multi-million entry database. Choosing what words to use is important; also important is understanding the options in an advanced search. Since search engines are designed as databases, knowing how databases retrieve data improves a student’s ability to find information. Careers in database design and administration are abundant. Having a fundamental understanding about databases allows technology savvy students to make more informed decisions about their education after high school. Even students with no desire to enter the technology field will likely use a database at work. Databases are used in almost any career that needs large amounts of data, from medical to supermarkets. Knowledge about databases prior to starting a career gives students a better understanding about how to organize and find information.

Who uses Databases?
Large databases are used all around the world. Police use databases to manage criminal records. The Department of Motor Vehicles uses databases to manage driving history and driving records. Banks use databases to manage customer information and all of their transactions. The government uses databases to manage statistics, electronic information and tax records.