| A | B |
|---|
| database | a tool used to organize, store, retrieve, and communicate groups of related information |
| phone book; online library card catalog; payroll; eBay | examples of database and database uses |
| table | an arrangement of columns and rows. It is the fundamental building block of all databases |
| entry | a single piece of data in a database table |
| field | a grouping or category of similar information contained in a table; a unique identifier for a category of information |
| record | a complete description of all of the fields related to one item in a table |
| purpose | before a database can be built, the user must first define its ___ and determine how the data will be organized into fields |
| short | a field name should be ___ and descriptive |
| data types | used to control how data in a particular field will be searched, sorted, or used in calculations; the default format is text |
| text | used for data that will be sorted in alphabetical order or listed randomly, but will not be used in mathematical calculations |
| memo | a data type used for lengthy entries that allows combinations of text and numbers |
| number | used for data that may be calculated, sorted, or filtered |
| date/time | data type used to arrange and sort data chronologically, often used with the input mask field property |
| currency | data type used to format numbers as decimal values with a dollar sign. The default format for currency is two decimal places |
| auto number | used to automatically assign a number to each record and to assist in preventing duplication of data |
| yes/no | a data type in toggle format that allows a user to select a yes or no value in a database cell. The default setting is No |
| lookup wizard | a data type used to define preset values for database entries. This feature increases productivity and accuracy by reducing the amount of data entry required. |
| field properties | used to control how data is entered in a field |
| field size | used to control the size of the field, measured in characters |
| format | used to control the layout of the field, such as one or two decimal places |
| input mask | a template-like field property that regulates how data is entered in a cell. For example, if the phone number input mask is used, the user will be prompted to input data in a specific format, such as (919) 555-5555 |
| caption | a field property used for column naming that allows a more user-friendly and properly formatted field name than the field name stored in the database design |
| editing and printing | procedures to add and delete records and fields, edit field names, rearrange fields in a database and print |
| database management | the effectiveness of a database can be measured by the user’s ability to retrieve useful information |
| filters | allow for the retrieval of information that meets specific criteria |
| filter by selection | filters for information related to an active cell |
| filter/advanced filter sort | used to define specific search criteria |
| sorts | allow for information to be arranged in a specific order such as alphabetical, chronological, ascending, or descending |
| group | tables are the building blocks of all databases; they are used to ___ and organize the information within a database |
| timely | an effective database is one that contains ___ information and thus requires continuous maintenance |
