Databases allow you to store, edit, search, retrieve and query large amounts of data.

Businesses use databases to store customer data, stock data, contact details for email advertising campaigns and much more.

Databases are created and managed using Database Management Software.  You will probably be using MS Access as your database for these tutorials, but there are others.

Creating a Blank Database

To create a new, blank database, open MS Access on your computer.

Click on the option for New Desktop Database.

You will need to decide on a name for your database before you can use it.

Type in the name of your database and choose the most appropriate folder to save your database in.  

Click on the Create button to create your blank database.

Understanding Your New Database

When you have created your new blank database, Access will open a new table ready to store data.

All data is stored in database tables.  A table is made up of columns and rows.

The columns in the table are called Fields and the rows are called Records.

Each Field is a piece of data that is being collected and stored, for example, title, first name and surname are example of fields.

A database table should have an ID field as well.  This is called a Primary Key and will store a unique number for each record in the database table.  The Primary Key is normally the first field in the database table.

Each Record is a set of related data.  A Record is a row in the database table.  

Create a new blank database, called Employees.

Save your database in your Cambridge Nationals folder.

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  Data Types