Lesson 1: Database and spreadsheets Basic

Database

A database is any organized collection of data. Some examples of databases you may encounter in your daily life are:
-a telephone book
-T.V. Guide
-airline reservation system
-motor vehicle registration records
-papers in your filing cabinet
-files on your computer hard drive. 

Data vs. information:
What is the difference?

What is data?
Data can be defined in many ways. Information science defines data as unprocessed information.

What is information?
Information is data that have been organized and communicated in a coherent and meaningful manner.
Data is converted into information, and information is converted into knowledge.
Knowledge; information evaluated and organized so that it can be used purposefully.

Why do we need a database?

Keep records of our:
-Clients
-Staff
-Volunteers
-To keep a record of activities and interventions
-Keep sales records;
-Develop reports;
-Perform research
-Longitudinal tracking

Types of Databases
Non-relational databases
    Non-relational databases place information in field categories that we create so that information is available for sorting and disseminating the way we need it. The data in a non-relational database, however, is limited to that program and cannot be extracted and applied to a number of other software programs, or other database files within a school or administrative system. The data can only be "copied and pasted.“ Example: a spread sheet

Relational databases
In relational databases, fields can be used in a number of ways (and can be of variable length), provided that they are linked in tables. It is developed based on a database model that provides for logical connections among files (known as tables) by including identifying data from one table in another table

Spreadsheet Basics
Used to organize and analyze information
Made up of columns and rows
Columns and rows intersect to form cells
Column letter plus row number makes cell address


 Spreadsheet Formulas
-A combination of values or cell references and mathematical operators
-Mathematical Operators:  +  -  *  /
-Formulas begin with an equal sign
-The actual formula displays in the entry bar
-The results of the formula display in the cell

Examples of formulas:
Add cells B4, C4, D4, and  E4: =B4+C4+D4+E4
Subtract cell F10 from cell F9:  =F9-F10
Multiply cells A3 and A4:  =A3*A4
Divide cell D5 by cell D6 =D5/D6