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Relational
The simplest form of computer database is the flat file
database. Microsoft Excel can be used, and is used, by many people as a
database. But this flat file database has serious limitations. One is its
slow speed. Another is that a flat file duplicates a lot of the data that
could be entered just once (like having to type in, and spell correctly each
time, Massachusetts for many customers). Duplicate data has to be input
again and again. It also has to be sorted by the computer program. Slow
sorting is the major cause of your mouse pointer turning into an hourglass
(while you go for a break).
On the other hand is the state of the art type of computer database, the
"relational" database. Although the user doesn't know how it's storing
information internally, it is stored in a very efficient manner and operates
very quickly when properly designed. Microsoft Access is a relational
database. Duplication of data can be reduced to an absolute minimum (don’t
type in Massachusetts every time, just click on MA!).
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Business Data?
Answers
Section
Up Defined Relational Customized Benefits
There is a
lot of important business data that cannot be kept adequately in an
accounting program like Quickbooks. Not everything is debits and
credits.
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