Week Eleven: Clear

This week we learned about database management. Although most of this information seems fairly straight forward (along with the face that I haven't yet completed the Database project), it just seemed like there was an overwhelming amount of information. Especially since there are different models of database management systems (DBMS). 
The general concept of what a database does is simple to understand, since it is basically the storing of information with the ability to modify, add and delete certain entries. As I was reading the textbook, databases did seem quite similar to the functions of Excel. But after reading the FAQ 10-2 box "When should I use a database instead of a spreadsheet?" I understood the difference between the two programs. Basically, databases, such as Microsoft Access should be used when information needs to be manipulated in a quick manner, such as updating, adding, modifying, or deleting. Whereas Microsoft Excel's spreadsheets should be used when information needs to be manipulated as far as the user having to do calculations with the data, create charts, or review any of the statistics given. 
I also never realized how prevalent databases are in our society. They are used to store student information for schools, in doctor's offices to store records, and even as a way for marketers to find a target market for their product. Although databases, for the most part seem to be fairly simple to manipulate as far as creating certain fields depending on the database, and entering information about users, not everything should be done be an individual; unless of course, they are a computer programmer. A computer programmer should be used for such instances as sharing data from multiple files so as to create one file.