(D-B-M-S)

The combination of hardware and software that allows access to an archived collection of information. Typically, a DBMS works with large sets of data.

In addition to controlling data entry, organization, storage, and retrieval, a DBMS will typically address data security and integrity. Security means only those who should access specific data can and integrity addresses controlling and recording any changes to the data so a complete trail of what happened to the data can be maintained. Integrity functions would also make certain that anyone accessing a particular data record is locked out of making any changes should that record be open for writing elsewhere.

Typically, a DBMS will have a robust query language for generating reports.

A DBMS can be organized in one of several ways:

• Hierarchical. A fixed database organization that often looks much like a family tree. Each record type has one owner.
• Network. A database organization where each record type can have multiple owners.
• Relational. A database organization where each record type has no explicit owner. Instead, key fields link the data tables together.

While it's not required, a large DBMS will often run on a computer of its own.

More Information

• SQL Course
• Access 97 Tutorial