Database Concepts  

Data and information

Data consists of the numbers and other symbols that are used to record and communicate information.  If data is to provide useful information it must be structured and organised, and computers are ideal tools to help to do this. 

Computer systems have traditionally organised data into records that give structure to the data, and files that are related sets of records.  This is very similar to manual systems for storing paper records in file folders in filing cabinets. 

Examples of information requirements

• A hospital trust administrator needs to be aware of patient numbers and availability of beds.
• The leisure centre manager needs to know how well the facilities are being used
• The librarian needs to know when books are overdue
• The college staff need to keep track of students’ progress on Vocational A-Level programmes
• The video store owner needs to know which videos are the most popular
• The driving school manager needs to know how much to pay the instructors. 

Activity 1

In groups make a list of the information needs of one of the above organisations.