A database is an organised collection of structured information, or data (Reference).   It allows information to be set up for easy access, management and updating (Reference).  When a database is created and organised using a computer system, it is referred to as a Database Management System (DBMS).  Popular databases include Microsoft Access, MYSQL, Oracle.

A database contains:

• Tables to store data

• Queries to find specific information from within the data

• Forms to display, add and edit one record at a time

• Reports to display data in a formatted way