Introduction to information systems T. Cornford, M. Shaikh is1 060 2013

Database package
: A database package is software that allows a 
user to enter, store and retrieve regular items of data in a structured 
and coherent manner. A database allows its user to select and extract 
particular items of data or produce reports summarising collections of 
data. Databases can range from small – a mailing list of the members 
of a sports club – to huge – the 40 million or more national insurance 
records held by the UK’s Department of Social Security. Common PC 
database software in use today includes Microsoft Access, OpenOffice 
Base and Oracle. Most database packages offer their own programming 
languages (or macro languages), which allow them to support the 
development of more sophisticated applications, though you are 
not expected to use such facilities. A database package suitable for 
this subject must support the relational model. In recent years, most 
database projects for this course have been produced using Microsoft 
Access, but some have used other software. 
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Spreadsheet package
: A spreadsheet package allows information 
arranged in rows and columns to be manipulated. The major focus of 
a spreadsheet is the manipulation of numerical information, although 
modern spreadsheets have a wider range of functionality and can, 
in some ways, emulate a simple database. The name ‘spreadsheet’ 

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IS1060 Introduction to information systems
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comes from an analogy with the squared paper used by accountants 
to prepare tables of figures. Spreadsheets are one of the main reasons 
that everyday managers use computers, since they allow them to 
manipulate figures at will and both keep records and see the results of 
alternative assumptions regarding relevant items of information. Almost 
all spreadsheet programs are able to produce various types of charts 
and graphs. Some advanced functions supported by today’s packages 
include optimisation, statistical processing and sensitivity analysis 
facilities. Among the best-known spreadsheets are Microsoft Excel and 
OpenOffice Calc.
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