You use a query to retrieve specific information from a database. A query
is a question that you enter in a database program. The database program
then performs the required operations to present the answer in the form of
a report. A query helps you view specific data to modify or analyze it.
Suppose you own a bakery. You store detailed information about your
customers in a Customer table and data about the sales of all the products
in a Product table in a database.
You now want to know which flavor of pastries is less popular in the area
with postal code 97001 so that you can introduce a special offer on the
less popular flavor to increase its sales. You can use a query to retrieve
sales details to help you make this decision.
You then select the tables from which you want to search data. The common
fields in the tables are shown as connected.
Queries work on search conditions called filters to retrieve specific
information from a database. You can specify the fields on which you want
to base your query in the Criteria field, such as postal code.
You can also drag other fields that are a part of the query. You can clear
the boxes in the Show field for the fields you do not want to view in the
report.
The result of the query appears as a report. This report contains the
sales details of all the pastry flavors sold in the area with the postal
code 97001.
A database program also allows you to sort the displayed information on
the basis of a specific field. For example, you can arrange the results of
the query on the basis of the pastry flavor. GLOSSARY
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A
Active Cell
An active cell is the cell in which you are working currently. There can
be only one active cell at a time.
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C
Cell
A cell is formed by the intersection of a row and a column. You can use a
cell to store and display different types of data such as text, numbers, or
formulas.
Cell address
Each cell in a worksheet is identified by a cell address. A cell address
is made of the column letter and row number of the cell. For example, the
cell formed by the first column and first row has the cell address A1. The
cell address indicates the exact location of a cell in a worksheet.
Cell pointer
A cell pointer is the highlighted rectangular border formed around an
active cell.
Cell range
A cell range is a block of cells selected to implement a formula in a
worksheet.
Cell value
Cell value is the actual numeric value of the data in a cell. This value
might not be the same as the data displayed in the cell.
Columns
The vertical divisions in a worksheet are called columns. Each column is
identified by a letter. For example, the first column in a worksheet is A.
Cursor
The cursor is a blinking vertical bar on the screen that marks the
location at which the inserted text appears. You can also use the cursor to
select text or graphics in a document.
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D
Database
A database contains objects that help you to store, edit, and format
information.
Database programs
You use database programs to store and manage data in an organized way. By
using these programs, you can also sort or search for the information
stored in a database.
Desktop publishing (DTP) programs
DTP programs are used to combine text and graphics to create documents
such as brochures, greeting cards, annual reports, books, or magazines.
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F
Flat file database
A flat file database contains all the data in a single table.
Formula bar
The formula bar is used to enter or modify data in a worksheet. When you
type data in a cell, the data is displayed simultaneously in the active
cell and in the formula bar. However, when you enter a formula in a cell,
the formula is displayed in the formula bar, whereas the numeric value of
the formula is displayed in the corresponding cell.
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L
Label
A label is a text entry that is used to identify the type of information
in a row or a column of a worksheet. Labels do not have any cell value
associated with them.
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M
Mouse pointer
The mouse pointer is an on-screen arrow or other shape that moves when you
move the mouse or other pointing device.
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P
Presentation software
You can use presentation software to combine graphics and text to create
presentations.
Productivity software
These are specialized programs that help you create and work with various
types of documents. Common categories of productivity software are word
processors, spreadsheets, presentation software, and databases.
Programs
A sequence of instructions that can be executed by a computer. A program
is also known as software.
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Q
Query
A query is a database object that enables you to locate the desired
information in a database.
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R
Relational database
A relational database stores data in multiple tables.
Reports
You can create reports in a database program, such as Access 2007, to
organize, summarize, and perform calculations on data stored in a database.
Rows
The horizontal divisions in a worksheet are called rows. Each row is
identified by a number. For example, the first row in a worksheet is 1.
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S
Scroll bars
Scroll bars are vertical and horizontal bars located at the side or at the
bottom of a display area. You can use scroll bars to move to a specific
location in the work area.
Spreadsheets
You use spreadsheet programs to create budgets, manage accounts, perform
mathematical calculations, and convert numerical data into charts and
graphs.
Status bar
The status bar is a horizontal bar that is at the bottom of some
productivity programs. This bar displays information about the current
status of the program or document that you are viewing.
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T
Title bar
The title bar is the horizontal bar that contains the name of the window.
Most title bars also contain buttons to close, minimize, and resize the
window.
Toolbar
The toolbar is a block of buttons or menus that you can use to quickly
perform common tasks.
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W
Word processors
Word processors are used to create and modify text-based documents.
Work area
The work area is the blank space within the program where you enter
information.
Workbook
A workbook is a file created in Excel 2007. A workbook can contain one or
more worksheets and related items.
Worksheet
A spreadsheet is called a worksheet in Excel 2007.
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X
x-axis
The x-axis is the horizontal line in a chart. Typically, you show time on
the x-axis.
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Y
y-axis
The y-axis is the vertical line in a chart. Lesson 6 -
INTRODUCTION TO DATABASE PROGRAMS 6.4 - DATABASE QUERIES
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