DATABASE AND MICROSOFT EXCEL AND ACCESS

A. WHAT IS A DATABASE?

Formally, a "Database" refers to a set of related data and the way it is organized. Access to this data is usually provided by a "database management system" (DBMS) consisting of an integrated set of computer software that allows users to interact with one or more databases and provides access to all of the data contained in the database (although restrictions may exist that limit access to particular data). The DBMS provides various functions that allow entry, storage and retrieval of large quantities of information and provides ways to manage how that information is organized.

B. WHAT TYPE OF SOFTWARE IS MICROSOFT OFFICE EXCEL?

Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet developed by Microsoft for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS. It features calculation or computation capabilities, graphing tools, pivot tables, and a macro programming language called Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). Excel forms part of the Microsoft Office suite of software.

C.WHAT TYPE OF SOFTWARE IS MICROSOFT OFFICE ACCESS?

Microsoft Access is a Database Management System (DBMS) from Microsoft that combines the relational Access Database Engine (ACE) with a graphical user interface and software-development tools (not to be confused with the old Microsoft Access which was a telecommunication program that provided terminal emulation and interfaces for ease of use in accessing online services such as Dow Jones, Compuserve and electronic mailbox in the 1980s). It is a member of the Microsoft 365 suite of applications, included in the Professional and higher editions or sold separately.

D. THINK OF ATLEAST TWO DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ACCESS AND EXCEL.

Microsoft Excel and Access are different in another aspect. Excel has more flexibility, while Access is more rigid in how we can use it. Access is more useful than Excel in one specific area. For example, Excel only provides worksheets that are flat or non-relational. On the other hand, Access offers relational tables at multiple levels.