Introduction to Databases

Begin with these articles to learn the fundamental concepts behind databases:

What is a Database? introduces databases, tables, columns and rows Top Five Things Beginners Need to Know About Databases Database Software Options explains the differences between desktop databases (such as Microsoft Access and Filemaker Pro) and server databases (such as Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, and MySQL Database Keys helps you select appropriate primary keys and foreign keys for your database tables

Working with Microsoft Access

Microsoft Access is one of the most popular database platforms on the market today. This series of articles helps you get started with Access. You can learn how to:

Purchase Access independently or as part of the Microsoft Office suite Install Access 2007 Learn about Access file formats Access 2007 User Interface Tour Convert older Access databases to Access 2007 Convert Excel spreadsheets into Access databases Build a database from a template Use Expression Builder Encrypt your Access database

SQL Databases
If youre working with the Structured Query Language (SQL), youll want to read these articles:

SQL Basics introduces the Structured Query Language and explains the basics of the Data Definition Language (DDL) and the Data Manipulation Language (DML) Once youve conquered the basics, our four-part SQL Fundamentals series teaches you how to use the Create, Use, Alter, and Drop commands (part 2); the Insert, Select, Update and Delete commands (part 3) and the power of the Join statement (part 4)

Database Basics
By Mike Chapple, About.com Guide Databases offer a convienient and powerful way to organize your information. In Database Basics, you'll learn how to get started in the world of databases, normalize your database according to commonly accepted design principles, add security to your database and use database keys and transactions. 1. Getting Started 2. Normalizing Databases

3. Securing Databases 4. Keys and Transactions

Getting Started
The world of databases can be confusing to a newcomer. In this section, you'll learn about database terminology, explore various database software options and begin down the path of selecting a database appropriate for your business needs.

Top 5 Things Beginners Need to Know About Databases What is a Database? Databases for Beginners Database Software Options Databases Glossary Choosing a Database Top 5 Desktop Databases

Normalizing Databases
If you've been working with databases for a while, chances are you've heard the term normalization. Perhaps someone's asked you "Is that database normalized?" or "Is that in BCNF?" All too often, the reply is "Uh, yeah." Normalization is often brushed aside as a luxury that only academics have time for. However, knowing the principles of normalization and applying them to your daily database design tasks really isn't all that complicated and it could drastically improve the performance of your DBMS.

Database Normalization Basics Normalizing Your Database: First Normal Form Normalizing Your Database: Second Normal Form Normalizing Your Database: Third Normal Form

Securing Databases
Database security mechanisms protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of your organization's most sensitive data. In this section, you'll learn about practical techniques used to secure enterprise and desktop databases.

Inference Attacks on Databases SQL Injection Attacks on Databases Access Controls in SQL HIPAA Compliance (Privacy and Security)

Keys and Transactions

As you may already know, databases use tables to organize information. Each table consists of a number of rows, each of which corresponds to a single database record. So, how do databases keep all of these records straight? Its through the use of keys.

Database Keys Choosing a Primary Key Database Transactions ACID Model: Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation and Durability