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LOCATION: HOME PAGE: DATABASES IN DISGUISE Databases in DisguiseEveryone knows that Access, Filemaker Pro and Library CAT are databases, but many other applications are also databases. This section examines some common applications and explores their database like properties, roughly in order from simple to most complex. The ApplicationsExcel as a Flat File DatabaseWhen data is organized into rows and columns, Excel can become a "flat file" database application. Comma Delimited and Tab Delimited FilesOne of the most common ways to exchange data between applications is through comma delimited or tab delimited files which mimic spreadsheet files in many ways. Read the page to see examples of delimited files and explanations of how to use them. EndNote as a Database ApplicationThe EndNote bibliographic program is a custom database application designed just to store organize and format bibliographic entries. Statistical PackagesApplications such as SAS, SPSS, and Minitab store data like Excel but allow users to implement complex statistical analysis functions. Charts and MapsSoftware packages which create charts and maps often do so based on contents from a database or data file. Penn State Directory and ClientsDepending on your needs, you can search one database – the Penn State LDAP directory – through one of several clients (software packages) such as in a browser or in Eudora. ANGEL as a Relational DatabaseThe ANGEL Course Management System integrates information from several sources including the Registrar and ANGEL gradebook into one seamless package. Filemaker and AccessThese "databases" are actually applications which let you build and implement custom databases.
Next: Excel as a Flat File Database© 2004-2005 The Pennsylvania State University. This Website is maintained by Elizabeth Pyatt (ejp10@psu.edu) for Teaching and Learning with Technology, a unit of Information Technology Services. Last Update: August 16, 2005 |
