Databases have taken over

It dawned on me recently that databases have become entwined with most aspects of my life. My relationships, business, finances, music and even my photography is reflected on various databases.

A database is defined as "a structured set of data held on a computer, esp. one that is accessible in various ways". Here are some examples that I use every day:

All my photographs are now processed and stored in a database called Adobe Lightroom. 

All the Music for my stereo runs through Apples iTunes; which is a database. My computer is the source for all my music, I don't even own a CD player.

My business is run on a relational database program called DayLight. That program is so powerful that it functions like an indispensable employee.

We recently upgraded my website (www.henrydomke.com) to be a database kind of website. That allows you to search for and store my images online.

Information about all my relationships are stored in a contact databases (Apple's Mail program) and my calendar information is stored in a database by Apple called iCal.

All of my financial information is stored in huge Excel Spreadsheet, which functions as a database.

Lastly, one of the most common programs I use on the Internet is Google, which is simply a tool to search the worlds largest database.

Databases are fundamental to modern life; they have taken over. Despite their importance, no one ever taught me how to work with databases. Shouldn't skills in using databases be one of the basics of eduction, along with reading, writing and arithmetic?

Comments

[Mark B]

Wanna learn about relational databases, get a book or play w ACCESS part of MS Office suite.. Enjoy !