Spreadsheet's Vs Database's

Introduction

Database’s

Definition

A database is a self-describing of integrated records that are a collection of lists of data with multiple themes. Data in a database are individually called bytes which are grouped into columns/fields such as “ID” or “Name” and “Comment”. These columns/fields are grouped

into rows/records such as for ID “17”, “18” and “16”.[pic 1]

The importance of using a database is, a database with give the owner of a website the ability to efficiently manage data while at the same time also give users the ability to perform tasks easily with having control of their own data they output.

Database Advantages

• Data quality checks

Double entries or incorrect values, this reduces human error. This is a great feature for business.

• Storage Advantage

This is great for a business as their data can be stored online while at the same time giving many user accessibilities.

• Retrieve Records

Before databases were used a business would have a room with folders of data which would make it hard to find data. With there being an online version of this (database) you can just search the database and find the data you need in 1/10 of the time.

Disadvantages

• Extra training required for staff and programmers

All web-development staff will need extra training to insure they know how to implement the database system in to their website, if this is not done that when there can be poor created database systems that fail, thus exposing people private data.

For example, 21.5 million peoples” Social Security numbers and some fingerprints” were exposed due to hackers. (DAVIS, 2015)

Spreadsheet’s

Definition

A spreadsheet is “a computer program that calculates numbers and organizes information in columns and rows” (Griffiths, 2015).[pic 2]

The importance of storing data on a spreadsheet is - “Using a spreadsheet allows a business to keep records of vast information in a single, organized location.” (Griffiths, 2015)

Advantages

• Little costs

You can buy Excel 2016 for $109.99 which is all you need.

• Spreadsheets allow mistakes

When making a spreadsheet there can be mistakes made and they can clearly be found. This makes it easy to fix a problem.

Disadvantages

• Real live vs Computer expectations

It’s easy to over/under judge figures, so this may give a business a incorrect understanding of future profits/losses.

Conclusion (Database vs Spreadsheets)