Part 2:Provider Database (Open Office Database)

For a review of the complete rubric used in grading this exercise, click on the Assignments tab, then on the title Case Study Part 2 - Provider Database (Access)-click on Show Rubrics if the rubric is not already displayed. The grading rubrichas been built for use with MS Access.  However, the elements graded and the point value for each element is identical for anyone using OO for this assignment.

NOTE: there are some great tutorials on working with OpenOffice which can be found in the Content menu. Look for the Tutorialsmenu item in the section under 

As you recall, data is a collection of facts (numbers, text, even audio and video files) that is processed into usable information. Much like a spreadsheet, a database is a collection of such facts that you can then slice and dice in various ways to extract information or make decisions. However, the advantage and primary use of a database over a spreadsheet is its ability to handle a large volume of data and yet allow for quick access to the information that is desired. 

Databases are everywhere now and impact our lives in a multitude of ways. It can accurately be said that "your life is in a database" or, more accurately, in multiple databases, and information about you (a retrieval of facts about you) is easily accessible. Your shopping history, credit history, medical history, even your driving history, is stored in one or more databases.

This exercise will introduce you to the basic building blocks of any database - fields, records, and files (also called tables). Although you will create a database with a single table containing a small amount of data about computer component Providers, the more applicable use of databases involves the creation of many tables linked together with a common field or "key." Regardless of the size of the database, the data is stored in the same way - in fields which are combined to create a record. And those records are stored in a file or table. The data is entered into the field via a data entry form, and the information is extracted (to answer a particular question or need) via reports and/or queries.Specific instructions for the project can be found in the table below. 

Create a provider database and related reports and queries to capture contact information for potential PC componentproviders that might be used to purchase the equipment your specified in your MS Word project - the PC specifications..

This Open Office database assignment has the following parts:

1. a simple database table to hold provider contact information;some of the required fields in the table require that a Caption be added to the field characteristics. The Caption will be displayed in the report that is to be generated.
2. a simple database form that can be used to enter data into the database table;
3. a simple database reports that can used to present the data as information;
4. an OO document that contains mailing labels; and
5. a separate MS Word document answering questions about the database.

All aspects of the assignment will be evaluated according to the following criteria and overall professional, business-like appearance. This would include clear readability and formatting for both screen and print-based output.