How to Choose Database Software

Database programs store, sort, categorize, import and export data. Businesses use them for products, prices, mailing lists, personnel, customer information and other data. At home, you might use a database for personal inventories such as a record or recipe collection.

Things You'll Need

• Database Software

Instructions

1. Check reviews in computer magazines and on the Internet to narrow your choices.

2. Try the database module in Microsoft Works, if Works came with your computer, or consider using e-mail with address book and calendar, word processor or spreadsheet programs for very basic database needs.

3. Look for a program made for a specific task, if is fulfills your primary need for a database program.

4. Decide whether you need a basic or professional (also called "relational") program. Relational databases allow you to link many separate databases together and "query" them to sort records.

5. Choose the program you use at work if it is commercially available and you want compatibility, or if you want to save the time required to learn a slightly different program.

6. Consider buying an office suite instead of a stand-alone database program, if you would buy at least one other program in the suite.

7. Compare ease-of-use.

8. Compare customizable screen views.

9. Check the quantity and usability of templates, if you plan to use them.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are just categorizing some recipes, you probably don't need a very sophisticated program. But if you're working for a non-profit group and want to group donors, possible donors, volunteers, interested volunteers and so on, you might benefit from a relational database.

• Basic, unsophisticated programs are easier to use and faster than full-featured, professional programs. They also require less hard disk space and memory.

• You might be able to get the program you use at work free from your employer. Many employers buy multi-machine licenses for programs and are happy to have employees work at home.

• Make sure your computer meets the system requirements of any program you download or buy.