This article will explore various database applications and show you how to create your own custom database using a general-purpose database program such as any one of the four programs referred to above. I won't limit our discussion to a particular database program, rather I'll present general features and techniques that can be used with any quality database program.

It literally takes only a few minutes to generate the database template into which you can immediately begin entering or importing data. In most database programs you don't need a PC to generate the database. You can do it in the field, on the fly. I have created numerous databases on the spur of the moment when the need arose. For example, I was on a trip with a couple of friends in Las Vegas, and we decided that at every meal, we would rotate as to who would pick up the tab. We would then settle the bill at the end of the trip. Since I had the Palm handheld, I quickly whipped up a simple database and started entering the expenses. It was easy to reconcile the bills at the conclusion of the trip because I had all the data in one place.

The advantages of using a general-purpose database program is that it's extremely easy to create a new database. You can design a custom database, and later-after you have used it for a while-you can readily modify it to fine-tune your requirements.

Some people try to use the Memo Pad application as a database, but it's not a good substitute. The Memo Pad is great for entering text, such as letters, memos, or notes, but it's not as good for more structured data, such as lists, tables, or index card records.

What does a database have that Memo Pad does not?
Here are the common characteristics of database programs.

Records
Think of a record as an index card with a form printed on it that's either filled out or blank. Examples are a 3 x 5 card with a drink recipe, a card with all the information about an expense, or all the facts about the state of California. Another perspective is to think of records as rows on a spreadsheet. Each row has information for a distinct item. Each row is a record. Each record has multiple pieces of information, each in its own container. There might be a NAME container that holds the name "Joe" or the AGE container that holds the number "23." The NAME and the AGE containers are called fields.