database

database An organized collection of information held on a computer. A special computer program, called a database management system (DBMS), is used to organize the information held in the database according to a specified schema, to update the information, and to help users find the information they seek. There are two kinds of DBMS: simple DBMS, which is the electronic equivalent of a card index; and programmable DBMS, which provides a programming language that allows the user to analyse the data held in the database. On large computer systems, other programs can generally communicate with the DBMS and use its facilities. The term data bank is used for a collection of databases. See alsodata warehousing; management information system.

• finished goods stock
• finite capacity loading
• fire insurance
• firewall
• firmware
• first-class paper
• first-in-first-out cost
• first-loss policy
• first mortgage debenture
• first notice day
• first preferred stock
• first-tier market
• first-year allowance
• fiscal agent
• fiscal policy
• fiscal year
• fish-bone diagram
• fixed asset
• fixed capital
• fixed capital formation
• fixed charge
• fixed debenture
• fixed exchange rate
• fixed-for-floating
• fixed-interest security