·        A structured collection of related data about one or more subjects

·        An address book, a Telephone directory, etc.

·        Made up of records and fields in the form of an Excel XP table

·        The top row normally contains the field names

·        A field is a column within an Excel XP database

·        A record is a row within an Excel XP database

·        In Excel XP, the top row of the database will normally hold the names of each field (column).  It is usually descriptive text describing the function of the particular field

·        Field names are not essential for some of the database (List Management) functions, such as sorting a list.  However, to use the full power of the system, you will need to define field records.

1. Download the document " XLdatabase ". Right click and choose Save target as...

2.   Select any cell within the database range

3. From the Data menu, select the Sort command.  The Sort dialogue box appears.

4.  The first field name (Book Name) is in the Sort By box. This was because the active cell was in the Book Name field when the Sort command was issued

5.    From the Sort By box, select Price and then click OK.

Notice that Excel recognizes that your list has a Header row and will not include that row in the sorting. Also notice that you can sort by multiple criteria (for example, first by Price, then By name, and finally by Quantity) --------------->

AutoFilter allows you to view only those records that meet CERTAIN specified criteria

1. Click on any cell within the database

2. From the Data menu, select Filter, and then select AutoFilter : Drop down controls will be displayed at the top of each filed name

3. You can click on any of the drop down controls to apply a filter to that particular field, for  instance, click on the Supplier Email drop down control.  Then click on Jon to see the database with the filter applied.

4. To remove a filter, select "All" from the drop down menu.

You can use autofilter to filter conditionally.  for instance, you could display only those books that cost more than $25.

1. Click on the Price drop down control

2. Select Custom, which displays the Custom AutoFilter dialogue box

3. Click on the Price drop down control and select "is greater than"

4. In the entry box, enter the figure 20, and click OK.

The Top 10 Autofilter allows you to sort your data in a number of ways.

1. Click on any cell within the database.  From the Data menu select "Filter", and then select "AutoFilter"

2. Open the drop down filter control of your choice and select Top 10 from the menu options.  The Top 10 dialogue box appears

3. Select your choice

Dataforms allow you to enter new information easily, edit existing information, delete existing records, or find particular records easily.

1.  Select any cell or range of cells in the worksheet

2. From the Data menu, select "Form" to display the Data Form for the worksheet

3.You can now use the Data Form to add, edit, find or delete records in the list

To move between records in the list use the Find next and Find Prev buttons to find records, click on the criteria button: a blank criteria form is displayed.  Enter the criteria into the relevant text boxes.  Then use the find next or Find Prev buttons.

Assignment: Create an Excel database. You may create a database to catalogue the items in your classroom, a record collection, a list of household items, whatever. The database should contain several fields and at least 10 records. When completed, email the document as an attachment.