Technology
--Telecommunications
--Intranet
--E-mail
--Internet
--Database
--Videoconferencing
--Chat Rooms
--Newsgroups & Listservers
Database
A database is a computer searchable collection of information on a general subject area. For example, the searches could be for business, education, psychology, physics, sociology, etc. This is a much faster method of research compared to the traditional library search. In fact, you can accomplish more in an hour from a database that you can in one day at the library. Another advantage databases have is that the information they contain are usually more recent than the prints at the library only because of the quick and easy use of computers. Databases are extremely flexible as well. You can combine and modify terms in your search at every step for convenience. And lastly, computer databases are becoming a more widely available tool for people at such economical prices. Here are some of the types of databases and their uses.
CD-ROM Databases (these collect information on disk accessible
through a CD drive; can hold up to 250,000 pages of text which is the equivalent of 1500
floppy disks)
Online Databases (information stored in a mainframe computer
accessible by a telephone hookup; main advantage is that it can be accessed anywhere
telephone lines are available)