For having such a boring name, database managers can do wonderful things. With a click of the computer mouse they give us information we would otherwise spend hours finding. Of course we must first put the information into the database. This activity is designed to help you learn how to make a friend of a sdatabase as you set up an address book.

     You will need access to a computer with database management software, or an integrated software package containing a database program, and the user manual for the software.

     Read the chapter of the software manual that describes setting up an address book using a database. Check to see if there is a "Help" section in your software right on your computer.

     Gather addresses to enter. Decide if your addresses are to be alphabetical, by category or by some creative system. Usually we enter the last name of a person before we enter the first for easy alphabetization, but this is your address book so have fun with it.

     Enter the addresses and-voila-you have an address book. Print it out, keep it on a disk in your desk, or leave it as a file on the computer.

     Now, use the program's sort function to sort your database by different categories: last name, first name, nickname, phone number, city, state, zip code.

• What advantages does the computer database have over a printed address book?



• What additional information would you like to put into your address book?

     Use your database to learn to print out address labels.

     Set up a database of information for your family such as "favorite family recipes".

     The instruction manual and/or online help feature of your database software should contain all the necessary information to help you set up your database.

Adapted from material developed by Illinois 4-H. Used by permission.