Chapter 10. Using Calc As a Simple Database

IN THIS CHAPTER:

74 About Calc Databases

75 Create a Calc Database

76 Import Data into a Calc Database

77 Sort Calc Database Data

78 Filter Data That You Want to See

79 Compute Table Totals and Subtotals

Although OpenOffice.org doesn't include a database program as complete (or as complex) as Microsoft Access, OpenOffice.org does support the use of Calc-based database tables from which you can store, edit, sort, and report from the data as though you were using a standalone database program.

KEY TERM

Database ” A collection of data that is often organized in rows and columns to make searching and sorting easy to do.

Everyone trudges through a lot of data at work and at home. With the proliferation of computers, information overload seems to be the norm. A database program such as Calc enables you to organize your data and turn raw facts and figures into meaningful information. Calc processes data details so you can spend your valuable time analyzing results. Suppose that your company keeps thousands of parts in a Calc database, and you need to know exactly which part sold the most in Division 7 last April. Calc can supply the answer for you.

This chapter introduces you to the world of databases with Calc. The nature and use of databases are not difficult to master, but you must understand something about database design (see 74 About Calc Databases ) before you can fully master Calc's capability to process database data.