Define database. What are the various services provided by DBMS? Explain various data types used in MS-Access.

A database is an organized collection of related data stored and accessed electronically, e.g. all citizen records of a municipality. A DBMS (MySQL, MS-Access, Oracle) is software to create and manage it.

Services provided by DBMS:

1. Data storage and definition — Create tables with fields and data types.
2. Data manipulation — Insert, update, delete and query via SQL/forms.
3. Security and integrity — Passwords, roles, validation rules, referential integrity (no orphan records).
4. Concurrency and recovery — Many users work together; backup/restore after failure.
5. Utilities — Import/export, reports, indexing for speed.

Data types in MS-Access:

1. Short Text — Names, addresses (up to 255 chars). Example: Sita Sharma.
2. Long Text — Remarks, descriptions.
3. Number — Age, quantity (Byte/Integer/Long/Double for size).
4. Currency — Salary with Rs. formatting.
5. Date/Time — 2024-01-15; supports calculations (age, duration).
6. Yes/No — True/False, e.g. Present/Absent, Married checkbox.
7. AutoNumber — Automatic ID (primary key).
8. OLE Object / Attachment — Photos, scanned citizenship PDFs.

Choose type by use: Marks = Number with 0–100 rule; Fee = Currency; DOB = Date/Time — correct types prevent errors and save space.