Database
A database is a collection of data records that are organised and stored in a logical format so allowing for straightforward searching, management and updating. For example, the individual articles in this wiki form a database that is likely accessed by an alphabetically ordered page name index, followed by a modified date index and so on. When a search is carried out the database management system (DBMS) reads through each index in a predetermined order and if the page (i.e. file) is found displays it quickly and efficiently.
History and development
The earliest digital computers appeared in the 1940s and were mostly used for mathematical purposes and cipher breaking. However, by the ‘50s it was realised that they were ideal for quickly storing, querying (searching) and retrieving information. Before this time records generally had to be painstakingly written or typed out. Searching, using anything other than the main index (such as surname) was slow and the paper records often filled warehouses. Older ARRSEers will remember public library systems in which every borrower had a card that needed to be searched for by hand and date stamped when a book was taken out. Scaling such a system to the magnitude of the NHS gives some idea of the inefficiency of such systems.
If research for the earliest computers was driven by military necessity the following generation was spurred on by commercial considerations and innovation. A prime example of the latter is the use of computerised databases by catalogue companies in the 1960s. The business models relied on precise goods management on very large scales, including ordering, storage and dispatch considerations, which was only possible with the help of computerised databases. Governments, slow to react as they are, eventually began to see how such models could be employed in a variety of sinister beneficial ways.
The data
A database is only as good as the information it contains. This is sometimes known as ‘rubbish in – rubbish out’. If you haven’t been paid for the last three months then rest assured that the cock-up at least happened much more efficiently than could have been achieved by other means.
Likewise, databases need constant updating. Search engines such as Google are nothing but vast databases that automatically trawl the web in an effort to keep up to date. As problematic as this can be at times it’s still much more efficient than most humanly maintained databases.
Humans are also pretty lousy when it comes to data security. Again, if you haven’t been paid then consider looking for a laptop or memory stick that’s been accidentally left on a train. It could well contain the data you need, along with your name and address, sperm count, bowl movement regularity and details of your online activates.
Who’s watching?
All technologies can be used for good or for bad. For example, it is a database that allows members of ARRSE to quickly find a forum on midget lesbian overpaid council health and safety managers and then froth at the mouth with indignation. But databases can also be used for bad things.
Each and every email you send or receive is stored on a database that can be accessed by the authorities, including local councils, subject to a data request. Over 500,000 such requests were made in 2008. Think about that the next time you post that picture of your genitals with a plug-in lamp tied to your knob.
