How can I personalise a database?

Q Can you recommend a database program that can be personalised to keep records on any subject? Something like Lotus Approach would be good, but I’d prefer a free one. I have searched for a free program online, but without success.
John Tooth

A The free Openoffice software suite includes a database program called Base. The Openoffice database, like Lotus Approach (a professional-level program with a price tag to match) is what’s called a relational database. Without getting into the specifics, this means it’s extremely powerful and can handle databases with millions of entries quite easily. It also means it can be quite complicated to get started, particularly if you’re new to databases or to programming.

If your requirements aren’t as complex as that, you may find that a well-put-together spreadsheet will do the job just as well. Of course, this will depend on what you need from your database. If you don’t have Microsoft Excel or Works, Openoffice also includes a spreadsheet called Calc.

Should you go down the full database route and need some help, look in your local library or bookshop for books on SQL, which is the name of the language used to communicate with many databases. There will be quite a lot and many of them will be aimed at experienced professionals, so make sure you flick through them first to see whether they’re pitched at the right level.