REPLY TO CLASSMATE’S POST

What is a database and why are they useful–specifically? How did we have databases prior to computers? What is an example related to criminal justice that supports your assertions?
PLEASE EXPLAIN WHY YOU AGREE WITH MY CLASSMATE RESPONSE TO THE ABOVE QUESTIONS? (A MINIMUM OF 125 WORDS)
                                       CLASSMATE’S POST
A database is a computing tool for collecting and organizing information.  A database can store information about people, products, orders, or any item, because a computerized database is a container of objects (data) which is logically related to other data in the database.  One way to visualize a database is to think about a physical filing cabinet.  Each file cabinet has drawers holding hanging file folders, which then in turn contain manila file folders, which contain letters and paper work.  A file cabinet is also a container of objects, and this type of set up was the database in pre-computing years.  The complexity in databases begins when the databases grow and become more dynamic, requiring advanced programming and super computers and servers which hold the data and software programs (Microsoft, 2018). 
The terms concept, attribute, variable, and factor are terminology which is used when describing the different elements contained in a database configuration and programming.  The term concept is used when discussing databases and programing, referring to the different functions, components, characteristics and security which are imbedded in the programming of the database (Scribd, 2018).  An attribute is generally a characteristic of a database component, such as a table or a field (Teradata Corporation, 2018).  A variable is a value in the programming which can change, depending upon the instructions or conditions in the database program.  The software program is the instructions given to the computer on what functions to perform and which sets of data to use when running the particular program (SmartBear, 2018).  And lastly, a factor is a specially named variable or attribute, such as a user location or internet protocol (IP) addresses which the program can recognize to authorize access or create filtering to affect the visibility and manageability of the data within the database (Oracle, 2018).
One use of a database in the criminal justice system would be in correctional facilities to keep information on the inmates.  Another use would be in the courts and courtrooms to be able to link all required information for each case and defendant.   
References
Microsoft. (2018). Database basics. Retrieved August 18, 2018, from https://support.office.com/en-US/article/database-basics-a849ac16-07c7-4a31-9948-3c8c94a7c204 
Oracle. (2018). Configuring factors. Retrieved from https://docs.oracle.com/cd/B28359_01/server.111/b31222/cfgfact.htm#DVADM004 
Scribd. (2018). Database concepts and definition of terms. Retrieved August 16, 2018, from https://www.scribd.com/doc/59315810/Database-Concepts-and-Definition-of-Terms 
SmartBear. (2018). Database variables. Retrieved August 16, 2018, from https://support.smartbear.com/loadcomplete/docs/testing-with/variables/types/database/index.html