ABSTRACT
In a generic sense, all computers store and retrieve information for specific purposes (eg instructional drill and practice or mathematical calculation) but when the purpose is to obtain answers to questions which are contained in a large amount of information, a computer-based system can be used. Such systems are often called data bases'. They usually contain large amounts of information which can be instantly accessed and retrieved. The purpose of a data base is to acquire, process, and make available subject matter in an accurate and efficient manner. The computer helps to avoid the tedious and time-consuming information access problems faced by educators who have had to use various catalogues, indexes, bibliographies, and record-keeping files, often scattered across several locations.
