Database systems allow for centralized management of shared data through database management systems (DBMS). This document outlines key concepts in database systems including common uses of databases, characteristics of file-based systems, problems with the file approach, definitions of database and DBMS, typical DBMS functions, DBMS components, and advantages/disadvantages of DBMS. It also provides examples of database uses and describes the typical makeup of a database including data, records, fields, and other components.