What is a database and why is it beneficial to use databases?

A database is a one-stop computerized location to find specific information. Note, that doesn't mean ALL information, just whatever info THAT database has. The benefit is having a lot of info available in one place. The detriment is a database can seem deceiving if a person does not realize the database does not mean all info. For example, NO library database contains ALL books ever published. But it does contain all books in THIS library.