In the text, “From then on” (R.6-7) means

A computer database is, as the name implies, a collection of data stored within a computer. It is like an electronic file cabinet full of documents. What makes computer databases useful is the ease with which the data can be entered, stored and manipulated.

Unique data needs to be entered only one time. From then on it can be used to create lists, summaries, reports, letters, labels and many other things limited mainly by the imagination of the user.

Before data can be entered into a database, the database must be designed. A layout or set of layouts, sometimes called templates, is created. Within these layouts are data fields. Usually a label is associated with each data field. The data fields can be text type, number type, date type, time type, picture/sound/movie type, calculation type or summary type.

People may find a database weird, but there is one more way to define a database. It is like an electronic pet; like a loyal and affectionate cat or dog. Unlike most other computer programs, a database is a living organism. It grows and requires nurture and care. “When you are ‘one’ with your database, you’ll enter information into it every day. It will make you more productive and creative. You’ll come to think of it more as a pet than as a thing.”