This text provides an overview of the history, types, and terminology related to databases. It begins by explaining the importance of databases in storing and organizing data for various applications such as websites, social media platforms, and e-commerce stores. The brief history section highlights key developments like the invention of relational database management systems and SQL in the 1970s, and the emergence of NoSQL and big-data databases in the early 2000s. The text then discusses different types of databases based on their functionality (analytical vs transactional), structure (relational vs non-relational), distribution (distributed vs single-node), and data storage method (in-memory vs on-disk). It also touches upon SQL, a language for interacting with databases. The author emphasizes the importance of understanding these concepts to effectively use and manage databases in various applications. The series continues with more detailed lessons on each topic.