Which database software would be best?

I'm just guessing, but since you did not find the basic functions such as sorting in the database software you have looked at, I would suggest you find at least a basic user's guide for whatever option you choose.

I have a bias for Open Office software and I'm sure that Base is more than capable of anything you will need after you get through the learning curve. In fact for what you describe it may be overkill for a home database user. Unless you feel you a need to use relational tables, referential integrity, and advanced reporting features ... etc. you can can probably get by with a simple "flat file" database.

As for MS Works, it is probably the best solution for someone to begin getting use to the concepts of designing and using databases. I just fired up the old computer I use for running legacy software and explored MS Works 4.5 for Windows 95. I found that it was able to access 32,000 individual records in a single database file, so unless your expecting to exceed that as a single file you can most likely get by with any modern version out there.

An even simpler solution would be to use a spread sheet program such as Calc with the DataForm add-on module, which emulates MS Excel. This approach would eliminate the need to even define data types for fields which means you can simply type a label at the top of a column for each field and add your first row of data. After you create the labels and insert the first row of data you can then call up the Data Form to search, modify, or add the new records. You can manually scan the table by using the "Freeze" feature at the label row and look at the records matched to the field label. The version of Calc I use can hold 256 rows for fields, 65,536 rows for records on each sheet. Sorting, filtering, simple print jobs require very little training for the new user. Note: old MS Works spread sheet was able to hold 256 columns and 16,384 rows of data,

Hope this shows you the more common options clearly enough. Around the home I have given up trying to get family members to use a true database and rely on Calc for their phone books, schedules, grade books, etc. In the end, keep it simple for the end user's attitudes and capabilities and you will be ahead of the game.

OpenOffice may be one possiblility. I know Microsoft Access from Office Pro 2010 has forms and reports that you can design and print. If you purchase sharepoint you can publish your database on the web.

If you want a commercial solution that works extremely well and is multiuser, microsoft visual foxpro.

I have not played with the openoffice database since I reported some bugs in it that weren't fixed. just don't use spaces in fieldnames.

OpenOffice has all of the features you've requested. You can sort, insert rows/columns of information, and it will likely do whatever else you need. The OpenOffice Spreadsheet program is what you'd want.

http://www.openoffice.org/

Click "I want to download" etc.

Click "Download Now!"