Since this forum's description was 'Advice on general approaches or feasibility', I figured I could ask for advice about a project here. As noted in the subject line, I am completely new to Arduino. I've never used an Arduio system. I would like to know how hard, and if possible what components needed, to create a basic file storing system. I need to create a basic file storing system because I need to store a client list/database. I need to be able to format it as such:
NAME
(LINE) DATE (LINE) QTY (LINE) ITEM (LINE)
Almost like a library order sheet system.
I would very much appreciate anyone who can help with this.
Welcome. Your description is fairly lacking. Storing data is hardly ever an end in itself. What is to be done with the data? How will it be accessed and used? (I don't know what a library order sheet system is.) Arduino is a microcontroller, which is very different from a microcomputer. Microcontrollers (MCUs) are used for embedded applications, i.e. single task situations, as opposed to a general purpose computer like your PC. MCUs have very limited memory resources; for example an Arduino Uno has 32kB of flash program space and 2kB of SRAM for working storage.
Having said that, Arduino does have some support for accessing SD cards with a FAT file system. When I hear "database" in the same sentence as "Arduino" I always sort of cringe, but I suppose a CSV file can be considered a database. I would think updates and deletes might be a challenge, as would inserts except maybe at EOF.
How much data? Kb, Mb, Gb, Tb, Pb?
Where do you intend to store it? The Arduino itself has limited memory but can access SD cards and other memory storage devices.
Agreed with the others. Not enough information is supplied. Using the Arduino for data gathering along with a Linux system for data processing may be your best bet. Thats just a shot in the dark though as I don't know what the intended use is.
If all you are looking for is a database to create/update files then might I recommend Linux/Mac OSX python script linked to an SQL database. Those are both free and creating a script for a database is well documented online.
Utilizing the Arduino you will absolutely need at least an SD shield, or ethernet shield. As was said before the arduino really lacks the onboard memory to support a database. It is feasible, but there really are cheaper/simpler solutions that are free, documented, and available.