Which of the following best describes a database?

A database is best described as a structured collection of data that allows for easy access and management. It is designed to efficiently store, retrieve, and organize data, enabling users to easily query, manipulate, and analyze information. The structure of a database typically includes tables, fields, and relationships that define how data is related to one another, making it easy to manage large volumes of data effectively.

The other options, while related to data storage in various ways, do not accurately encapsulate what a database is. A large set of physical files on a server refers more to a raw storage arrangement rather than a structured system designed for data retrieval and management. Series of spreadsheets might suggest a way to keep data organized, but spreadsheets lack the advanced capabilities and relationships that databases provide, such as complex querying and relationships between different data entities. Lastly, word processing software is specifically designed for document creation and editing, not for managing structured data like a database does. Thus, option B clearly stands out as the most accurate description of a database.