PowerHome is structured around a relational database management system.  The database engine that is used is SAP/Sybase SQL Anywhere 11.  This is a SQL based database that is accessible via ODBC from a number of programs including Microsoft Access and Excel.  Advanced users who are knowledgeable with ODBC and SQL can make use of this feature to directly update the underlying PowerHome database structures. This is not required though as all database maintenance is fully supported from within PowerHome.

PowerHome is made up of multiple core sections.  Understanding these core sections and how they interact with one another is essential to achieving maximum functionality from the PowerHome program. Each of these core sections are discussed in detail below: