A client/server computer system having personalizable views of database data. The personalizable views programmed in client profiles which are customized for each client in the client/server computer system. The client/server computer system featuring a translator for converting client application database input and output requests into native database commands. The translator also supporting processing functions on data both retrieved from the database and stored to the database according to each individual client profile. The client/server computer system also supporting a hierarchy of preprogrammable group profiles which may be assigned to a group of clients. The client/server system also providing a security function for database data without modifying either the client applications executing on each client terminal or the native database.